11 Tips from Working with Americans

1	The Clock is King: Americans tend to live by the clock and the calendar. They are certain that time is a scare resource to be used carefully, divided, allotted to specific activities.	Tip: Be on time for meetings. Respect the Americans need to maintain a schedule. Deadlines are serious. Be prepared to meet them or lose business
2	It's Yours for the Asking just Go For It! You define the "it" and how to "go for it". Anchored in the notion that America is the land of opportunity where everyone of any ethnic, religious, physical or mental ability can play the game succeed. We perceive the odds are generally evenly weighted for all participants. Try for what you want and you'll get accolades for trying whether you succeed or not.	Tip: Treat everyone with respect. The person making copies for your meeting today may be your boss, or fierce competitor next year!
3	My Way or the Highway: Americans are independent and spirited. Consistent with the certainty that everyone is created equal, they view people as special, unique and entitled to 'express themselves'. Whether it is structuring the hours they work, ordering coffee, or a pair of jeans Americans are independent. They want choices and to have their opinions recognized.	Tip: Be sure to involve people in a decision. Provide choices in your product so people can feel you recognize their needs
4	Hi There, Glad to Meet You, What's the Bottom Line? Communication is direct and to the point. Notoriously informal, Americans never intend to insult. They focus on moving quickly, completing tasks, getting results, often neglecting the personal aspect of business. Americans love memos, agendas, numbers (sales, market share), and data. Facts not feelings.	Tip: Be prepared to provide specific information including pricing. Arrange your material in simple formats. Can you distill your presentation into a one page "Executive Summary?"
5	Hip, Hip, Hooray for Our Team! (We Are Family, Equal and Ethical): Americans in business work to create a team spirit around a clear and defined purpose (like planning or product launches). Managers are trained to bring people in Ð socially and psychologically Ð around a common purpose. In most corporations everyone is addressed by the first name without honorifics, no matter age, gender or status to further underscore the idea of equality and open communication. The idea that all people should have the same opportunity is a key to the American's idea that no one (customer, supplier) should get preferential treatment. US companies are shocked by offers of bribes or kickbacks since that would be rigging the rules of the game, and the rules should be the same for and apply to everyone.	Tip: Treat everyone as if they will be the person to sign your contract! Be prepared to be addressed by your given name after the first, brief introduction.
6	Follow the Guides: Americans use outside advisers as a regular part of our business life. You'll find a variety of consultants, accountants, lawyers, and executive coaches. Best known of the guides are the lawyers. Much maligned for big fees and complications they often serve as strategic advisors crafting contracts to help companies avoid problems rather than creating them. Check carefully before you hire and know why you're hiring and what you hope to achieve in the relationship.	Tip: Ask people you respect for recommendations when looking for any advisor. Expect references to be supplied and establish a budget before a project begins.
7	You Look Marvelous: The Package tells the story (in people and products). There is a tendency in the States to initially focus on only the cosmetic aspects of a deal, (a person) rather than the content presented. How slick and professional was the presentation? Did the team look good? Were they dressed right? In a land where books are written about the Brand Called You, marketing and packaging are seriously important. For business people it means, pay attention to the details, to the first impression	Tip: Note that different parts of the country, different industries have varied rules for appropriate attire. As the rules of business dress are changing daily, shifting between casual and traditional, it's wise to ask what to wear.
8	New IS Improved: unlike many European cultures that are suspicious of people who suggest new is better; Americans generally embrace newness of all descriptions Ð brands, buildings, and services. It suggests to us that the newer service, technology, idea must be better than the older one believing the Darwinian theory says the weakest will die out. A country founded on breaking away from established rules, institutions and traditions, the preference for NEW is deeply imbedded in the American psyche.	Tip: Be cautious before you dismiss a new idea or insist that things be done 'the way we always have.'
9	We Are The World: there's generally a very insular view business in the US. Often the view is there are the Americas (called so recently now due to NAFTA's influence), and the "Rest Of the World" (R.O.W.) Until recently Americans could rely on the US market to provide signification profits. Today, that reality has changed but for many the adjustment is slow. Just looking at many US companies' international structures tells you this Ð the way overseas regions are described and managed divisionally Ð with these regions falling under the ROW division or team.	Tip: Don't be surprised if your US based colleague doesn't know about the key issues in your city much less that the best football team can mean Manchester United not the Dallas Cowboys.
10	Plan, Plan, Plan till your Daddy takes your PC away: Americans now seem more determined than ever, in the wake of September 11, 2001 to try to plan for Ð and predict Ð all eventualities. They believe that by planning for something, youÕre prepared and can act quickly and profitably to either exploit a commercial opportunity, or avoid a risk. The drive to plan, organize is related to both the Go For It! Attitude and the Rule of the Clock. There isn't much time and there are lots of goals to accomplish. To do that, create a plan!	Tip: Don't be surprised when you're asked to describe your market entry plan, your training plan, or your plan to increase revenue or where you plan to go on vacation. The assumption is always that you will have a plan
Bonus Tip	Business before Pleasure: The first priority in business is the deal at hand, not the relationship with you . Americans focus first on selling the contract, signing the Proposal and then invest in learning more about you Ð so don't take it personally. When the pleasantries are skipped at the start of your meeting, and you're not even offered a cup of coffee, you'll know why Ð cause it's a "deal thing." This experience can be quite startling if you've met your American counterparts before and been charmed by their informal and friendly greetings, only to see them appear to vanish. It is worth noting that Americans tend to segment their lives, separately business and friendship, even having specific friends for specific activities (my friend at the gym, at church, at the office) without any overlap. Apparently open and welcoming, they can also be private and cool. Here again, the rule of the clock, the busy life, and the adherence to schedule can negate the early welcome. Just remember, no rudeness is intended, Americans don't know they may appear rude!	Tip: Be willing to do business first, build the relationship second. Remember no insult is intended!