United States: Business Environment
New Year's Day | 1 January |
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday | 17 January |
President's Day | February |
Memorial Day | May |
Independence Day | 4 July |
Labour Day | September |
Columbus Day | October |
Veteran's Day | 1 November |
Thanksgiving | Last Thursday of November |
Christmas Day | 25 December |
New Year's Day | 1 January |
Memorial Day | 31 May |
Independence Day | 4 July |
Labour Day | 6 September |
Thanksgiving | 25 November |
Christmas Day | 25 December |
Depending on the industry, region or company history, the hierarchy can be vertical or flat. Thus, the respect of hierarchical differences may vary and it is advised to learn the rank and titles of all the members you engage with inside an organisation. Decision-making is often a well-defined process inside the organisation. Final decisions are usually made quickly by a person with chief authority, but anyone is welcome to express their opinion in meetings or during the decision-making process, no matter their age or position in the hierarchy.
In general, it is not necessary to develop a personal relationship to establish a lasting and successful business relationship. Americans are generally more interested in your product, service or project, expected payoffs as well as quality of the business collaboration, rather than trying to create a personal relationship.
Americans are used to communicating by email and then engage with other forms of more direct communication, such as Skype or conference calls. Emails are expected to be short and straight to the point in order to be quick to read, direct, clear and efficient.
Meeting agendas are common, timed in advance, and usually followed quite carefully. Organise yourself to address all the topics of a meeting within the timeframe assigned to it, or you take the risk that your agenda will only be partially covered, as your counterparts will move to their next commitments when the time planned for the meeting finishes.
When meeting someone for the first time, it is advised to address your business partners with a title, such as “Dr”, “Ms”, “Ms” or “Mrs” and their last name. The use of first names is common to address counterparts in business meetings, but it is recommended to wait for your American counterparts to do it first or to invite you to do so.
During presentations, it is advised to use statistics, evidence and hard data to back up your claims. It is essential to be direct, clear, transparent and open about all matters. Do not be overwhelmed if your American partners impose harsh negotiation terms in order to obtain greater negotiation margins.
Interaction, participation and concentration are important to prove your preparation and interest. Americans are rather uncomfortable with silence, which is usually avoided in business meetings. The use of humour is appreciated and well received, since it facilitates openness in business relations. It is not polite to interrupt someone talking. When the meeting is not scheduled around a meal, snacks are common.
Business meetings that include lunch or dinner are not very common. However if a meeting is conducted in such a context, the business conversation usually begins almost immediately or as soon as everyone has ordered their food.
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Latest Update: November 2024