Perhaps you have heard the expression—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. So when you want to do business in France, you have to get to know French culture, to make marketing plans, and to run your business by local laws.
Language plays an important role when you do business in France. The French are proud of their language, so anyone who does not speak it may not be respected by his French workmates or business partners. Also, learning French is important because it is a great way to show your French business partner that you care and respect their country's culture and language.
The first thing you should do when meeting someone new is to shake his hand firmly and always look the person in the eye. In social meetings with friends, kissing is common. Use first names only after being invited to.
Use Monsieur or Madame before the surname. The French will sometimes introduce themselves using their surname first, followed by their first name.
Dress well. The French draw information about people based on what they look like. Your business clothing is a reflection (反映) of your success and social status. Always try to be tasteful and stylish. The French advise women to dress in a simple but elegant way. Wearing make-up is practiced widely by businesswomen.
The French are interested in food, so lunches are common in doing business in France, which usually include a main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee, and normally take up to two hours. This is a time for relationship building Do not begin eating until the host says "bon appetite". Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the table and try to eat everything on the plate. Be careful with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food.
This may suggest that you find the food tasteless. If eating in a restaurant, the person who invites always pays.
1. in France | |
Language | If you speak French, your French workmates or business partners may 2. you. Moreover, leaning French can 3. you to show your care and respect for their country's culture and language. |
Greetings | You should shake his hand firmly when meeting someone for the first time. It is common to 4. in social meetings with friends. The French will use their surname 5. their first name sometimes when introducing themselves. |
Dressing | The French draw information about people according to their 6. so women are advised to dress 7. but elegantly. |
Table manners | Lunches are common in doing business, 8. a main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee. Do not begin eating until the host says "bon appetite". Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the table and try not to 9. anything on the plate if possible. Be 10. with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food. |