Human factor is very important fr each business connection, but that is even truer in Russia. The working relationships in Russia comprise specificities, and the difficulties of communication with the Russian partners are frequent, although the practices of businesses are made more and more according to "the Western ones".

Testimony of Jerôme Dumetz Professor and coordinator of the international programs to the Academy of Plekhanov economy of Moscow. Specialist in intercultural, he is also the head of a consulting business organizing seminars of intercultural communication. (Translation from French)

In Russia everything evolves very quickly, including the working relationships. One does not treat businesses today as it was done ten years ago. France and Russia maintain old relationships, but which have the characteristic to have been primarily the fact of the elites (artists, aristocrats...). This explains a number of "romantic" prejudices about the "glamour" Frenchwomen or the Russian traditional culture. More and more, Russian companies adopt a Western operating management, but of the characteristics remains largerly the same for the majority and it is always useful to know them to venture in Russia.

Three basic rules to export or be established in Russia:
1) Have a serious project. Russia is a country where the potential developments are considerable, but it is obviously necessary to offer a product of quality and to have studied the market well before launching it.
2) Find a partner Russian speaker on the spot.
3) Be ready to invest time and money in the project.

Russia is a country where the personal relation is essential. To approach the Russian market, it is necessary to create a trusty relationship with your business contact, to be open to him. This is why the Russian managers do not hesitate to give their cell phone numbers and to call late when necessary. At work, it is advisable to be interested in the life of your colleagues, their family, and to even celebrate your birthday at the workplace.

Small gifts such ascorporate goodies are very appreciated. It is also very well seen to show an interest for the language and local culture, in particular by learning some words and expressions in Russian.

Some advices of business practices:

- Do not be astonished if men do not shake hand with a woman. Toshake hands or to kiss on the cheeks to greet is not in the local practices. However, "handshake" develops, in particular in the small and modern companies.

- It is often useless to raise the embarrassing questions during the big meetings, it is better to talk directly to the person concerned later on.

- As decision-making remains still very centralized in Russian companies, it's more effective to deal directly with the boss.

- Know how to create an emergency atmosphere even if it is important to clearly lay down the objectives and the deadlines, in agreement with the boss.

-Communication is very verbal. What is said directly or on the telephone is essential.

Vodka: Vodka forms part of the myths invariably associated with Russia. Although it is quite common, it would be wrong to believe that one "is obliged" to drink some to conclude a business, and many Russians do not drink any. In the same way as an important business goes in France, it is being concluded in a restaurant after a long negotiations; in Russia, generally will be accompanied with some snacks and, why not, by vodka. It could even be held with the "bania" (Russian baths), always in order to create a trusful relationship between partners.