How to have a high French business etiquette IQ?

HOW TO HAVE A HIGH FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IQ?

So, how good is your business etiquette IQ?

It can make the difference between success and failure, no?

This is equally true in French business!

Check out the article for some amazing insights into proper French business etiquette, that can help you win more business in the French world, and watch the video for some French that works!

(This week: verb TRAVAILLER – to work)

Knowing and applying proper etiquette is always polite in social situations, but in business it can be crucial to negotiation and could be a deal breaker for your business relationships.

The French world values rules and formality, and aside from a good product or service, it is the relationship with potential clients, partners, or colleagues that will make a difference to your bottom line.

Respect is a very important value, and the French like to go out of their way to show it. And of course they appreciate it when they receive it in return.

In a business meeting you should be aware of a few differences from what you may be used to in an American boardroom.

1.
Avoid exaggeration, because the French consider it naïve, shallow or even rude.

2.
Always be prepared to debate – the more logical and documented argument wins, so you should be prepared with a strong vocabulary and well practiced points. Rehearse your pitch with other French speaking colleagues or with your coach.

3.
Apologizing for not speaking French very well at the beginning of the meeting would be a good way to warn your French counterparts and help them prepare to speak slower and clearer for you. You too should speak slowly to allow yourself to pronounce correctly and to remember your French under the stress of the meeting.

4.
Avoid overly friendly behavior. Always use « vous » without exception as the French make a strict distinction between their business and social life.

5.
Dress conservatively (men in dark colors, women in softer colors), maintain eye contact but don’t stare (read the subtext of what people say and their body language, but don’t advertise the ”I’m listening” attitude) and wait to be instructed where to sit.

6.
July and August are vacation months in France, so avoid scheduling a business meeting during those months. Also avoid scheduling business lunches, as they are not popular in France, so if you want to bring up business matters at the table, wait for when dessert or coffee is served.

Knowing the proper French business etiquette places you in a better position for negotiation. Also, discussing the terms of a deal in French rather than English can and will add an extra layer of professionalism and commitment to your business relationships. Not to mention that you are in complete control over the nuances of your positioning.

Learning the proper way to word your thoughts goes beyond vocabulary and verb conjugation. Phrase construction and pronunciation can change the meaning of your phrase at the least desirable point in a meeting. The clarity of our communication is crucial in a business meeting, so prepare in advance with a strong French language coach. S/he should help you see what mistakes you tend to make, thus putting you in control when you have to correct yourself during an important negotiation.

If you are ready to improve your French language for your business meetings, check out the programs I created for you.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN!
Tell us in the comments below, what is the number one challenge you have during your business meetings in French, and how are you managing it?

Let me guess.