Content
Introduction…………………………………………………………….…….2
1. The modern American, what he really is………………….…..3
2. National characteristics of relationships with Americans…………………………………………………… ………..…………..4
2.1Business etiquette in America……………………………………………………………..4
2.2 Americans in business negotiations……………………………………………………...6
3. Recommendations for communicating with country representatives…….…….…7
3.1Classification of culture according to R. Lewis and E. Hofstede…………….……7
3.2 How to behave with Americans……………………………………………………11
Conclusion………………………………………………………………… …………………...15
References……………………………………………………………..16

Introduction
At the turn of the second and third millennia, it becomes more obvious that humanity is developing along the path of expanding interdependence of different countries, peoples and their cultures.
Cultural diversity is not something that will disappear tomorrow, giving us the opportunity to make plans on the assumption that we understand each other. This phenomenon itself holds riches, the study of which can bring immeasurable benefits not only by broadening our horizons, but also by increasing the effectiveness of our business strategies. People different cultures use the same basic concepts, but invest in them different meaning. This determines the characteristics of their behavior, which often seems to us irrational and the opposite of what we consider obvious. The behavior of other peoples has its reasons. It has its own characteristic features, patterns and traditions.
Attention to the cultural roots and national characteristics of other people, both in society and in business, will allow us to anticipate and accurately calculate how they will react to our proposals. Moreover, we will be able to predict their attitude towards us to a certain extent. Practical knowledge of the basic features of other cultures will minimize unpleasant surprises and give us the necessary understanding that will allow us to overcome past difficulties in communicating with representatives of other countries.

1. The modern American, what he really is.

USA like public education to different historical periods were assessed differently - sometimes with sympathy, sometimes with indignation, sometimes with admiration, sometimes with fear - but the character of the inhabitants of this country caused unequivocal rejection. Excessive efficiency, greed, selfishness, combined with ignorance, rudeness, lack of spirituality and lack of good manners - such traits have been attributed to Americans from time immemorial.
In general, Americans are mere children: loud-mouthed, curious, they don’t know how to keep secrets, they are not distinguished by sophistication, and they behave indecently in society.
An outsider can easily become stupefied by the mere American loud friendliness, especially in the central and southern states. As soon as you find yourself on a plane in the seat next to an American, he will immediately start addressing you in a familiar manner, asking, “Well, how do you like the United States?” This does not mean at all that the next day he will be able to remember your name. American friendliness is a kind of physiological need. They love to love their neighbor and love to be loved. However, the traveler wisely quickly understands that a few happy minutes in the company of an American do not oblige him to anything at all. Americans are terribly afraid that they will be obliged to do something. This is a nation for which the most stable form of human relationships is superficial acquaintance.
The scale and scope are characteristic of Americans. Everything should be the best for them. Their feelings, speech, emotions - everything is a little exaggerated. So the comprehensive cries of American tourists have been getting on the nerves of the population for many years different countries peace. At the same time, they need to be shown only “the most” - the oldest church, the largest painting, the loudest bell, the most expensive palace.
Optimism is an integral part of the American lifestyle. Whatever happens in your life, everything is fine, otherwise it could not be. “Don’t worry, be happy!” They persuade the average American from the TV screen. The famous American form of greeting sounds like a password and feedback: “How are you?”, the answer must certainly be: “Everything is fine!” and nothing else. Simplicity and naivety distinguish the inhabitants of the United States. They are characterized by a childish perception of the world, in which there is only black and white, good and evil, truth and lies, and no halftones, and American values ​​are always true.
The naivety of the Americans is especially noticeable when they encounter the Russians. They so sincerely believe in the infallibility and correctness of their system that they are not able to sense the untruth, even with all their commercial acumen. A serious elderly businessman with tears in his eyes talked about a poor artist from Russia who, having arrived in America, converted to a new faith because, upon entering their church, “he felt some kind of burning in his chest, as if a flame had burst out there.” . The fact that this transition also meant a residence permit, financial assistance and even a roof over his head was in no way associated with the moment of “enlightenment” for the businessman.

