10 Tips on Doing Business in Vancouver

Today’s blog post is on the lighter side. Some of my comments are in jest so please take them with a grain of salt.  The post was inspired by a series of tips I posted on Twitter and the response I got from people on Twitter.  For those of you who are new to Vancouver or plan on visiting for business here are 10 tips on doing business in Vancouver:

Tip #1: Doing business in Vancouver: Your meeting has a good chance of starting late.

Tip #2: Doing business in Vancouver: You will most likely talk about 8 non-related things before getting down to business.

Tip #3: Doing Business in Vancouver: Your meeting will most likely take place in Starbucks (via @robertaw99)

Tip #4: Doing Business in Vancouver: Your meeting may be bumped by something of little consequence until you learn Vancouver priorities (via @Bradinator)

Tip #5: Doing Business in Vancouver: Vancouverites are friendly but take time to introduce and endorse you. They take business personally.

Tip #6: Doing Business in Vancouver: Green is the new bling and being too busy is a sign of business weakness.

Tip #7: Doing Business in Vancouver: Not everyone in Vancouver is into doing business.

Tip #8: Doing Business in Vancouver: When you don’t get a call back right away don’t worry and don’t get offended. Follow-up again.

Tip #9: Doing Business in Vancouver: Everyone knows everyone, and many have done business with each other at some point. via @KontentCreative

Tip #10: Doing Business in Vancouver: It’s all about relationships and what networks you’re connected to.  Take your time getting to know who is connected to who. Join your local Board of Trade and corresponding Vancouver Linkedin and Meetup groups as a start.