US-Americans often have little knowledge of the guest country and its inhabitants. They have a tendency to be not particularly good in dealing with foreign ways of behavior, and they expect to have everywhere the standards they are used to. That of course varies from one US-American to another, depending on their personality, experience in foreign countries, and where they come from in the USA: there are worlds of difference between New York and Kansas as well. So in any case get advance information of where your US-American guests come from and what expectations they may bring with them.
The USA has a marked culture of being served, especially in the metropolises and business centers. So make sure that right from the arrival of your guests there is a smooth transfer to the hotel. Meet your business partners at the airport and organize all the subsequent transfers, e.g., from the hotel to the meeting in your firm.
In choosing a suitable hotel keep in mind that as a rule US-American business people are used to a high level of service and may have preconceptions. The same is true of cleanliness and hygiene. Room service, laundry service, free and perfectly functioning access to the internet, and English-language TV channels or US-American news services are hoped for, if not expected.
If you cannot find a hotel with those services in the place where your firm is situated, it is worth considering moving the guests to the closest big city and make up for the increased travel with a complimentary, well-organized transport service.
Depending on where they come from, US-Americans are used to having air conditioning both in their hotel and in offices. US-Americans may find rooms without air conditioning unacceptable, especially in the warm summer months. Staying in an overheated room or office will get the visit off to a poor start.
US-Americans often cannot get enthusiastic about the host’s national cuisine, so choose restaurants which serve local specialties as well as international, light meals. A buffet is ideal, where everybody can choose his own food.
Most US-Americans are quite fond of sight-seeing tours involving historic sites and other attractions. They may also prefer outdoor activities as well as leisure activities. Leisurely, relaxed after-meal lounging is not common in the USA. US-Americans prefer to spend time on activities.
Make sure to give your guests plenty of time to themselves because they like to decide themselves what they will do. Be sensitive to times when your guests do not want to or cannot accept a suggestion or an invitation. They won’t necessarily offer a flat-out “no”, preferring to answer vaguely to be polite. Accept their refusal and answer with a no-pressure response like, “No worries, maybe next time.”
For Gulf Arabs hospitality is very important, so demonstrate generosity and helpfulness to your visitors from the Arab Gulf states. Strengthen your relationships with common meals and activities. That will certainly pay off later. Arrival at the airport It is absolutely advisable to meet your Gulf Arab guests at the airport and drive them to […]
In the USA business meals and after work activities are a good social lubricant and are viewed as a standard part of a business deal. Although US-Americans are open and friendly at group common meals and activities, they do not “Only do business with friends”, as in many other parts of the world. Being a […]
Casual small talk US-Americans are certainly considered experts when it comes to innocuous small talk. Having an easy-going conversation helps creating a pleasant atmosphere, and this again is important for doing business. It may well be the case that during this kind of conversation your US-American business partner tells you that it would be nice […]
Tip 1: Be helpful and welcoming! The US-American culture has been shaped by values like helpfulness and hospitality. For the American pioneers those values were essential for survival – and are still expected today. Like long ago US-Americans consider it as extremely important to be neighborly. This includes for example to pop in or call […]
