The Expat Files - 03/26/12

- Latins, their “third world” inferiority complex, and the basic hygiene and cleanliness issues only us expats seem to notice (what’s up with that?)

-Why is there such a proliferation of bad taste when it comes to local Latin businesses design and basic home construction? (Maybe there really is such a thing as an international white trash fashion gene!)

-When new Latin employees are hired, many consistently arrive a few minutes late on “manana time”. That bad habit can be a big problem for expats with first world style businesses that run by the clock.

-Expat Eddie tries a cheap, dirty and well-worn employee incentive that’s better than money (only on Latin America!)

-99% of local (non-franchise) Latin businesses don’t have employee manuals (they don’t even know what they are!). By contrast, all the successful expat business owners I know have one- in English and Spanish of course. It’s all part of our gringo upbringing and an adjuct to the "gringo advantage”

-For expats with an eye to starting a business, here are a few things you should know about Latin employees, their habits and how to manage them

-What does the “gringo advantage” have to do with cars, buses, Latin ladies and green cards? You’ll be surprised!

-Email me on questions about Latin America at theexpatfiles@gmail.com