2. National characteristics of relationships with Americans
National business culture primarily includes the norms and traditions of business ethics, standards and rules of business etiquette and protocol.
2.1.Business etiquette in America
The style of interaction in the US business world is characterized by pragmatism, disregard for tradition, brevity and the strength of the word given by the partner. Individuality and individual rights are important to Americans. In any crisis situation, it is important for an American to look healthy, energetic and confident. Americans do not hide their passion for money. They will certainly tell you what it costs and how much they receive per year. This figure is usually exaggerated somewhat.
Work for an American should be interesting, enjoyable and not burdensome. Attitudes to work on the East and West coasts are fundamentally different. In California, Americans try to look like they are not working at all, but in the east it is customary to show that you are working hard.
Americans are accustomed to taking every phrase literally. Irony, hidden meaning or linguistic subtleties will confuse them. They have difficulty understanding subtle hints. So don't overload your interlocutor. Americans themselves always say what they think, even when it is best to remain silent.
The business etiquette of American marketing, advertising or PR colleagues is based on professionalism and respect. If Americans arrange a business meeting, then it is certainly aimed at solving problems, and not at friendly conversations. You should ensure that information about your firm and the necessary documentation is distributed before negotiations begin to avoid wasting time.
Americans prefer to have reliable information about those with whom they come into contact (in particular, they insist on providing information about the participants in the negotiations: who works, where and by whom), information about education, published works, inventions, academic degrees, etc.
In the US, you will find that any business meeting is quite intense, has a specific purpose and rarely lasts longer than an hour. Americans immediately jump into action and open discussion to try to find common interests and develop a strategy for cooperation.
In order to successfully negotiate with US partners and leave the most favorable impression, you need to understand that American business is not “family friendly”. Americans themselves usually do not hire family members or friends into their firms and do not enter into business relationships with them. The main thing that interests Americans is fair deals or mutually beneficial relationships - as they themselves call them. Trust in the States is not based on friendship or connections, but is built through fair play, sound business practices and good will. It must be remembered that there are no special terms of transactions or trade secrets for Americans. Any hints may cause distrust of partners.
The law is doubly harsh if you are in America. Even the smallest illegal business transaction often results in lawsuits, huge fines and even imprisonment.
No one is more afraid of people with a bad reputation than Americans. Only on the screens do we see the cool showdowns between American businessmen. In reality, pressure tactics had virtually no place in American business in the 1990s and early part of the new century. Your reputation will be built on open transactions with all partners.
First of all, you need to gain the trust of the Americans. To do this, you need to prove that your company is strong and stable both financially and professionally. In addition, it is important to show that in business - your company is interested not only in money, but also in social responsibility (caring for workers, for society), which is now considered the main requirement for business in America. After all, socially irresponsible activities can even land you in the dock. Therefore, American companies employ low-income people, participate in city improvement projects, lobby the city government to improve the living conditions of the city’s low-income population, etc.
The behavioral characteristics of business Americans are determined by the traits national character, the education system and ideas about the dominant position of the United States in the world. The American education system is designed in such a way as to develop in citizens a sense of independence, independence, the ability to compete and win everywhere and in everything. Success is often measured by the amount of money earned.
The life of an American is a schedule that is drawn up for every day and strictly followed. YOU have probably seen refrigerators hung with everything in American films. That’s where each family member’s plans for the coming week are attached with a magnet. That’s why Americans are very punctual and are never late for business meetings. The time of such meetings and negotiations is strictly limited - no more than an hour. At the same time, Americans are convinced that their partner should be guided by the same rules.
2.2.Americans in business negotiations
During business negotiations, Americans are characterized by a good mood, energy, and an outward display of friendliness. They appreciate jokes and respond well to them.
Each individual American who occupies a high position in a company has more freedom in making final decisions than representatives of other countries. Therefore, you will be faced with the fact that American partners will try to impose their rules of the game, showing a certain aggressiveness. You need to remember three rules in negotiations: analyze - divide responsibilities - check execution.
Usually negotiations take place one on one. Proposals are discussed with general issue, and then gradually move on to the details, Details in the USA are very important because. For Americans, there are no small details when organizing any business. Your partners will not waste time on formalities. They will immediately get to the heart of the matter, while showing healthy pragmatism. Try to avoid any pauses in the conversation. Americans are ready to ask a whole tirade of straightforward questions at any moment. During negotiations, the Americans will push you. They may constantly ask you to speed up your response to their proposal or to rush into making a decision. For an American, the main thing is success - after all, success is followed by new success.
During negotiations, Americans can put their foot on an adjacent chair or table or cross their legs so that the shoe of one foot is on the knee of the other (usually in America gays sit cross-legged, so it’s better not to do this).
There are far more women in the US business world than in any other country. You should treat them like business partners and not just ladies. In the United States, excessive gallantry is not accepted in the business atmosphere. You should avoid questions of a personal nature and do not try to find out whether a woman is married.
Americans communicate with each other by name, regardless of age or status. So don't be offended. At first glance, this gives communication or negotiations with Americans a friendly character and an informal atmosphere. This is often the case.
If you receive an invitation from an American to his house, this is a good sign. You were noticed and appreciated. In this case, it is worth bringing a gift - a souvenir or a bottle of wine. Although business gifts are not accepted here, they can be perceived as a bribe, and in America they do not joke about this. At the table they often drink cocktails and beer. You can talk with Americans about family, hobbies, sports, but we do not advise you to get involved in religious or political discussions.
If your American partners trust you, they will certainly invite you to join the company, or arrange a vacation outside the city or even at a resort. Moreover, the costs in such cases are borne by the American company.
Americans are supporters of a healthy lifestyle and balanced nutrition. Middle-aged and older people try to minimize foods containing cholesterol and prefer fruits and vegetables. Although traditional American food is very popular. Americans do not welcome smoking.

