A Brazilian Business Man

Business Culture

My host father owns his own electronic assistance and automation business. The name of his small company is Soft Eletron, Informatica e Serviços Ltda. He started his business in February of 1998, almost 17 years ago. He decided to start his own business after 22 years of working as an employee for others. He says that he went as far as he could go career-wise with the two other companies he worked for. "Companies limit your financial progress. They limit how far you can go" he said.

The following is an interview with Sérgio Igreja, my host father, about aspects of Brazilian business culture.

An Interview

Was it difficult to start your own business?
For me it wasn't difficult. Know why? As an employee, I made a name for myself. The clients I worked for remembered me and so I had a client base ready for me when I started Soft Eletron.

What is the hardest part about being the owner of a business?
I think I work more than an employee. I work with everything. I do everything. I work with the administrative part and the technical part. I don't have employees. I only have one partner.

Also, when you own your own business you feel more sensitive to market variation. When you are an employee, often times your company can stay open during a market crisis. Bigger companies can more easily absorb market variation and employees don't often lose their jobs. As a business owner that level of job security isn't there.

Also you have to be careful with your image. If I make a mistake, that could ruin my entire image and affect my clientele.

Have you achieved the financial progress you were looking for?
Yes, it has definitely been worth it.

What's the best part of your work?
I really like what I do. That's the most important part about starting your own company. When you have this aspect, it shows. You work more precisely, you look for perfection. The client sees how you do your work, they appreciate that you like what you do. They are more confident with you.

Do you feel that the government impedes the progress of your business?
No. There are the taxes, but other than that not really. For me I don't feel it. But you know, the majority of micro-business don't last longer than five years here in Brazil. But that really has to do with the owners and creators. I don't think that reflects the government.

Have you worked in other business cultures?
Yes. In a few ways. I have always had to worked with all levels of the workforce, from the bottom to the top.

And in terms of different nationalities?
I worked with Argentinians. The Argentinians think that everything they do is better (he says smiling). They can be a little arrogant.  I have also worked with Americans. When Americans have a better idea they are more strategic with getting your on their page.  I remember fondly an American named Nick Nolt. He would propose his ideas without offending your ideas. And in the end you would happily end up on his side.

Now when I went to the Dominican Republic and Paraguay the disorganization was even worse than here in Brazil (he says smiling knowing that I complain a lot about Brazilian disorganization). It was hard for me.

What do you want my country do know about your country?
Brazil is really creative. There is so much potential here. My country is capable of doing so many different things. The Brazilian man/women is versatile, he just lacks discipline.