Doing Business with France.....

If you are considering doing business with France there are a few things to consider, according to www.austrade.gov.au. France is a member of the European Union (EU) and is subject to EU trade regulatory requirements. 

The most important characteristic of French business culture is the emphasis on courtesy and formality. Titles (Dr, Prof. etc.) should be used both in correspondence and in face-to-face meetings, business contacts are not normally addressed on a first name basis.

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Your style of dress is also very important in the business world. For men, office and corporate wear is formal consisting of suit and tie and fashionable semi-conservative wear is considered appropriate for women. French companies are interested in long-term partnerships and once established they need to be maintained with regular visits to France that will ensure continued collaboration. Although some executives speak English it is courteous to check beforehand and as always, it show respect for your business counterpart of you are able to communicate in their language. It is also prudent not to schedule business meetings in August (summer vacation) or workdays adjacent to public holidays.

I found another really interesting blog written by Melanie Jones from the International Business Times and she has given 8 Cultural Cues that make (or break) a deal. I think that she has created a fabulous list so I have included them below (but for a full explanation or her points I will also add the link to her article at the end of this blog.)

Tip One: Respect the Language: In much of the European Union, English is the language used for international business dealings. In France however, the situation is rather different. The French are extremely proud of their language, and there may not be another culture that so regards the language it speaks as such a symbol of the country itself. Almost everyone in the French business world speaks English fluently, but refusing even to make an attempt to learn the language will be an instant mark against you. If you don't have the time to begin learning the language, or if this is a one-time trip, at least make an effort to study some basic French phrases, and apologize for your lack of fluency early on. Your international business colleagues will appreciate the effort, and the conversation will then likely switch to English or a hybrid of the two languages.

Tip Two: Know the French Business Model: When first doing business in France, the formality of the proceedings and almost obsessive adhesion to hierarchy and protocol can seem stuffy, cold or unnecessarily strict. It is important to recognize however, that business dealings are really operating on two levels.

Tip Three: Put an Emphasis on Being Formal and Professional. French businessmen and women like to keep things formal to start, adhering to that strict distinction between the personal and private on the one hand and the public and professional on the other. Begin by shaking hands, and note that the French typically shake quicker and less firmly than Americans. When speaking at the start of a meeting, stick to the vous form (the professional you) until invited to use the tu form of speech (the informal you). Avoid first names, instead using their surname with Monsieur or Madame before it. French people often introduce themselves surname first, so pay close attention when you're shaking hands.

Tip Four: Follow Logic.  The French conversation style, especially in business, puts an emphasis on being direct and questioning. The French are most receptive to rational presentations that are well organized and presented, and will respect a low-key manner (avoid yelling, hand-waving or hyperbole) used to clearly highlight benefits.

Tip Five: It doesn't hurt to be eloquent. Coupled with this stress on logic is, of course, an equal emphasis on charisma. How you argue a position in France is often as important as the argument itself, and serves as a clear indicator that you take the work seriously and are capable of nuanced thought. Eloquence is seen as a cardinal virtue in France, and French managers have been known to rise to their positions, and run their businesses, in part through the force of their rhetoric. Long-term relationships are a stable of French business dealing, and getting to know a person is done n part through reading how they present themselves and their ideas.

Tip Six: Appreciate the Food, Enjoy the Lunch Hours. The only thing perhaps more lauded in France than its language is the country's cuisine, and the French take their food very seriously. Since this is also an incredibly enjoyable and indulgent part of French culture, it's best to dive into this area whole-heartedly, and with great appreciation for the delicacies in store. Business lunches are often very long, running two hours or more, and may not even involve discussing business at all. Instead, they are often used as a way to build the close relationships that sustain business ties, or perhaps to discuss the finer points of an argument or contract detail. Lunches are a big affair, so be sure to come hungry. Most consist of an appetizer, a main meal, a cheese course and dessert, with wine and coffee to drink.

Tip Seven: Adjust to Physical Cues. As with every culture, the French respond to certain physical cues that indicate respect or competence. Maintaining direct eye contact while speaking for example, makes for a good first impression, and correct posture and keeping your hands out of your pockets are musts. Avoid gum chewing, snapping your fingers, or slapping your palm with your fist, as these habits are considered vulgar. Also, never make an okay sign with your fingers, as in France this symbol means nothing or zero. To show approval, simply raise your thumb.

Tip Eight: Be prepared for Cultural Exchange. French people, especially those in business, couple a deep pride in their own country with an abiding curiosity about other cultures, and respect someone who can speak about their country's culture, history and politics in an educated and eloquent way. Personal ideology is also welcome in discussions, and the French appreciation for individualism carries through to a sincere admiration for freedom of opinion and knowledge of the intricacies of one's beliefs, allowing for impassioned discussion that will strengthen, not limit, a professional relationship with your French colleagues. Discussion of French cultural topics is also welcomed and appreciated, though any criticism of Napoleon is greatly discouraged.

Would you like to learn French? Available in our VLLC Melbourne Centre, VLLC Adelaide Centre and Online.
http://www.ibtimes.com/doing-business-france-8-cultural-cues-make-or-break-deal-368258