Business tips

Business Tips Tip 1 Although many endemic problems remain when trying to develop business in Nigeria, many steps have been taken to tackle institutional and corporate corruption - things seem to be moving in the right direction. Tip 2 Try to do some research on the Nigerian company you visit before you arrive. Are you dealing with an internationally influenced subsidiary of a global MNC or a locally owned and managed business? Tip 3 Most local companies will be very hierarchical. Try to get to know the hierarchy of the company at an early stage. Tip 4 Don't try to get decisions out of middle-managers - they usually can't make them. Tip 5 Age is worthy of respect in Nigeria - should your delegation reflect this fact? Tip 6 Although organisations are hierarchically structured with decisions made at the top, do not ignore lower ranking officials - they may still be highly influential. Tip 7 Managers are expected to manage. They make decisions and give instructions. A more consensus-style approach might be bewildering. Tip 8 Managers expect loyalty and compliance in return for which they offer support and help in both business and non-business areas. Tip 9 It is important to develop good, long-term relationships in Nigeria. If meetings seem a little informal and non-business focussed, do not worry - the more time spent on relationship-building, the better. Tip 10 Although punctuality can be very patchy, it is probably best if you show up on time. Be careful to allow enough time to negotiate the traffic. #Ohiz.