Corporate Etiquette

I previously posted the necessity to know the people you plan to do business with. In this post, I am presenting specific things to be aware of to make your meeting a success. Because of Canada's various regions, this is extremely important. 

Canadians:

• Take matters of etiquette seriously.
• Are formal, reserved, and polite.
• Demand punctuality for business meetings and social occasions.
• Get down to business quickly.
• Communicate directly, but reserved.
• Dispense with pleasantries very quickly.
• Shake hands firmly with good eye contact when meeting or departing.
• Wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake.
• Use a person's title if he or she has one; otherwise, use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the surname.
• Dress conservatively.

 

French Canadians:

• Use their first name when talking to you on the telephone, but generally use their full name when meeting you in person.
• Use first names in private, but always last names in public.
• Stand closer and are more demonstrative when talking. 
• Shake hands more frequently, even with a subsequent encounters the same day.
• Kiss on the cheeks in traditional French manner.
• Kiss woman on the hand.
• Prefer French but use English; therefore, print your business cards in English or French, including your academic titles and degrees.
• Recognize academic titles and degrees with great importance; you should know and use them properly.
• Dress in a more relaxed European style than their fellow Canadians.

As you read these characteristics, you can see how Americans might find themselves a little outside of their comfort zone. Generally, we are more relaxed, social, and on occasion, a little boastful. So, brush up on your French, put on your suit, and respect the customs of the people you want to build a working relation.

　
Work Cited:
"Canada Business Etiquette & Culture" cyborlink.com. cyborlink.com. Web. 1 March 2013. <http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm>

"Canada" ediplomat.com. ediplomat.com.Web. 1 March 2013. <http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ca.htm>