3. Recommendations for communicating with country representatives
3.1.Classification of American culture according to R. Lewis and E. Hofstede
E. Hofstede's model.
4 groups of business culture parameters:

attitude to time
attitude towards nature
interpersonal relationships
types of corporate cultures

Attitude to time

Different business cultures approach time differently. It is obvious, however, that successful management of an organization is difficult if the employees involved in it feel and evaluate time differently. The success of cooperation often depends on how well business partners from different countries treat time equally.
Business cultures are divided into polychronic and monochronic. The USA is a representative of monochronic cultures. An important psychological attitude in American business is consistency and concentration on one thing at a time. Americans take time seriously. Accuracy and punctuality are considered a virtue and an essential attribute of serious business. Dealing with several issues at the same time is considered bad manners and an inability to organize oneself.
American time is the most valuable in the world. For Americans, time is money in the full sense of the word. In general, focused on multiplying profits, time is a precious and even rare commodity. It flows as quickly as a mountain river in the spring, and if you want to get income from it, you have to move quickly after it.
Americans are active people; idleness is unbearable for them. The past is no longer there, but the present can still be grabbed and made to work for you in the near future.
The time looks like this: (Fig. 1)
past present Future

And here’s what the American does with it (Fig. 2)

In America you have to make money or you are nothing.
In different countries and national cultures, a person internalizes a certain value system within the framework of family, school and work. And one of the components of this system is always the attitude towards collectivism and individualism. In some societies and cultures, collectivist approaches and principles certainly prevail in the value system; in others, the emphasis is on individualistic aspirations and aspirations of the individual. Often, when characterizing a particular society, they say: “this is a society of collectivists,” or “this is a society of individualists.”
E. Hofstede divides cultures into collectivist and individualist.
Collectivism refers to a value system in which a person perceives himself as part of a group, and only then as an individual.
In an individualistic value system, the individual comes first.
The United States is characterized by the maximum degree of individualism.
Americans openly express critical remarks to their colleagues. Employees in the service are promoted and hired solely on their own merits. In organizations at work, management is focused on the individual rather than the group. Every American in his work is focused on personal success and career. The United States has a high level of press freedom.

Power distance

Power distance refers to inequality in the distribution of power in a society or organization, which is perceived by members of society as normal and taken for granted, and in which members of society feel particularly comfortable.
The United States is characterized by a low degree of power distance.
In work, hierarchy is not perceived as a natural state or the only possible basic principle building an organizational structure. Hierarchy is just a temporary role inequality, necessary for the convenience of management, increasing its efficiency. Therefore, the manager, as soon as he leaves the office, usually ceases to be a boss for his subordinates and turns into an ordinary John, Pete, etc. In this regard, the best boss is a competent democrat endowed with additional resources (both administrative and financial related to the position, as well as personal talents and abilities).
The perception of hierarchy as a temporary role inequality determines a different nature of boss-subordinate interactions. There is practically no difference between a friend and a colleague in America. At work, everyone, with rare exceptions, calls each other by name.

