Doing business & staying in touch

Midwest conservatism reigns with regard to business dress and manners. A suit and tie for men, a business suit (both skirts and trousers are acceptable) for women, in banking, legal and sales professions, while computer and media companies are often more casual. Short-sleeved shirts are acceptable in summer. Western business courtesies should be observed, although Americans tend to be less formal than Europeans. Appointments and punctuality are expected procedure and business cards are widely used. Dates in America are written month-day-year.

Business hours are from 0800/0830 to 1700. Working late is common, and it is not unusual to toil well into the night or over the weekend. Business lunches are more common than working breakfasts and may be anything from a sandwich and coffee to a more serious, although not prolonged, restaurant meal.

Often business and pleasure are combined so meeting for drinks or dinner is a popular end to the working day. As a guest, not overindulging in alcohol is always a good idea. Evening dinner invitations can be to the home or to a restaurant. Visitors should bring a bottle of wine to the home or offer to share part of the restaurant bill.