|
To arrange a meeting in Azerbaijan, an introductory letter is needed outlining your company, history and the purpose of your visit.
It is always a good idea to have such correspondence translated in Azeri, to ensure they understand and it also makes you stand out.
There is a certain amount of protocol one has to follow in meetings as Azeris are quite sensitive to status, title, who sits down first, enters the room first, etc. It is best to follow the lead.
Discussions will often start slowly over tea and the topics of discussion may be completely irrelevant. However, this is the make or break part of your relationship - if you can not strike up a rapport, the chances of doing business together are slim.
Always maintain eye contact while speaking, since Azeris take this as a sign of sincerity. If someone does not look them in the eye while speaking, they think the person has something to hide.
Decisions are reached slowly.
Expect a great deal of bargaining and haggling. - Azeris are tough negotiators.
|
