Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$46,900 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

3.8% (2008 est.)

Population

307,212,123 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

A2

Ease of Doing Business

3/181

Global Competitiveness

1/134

United States : Culture

This guide to business etiquette and culture covers many aspects of doing business in United States. The content has been compiled by experts in business consulting in United States and is provided courtesy of Executive Planet.

Please use the drop-down menu at the top of this page to navigate between the different articles that this guide contains. The contents of the articles are as follows:

Appointment Alert! - Typical vacation times, recommended appointment times, length of the lunch hour, signals that indicate beginning or end of an appointment, best arrival time (early, late, right on time), and more on business culture.

Business Dress - This section covers, specific dress requirements for men and women, what visitors should wear to social functions, and more on appropriate business dress.

Conversation - Here you will find information on welcome and unwelcome topics of conversation, the role of compliments, the tone of voice to be used, whether your hosts are physical or more reserved, and more regarding conversation in the business context.

First Name or Title? - Using titles such as 'Doctor', naming conventions to avoid, when to use first names, and more.

Gift Giving - This section includes recommended gifts, gifts to avoid, good and bad colors for wrapping paper, how to present a gift to individuals and groups, and guidelines for receiving gifts.

Let's Make a Deal! - Negotiating tactics, the value of connections, recommended business card style and content, business card protocol, sitting and presenting yourself in meetings, language for brochures and promotional material, pace of business, preferred presentation styles, final agreements, thinking styles, and adherence to company policy.

Prosperous Entertaining - Typical mealtimes throughout the day, best venues for business entertaining, punctuality for social events, dinner table seating etiquette, mealtime etiquette, importance of alcohol, toasting, guidelines for hosting a banquet/social event, what foods should be served/avoided, accepting and declining invitations, and more on business entertaining.

Public Behavior - This section covers how to greet strangers and introduce yourself, the rules for men shaking hands with women, acceptable demeanor, rules for eye contact, gestures/sayings to avoid, and more on public behaviour.