Masculinity and femininity

Masculinity is a commitment to such values ​​as records, heroism, perseverance, goal achievement, material success, etc.
Femininity is a commitment to such values ​​as building equal relationships, a tendency to compromise, modesty, caring for one’s neighbor, comfort, quality of life, etc.
The USA is a country with a masculine culture. In her value system, work is usually considered more important than household functions, although it is for the sake of family prosperity. A leader is respected for strength, speed of decisions, large-scale approaches, and rigidity.
Characteristic features of the “masculinity” of American culture:

career and material well-being are the main indicators of success
The emphasis, even among friends, is on competition and high results
Americans actually live to work (rather than work to live)
a good leader should not consult with the team and resolve issues.

At work, assertiveness, self-confidence, acumen, and penetrating ability are encouraged. The ability to present oneself well is highly valued. Loud, repeating different situations endless stories about your own successes, about how much you have done for the company, is a familiar part of the ritual, an important element of the characteristic culture. The emphasis and motivation of actions and stories is a further successful career.
Americans believe that work should be interesting, enjoyable, and, if possible, not burdensome.
American values: dynamism, the ability to act independently and in one’s own interests, persistently achieve what you claim and not give up what you own, success awaits everyone who is not devoid of initiative and talent, failure is not a complete failure, always there is a land of opportunity.
American management symbolizes the vitality and courage of a free enterprise country.
In most cases, they retain the spirit of pioneers: they are determined, aggressive, goal-oriented and action-oriented, self-confident, energetic, optimistic about life, ready for change, accustomed to achieving their goals through hard work, always able to work in a team and be a bearer of corporate spirit, but They value personal freedom more than the well-being of their company, and they are primarily interested in career success.
Uncertainty avoidance
Uncertainty avoidance is the degree of uncertainty, instability of ambiguity, which in a given culture is perceived as normal and in which members of society feel comfortable. Different business cultures have different perceptions of uncertainty in life and business. One business cultures characterized by a desire to avoid uncertainty as much as possible, others do not.
American business culture is characterized by a low degree of uncertainty avoidance - Americans do not like organization, which extends to both written and verbally formed rules. Both standard and formal provisions are kept to a minimum whenever possible.

Classification of business cultures according to R. Lewis .
Lewis identifies the following business cultures: monoactive, polyactive and reactive.
Americans are very monoactive, i.e. They do one thing at a given time, completely focus on it and complete it according to a predetermined schedule. They believe that with such an organization of work they will be able to act more efficiently and have time to do more.
Americans systematically plan their future, work at fixed times, rarely interrupt during conversations, and respect formality.
American managers will demonstrate and acquire technical skills, rely primarily on facts and logic, and not on feelings and emotions, they will be transaction-oriented, and focus their attention on subordinates on immediate task results. They are organized, stick to an agenda, and inspire subordinates with careful planning.
3.2. How to deal with Americans
American businessmen have a reputation for being the toughest business people in the world, however, they are in many ways easier to deal with. This is because their philosophy is simple. Their goal is to earn as much as possible and as quickly as possible, using such means as hard work, speed of action, opportunism and power (including the power of money itself) to achieve this goal. When making business decisions, they, as a rule, are not guided by sentiment and believe that the dollar, even if not God, is at least omnipotent. This single-minded pursuit of profit by Americans is often perceived as ruthless.
If you wish to establish business contacts with Americans, you SHOULD:

