- Compliments are
exchanged frequently and are popular conversation starters.
- Generally, Americans
like to laugh and enjoy being with people who have a sense of humor. Jokes
are usually welcome, but be careful. In all situations, ethnic and religious
humor should be avoided. Self-deprecating humor, however, usually goes over
well.
- Sports are very
popular in the US…baseball, football (not to be confused with soccer), and
basketball.
- Golf is also a
popular sport, especially among businesspeople. It is often a venue for
business discussions and deals, so be prepared to play golf and talk business
at the same time.
- Americans often ask,
“What do you do?” (that is, “Tell me about your job and employer”) to start a
conversation. This kind of question is not considered presumptuous, but
rather is a way to show interest in the individual by showing interest in his
or her job.
- Business suit and tie
are appropriate in all major cities. Wear dark colored business suits in
classic colors of gray and navy. For an important formal meeting, choose a
white dress shirt, for less formal a light blue shirt will still give you a
conservative appearance.
- Women should wear a
suit or dress with jacket in major cities. Wearing classic clothing and
classic colors of navy, gray, ivory, and white will ensure you give a
confident and conservative appearance.
- Rural areas and areas
with extremely warm summers have more informal wardrobe requirements.
- Women may wear a
business dress, or skirt and blouse, in rural areas.
- Men may conduct
business without wearing a jacket and/or tie in rural areas.
- The formality of a
meeting, even in rural areas, may dictate a sports jacket and tie for men.
The same formality will require a woman to wear a dress, possibly with a
jacket.
- Casual clothing is
appropriate when not attending a work related meeting/dinner. Building a
casual wardrobe using classic lines and colors will give you a look that is
stylish and professional even when you are relaxing.
- Clothing, whether
formal or casual, should be clean and neat in appearance.
- Men may generally
wear jeans or khaki pants with a shirt for casual attire.
- Women may wear
comfortably fitting slacks with a casual shirt. Wearing jeans or shorts, even
in a casual setting, may be inappropriate for the city. It is better to err
on the conservative side if you are not sure.
- For a first meeting,
you cannot go wrong if you dress conservatively. Afterwards, you may want to
follow the example of your American counterparts.
- In U.S. business
culture, dress tends to vary. In some parts of the country--the east in
particular--most people wear business suits. In other areas, such as the west
coast, a more relaxed approach to dressing is the norm in many workplaces.
Executives in most regions of the country, however, usually dress quite
formally.
- Business suits or
dresses are often the standard attire for women. Pantsuits, in classic
styles, are also acceptable. Accessorizing, which adds flair to even very
simple outfits, is also practiced here.
- When not working,
feel free to dress casually. In their leisure hours, you will notice that
Americans wear a wide range of casual items, such as running shoes, t-shirts,
jeans, shorts, baseball caps, etc.
- The US was founded on
the work ethic that good, honest, hard work is rewarded. Because of this work
ethic, time is money and punctuality is highly regarded, so a cellular phone
can save the day when automobile traffic in a major city causes unexpected
delays.
- An invitation for a
meal or modest gift is usually acceptable.
- If you are someplace
with a line, go to the end and wait your turn.
- Do not use or chew on
a toothpick in public.
- Offer a firm
handshake, lasting 3-5 seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Maintain good
eye contact during your handshake. If you are meeting several people at
once, maintain eye contact with the person you are shaking hands with,
until you are moving on the next person.
- Good eye contact
during business and social conversations shows interest, sincerity and
confidence.
- Good friends may
briefly embrace, although the larger the city, usually the more formal the
behavior.
- Business cards
are generally exchanged during introductions. However, they may be
exchanged when one party is leaving.
- A smile is a sign
of friendliness, and in rural areas you may be greeted with a “hello”
rather than a handshake.
- Business
conversation may take place during meals. However, many times you will
find more social conversation taking place during the actual meal.
- Business meetings
may be arranged as breakfast meetings, luncheon meetings, or dinner
meetings depending on time schedules and necessity. Generally a dinner,
even though for business purposes, is treated as a social meal and a time
to build rapport.
- Taking someone out
for a meal or other entertainment is a popular gift.
- Ask permission to
smoke before lighting a cigarette or cigar. Due to health concerns, you may
or may not be given permission.
- Many public places
and private homes do not allow smoking. In some areas laws have been passed
to prevent smoking in public places.
Almost all business
is conducted in English in the US
- Spanish is another
common language due to the US proximity to Mexico and Central America,
however, English will still be used almost 100% for business deals.
- Because many
Americans speak only one language, they may not be sensitive to the
difficulties of other individuals trying to speak English. They may speak
fast or very loudly (as if this will help you understand them better)
- American business
language is also very idiomatic…they may adopt sports terms in their business
speech without being aware that they are using these idioms because they seem
so natural.
- If language becomes a
barrier, ask for clarification and seek understanding. If you are not totally
comfortable speaking and doing business in English, hire a translator.
Avoid:
- Until you know a
person very well…discussing religion, politics or other controversial subjects
(abortion, racism, sexism)
- Refrain from asking
women if they are married. If a woman volunteers this information, however,
you may ask a few polite questions about her husband and/or children.
- Ethnic or religious
jokes.
Good Topics of
Conversation:
- A person’s
job/work-related matters
- Sports
- Travel
- Food
- Music
- Movies
- Books
First Name or Title?
- The order of names is
first name, middle name, and last name.
- When you first meet
someone, use a title and their last name until you are told to do otherwise.
Most Americans will insist you use their first name as a way for them to have
a more casual business style.
- Use titles such as
“Dr.”, “Ms.”, “Miss”, “Mrs.”, or “Mr.”, followed by the last name.
- It is important to
understand the office hierarchy and know the rank and titles or all members of
the organization.
- The names of
businesspeople reflect America’s diversity. If you meet someone with a name
that is difficult to pronounce or otherwise unfamiliar to you, do not be
afraid to ask how to pronounce his or her name.
- Ensure that you U.S.
acquaintances know what you prefer to be called.
- The letters “Jr.”
after a man’s name signify that he was named after his father.
- The Roman numeral III
or IV after a man’s name indicates a third or fourth generation scion, with
the same name as his predecessors.
Gift Giving
- Presenting a gift is
a thoughtful gesture, but is not expected.
- Business gifts are
often presented after the deal is closed. In most situations, gifts are
usually unwrapped immediately and shown to all assembled.
- In many cases, the
best gifts are those that come from your country.
- You may not receive a
gift in return right away.
- Gift giving is
sometimes discouraged or limited by many US companies. A gracious written
note is always appropriate and acceptable.
- If you do give a
gift, it should not appear to be a bribe.
- During the Holiday
season (late November through the first week of January), gifts are
exchanged. Wine or liquor are often items exchanged in the office. While
Christmas is the dominant celebration, and is widely commercialized during
this period, people may be celebrating many other holidays during this period
(Hanukkah, Kwanzaa).
- When you visit a
home, it is not necessary to take a gift, although it is always appreciated.
Flowers, a potted plant, or a bottle of wine are good gift choices.
- If you stay in a U.S.
home for a few days, a gift is appropriate. You may also write a thank-you
note.
Source
A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com
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