Cypriot cultural nuances when looking to do some business.

[BeachLover]

Hello forum,

I have a few leads of people to meet in Cyprus when I come down there in a few months, including a Cypriot attorney with some side businesses.

I was wondering if there are any cultural nuances I should be particularly aware of before approaching Cypriots business contacts.

Specifically- best times to approach someone about a business plan, when not to discuss business, how much to disclose, how to solicit a joint venture and introduce a business plan to a prospective partner, how Cypriots are in negotiations, etc. etc.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Cleo Shahateet]

Originally Posted by BeachLover

Hello forum,

I have a few leads of people to meet in Cyprus when I come down there in a few months, including a Cypriot attorney with some side businesses.

I was wondering if there are any cultural nuances I should be particularly aware of before approaching Cypriots business contacts.

Specifically- best times to approach someone about a business plan, when not to discuss business, how much to disclose, how to solicit a joint venture and introduce a business plan to a prospective partner, how Cypriots are in negotiations, etc. etc.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Kind of tough questions as we would be stereotyping and generalizing the whole population. As there are many South African, English, American, Australian-Cypriots also Cypriots who have lived only in Cyprus and those that studied abroad there is a wide range of view points and ways of thinking so it depends who you are dealing with and on what level. In general, if I had to give any advice I would say don't give away or dislcose the whole plan and idea to too many people unless you trust them.

[Veronica]

Like Cleo I have been wondering how to answer this without stereotyping.
What I would say is be very careful who you get into bed with.
As for solicitors with side businesses, hmmmm!!!!! Watch your back.
You would be far wiser to make sure that legal matters and any business you undertake are not connected in any way.

Veronica

[theresoon]

Only disclose what you absolutely have to. You can also look into the business incubators. I agree with Veronica about the attorney with side business. I have cases and cases or corrupted attorneys and as Cypriot American I can say this without stereotyping, a lot of Cypriots stereotype Americans and some other groups as neive and try to take advantage.

[BeachLover]

Ah yes, I didn't mean to stereotype the whole population but I find that knowing the cultural nuances of business in each local arena is preferable than approaching the whole world as it is the same.

No hard feelings about the "be weary of lawyers". I'm attorney as well so I know my fair share of shady lawyers