Doing Business Abroad    Sweden By Terri Morrison © Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved Greetings The handskake is the standard greeting. Swedes do not use many gestures; you should be restrained as well. Keep your voice tone modulated. Swedes are a relatively quiet people. Introductions The order of names is first name followed by surname. Do not expect to immediately call your Swedish counterpart by his/her first name. Use professional titles, plus surnames (i.e., "Professor Olson"). Appointments Appointments should be made two weeks in advance. (Swedes get a minimum yearly vacation of five weeks.) Be punctual at all times, to both business and social events. Negotiating Do not show emotion during negotiations. Swedes value consensus and avoid confrontation. In presentations, be very precise and concrete; do not exaggerate or expect the Swedish imagination to do part of the work. Humor is not usually part of negotiations. Swedes tend to be serious in general, and may appear downright stuffy in business. Entertaining Business lunches and dinners are quite popular. Make reservations at formal restaurants for business meals.