American Business Culture

Here a few tips to doing business with Americans, I hope everyone reading this will add more tips in the comments section.

Americans like to get to the point when discussing business- they don't spend a lot of time deciding if they like you because relationships in business change frequently

If your company cannot deliver a product on time, let the Americans know in advance. They are much more forgiving if they know beforehand than they are if you promise yes and then don't follow through.

Americans may discuss business over breakfast or lunch but rarely do they take more than hour. If you can't stand the thought of eggs and bacon, choose coffee and a danish roll

Americans often have an expense account for entertaining clients at night but they rarely stay out late. Don't be offended if you're told they have to get some sleep before a meeting in the morning, they probably do.

If your wife is traveling with you let your American associate know in advance. If he is to bring his wife to dinner with you she will need advanced notice. Quite often she has also has a career and may need to coordinate child care for the evening.

It is totally appropriate to compliment an American on their clothing (especially women) but never ask how much it cost. If they got a bargain they will tell you, if it cost a lot they won't mention it. Americans like a good deal.

American men know that gender comes first when opening doors, not age. You can never go wrong opening a door for a woman even if your male boss is older than you.

When in a meeting your cell phone should be silent or on vibrate. You should refrain from looking at it, although this is a rule that is often broken. Rude? Yes, but common practice.

More tips to follow periodically