World Wise :
Top Tips for Working With Americans
1. The Clock is King
Tip: Be on time for meetings. Respect the Americans need to maintain a schedule. Deadlines are serious. Meet delivery, completion times or risk losing business.
2. Business Before Pleasure
Tip: Be willing to do business first, build the relationship second. Americans develop relationships through doing business. If they don’t take time to get to know you, remember no insult is intended – they just are keeping to a schedule.
3. Hi There, Glad to Meet You, What’s the Bottom Line?
Tip: American communication style is direct and informal. Be prepared to quickly provide specific information about your products or services including pricing. Arrange your material, your story, and facts in simple formats. Can you distill your presentation into a one page Executive Summary?
4. Informal and Equal
Tip : Treat everyone as if they will be the person to sign your contract. Everyone, no matter their rank or age should be treated as equals. Don’t be insulted if addressed by your given name after the first, brief introduction…it’s the American style.
5. Guides Are Good
Tip: Americans use outside advisers as a regular part of their business lives. If lawyers or consultants are included in meetings do not be offended or anxious. They routinely act as advisors to be sure that issues are addressed to avoid future problems.
6. We Are the World
Tip: Don’t be surprised if your US colleague doesn’t know about the key issues in your city much less that the best football team can mean Manchester United not the Dallas Cowboys.
7. Make It My Way
Tip: Americans want choices, to have their opinions recognized. Be sure to involve people in a decision. Provide choices in your product so consumers believe you recognize their needs.
8. You Look Wonderful Darling
Tip: Packaging is important for people, products and presentations. Neatness and attention to details are important. Are your shoes polished? The definition of ‘looking wonderful’ and appropriate business attire is often unclear. To be sure whether to wear shorts or a suit, ask before you go – what’s the dress code these days?
9. Let’s Do Lunch
Tip: Don’t be insulted when your American colleague suggests getting together but doesn’t follow up with a specific invitation. They are sincere in the wish to get together but too rushed to follow up. You can propose a time or just recognize you’ve received a compliment.
10. What Did You Learn?
Tip: Americans believe it’s acceptable to try new things even if you cannot be certain of success. The foundation of the entrepreneurial culture, part of what makes the US the "Land of Opportunity" is the attitude that you can try, fail and try again. That you try is the important issue. If it doesn’t work the first time, apply what you learn and try again.
|