Doing Business in France

After being invited for a private dinner in Paris, a foreign entrepreneur decided to reciprocate the gesture by offering two bouquets of chrysanthemums (used primarily as funeral flowers in France) and bringing a best-of-breed wine from his own country (as if suggesting that the hosts weren't considerate enough to pick up a good wine). By the way, the meal didn't last long. C'est la vie, n'est-ce pas?     

COMMUNICATION AND BEHAVIOUR

• It's highly recommended that you learn some basic French phrases.
• Your efforts will be praised and the French will go back to English if they realise you are struggling.
• Good posture is essential in this culture.
• Kissing cheeks across genders is a common greeting amongst colleagues at work.
• But you shouldn't attempt to do it until your female counterpart has made the initial move.
• People tend to stand close when talking to each other. Touching and patting is also commonplace in the French business etiquette.
• Eye contact is important as long as it isn't too obtrusive.
• Don't chew gum in public. It's considered vulgar.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.
• Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is considered rude.
• And please do not snap your fingers!
• The French smile shouldn't be perceived as a greeting or a sign of approval.
• The OK sign (a circle with the thumb and forefinger) means "zero" or "useless" in France.
• To show approval, simply raise you thumb.
• Express opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about.
• And be prepared to answer questions about your country, especially regarding history and politics.
• Welcome topics of conversation include praising French cuisine, art, music and philosophy.
• It is extremely rude to ask people about their political inclinations.
• Do not criticise Napoleon!

DOING BUSINESS

• You should be punctual, but you won't be late if you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time.
• Business hours are from 8:30 / 9:00 am to 6:30 /7:00 pm.
• Lunch may last for more than two hours. Long hours are common.
• Wear only conservative clothing of the finest quality.
• If you receive an invitation stating "informal" dress, don't assume you'll be welcome arriving in a t-shirt and shorts.
• For a social gathering, "informal" usually means a jacket and tie for men.
• Most French executives read English, so there is no need to have your card translated.
• If you want to have your card printed in French, it should indicate your position and your university degree.
• Avoid two-sided cards.
• French executives tend to focus on long-term business relationships
• The French can be very straightforward, questioning, and probing. They tend to treat the business discussion as an intellectual exercise.
• Logic will dominate discussions on the French side.
• One's personal ideologies may also enter into the presentation.
• The French won't normally accept anything that goes away from their cultural norm.
• They are, however, receptive to new information that enhances the discussion.
• Discussions are likely to get boiled and intense.
• The focus of an argument may change during the discussion. Digressions are characteristic in the French business culture.
• Be prepared for a long wait before you get an answer.
• You may find that French are often unwilling to take risks.
• Offering presents is acceptable but with discretion. You shouldn't include your business card with the gift.