Memo

MemoDATE:TO:FROM:SUBJECT:CountryCategoryThe USA Canada MexicoGreetings and Honorific Titles Greet someone with a firm handshake, eye contact1.Man to man: do not toofirm with light touches onthe arm or elbowWoman to woman:likeabove and may kiss oneanother on the check if theyare familiar with each other.Man to woman: exchangehandshake in professionalsettings2.Honorific Title:Professional:use title alonewithout saying the person’slast nameBusiness people:“Mr”“Mrs”“Miss” followed by asurname1.Do not shakehands at socialevents.2. Business cardsare exchangedduringintroductionse professionaltitles when you areintroducing otherse honorific titlesand surnames informal businesssettings1.Greet someone witha sincere smile2.When using firstname, Canadians arequite informal afterbeing invited orasking forpermission.3.Introduce people inbusiness based onrank not genderBusiness attire Dress in a business suitMen:Formal meeting: a white dress shirt Women:Low-cut blouses, short skirts and tight clothing are not appropriate The business suit’scolor is according tothe seasons.Men:dark suits withnecktiesWomen: business suits orconservative dressesCommunication and Relationship 1.They preferdirectness.2.They feeluncomfortable withsilence3.It is rude tointerrupt someonewho is talking.Personal space:1.Canadians like theirspace and prefer to be at anarm’s length.2.Canadians are reticent todiscuss their personal liveswith business associates.Their communication styleis essentially pragmaticand relies on commonsense.1.Business relationshipexists between people, notnecessarily betweencompanies.2.Tell people what theythink people want to hearrather than what theyreally think3.Insist that everything isin perfect order or givingambiguous answersPunctuality and Business Meetings Punctuality is important. 1.Mexicans are notterribly strict.2.It is ideal to schedulea meeting during thelate morning or earlyafternoon.3.Making importantdeals with high-rankingexecutives.4.It is common toengage in small talkbefore the meetingstarts and after thebusiness meeting, afew more minutes ofsmall talk is expected.1.You must be on time,5 minutes late isacceptable with a briefapologize,2.Meetings aregenerally informal andrelaxed in manner,butserious in content3.Participation isexpected in meetings4.Meetings often endwith a summary and aconcrete action plan forparticipants to execute.1.Social occasions andbusiness meetingsdemand punctuality.2.Meetings are generallywell-organized andadhere to time schedulesNegotiations The process moves at a rapid pace 1.The process is fairly slow.2.Face-to-face negotiation are preferred over telephone, letters or email3.They are used to hard bargaining and often do a lot of haggling.4.Deadlines are seen as flexible and fluid.5.Decision makers are senior executives.e facts and statistic figures to support your opinions.2.Negotiations begin with acceptable conditions or demands but there is enough room for bargaining.3.They do not sign a contract without consulting a lawyer. 1.W ithFrench-Canadians, it may mean engaging in a somewhat more aggressive debate.2.Canadians are not overly fond of bargaining and dislike haggling.Gift GivingAn invitation for a meal is usually acceptable. Business meeting:1.Bring a small gift with one’s company logo rather than a significant gift. Mexico’s home:1.Gifts should be neatly wrapped.2.Present the host with chocolates or a quality bottle of wine.3.Do not give marigolds or red flowers but white flowers.1.A gift should not appear to be a bribe2.Gifts from your country will always be appreciated.3.Do not be offended if someone can not accept a gift 1.Gift giving in business setting is rare.2.Partners may exchange small gifts when the contract is signed.3.Gifts are usually opened when received.Entertaining etiquette and table manners Do not begin eating before the host or hostess starts and the guest of honor is often toasted1.Business meetings may be arranged as breakfast meetings, luncheon meetings, or dinner meetings2.You should respond to invitations, even to say “no” to invitation3.Never arrive before the time you were invited.4.The fork is held in the left hand, tines facing down.The knife is held in the right hand.5.The guest of honor is often toasted and should reciprocate by giving a toast of thanks. 1.T able manners arerelatively relaxed andinformal.2.Wait to be shown yourseat.3.Do not rest yourelbows on the table.4.In formal situations,the host gives the firsttoast. An honored guestshould return the toastlater in the meal.Women may also offertoasts.1.Arrive at about 30minutes late.2.Introduce yourself at alarge party while at asmaller gathering the hosthandles the introduction.3.Only men give toasts.4.Always keep your handsvisible when eating.5.When you have finishedeating, place your knifeand fork across your platewith the prongs facingdown and handles facingto the right.6.It’s polite to leave somefood on your plate after ameal。