Be on Time Here, be Late There…

• It is imperative to be on time for meetings in the United States, but it may be different when dealing with others from foreign countries.  Assume the punctuality is important unless otherwise noted in the following commentary.
• United States: Be on time for meetings.  However, one may arrive later than the starting time at social functions where you are allowed to come and go.  Be no later than twenty minutes, though.
• Canada:  Be punctual as if you were in the United States but don’t expect French-Canadian employees and clientele to uphold the same standards since they are more relaxed regarding being on time for functions, even business meetings.
• Mexico:  Being on time is not as important as it is in the States, so don’t stress if you’re late.
• Germany:  Be punctual or early, as being late is considered rude.
• England:  Being a few minutes early won’t come off as odd, 
• France:  Being on time is casual, so don’t worry if you are up to fifteen minutes late.
• Italy: Lower level employees must be punctual, but it is not rude for an executive to run late.
• Spain:  Time is also relaxed in Spain, but it won’t be considered odd for a foreigner to be running behind.
• Russia:  Be punctual for business affairs, but it is okay to be up to fifteen minutes late to social functions.
• China:  Be on time or a few minutes early so that the Chinese you are with do not think you are being rude.
• Japan:  For social events, it is considered being “fashionably late” if you do not show up on time.
• Australia:  Be very punctual, as being on time is stressed.
• Information obtained from http://www.cyborlink.com and http://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/business_etiquette/recruiting_event_etiquette.html

Manners for Dining with Business Employees and Clientele

Dining with empoyees or clientele may be nerveracking, so here's a few tips on sharing a meal with those of the United States and other major foreign countries.

The following first two tips are general dining “don’ts,” but it is safe to say that you can apply them in any country.  Never chew on a toothpick even if you have something between your teeth.  Also, don’t smoke as common courtesy to the host of the function.  One other piece of advice is to not mention business unless the others’ culture favors discussing business or of the host brings up the topic first. 

Canada:  French-cultured Canadians may have smaller comfort zones, so don’t be alarmed if seating is closer than usual or if they make physical contact more often than an American would. 

 Mexico:  Like the French (-Canadians), Mexicans like to touch more often than American society is comfortable with.  Do not draw away from such attention, as it would be an insult.  If you are a female, do not bring a male companion unless the men are bringing spouses.  Tipping is encouraged since tips contribute to a large portion of the money servers make.

England:  Personal space is larger for the British and touching others in public is inappropriate to the British.  Respect their space and you won’t have any problems.  If you are socializing after work hours, talk in terms of social subjects, not business topics.

France:  As with French-Canadians, the French are more outgoing and informal with physical touch and personal space.  If you know you are dining with those of French inheritance, don’t drink alcohol before the meal or smoke between courses, since the French believe these activities deaden taste buds.

Italy:  Italians like multiple conversations occurring at once, so don’t be afraid to join another conversation if the first does not interest you.

Germany:  It is common to share a table with strangers at dinner.  Feel free to ask if the chairs are available, but do not obligate them to a conversation.  Let them enjoy their meal.

Spain:  Be sure to develop your professional relationship with your dinner guests, as increasing closeness in relationship is valuable amongst Spaniards.

India:  As a safe measure, do not offer Indians beef or pork.  Most Indians are Hindu and do not eat beef.  Some Indians are Muslim and do not eat pork.  Basically, stick to chicken and you won’t go wrong.

Russia:  When dining with Russians or attending social events in Russia, it is common to leave coats and belongings at the door.

China:  Do not pick at your teeth or put any part of your hand in your mouth since it is considered an improper act.

Japan:  It is not rude but acceptable to slurp noodles to show enthusiasm for the meal.

Australia:  It is considered rude not to pay for a round of drinks when it is your turn.  Bring extra money for a round to a few rounds depending on how much the people you are dining with are expected to drink.

Information obtained from http://www.cyborlink.com and http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/glp/28411/14-Tips-on-Business-Etiquette.html.

