I have had the opportunity of doing business in many types of companies in Colombia, and have made many friends in the business environment in the past. Here is a little of what I have learned in relation to first time impressions in business environments.
Although Colombians are accustomed to North Americans appearing disheveled in meetings, they consider it a sign of disrespect (to yourself and your brand). Respectful attire: Means that you are wearing at minimum, attire compatible with the business culture of the particular company that your are visiting. So it will be smart for you to ask ahead of time. Most software development companies today wear jeans, but they accompany them with a modern well pressed shirt and belt, plus leather shoes and the jeans are always clean and well pressed.
Most executives still wear a suit and expect to do business with well ironed, put together individuals that take time to shine their shoes. The appearance of your shoes is very important to Colombians. It is actually the first thing they look at when they meet you. Because of the private school culture in Colombia, all individuals are though that you must keep your shoes clean at all times and mainly when meeting people in any occasion. If in a business meeting, tennis shoes or any type of non leather shoe is still frowned upon.
Even in hot climates there is a standard of dressing. Most business men wear a quality guayabera (its equivalent in the USA would be a well pressed collared, buttoned, short sleeved shirt made of quality linen or light material that is designed not to be tucked in or be worn with a tie. The shirt is typically squared at the bottom vs. Shirts with rounded tails in back, light dress pants and leather shoes. Do make sure your articles of clothing are well pressed and modern. Being well dressed is a sign of status in Colombia. In all business meetings you should plan to look formal.
It is appreciated in all levels of negotiations to present oneself wearing a dark suit a well pressed shirt and a tasteful tie with clean leather shoes that have been shoe shined. This is very important in Bogota but it applies in all other states in Colombia where the climate permits it. The coastal cities in Colombia are very hot and Guayaberas are an alternative that is accepted.
Women in Colombia are always well dressed in the business environments and the rules are stricter. For a business negotiation: a good quality dress or pant suit is recommended. Short sleeve is preferred to sleeveless. Although you might see employees wearing short sleeves and showing some cleavage, it is recommended that you do not. Light make up or professionally applied make up is highly recommended. These days it appears that a well kept skin with light makeup is a standard in business. It is much more recommended to unprofessionally applied make up. Shoes need to be well kept, preferably leather, clean and hills must be intact. Women are judged to higher standards. Cleanly maintained hair is a must.
Handshakes are very important. Solid, firm and moderately strong. Shake with the right hand and reach out to hold the elbow of your counterpart with your left hand. Always offer a wide smile and eye contact. For a woman the same applies plus, let the Colombian counterpart that you are meeting with lead you in initiating if a kiss on the chick is welcomed. Most Colombian males will reach out to kiss a female counterpart on the chick and women business counterparts will do the same. In Colombia one kiss on the chick is important. When Colombians of all backgrounds like you, they will reach out and touch you. There is no alternative meaning to this. A pat on the back, a pat on the arm, a pat on the shoulder is just a sign of friendship nothing else and it is very common.
