Business etiquette in Ecuador

Julien wrote:

What is key for a successful professional meeting? Are there any steps to follow? How do you a start a negotiation?

Expats can get away with a simple “hola” (hello), but the norm among Ecuadorians is to greet one another with time of day....

Good morning .. “Buenos días”  (literally, good days). 

Good afternoon .. “Buenas tardes” (literally, good afternoons).

If the parties already know each other, a little chit-chat (weather, family, etc.) is normally expected before plunging into business matters.

Casual Fridays have not made it to most businesses in Quito.  A conservative suit and tie for men are the norm for business in the capital on weekdays.

Some businesses close from 1-3 p.m. so employees can go home for lunch with family.

cccmedia

You should normally shake hands with people you greet, with a friendly smile. no bowing. This goes for both genders. If you speak Spanish, use the 'udsted' version of Spanish on first meeting. After the first one or two meetings, it is customary to brush cheeks (one side only) when greeting between a man and a woman.

russelleaton wrote:

it is customary to brush cheeks (one side only) when greeting between a man and a woman.

And always, right cheek to right cheek.

I was in Mexico a few weeks ago.  There I was right cheek to cheek, and got kissed by the women.  I was also expected to kiss "cheek" back.