When Sharing Space in the Work World

• Whether you’re working for a small business or a large industry, chances are likely that you will have to share some type of space during your workday.  Here are a few tips for working with others.
• Often to accommodate workers’ lunch needs and to provide a space for lunches that employees may bring for the day, there may be a refrigerator and even a microwave for employee usage.  If someone else has left food in the refrigerator or is heating it in the microwave, leave it alone.  Never eat another person’s food even if there name isn’t on it.  98% of 2,500 employees surveyed by TheLadders.com say that fridge raiding is “unacceptable workplace etiquette.” 
• Also, try to avoid heating foods in the microwave that have a strong odor.  Because of this reason, eat in the lunch room, not at your desk if your food has an odor.  Clean whatever messes you make and put in the time to clean up after a mess you didn’t make as common courtesy to fellow employees.  If messes are common, post a clean-fridge policy on the door.  To prevent confusion regarding whose food is whose, keep a sharpie and labels or tape in the kitchen.
• In regards to not having individual offices, but cubicles, there is proper etiquette so as to not disturb fellow employees’ privacy and workspace.  Don’t be a “prairie dog” where you peak your head above the cubicle wall.  Instead, walk around to the person’s cubicle if you need to speak with them.  So don’t contribute to conversations overheard over the cubicle walls.  If a question or conversation is not directed towards you, then do not reply. 

• So use common sense and always be polite when sharing space in the work environment.
  Information obtained from http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/glp/28411/14-Tips-on-Business-Etiquette.html.

When to Give a Business Card & How to Make One

• One must use every opportunity to make connections and leave a lasting impression; however, not all situations call for presenting a business card.

• There are appropriate times and inappropriate times to give a business card.  As soon as you have social or business means for obtaining and distributing business cards, design and order some.  For tips on design and ordering of business cards, use http://www.greatfxbusinesscards.com for help.  Never forget to bring business cards while at work or social setting in which you may need to give someone your information.  Keep some in your wallet, purse and at your desk.  Invest in a business card case to keep yours together.  Also, update your cards every two years. 

• In the United States, a business associate may generally extend his or her business card during introductions.  If the conversation moves past a time to give out a business card, then offer the card at the end of the conversation when parties disperse.  

• For extending business cards to individuals or companies from the various following countries, follow the following protocols:

• Canada:  Print your information in English on one side and in French on the other side, as parts of Canada speak French.

• Mexico:  Use a title for yourself because Mexicans love using titles to address each other.  Use wordreference.com for finding the right word for your position.  Here are a few common positions:  Doctor is a physician or Ph.D. Profesor it the title for a teacher. Ingeniero is an engineer. Arquitecto is an architect. Abogado is a lawyer.  If a title is not suitable, use Senora for Mrs., Senor for Mr. and Senorita for Ms.

• England:  Follow the same protocol as with United States businessmen and women.  Pay attention to Queen’s English which differs from America’s English.  Use the Oxford English Dictionary in coordinance with dictionary.com.  Both dictionaries should aid you in finding British words if you wish to use terms that are more fluent to a British man or woman’s eyes.

• France:  Put your information in English on one side and French on the other side.  Use Monsieur for Mrs., Madame for Mrs. and Mademoiselle for Miss or Ms.  Also use wordreference.com to translate titles.

• Italy:  There are two business cards for two areas of life.  Have a business card with work-related information and a personal card with more personal contact information handy.  Make them white with black print.

• Spain:  When handing out your card with Spanish on one side and English on the other side,  make the Spanish side face up.

• India:  Like other foreign countries, put English one on side and the dialect of the recipient on the other side.  Indo-Aryan is spoken by 70% of the population and Dravidian by 22% of the population.  Use a translator or English-Indian dialect dictionary if you can get your hands on one for titles and business terms.

• Russia:  As with the previous countries, have on side in English and one side in Russian.  Use a Russian dictionary for translating titles and business terms.

• China:  never write on a business card.  Never keep it in your wallet or pocket.  Have it in a card case in your pocket, purse, or messenger bag.

• Japan:  Do not keep your business card in your wallet.  It is rude to display money.

• Australia:  Exchanging business cards is common, just as long as you do not give it when not asked for one.

• So be courteous by offering your information in the recipient’s language as well as English and be careful to not give cards when the others in the conversation are not interested.  Also, always keep your business cards in a special case and not directly in your purse or pocket.

• Information obtained from http://www.greatfxbusinesscards.com/articles/keep-business-cards-handy.htm and http://www.cyborlink.com.

Gift-Giving: A Nice Gesture or a Faux Pas?

