Americans are straightforward, friendly and open-minded. They quickly get to know each other and easily start a conversation. For more restrained Europeans, their rapid transition to informal communication may seem unexpected or even rude.
In America, individualism is highly valued – people are proud of their personal achievements, initiative and success. If we are talking about employment, then it is best to show your qualities in a resume using resume writing services.
The phrase “Time is money” was made famous by Benjamin Franklin, and Americans are still guided by this principle. They value people who are good at managing their time. In business, punctuality is an indicator of reliability and discipline.
Acquaintance and greetings
- In general, American greetings are rather informal. This is not a sign of disrespect, but a demonstration of the equality of all those present.
- When meeting with a large number of people, Americans will not necessarily shake hands with everyone. You may be greeted with the words “Hello” or “How are you?” Or even just “Hi”. A handshake is rarely used when parting.
- The handshake should be short but firm. Maintain eye contact while doing this.
- “See you later” is just a figure of speech. You can hear this phrase even if the person is not going to see you again.
- An American might say “We’ll have to get together” or “Let’s do lunch” as we say goodbye. It’s just a gesture of friendliness. Don’t take this as an invitation unless your American colleague tells you a specific time and date. If you really want to meet, take the initiative and make an appointment yourself.
- When introducing one person to another, give some brief information about him. For example: “Janet Freeman, I’d like you to meet Fred Harrison. He designed the brochure we are using for this campaign. “
- Americans tend to quickly switch to names (that is, to “you”), sometimes immediately after meeting. This is especially true for young companies.
- Americans are not very sensitive to names. Don’t take it as an insult if someone mispronounces or abbreviates your name.
Gestures and body language
- Maintain a distance of at least 60 cm when talking. If the American thinks that you are standing too close, he may step back without even thinking about it.
- Americans smile a lot, even at strangers, and expect smiles in return.
- Some people like to pat their colleagues on the back as a sign of friendship.
Corporate culture
- Americans regard the business card simply as a source of information for the future and exchange them without much protocol. If your business card is immediately put away in your wallet and stuffed into the back pocket of your trousers, this is not an insult.
- Americans prefer direct communication. Yes means yes, no means no. If an American says “Maybe” it is not a form of veiled rejection, it really is “maybe.”
- Feel free to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Americans ask a lot of questions and are not afraid to admit they don’t know something.
- Interrupting the speaker is indecent. Wait for a pause, say “Excuse me” and wait for someone to pay attention to you. At the same time, people quite often wedge themselves into the conversation, so do not take long pauses in speech if you do not want to be interrupted.
- Americans value the written word very much. Verbal agreements are rarely enforceable. When signing a contract, make sure you read everything in the small print.
- When communicating in writing, it is very important to correctly indicate titles and appeals. If you are not sure, please check.
- Be punctual. Americans regard being late as a sign of disrespect and neglect. It is customary to arrive at business meetings about 5 minutes earlier. If you are 10-15 minutes late, be sure to call and apologize.
- It is very important to meet deadlines. If you say that you will provide information on a certain date or call at a certain time, this is what is expected of you. People who do not abide by agreements are considered irresponsible and unreliable.
- Meetings and meetings are usually rather informal in atmosphere, but serious in content. Information material is usually distributed prior to the meeting, so you are expected to keep up to date.
- You are expected to be actively involved in the meetings. A person who is silent a lot may be considered unprepared or unable to make a meaningful contribution to the cause.
- Americans love numbers and facts. Use statistics to back up your opinion.
- The meeting usually ends with a plan for the participants to follow through. Negotiations are considered successful if specific solutions are reached.
- As a rule, one person is responsible for making the final decision. The Americans can start negotiations with excessive demands, but they are ready to make concessions and consider various possibilities.
- The purpose of most negotiations in the United States is to sign a contract for a specific deal. Long term relationships may not be your primary goal.
- Negotiations are usually intense and can seem rushed. This is another manifestation of the principle “time is money”.
- Americans are ready to discuss business over the phone, even if they have not seen the interlocutor in person.
- In business speech, Americans tend to use sports terms (“Touch base”, “Call the shots”, “Ballpark figures”, “Game plan”)
- In general, Americans love to laugh and love people with a sense of humor.
- Golf is a popular sport, especially among senior executives. A golf course can often be a meeting place.
- Persistence is another important trait of American businessmen.
Lunch talks
- Americans often invite business partners for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A meal conversation usually starts with simple communication, but will mostly revolve around business.
- If the reception takes place in a restaurant, the inviting party pays for it.
- Don’t be late, but don’t come ahead of time. It is best to show up 5-10 minutes later than the time specified in the invitation.
- Don’t be afraid to offend someone by rejecting an invitation. A much more serious blunder would be to promise not to come.
- Americans tend to eat faster than people in other countries, and rarely delay eating.
- Americans often invite a business partner home. This is considered a demonstration of open intentions.
- Unlike many other cultures, it is considered the norm in the United States to give up food or alcohol. Most of the time, the hosts will not persuade you to eat.
Gifts
- As a rule, it is not customary to give gifts at business meetings. Do not consider it an insult if someone refuses a gift.
- If you are invited home, take flowers, candy, fruit, books or wine with you. You can donate plants in pots.
- Americans will appreciate a gift from your country. Your local art or craft specimens, books, candy, or alcohol are good choices.
- Cash gifts are not acceptable in any setting.
Knowing the specifics of business etiquette in the United States will help you successfully build relationships with American friends and partners. This knowledge can also come in handy when preparing for a job interview or learning English with a native speaker.