Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

DO I KISS, BOW, OR SHAKE HANDS?

SHAKE HANDS

At an initial business meeting, Argentine men offer a brief handshake and a nod to other men. However, if the men are friends, they will also engage in a back-thumping embrace called an abrazo. This may be accompanied by a handshake, or it may be bracketed by handshakes at the beginning and end.

Men will also shake hands with women. If they are friends or are being introduced by a friend, they will kiss one cheek. Some Argentine men kiss other men (parents, good friends) on the cheek.

Women generally gently shake hands with other women at an initial business meeting. If they are friends, women exchange kisses on the cheek, even in a business context.

Of equal importance as the handshake is direct eye ...