Try as quickly as possible to prove your practical significance and ability to do things well.
Without real evidence of such skill, in the eyes of an American, you are, if not an empty place, then at least a person who means very little, and therefore there is no point in doing business with you.
It is okay to appear rational and practical in everything you do. For Americans, such character traits seem to be perhaps the most important.
Show confidence, determination, but in no case recklessness. Americans highly value determination in people.
Stick to the “golden mean”. Americans, as a rule, are not characterized by extremes and maximalism.
Be direct, simple, even maybe rude or simple-minded (this is forgivable). Americans have all these qualities and are happy to see them in others.
To be businesslike, not businesslike (they can easily distinguish the difference between businesslike and businesslike). Moreover, you should try not to seem too serious. Americans try to do serious business with deliberate ease.
Show yourself as a person of strong convictions (even if they do not coincide with the convictions of an American), but a principled one, capable of proving that he is right. This is one of the most important American values.
Behave uninhibitedly, freely (but not untied), if possible, do not demonstrate your complexes. Americans either don’t have them at all or skillfully hide them from outsiders.
Learn that any manifestation of dependency or freeloading can cause nothing but disgust in an American.
Remember that Americans are not superstitious; all mysticism is alien to them. Suspicions that you believe in all this are unlikely to increase your prestige in the eyes of Americans. They believe in God “earthly”, “sensibly”.
Always remember to give compliments on occasion and without them, words of gratitude and stable phrases, apologies, etc. Sometimes one gets the impression that for Americans all this courtliness is not only a tribute to politeness, but also an exploration of a certain ritual that they absorbed with their mother’s milk.
Smile more often, as casually and naturally as possible.
Americans are true virtuosos of such smiles. Be prepared for the fact that the American forgot about your existence the next day after a warm, serious meeting, during which it seemed to you that you had acquired true friend
for many years.
Show special interest in the American’s family, take an interest in the photographs of his wife and children that are always with him, and, if possible, admire them. An American will regard these signs of attention to his family as a sign of true affection for himself. Present yourself as good family man

. This will increase your rating in the eyes of an American, even one who changes lovers endlessly and cannot count the children scattered across all American states.

If you wish to establish business contacts with Americans, you SHOULD NOT:
Complain about the country in which you live, the life you lead, the government in power, etc., because from the American point of view, it is your own fault that you live this way, that you have such a government, that you have such laws, etc.
Show off, waste money and time.
Bare your soul, confess your secrets, be frank.
All this will seem empty and stupid to an American, because you cannot be frank with someone you don’t know well enough.
Being overly emotional, fussy, unrestrained, choking on words, etc.
Show dreaminess, romance, seem to have your head in the clouds. To Americans, such character traits seem simply provincial.
Being too zealous about being liked, being helpful, etc. These traits are alien to Americans.
Praise everything American without a choice. Americans are sober and, for all their patriotism, look at their shortcomings quite realistically and sometimes with a sense of humor.
Trying to outwit the American. Your success in this enterprise can only be temporary.
By and large, this idea is obviously doomed.
Demonstrate one's superiority over Americans in anything (knowledge, ability to do something, etc.) Over many decades of their history, Americans have become accustomed to honoring themselves first in everything. They have their own “complex” about this

This point is inextricably linked with the previous one. You shouldn't teach an American. He, like a polite person, will thank you warmly, but he won’t like it.

etc.................

A brief set of rules of conduct in the USA.

1. Don't compare the US to other countries.

USA! USA! USA! Americans honestly think that there is no more beautiful country in the world. In any public place you can chant “USA! USAI” and be sure that the crowd will take up the chant.

What not to say: “Here in Russia everyone has free health insurance”

2. There is football and then there is soccer

Be careful with American sports. American football is a cult thing in the USA. Tens of thousands of people attend college games. Fathers and sons do not kick a round ball, but throw an oval one to each other.

What you can’t say: “We have real football. And yours is some kind of bullshit.” 3. Don't be greedy with tips. If you are greedy and leave a 10% tip, there is a chance that the waiter will chase you and ask what was wrong. In America it is not customary to leave less than 15%. Even if the service wasn't the best.

General rule

- “double the tax”. Leave the tax amount multiplied by 2.

4. Taboo topics: race, gender, politics

These are race and gender issues, and the main issues on the political agenda are gun control, abortion, migrants, Donald Trump.

American society is the most polarized (politically) since civil war. Laugh at Texas rednecks only if you're sure the person you're talking to is a liberal from Vermont.

5. Don't call fat people names

You shouldn’t say that you consider obesity a “health problem.” No matter how many fat people you see on the streets. Body positivity is the right tactic.

