Russia: the art of a good business
Russia is one of the world’s biggest economies.
In spite of not being an easy market to approach, its potential is immense. After all, we are talking about a market with 142 million potential consumers.

Red Square
1. REMEMBER THESE RULES OF ETIQUETTE
They may resemble those of the Western culture, but they present specific characteristics that shouldn’t be neglected.
• Use a formal language and pay attention to titles
• Avoid criticizing any aspect related to Russia’s history, politics or culture
• Choose themes such as family or sports, particularly, winter sports
• Schedule meetings beforehand and confirm them the day before the visit
• If you are late, inform the Russian partner about it, explaining the reason for the delay
• While interacting with your Russian counterpart, be firm and confident of your convictions
• Avoid handshakes when crossing a door, the Russians believe it to be bad luck
2. OPT FOR THIS BUSINESS MENTALITY

Izmailovsky Market
Creating good business relationships with your Russian partners is a key to the success of your business.
Meetings, like phone calls, are serious and assertive, without small talk. However, the Russian partners seek to know very well the people with whom they may end up doing business with. Develop good personal relationships as this can be critical to flexible and dedicated business relationships.
Be prepared. Don’t neglect the importance of a good preparation, study all the details of your products or services, the features, prices, deadlines, quantities and payment terms, basically all the features inherent to the business under analysis.
Usually, the decision-making is in the hands of the top hierarchy; try to establish contact with the right people.
And, don’t forget, this is a market with various logistical complexities, beginning with the difficulty in obtaining an entrance visa. Be prepared to face obstacles, rely on companies specialized in these processes. Travel agencies generally have good knowledge in this area.
3. INVEST IN THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE
Communication in this market has greater potential when carried in Russian. English, as well as other European languages (eg Spanish, French or German), is not commonly used among a large part of the Russian population.
Our suggestion is that you develop all of your company’s communication (catalogues, website, brochures…) in Russian, using specialized translators, to ensure the understanding and trust of the customer or potential customer. Avoid online translators at all costs.
At meetings and trade fairs, use a good interpreter to ensure a correct and fluent communication.
4. BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR BUSINESSES WITH RUSSIA
First of all, you should carefully study the Russian market, the constraints and opportunities, the prospects for the future and the market’s needs in the segments you intend to act.
This is one of the largest markets in the world, devote your efforts to create a good marketing and communication strategy, participate in the events in this market targeted to your business sector and enhance the interaction with the market segments that may be interested in your products or services.
Always keep in mind the cultural business of the Russian market when contacting customers or potential customers.
Extend your relationships beyond the professional scope, in Russia, many of the deals are accomplished outside the office or meeting room.
5. DISCOVER SOME INTERESTING FACTS

One of Moscow Metro Stations
• Discover the essential about Moscow in our Mini Guide to Moscow
• Russia is the world’s second-largest oil producer
• Russian surface surpasses Pluto surface
• In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million
• Discover the first colour photographs of 19-century Russia
Wanna expand your business by attending relevant events in the Russian market?
BLEACH DESIGN GIVES YOU A HAND!
We’ll take care of everything for you!
We make a thorough analysis of the specific needs, goals and competitors of your company/brand/ product/service and provide a coherent proposal with the entire communication.
Afterwards, we envision, create, construct and assemble the booth, ensuring all the issues related to logistics and bureaucratic questions and following up your company during the event. Focus on your business, we take care of the rest!
Bleach Design unlatches and smooths the design, communication and marketing procedures, providing you with all the support in brands and companies activation and in the internationalization process, either in attending trade fairs or in creating customized events in external markets.
We specialize in coordinating and organizing the customer’s participation in events:
- design & construction of exhibition stands
- graphic design development
- analysis of relevant events to fulfil the customer’s goals
- selecting the location in the space of the event
- support in the accomplishment of the logistics and bureaucratic procedures
- follow up
BLEACH DESIGN
WORLDWIDE EXHIBITIONS STAND DESIGN
Design is in our blood, it’s the nature of our expression!
We are a multidisciplinary design agency with 13 years of experience. We work with you and design solutions to boost your brand across borders.
Do you want to foster your business in international markets? We create the creative experience that will distinguish you from the crowd.
Contact us, we will take care of everything for you!
WE DESIGN, BUILD, FOLLOW-UP
Edifício Bleach Design . Rua Ferreira Custódio Jr1 . 2430-265 Marinha Grande
tel. +351 309 916 042 | [email protected]