Book excerpt: An essential guide to doing business in Central and South America, complete with communication and etiquette tips. This is the essential guide to business etiquette and customs for anyone doing business in Latin America. It features everything the reader needs to know?from getting an appointment to securing a contract. Doing business in Latin America can pose unique, substantial challenges to a non-native, and this book demystifies the entire process. From the two-hour ?business lunch,? at which no business is ever discussed, to handing out business cards the right way, Diran covers every crucial nuance. He also addresses: ? How things move at a much slower pace than most American business processes and deals ? How family truly comes before business, even if it means skipping an important meeting to take care of a loved one ? The importance of connections and mutual Acquaintances ? How to work with translators and bilingual assistants to get the job done ? Proper dress, body language, and gestures ? Tips on entertaining and giving and receiving gifts