What not to say: “You should lose weight”

6. Don’t quote Zadornov

Get rid of the stereotype about stupid Americans, which is cultivated in Russia by Zadornov and news releases on federal channels. Although after this person I really want:

7. Don't think about bribing police or other government officials

And try not to get arrested. Police officers in America have significant powers. When meeting with them, you should answer questions briefly and correctly, not make jokes or take a water pistol out of your pocket (or otherwise demonstrate a threat). Attempted bribery is considered a serious crime. Never try to “solve an issue.”

What not to say: “Fuck da police!”

8. Don't wander into dangerous areas of the city

Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles - in every major American city there are areas that you should not go into. These are areas with high criminal activity, where not the most affluent Americans live. They don't even have any attractions. Find out about these places in advance. It’s not that the local gopniks will immediately approach you, but the walk will not be pleasant.

But this threat should not be overestimated. The United States now has the lowest crime rate in 40 years.

9. Don't haggle

The prices for all goods except those that cost hundreds and thousands of dollars (cars, houses, etc.) are market and fixed. Don't forget about sales tax, which is not included in the price of the product.

10. Personal space

Around every American there is an invisible bubble of personal space that should not be crossed. There is no need to press close to people in line or stand too close when talking.

In addition, you should not enter private property for no reason. The No trespassing sign is on point. In many states, it is legal to shoot someone who sets foot on private property if the owner feels that he or she poses a danger.

11. Don't come to the US without health insurance

Seriously. Better yet, buy a good and expensive one. It’s not a fact that she will help you in the end, but you will be calmer. The main fear of an American is not a serious illness, but the subsequent ruin due to it.

12. Don't smoke indoors

Smoking is prohibited in premises, restaurants, shops, at the entrance to buildings, and almost everywhere. And if you are in Silicon Valley, it is better to give up cigarettes for this time. The level of condemnation of smokers there is prohibitive. No seriously. There, smokers are not considered people.

13. Don't smoke marijuana unless you're sure about state laws.

Different states have different laws. Marijuana is completely legalized in 4 states: Oregon, Colorado, Alaska, Washington. In the November 8, 2016 election, California and several other states legalized marijuana for recreational purposes.

If you are found with even a gram of marijuana in Philadelphia, you can go to jail for 30 days and pay a $500 fine. Many other places won't pay attention to this.

17. Don't say anything about the American army.

Or just admire its power and technical superiority. Americans take seriously those guys who risk their lives bringing democracy to the desert. Blame Bush Jr., who started two wars, but let ordinary Marines remain out of the discussion.

18. Do not take off your shoes when entering the house.

Most Americans don't take their shoes off at home. But some run Asian households and take off their shoes. Ask your hosts about this in advance.

19. Don't comment on accents

America is a country of accents. Southern, New York, Irish, Canadian, Mexican, African American and so on ad infinitum. In a country built by migrants, accents are commonplace. Refrain from the “how nice you say.”

What not to say: “What a cute accent you have”

Some tips for traveling in the South of America. This is a special place.

20. Race issues

We have already said that it is better not to touch on this topic. So in the south it’s better not to even hint. And be very careful about what you say in front of African Americans. You can get beaten for “You people.”

Centuries of slavery and segregation have left their mark.

21. Signs of respect and hospitality

Southerners often say “sir” and “ma’am” as a sign of respect. Don’t be surprised and use it yourself when addressing strangers. And after a couple of minutes of communication they will call you sweetie, honey, or baby. This is especially true for older people. This is fine.

Southerners are very hospitable. They can easily feed, drink, or even provide overnight accommodation for a traveler. Don't be surprised if they start asking you personal questions without running around. This is fine.

Southerners are poorer than Americans in the northeast or west of the country, they travel less and are more interested in tourists.

22. Southerners are very religious.

Sometimes shockingly religious. The rest of America jokes about them, but in the South, missing the Sunday sermon in church is the talk of the entire parish. next week. Be careful.

Norms and rules of conduct exist in every country. In the USA there are unspoken laws of good manners that those who are going to America should know.

What is customary and what is not customary to do in the states?

People who meet for the first time say to each other “Good morning (afternoon, evening)” or “How do you do”, “How are you” (“How are you, how are you”). Good friends exchange “Hello!” or "Hi!"

