Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone. Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period. Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions.
In provincial areas, breakfast meetings are rare. Normally, meetings are fixed for mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Wait to be told where to sit. Maintain direct eye contact while speaking. The French carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of
Wearing accessories or make up is excessive in some countries but not in France. Men should wear dark -coloured, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. Jeans and tennis shoes are becoming more acceptable as street clothing but for the most part you’ll see people dressed slightly more formal than that. Women should wear eather business suits or elegant dresses in soft colours.
When offering gifts to certain associates do so very discreetly. If you have forgotten to btring a gift send a handwritten thank-you card following the dinner, along with a small gift. Never present your business card along with a present. If giving flowers stay away from red roses, which are for lovers, and chrysathemums, which are for funerals.
Never put your hands in your pocket while conversing or even while walking down the street. Pointing is only done, if necessary, with the entire hand rather than one finger. Thumbs-up signals are okay but making an «okay» sign with thumb and forefinger simply means «zero» . It’s not uncommon for the French to stand extremely close when speaking, even touching on the arm or shoulder during conversation.
ü While knowledge of French is a distinct advantage in business dealings, it is considered impolite to start a conversation in French and then have to revert to English. üIt is customaty to adress colleagues with the appropriate Madame, Munsieur, Professor or Docteur followed by the surname and a handshake. üAfter an initial meeting, kissing on the cheek is the norm. üAt formal dinners, diners must wait for the moat important guest or the host to give the signal to start eating. üPuncltuality is always good trait but don’t fret if you’re a few minutes late.
ü Work on your personal relationship with your associates rather than giving them the hard-sell. üYour intellect and wit will be more impressive to them than graphs and charts. üWomen are treated with a great deal of respect – more so than men. üWhen attending a dinner invitation never leave until everyone has finished having coffee. üIt may be seen as rude if you refuse to drink wine with your dinner.
You’ll enjoy your stay in this marvelous land full history, business opportunities and unique sites but make a real effort to display signs of class by dressing properly. Displaying good manners and knowing your business well. If you do, you’ll succeed at just about anything.
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