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It is worth paying attention to the following points at business meetings in Slovakia:
- Slovak dress and behavior are a combination of the accepted practices in the United States and Eastern Europe.
- It is not the custom to use a person's first name on first addressing them. Instead, use a title such as: Doctor, Engineer, etc.
- Some business people have a good command of English. Nevertheless, German is better understood. Occasionally effective conduct of a meeting may make use of the services of an interpreter to translate into English.
- Acceptable gifts for business meetings are items for the office, quality pens (including pens with your company logo) as well as specially selected wines.
- It is recommended to start a business meeting with polite conversation of a general nature, accompanied by a toast with a local alcoholic drink. Only after that, should the conversation turn to business matters.
- On receiving an invitation to a home, luxury chocolate, a scarf for the hostess or flowers is a welcome gift.
- Business decisions, including minor ones, are occasionally taken by a limited number of managers or even by one person acting alone.
- There are difficulties in obtaining an answer to a fax or email. It is advisable to back up faxes and emails with a letter that confirms any intended meeting. Similarly, after the meeting, it is advisable to send a letter with a summary of the main points raised at the meeting.
- Try to avoid business meetings in the months of July and August or around the times of national holidays.
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