The American work culture
American work culture involves a lot of meetings. These meetings need not deal with big decisions, but are more like discussions, and are centered on analyzing, planning and reviewing of a project. Opinions and ideas are shared and objections are made.
Essential points to be considered while communicating with US clients
ADJUST TO US BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN CONVERSATION
Just as it’s important to adjust your greeting style to US business etiquette, it’s also important to adjust your communication style. Remember that communication norms are culturally specific; practices that might be acceptable at home might be considered rude or uncomfortable in a different country.
When it comes to business conversations, you’ll notice that many Americans are assertive and direct. Still, there’s a difference between being assertive and being blunt. Americans might drive hard bargains in professional settings, but, as a rule, they tend to stay polite and appropriate. Always say “thank you,” “you’re welcome,” and “excuse me” when relevant–regardless of your
relationship to the person in question.
Unlike Japanese and other cultures, American culture is uncomfortable with silence. Whether you’re in a meeting or interacting with someone casually, begin by engaging in small talk; if you don’t, you may come across as awkward or even cold.
It’s also important to keep in mind that different cultures have different standards for how much distance you should maintain between you and the person you’re speaking with. In contact cultures–like those in South America, the Middle East, and Southern Europe–it’s normal to engage in closer physical
contact than it is in non-contact cultures like North America, North Europe, and Asia. Americans care about their “personal bubble,” so don’t stand too close when talking and minimize physical contact.
KNOW BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY RULES
In some countries, it’s okay to interpret the rules loosely, or even to bend them as you see fit. This isn’t the case in the United States. It’s a rule in itself that Americans don’t like to work around the rules.
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