Los Angeles Economy

The wide variety of businesses in Los Angeles encourages a variety of styles, depending on the industry involved. In general, Californians cultivate a relaxed, informal atmosphere in keeping with the climate and the LA kind of life: ‘casual-smart' dress is a good rule of thumb, especially within industries such as film and TV, computing or multimedia. More conservative suits and business dress are the norm in legal and financial institutions. Increasingly in the USA, Friday is a dress-down day in many businesses, with employees wearing jeans or other casual attire in anticipation of the weekend.

The normal working day runs 0800/0900-1700, although some businesses start early, particularly in the film industry. Breakfast meetings, often as early as 0700, are quite common for busy executives. A lunch break is generally taken some time between 1200 and 1400 - if at all. Where alcohol is concerned, it is best to wait and check the preferences of the host. Many Americans stick to soft drinks and Californians in particular are very health-conscious.

Business associates generally exchange business cards at an appropriate moment, usually towards the end of a meeting. Socialising is normally at lunchtime, sometimes during after-work drinks and/or dinner. LA is a notoriously early-to-bed town, due to the early starts in the film industry, so late nights are not common. Hosts generally do not invite clients or colleagues home unless they know them particularly well.