European Business Etiquette
If you are doing business with professionals in Europe, be aware of the business culture in this part of the world so that you can behave accordingly. Adhering to the formal, detailed-oriented nature of European business etiquette will help you to make a favorable first impression that could lead to a beneficial partnership.
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Addressing Colleagues
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It is not common for Europeans to use first names in a business setting, so address colleagues by their titles, unless invited to interact on a first-name basis. In Germany, men are referred to as "Herr" (Mr.), women are addressed as "Frau" (Mrs.), followed by last name. French professionals prefer to be addressed as "Madame" or "Monsieur" followed by last name.
Punctuality
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Being on time for business meetings and professional appointments is essential in Europe. When doing business in the UK, arrive at the meeting location a few minutes early. Business meetings in Italy tend to start later than the scheduled time, but an international colleague is still expected to be on time. In France, most professionals are given a 10-minute grace period when it comes to punctuality, but businesspeople from other countries should always make an effort to be one of the first people at the meeting.
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Professional Greetings
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In a business setting, shake hands with a colleague and maintain eye contact during the greeting. In some European countries, such as Italy or France, women may kiss on the cheek if they are familiar with one another; however, for an initial meeting, a handshake and head nod will suffice. A firm handshake between men is the norm, while women customarily shake hands lightly in Europe. Professional men and women also shake hands in professional environments. In Greece, it is common for a man to slightly touch the woman's arm or elbow while shaking her hand.
Body Language
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Nonverbal communication is very important in European business meetings. Knowing the norms of each culture will save international professionals from embarrassment, or from offending their hosts. For instance, in Spain, it is common for businesspeople to stand very close to one another when speaking. Moving away from a colleague when he is speaking is considered rude. Danish professionals prefer to have more personal space when speaking, so standing or sitting at a distance during meetings is best. When communicating with professionals in Switzerland or Sweden, it is not proper etiquette to have one's hands in one's pockets.
Dining and Drinking
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It is quite common to be invited to lunch or dinner by a European professional to discuss business further. Using table manners such as eating neatly and not talking with a mouthful of food are appreciated. In France, it is proper etiquette to order wine with lunch or dinner. In many cases, the host of the meal will order the wine with the consent of the others who are dining at the table. International professionals should accept the wine and take occasional sips. Businesspeople who are not from Europe should be aware that some beers, such as those in Belgium, are stronger than beverages in North America--and in Greece, ouzo is a potent drink that locals enjoy. Drinking moderately in these instances is essential, as many business deals are lost or damaged due to drunken behavior.
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References
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