Business Etiquette While Visiting France
Dress for success while visiting this fabulous country where the way you dress is seen as how successful you are in business. Dress semi-formal in most business situations. An invitation for an informal affair doesn’t really mean casual. Although clothing should be conservative yet high quality.
Women should also dress demurely but with style and class. Wearing accessories or make up is excessive in some countries but not in France. It is acceptable, particularly in the summer months, to go without stockings. 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.
Conversations can sometimes swing to lively debates so speak only of things which you are knowledgeable. It’s considered rude to ask about personal things, especially when having just met. Other no-no topics are Napoleon or how the person voted recently. While conversing use titles until asked to do otherwise. “Madame” and “Monsieur” are standard for those whose names you don’t know.
When offering gifts to certain associates do so very discreetly. When in a social situation bring a gift as a thank-you for dinner. Never present your business card along with a present. If giving flowers stay away from red roses, which are for lovers, and chrysanthemums, which are for funerals. Choose something besides carnations and stay away from even numbers of flowers. If you have forgotten to bring a gift send a handwritten thank-you card following the dinner, along with a small gift.
When presenting business cards and other documents there’s no need to have them translated to French. Most French business people are fluent in English. Be polite and business-like when during initial business meetings. Being overly friendly sends up a red flag to most French. The French care about their personal relationship with those whom they’ll be negotiating.
Work on your personal relationship with your associates rather than giving them the hard-sell. Your intellect and wit will be more impressive to them than graphs and charts. Discussions can sometimes become heated; don’t take it personally. Defend your position and present your facts.
In some countries women are treated as though they have no business in the work force. And, some countries even go so far as to forbid a woman at the dinner table. Not so in France. Women are treated with a great deal of respect – more so than men. Women in business, visiting France for the first time, should not be suspect of this.
When attending a dinner invitation never leave until everyone has finished having coffee. Most restaurants will not seat you without a reservation. It may be seen as rude if you refuse to drink wine with your dinner. Decline for health reasons if you absolutely must, otherwise just drink lightly. If, sometime after coffee, you are served orange juice, this is your cue that the party’s over.
While eating the knife remains in the right hand, fork in the left. In France there is often a large assortment of tableware so if you’re unsure of which utensil to use, watch others or work from outside, inward, as courses are served. As dishes are passed to you, take some and pass to your left. You could offend the cook if you get carried away with salt and pepper.
Eat each portion of food given to you without leaving some on the plate, so as not to offend. When finished eating place knife and fork parallel to each other on the right side of the plate. If utensils are left for a period of time on the plate, even though you are not finished, it will be seen as a signal that you are done. When not eating keep hands above the table.
Good posture and manners are seen as signs of class and breeding. It’s not uncommon for the French to stand extremely close when speaking, even touching on the arm or shoulder during conversation. Make eye contact but not intensely.
Chewing gum in public is offensive. Never put your hands in your pockets while conversing or even while walking down the street. Snapping fingers is another taboo. 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”.
You’ll enjoy your stay in this marvelous land full of 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.
