Here are some of the most general rules that you should follow.

As far as dressing is concerned, it is always best to dress conservatively. A suit and tie is always the best option and you should always make sure that you are tidy, because first impressions are the most important ones. Make sure that your clothes are not wrinkled and pay special attention to your hygiene. You should schedule your meeting in a way that will allow you time to freshen up. You should not be going to a meeting right off the plane. Take time to check into your hotel room, take a shower, put on clean and wrinkle-free clothes and groom yourself appropriately. A conservative business suit is usually the best choice of attire no matter where you are going. Darker colors are usually preferred and a “serious” tie should be worn as well. Keep your “fun” ties at home.

It is a little different for women. They should also keep it very conservative and modest. Excessive make-up should be avoided as should short dresses or skirts. Loose fitting clothes are also recommended and low-cut blouses should be avoided as well if you want to make sure that you will not offend anyone or will be seen by anyone as being dressed inappropriately.

If you are in doubt, ask someone. Ask someone on your flight that appears to be a frequent visitor on business trips or ask someone at the reception of your hotel for some guides and helpful information. Do not be afraid to ask about things that you are not sure about. Seeking local advice is especially important when it comes to proper etiquette at business meetings, just because the rules of behavior differ so much from country to country. Following the right business etiquette is important if you do not want to offend someone unintentionally. First impressions are very important and you must know how to properly greet and address the person that you will be meeting with. There is a lot to be concerned about. Whether or not you should use their last or first names, whether you should shake their hands, and many other things. Business visits tend to be extremely punctual. If you arrive late to a business appointment, it will reflect badly on you. So try to arrive on time, or even a little early. If you know that you will be arriving late, you should telephone ahead to let them know of the delay.

There are also different rules in various countries on when it is appropriate to exchange business cards and contact information. In some countries they just put the card in your pocket, but in others it is considered offense if you do not take a look at the card and examine it for a while and make a comment about it before putting it away. In the USA business cards are not normally exchanged upon meeting. If you need a colleague's contact information, it is ok to ask them for their card. It is also ok to offer someone your card. But there is not an elaborate ritual of exchanging cards as in other cultures.

If a business meeting takes place over a meal, expect the business discussions to begin after everyone has ordered their meal, sometimes as soon as everyone is seated. Socializing tends to occur after the business is concluded, not before. This is in contrast with the practice in many countries, where the purpose of the meal is to socialize with and get to know each other before any business is discussed.

Many American companies have women in management positions. So don't be surprised if the person who meets you is a woman, not a man. They are just as competent (if not more so) than their male counterparts. If you feel uncomfortable, focus on the business at hand and ignore the fact that she happens to be a woman. Do not, however, ask personal questions as you might with a male colleague. In particular, do not ask whether she is married or has children. Do not flirt with her, refer to body parts, ask her out on a date, or make suggestive or sexual remarks.

When businessmen or businesswomen meet, they usually introduce themselves by shaking right hands. When you shake hands, don't crush their fingers, but also don't hold their hand too lightly. A firm handshake is best.

US business ethics preclude the acceptance of payments to sweeten the deal.

You should also be familiar with topics that are good for conversation. There are many countries that might have fairly unstable political situation and talking about politics really would not be a good ice-breaking in many parts of the world as a foreigner. Not only is it important to what you are saying, but also how you are saying it. In some cultures people talk loudly while in others they are expected to talk softly. There are many different things that you must take into consideration.

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 926