Three Tips for Doing Business in Canada

What Three Things Should You Know About Doing Business in Canada?

If you’re off to Canada on business, then it’s important to make a great impression from the get-go. Canada cultural awareness training helps you learn about the country, people, and their business culture.

However, if you’re just looking for those essential tips about doing business in Canada, then that’s what we’re going to try to do here. We appreciate doing your homework on all matters Canadian takes time, so we’re going to briefly cover our three key tips.

These three tips for doing business in Canada are applicable to everyone, no matter what part of the world you’re from

There are so many things we could look at to help foreigners understand how to navigate the business culture, but we’re going to focus on these three:

1. Identity, Equality & Respect
2. Modesty, Logic & Conflict
3. Professionalism, Punctuality & Formality

By briefly examining each, you’ll gain some great insights into Canadian business culture and how you may need to adapt your approach when doing business in Canada.

1. Identity, Equality & Respect in Canadian Workplaces

The glue that holds Canada together is the respect people have for one another, no matter where in the world they originate from or no matter what their identity.

This is a country where people are free to express themselves without fear. Everyone is, in theory, equal and should therefore be treated as such.

Be very careful discussing topics such as identity, immigration, regionalism, religion, age, sexuality, etc and especially so if you hold strong opinions.

It’s important to show respect and refrain from passing moral judgements.

2. Modesty, Logic & Conflict in Canadian Work Culture

As a result of this egalitarian culture, Canadians are a very modest people. They dislike shows of power, wealth or status and don’t warm to people who shout about themselves.

Canadians are also very rational people, leaving emotions out of decision-making and always trying to apply a cool, calm logic to problems.

Be very careful if you come from a culture where conflict or aggression is part of the business culture. It has no place in Canada as people don’t agree with such tactics.

If you’re doing business in Canada, it’s important to rely on facts and figures, not fantasy and fiction.

3. Professionalism, Punctuality & Formality in Canadian Business

Canadians are a private people, and consequently, when doing business, they tend to draw clear lines between professional and personal.

Professionalism is always expected. You should therefore be well-dressed and properly presented. Be sure to steer clear of asking personal questions and make sure you are always on time. This is a time-conscious culture.

Initially, Canadians will be fairly formal in their communication and behaviours; however, once rapport and relationship have been established, they do become less so.

Always err on the side of caution and adopt a formal approach at the start.

Key Takeaways on Doing Business in Canada

So, to quickly summarise our three tips for doing business in Canada:

1. Respect people’s different identities, treat everyone equally and show respect for people’s various beliefs.
2. Modesty is important in everything you do; use reasoned argument and logic to persuade and stay away from any sort of conflict.
3. Remain professional, being careful not to become too personal, as well as making sure you’re punctual and formal at all times.

Main photo by Leon on Unsplash