Business Etiquette: North America

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AROUND THE WORLD North America Business etiquette often varies by region, particularly in the United States and Canada. Conducting business over Shake hands when introduced. A firm Verbal contracts are rarely binding a meal is common. handshake is looked on favorably. - you need a written agreement. United States Americans are often informal and prize individualism, meaning that you will encounter many different styles and structures of business. V. TIME IS MONEY! Punctuality and quick, direct communication is essential. It is common to ask many questions to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Americans work longer hours and have fewer vacation days than most countries. Greetings are often informal, and questions like "How are you?"are only pleasantries. EAST US. WEST People on the East Coast tend to put more emphasis on.. H.. Reputation and Social norms Business dress experience ..than those on the West Coast. Canada Canada has a similar business etiquette to its neighbor, the United States, but Canadians tend to be more polite and restrained than Americans. Bonjour! Though most business is conducted in English, be aware that French is also an official language in Canada. MOST CANADIANS IDENTIFY STRONGLY WITH THEIR PROVINCE AND REGIONAL DIFFERENCES THE TERRITORIES (YUKON AND NUNAVUT) Considered "pioneers" of Canada. ATLANTIC CANADA (MARITIMES & NEWFOUNDLAND) BRITISH COLUMBIA More reserved and traditional. Jerritories Unconventional and forward-thinking. British Columbia CAllantic Prairies Quebec THE PRAIRIES (MANITOBA, SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA) Ontario Open, relaxed. and direct. - QUEBEC ONTARIO• Very nationalistic and proud of their French heritage. Business-like and conservative. Mexico With Spanish as the language of business, Mexico has strong similarities to other Latin American countries. Deal LATIN ROOTS You are expected to be punctual, but your Mexican associates may keep you waiting. Signs of status and wealth will be viewed favorably. Mexicans tend to stand close and maintain contact longer than other North American countries. Deal Negotiations will usually move slowly Making decisions too You must be Deals & agreements will almost never persistent in your dealings to show your seriousness. be finalized over quickly is seen as hasty. the phone. Sources: http://www.intermations.org/guide/all http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/cultural_etiquette.htm http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/92-195-x/2011001/geo/region/region-eng.htm http://www.livescience.com/23283-east-vs-west-coast-culture-differences.html TsllFreeforwarding.com