If the girl is not married, then she is addressed as “Miss,” and if she is married, then “Mrs.” A man is called "Mr." Sometimes you can hear "sir" and "madam".

When meeting (acquaintance) it is customary to shake hands. Moreover, this is common not only among men; women, especially in the business environment, also do this.

In the USA it is customary to leave a tip. Tipping is left almost everywhere. This is not a voluntary remuneration; there are mandatory percentages for employees different areas services.

Americans are a very friendly nation, but you should not compare the USA with any other country, especially not in favor of the USA. Americans sincerely believe that there is simply no country and cannot be better than America.

Get to know the features of American sports. American football is very different from the football you know. Also in the USA they love basketball and baseball.

Americans love to talk, but don't bring up race, discuss gender issues, or talk about politics. Besides, it's best not to mention the American army. US citizens take everyone who serves or has served very seriously. Don't even joke about terrorism.

In America, small talk is common. Strangers They constantly start talking about something unimportant. Therefore, do not be surprised if a stranger approaches you and be prepared to answer him with a smile.

There are a lot of immigrants in America, so most people speak with some kind of accent. There is no need to comment on people's accents, it is a common thing for Americans.

It's no secret that there are a lot of fat people in America. But there are also many who care about health and watch their figure. It’s better not to say your opinion about fat people in the states and don’t discuss the problem of obesity at all.

In the USA, there is a reverent attitude towards personal space. Don't get too close to the person; don't violate the American's personal space. You should also not enter private property. In the United States, it is customary to shoot at those who encroach on private property.

You can't smoke almost anywhere. Americans have an extremely negative attitude towards smokers. You can smoke and drink alcohol in specially designated areas.

When Americans come to visit, they don’t take off their shoes. For Americans, it is normal to wear the same shoes both at home and on the street. Please note that it is not customary to come to visit without an invitation.

Residents of the south are especially hospitable, although less wealthy. They sometimes invite a complete stranger into the house and seat them at the table. Americans can ask quite personal questions without hesitation, be prepared for this.

Southerners are extremely religious. They attend church regularly and never miss Sunday sermons. It's better not to joke about religion if you're in the southern states.

America is called the land of opportunity. And this is not in vain. The USA not only has its own strong economy, but also provides big influence on global business. That is why many companies around the world seek to cooperate with American colleagues, opening up new prospects for business.

Thanks to American cinema, it may seem to us that we know the culture and habits of this country quite well, but in fact this is not entirely true. If you want to build lasting business relationships, you should know that Business Etiquette in the USA has its own characteristics and differences from the business negotiations we are accustomed to.

How to behave at a business meeting

First contact

“Time is money” is the main rule of the American business world. However, despite this, it should be taken into account that the Americans allow 10-minute small talk before the start of a meeting or negotiation. Often these are conversations about hobbies, interests or sports. Political discussions or disputes can, on the contrary, put an end to cooperation that has not yet begun.

Greetings

Business etiquette in the United States involves a short greeting with a quick handshake and looking into each other's eyes. It is also customary in America to exchange standard greeting phrases, for example, “How are you” or “Nice to meet you, Mr. Smith.” In the case where the greeting refers to a woman, you should be extremely careful. If you are sure whether your new friend is married, it is better to use the universal greeting “Miss”.

Communication speed

Americans are accustomed to exchanging quick phrases with no long pauses between them. On the contrary, silence can be perceived as something unpleasant and repulsive. Etiquette in the USA does not imply long pauses in conversation.

Harsh remarks

Remember, no matter how expressive or problematic your negotiations may be, US business ethics does not allow the use of profanity or profanity. This also applies to words that are well known to every schoolchild. You may simply be kicked out of the negotiation room.

Business lunch

For those who do not know how to behave at a business meeting in a restaurant, you should pay attention to just one important note. Never sit at the table and choose your own seat. Be sure to wait until you are shown to the chair reserved for you. Very often there may be a sign with your name on it.

Dress code

Regarding business attire, etiquette in the United States is very similar to the general norms of business dress code. A win-win- this is a strict classic. Like us, dress codes can vary greatly depending on the industry and company you join. It is worth noting another feature of business clothing - in America it is not customary to wear open shoes or short dresses to work, even in summer. For Americans this is taboo.