If you want to maintain a long-term business relationship with an Iranian firm, ideally you should return to Iran as often as possible, but also keep up the relationship via e-mail and the occasional telephone call, as well as Noruz wishes.
A business needs to make a profit to remain viable, of course, but profit isn’t the only measure of success. Iranians consider the moral and ethical dimensions equally important, as well as maintaining a work-life balance. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any businesses purely driven by profit or businesspeople whose lives haven’t been taken over by their work, but be aware that a one-sided emphasis on profits at the expense of human considerations is an attitude generally frowned upon.
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IN IRAN (IN A NUTSHELL)
• Take the time to acquaint yourself with Iranian culture and manners.
• Keep interpersonal factors in mind.
• Remember and apply the three politeness principles that guide behavior: deference, humility, and cordiality).
• Be patient.
• Be flexible.