• The giving of gifts to impress a client or guest may seem apropos; however, in some countries and even in some instances in the United States, gift-giving would be seen as bribery or a cheeky gesture.
• In the United States, one may give a gift provided that does not appear to be a bribe.  If there is any transactions involved, it is best to give a gift at the end of such process or to not give one at all.
• Canada:  People do not regularly give gifts in business situations.  If a gift is given, however, make sure it is a modest and not lavish gift. 
• Mexico:  Gifts are not required for businessmen or women.  It will be accepted upon the person’s initial visit if a client or executive is given a small item with the company logo upon it.  Gifts will always be accepted by secretaries.  If a man gives a gift to a female secretary, he is to say that it is from his wife as to not appear to be flirting with the secretary.  Good gifts for a dinner guest are candy pre-delivered flowers or crafts from your place of origin.  Beware of the following colors of flowers and their meaning: yellow represents death, red signifies casting spells, and white signifies lifting spells.  Silver is a rude gift, as they give silver trinkets to tourists.
• England: The English are not accustomed to gift-giving, so do not offer one.
• France: Give gifts at own risk.  The chance of it going over well depends on how much they like the gift.  Good gifts are books and music because the French value intellectual areas of life.
• Germany:  Germans do not like surprises, especially with changes in plans.  It is best to not give gifts to clients and executives from or in Germany.
• Italy:  Italians accept gifts, but like Mexicans, they have strict rules.  They accept gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries or flowers.  However, flowers must be in even numbers, except for 12 and 6, especially when giving roses.  You may give wine as long as it is of excellent vintage due to the fact that Italians are wine makers and experts.  Also, never give anything in a quantity of 17, since the number is bad luck.
• Spain:  As with Canadians, it is safe to not give gifts if it could be seen as ostentatious or bribery.  However, if you feel that it would be appropriate, give a gift of good taste.
• India:  Gifts may be given, but beware of the person’s religion and items that may offend him or her.  75% Indians are Hindu, 7% are Muslim, 3% are Christian and 10% are other religions.  Also, they will not open the gift in front of you but later in private as is custom.
• China: Do not give a gift to a government official because it is illegal.  Give the gift in private or to the whole group as a whole if there are many gifts to be given.  Good quality writing pens are common gifts.  Do not give any of the following because they are associated with death: clock, straw sandals, anything relating to a stork or crane, handkerchiefs, and anything white, blue or black.
• Japan:  Gift giving is important in business and social settings.  The gift is of little importance compared to the grand display you should make out of its presentation.  Always gift wrap the item, but not in white as it symbolizes death.  Also, do not use bright colors or bows.  If having trouble making the wrapping presentable, use customer service of the store or the hotel in Japan at which you are staying to help you.  Like Germans, the Japanese do not like surprises.  Let the person know ahead of time that you will later be presenting them with a gift.   Always give and receive gifts with both hands.  Do not give gifts in numbers of 14, 4 or an odd number as these numbers are bad luck and 4 sounds like “death” in Japanese.  Japanese will not open the gift in front of you, like Indians do.
• So pay attention to each country having different customs regarding gift-giving and make sure it is not considered rude or ostentatious. 
• Information gathered from http://www.cyborlink.com.

The Business Dinner: How to Make a Good Impression

• Having a business dinner or social dinner with business employees may be simple in the United States, but the situation may become more complicated when dining with businessmen and women from another country.

• In the United States, employees may eat breakfast, lunch or dinner together.  This will mostly be a social meeting for building morale, although business can be discussed.

• The following countries have the following customs regarding business meals and social meals with business personnel:

• Canada:  Wait for your host to start a business conversation during or following a meal. Traditionally, business is not discussed during dinner; however, this is slowly changing.

• Mexico: Working breakfasts are popular, meeting at 8:00 or 8:30 at the hotel of those out of town, and usually lasting two hours at the most.  Business lunches are more common than business dinners. They are usually long-term events, beginning between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. and lasting three to four hours, with little time being devoted to actual business. Lunches are used to establish a personal relationship.

• Spain: Dining is usually associated with establishing business relationships in Spain.  It is common to dine with employees for most or all of your meals. Dinner is served late at 9:00pm, so take advantage of the siesta before then.

• England:  A business lunch is most common and will take place in a pub and will consist of a light meal and a pint of ale.  Do not bring up the subject of work after hours.  Do not toast those older than you.

• France: Business can be conducted during any meal, but lunch is best.  Avoid drinking hard liquor before meals or smoking cigars between courses. The French believe this negates the ability of the taste buds, compromising the taste of the meal.

• Germany:  Avoid using humor while the conversation is on business.  This may come off as rude or inappropriate.

• Italy: Give special treatment to the person of highest authority or oldest years.

• Russia: Always toast when the occasion occurs.  Not drinking to a toast is considered an offense.  Social events are more relaxed.  It is acceptable for foreigners to be 15 to 30 minutes late.

• India: Lunches are preferred to dinners for business. Remember that Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork.

