🇷🇺 Russia Meeting Culture
Russian business meetings are formal and hierarchical, requiring patience, trust-building, and respect for established protocols.
- Schedule meetings well in advance through proper channels; cold calling is ineffective.
- Prepare detailed documentation and bring printed materials; Russians appreciate thoroughness.
- Understand the organizational hierarchy before the meeting.
- Arrive on time; however, senior Russian executives may arrive late as a display of status.
- Greet with a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact; use titles and surnames.
- Dress conservatively and formally; appearance reflects seriousness.
- Begin with small talk; Russians prefer to know their business partners personally.
- The senior person often dominates discussions; respect hierarchy in speaking order.
- Russians can be tough negotiators; expect lengthy discussions before reaching agreements.
- Avoid showing emotion or impatience; maintain a calm, professional demeanor.
- Decisions are made at the top; ensure the right decision-makers are present.
- Follow up in writing to confirm all agreements and next steps.
- Building trust takes time; maintain the relationship through regular contact.