Doing business in France

1. HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN FRANCE

2. You may have seen countless pictures of people proposing their significant others in front of the Eiffel tower, but that isn't the only thing to know France by. The country is one of the best places in the world for small businesses. A lot of people shift their companies to Europe and change their lives around. But it isn't as easy as it sounds. However, the benefits are worth all the efforts you will have to make to adjust to a different culture. There are things unique to the culture of France that you must learn if you want to succeed there.

3. TOP TIPSFOR DOING BUSINESS IN FRANCE If you want to make sure all your business partners and employees respect you right from the start and your company reaches the height of success, you will have to follow a few tips. Here is how you can make it work in France: • 2. Value Their Language • You may not know French, and that is okay. You can throw words like bonjour, madame, and monsieur during conversations but other than that, you don’t have to try speaking in their language if you don’t know it. There are other ways of telling them that you respect their language. • You can get one side of your business card printed in French and bring French translations of important documents during business meetings. • 1. Politeness is the Key • Aggressive sales tactics may work in the US but the French hate being pressurized to do anything. • The only way you can make it work with them is if you stay polite and be patient in your demands. Don’t be too hasty if you want results.

4. 5. Yes to Interruptions • The French don’t like short notice invites for meetings. If they invite you for a meeting, it will be in two weeks-time. So, if you plan on holding a meeting with your business partners or even with the employees of your company, make sure to give them two weeks-time. No urgent invites or emergency meetings are accepted in the French culture. • 3. Proper Use of Names • People tend to introduce themselves using both their first and last names in France so you should do the same. Some might even say their last name first and then say their first name. That is okay too. If you forget someone’s name, there is no need to panic. You can listen to the conversation and ask them for the name later. MORE TIPS: • 4. No Short Notices • The French don’t like short notice invites for meetings. If they invite you for a meeting, it will be in two weeks-time. So, if you plan on holding a meeting with your business partners or even with the employees of your company, make sure to give them two weeks-time. No urgent invites or emergency meetings are accepted in the French culture. • 6. Avoid Controversial Topics • The French don’t like short notice invites for meetings. If they invite you for a meeting, it will be in two weeks-time. So, if you plan on holding a meeting with your business partners or even with the employees of your company, make sure to give them two weeks-time. No urgent invites or emergency meetings are accepted in the French culture.

5. To Conclude It can be scary to interact with foreigners on a regular basis when you don't know their language and culture. Therefore it is better if you prepare yourself in advance and learn all about the French business etiquettes. This way you won't end up saying something wrong and be able to keep the conversations respectful.