Montreal Business Manners 1

1. Aggressiveness

• Avoid raising your voice and getting into conflict with partners or clients.


• Our society favors settling disputes through negotiation. 

• Personal or disrespectful statements can spoil a business relation.

• The violent expression of ethnic, political or religious rivalry and hatred is not tolerated.


• We do not tolerate ironic remarks, sarcasms or mockeries either.

• We do not accept aggressive behavior, argumentative conversations or heated discussions, especially in public.

• In our society, people who stay calm are highly regarded.

2. Agreements

• A simple verbal agreement can seal a commercial collaboration or a minor contract. 


• When major contracts are involved, the agreements are ratified in writing.


• Agreements can be quickly made but can also be quickly undone.

• Agreements between business people are based on professional benefits. 

• We do not feel bound to agreements that do not bring satisfaction and achievement.

3. Appointments

• We usually set up meetings or arrange visits in advance. 

• It is not common to arrive without an invitation.

• Always be punctual for meetings and appointments. If you are going to be late, always advise. 


• We will not wait more than 10 to 15 minutes for someone who is late.

4. Arrangements

• We tend to be open and friendly.

• Our personal and business relations are usually trustful and informal. 

• A simple verbal arrangement can seal a cooperation or a minor commercial contract.


• When major contracts are involved, the arrangements are ratified in writing.

• We do not make deals because of our social bonds, we make deals because we find it worth our while.

• In our society, personal and business relations are two different game plans.

5. Assistance

• If we can assist you in something, we will. 

• If we cannot assist you, we will introduce you to someone who can.

• Someone with proper knowledge and skills will, in due course, assist you.


• We will not expect a gift in return.