• China: It is unacceptable to discuss business at meals.  Meals are social affairs.  Wait for the host or hostess to eat and drink first.  If you are dining on food from China, it is expected of you to taste all the dishes you are offered.  But do not eat too much of one thing.  There may be multiple courses.  Do not eat all of your meal.  This will be interpreted that you are not full and are still hungry. 

• Japan: Business is discussed at meals.  When toasting, the glass is never left unfilled. Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture. It is a way to relieve business stress. However you should never pour the drink yourself.  Allow someone else to do it for you.  If after-hours business is being done at a “hostess bar,” women are not allowed.  Allow the host to order and pay for the meal.

• Australia: Eye contact is important.  Afternoon tea at 4:00pm, evening tea with meal between 6:00 and 8:00, and dinner as a light meal or snack are taken with either social or business means.

• Information gained from links on http://www.cyborlink.com/.  

Dress Wear in the Business World

In the world of business, one must dress formally in business attire.

• For men a suit and tie are appropriate in all major cities, according to http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/us.htm.  Color of suits should be dark, such as black, gray or navy.  For formal situations, a white dress shirt should be worn underneath the suit jacket.  A light blue shirt is appropriate for a less formal situation.  Some businesses allow slacks and a collared shirt without a suit jacket.  A watch is appropriate as one may need to periodically check the time.  Men may generally wear khaki pants with a shirt for casual attire.  

• Women should wear a suit or dress with jacket.  Acceptable colors are navy, gray, black, ivory and white.  Women should wear slacks with a shirt for casual wear. Non-flashy jewelry is acceptable, but keep it simple. One ring, not five.  Wedding rings are acceptable.  One bracelet is okay provided that it does not create noise when you move.  One necklace is acceptable provided that it is not too loud, shiny or distracting.   
• Clothing, whether formal or casual, should be clean and neat in appearance.

• Pinstripes may be acceptable as long as the color of the pinstripes and matching undershirt are not loud colors.  One may include colors in his or her wardrobe as long as they are subtle and appropriate.

• Rural areas with very hot summers allow a more casual dress code.  Also, it is common for rural area work environments to allow for more casual dress year-round.

• Regarding piercings, in some blue-collar work environments and very few laid-back white-collar work environments, one piercing in each ear is acceptable for men and women.  More formal work forces may restrict men from wearing any piercings.  Also, it is very rare for eyebrow piercings or nose piercings to be acceptable at work, but it is heard of.  Visible tattoos are usually forbidden.  One must check with company policy regarding piercings and tattoos to see what is acceptable. 

• As a rule of thumb, it is better to be more formal than casual.  Check with future coworkers regarding dress code if hired by a new company.

Business Etiquette with the Social Question : “How are you?”

• How must one conduct his or herself in a business situation when asked how he or she is or how his or her day is going?  Should a person reveal as much as they would confess to a friend or family member? 
• When presented with the question “how are you?” one must reply honestly without confessing news that is too personal and without taking too much of the other person’s time.  It is acceptable to be honest, even if the day is not progressing particularly well.  However, it is inappropriate to drone on about all the negative details concerning your life’s latest travesty.  An appropriate response is that you are doing well, and it may be appropriate to add that you are doing well because of (reason). 
• If you are not going as well as usual, then it is polite and provides a good impression to still respond that you are doing well.  A co-worker is your co-worker, not your therapist.  It sounds harsh, but it’s the way the business world is.  Your boss or fellow employee does not need to know the intimate details of your life.  They will be impressed if you always reply that you are doing well or excellent.  They will be pleased that you are so positive and therefore a positive influence in the work world.
• Regardless of how much the other person asks about how you are doing and also of how much time they invest into hearing your reply, it is always polite to thank the person for their interest and kindness.  Also, you will be going the extra mile if you return the favor and take the courtesy of asking how he or she is doing.  Taking the time to do so will make a good impression on the other person.  This will allow for the two of you to develop a stronger professional relationship.  It is good to work on developing your professional relationships with coworkers and bosses so that all are working in a positive environment which will even further allow the business to function better and more smoothly. 
• Therefore, you should be short with responses, only provide additional details if they are requested, and thank the person for asking how you are doing, and reply the person with the common courtesy of asking how they are doing and  spending an adequate amount of time listening to their reply.  
• I regret that additional reading from other blogs or websites is unavailble, as most social etiquette in the business world topics do not include the "how are you?" conversation.  My content was derived from myself and edited by Polly Matteson at Truman State University's Career Center.