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In Britain, people are very polite and reserved. They pay a lot of attention to manners and are extremely punctual.
Knowledge about British culture and their etiquette plays a vital role in creating a good impression while doing
business in Britain.

ñ The British pays a lot of attention to their office attire. It is

conservative for both men and women. Dark suits, usually
black, blue and grey are well accepted. Men's shirts should not
have a pocket. If shirts have pockets, it must be empty. Single
colored or pattered ties must be worn. Striped ties are not well
received. For women, a color doesn't matter, however their
attire must maintain a conservative image.
ñ English are slow decision makers. Hence, they must be given
time to think and decide.
ñ Punctuality is very important for the English. Hence, reaching
early or late is not well accepted.
ñ While greeting someone, a firm and confident handshake is a
must.
ñ Privacy is very important for the English. Hence, never delve in asking personal questions.
ñ Never make an intense eye contact or physically touch a person in public. It is considered inappropriate. Even
during conversations, seldom have eye contacts.
ñ To signal that something must be kept a secret or confidential, always tap your nose.

ñ Gift giving is generally not part of English business.

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Gffice etiquette varies from country to country. Get to know some office do's and don'ts you need to follow in the US
and Canada

ñ The first office etiquette mistake that you can make in the US is not to say "Good
Morning and Good Bye." While the rule is to work as quietly and unconstructively as
possible, being friendly matters and it starts with wishing your fellow workers a pleasant
"Good Morning."
ñ In both American and Canadian business culture "time is money." Punctuality is
considered sacred and people are expected to attend meetings and appointments on
time. However, in Canada, in the French areas, time is more relaxed.
ñ In U.S. business culture, business dressing tends to vary. While in the east most
people wear business suits in the west coast, a more relaxed approach to dressing
is the norm. Executives in most regions of the country, however, usually dress
formally. When in doubt, dress conservatively; you cannot go wrong with it.
ñ While addressing a stranger, one could use Sir, Ma'am, or Miss. And, when
responding, it is polite to answer "Yes, Ma'am", "Yes, Sir" or "Yes, Miss" as a sign
of respect - especially if the person is older than you or if it is a formal conversation. This rule applies to both
American and Canadian business etiquette.
ñ It is advisable to stand at an approximate distance of one arm's length from an
individual when introducing yourself. Offer a firm handshake, lasting 3-5
seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Never address people with their first
names. Unless they ask you, always stick to Mr., Mrs., Miss, and Ms. If you
 don't know the marital status of a woman, the rule is not to assume, always use Ms.
ñ Personal space or gestures differ slightly with the Canadians. In a formal gathering, there is minimal body
movement in American business culture. French Canadians stand closer and are more demonstrative and
expressive. Though a hand shake is expected in Canadian business etiquette, it is better for men to wait for a
woman to extend her hand for a handshake.
ñ The basic rule of introduction to follow is to introduce lower ranking individuals to
higher ranking individuals. And yes always include titles (e.g., Dr., Judge, etc.) and
name prefix (e.g., Mr., Mrs. Ms.).
ñ Americans often ask, "What do you do?" to start a conversation. This kind of
question is not regarded presumptuous, but is rather a way to show interest in the
individual by showing interest in his or her job.
ñ Unlike in Japan or in China, exchanging business card is viewed as an ordinary or
casual activity and follows no formal rules in both American and Canadian
business etiquette.

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In Britain, people are very polite and reserved. They pay a lot of attention to manners and are extremely punctual.
Knowledge about British culture and their etiquette plays a vital role in creating a good impression while doing
business in Britain.

ñ Greeting hosts/guests: The usual way of greeting your hosts is

shaking hands with them. But the one little gesture that many of
us miss out while shaking hands is the opening statement like
'Thank you for taking out time and joining me for lunch' or 'Hello,
I am so and so.'
ñ Using cutlery: Fork is always held on the left hand and the knife
on the right. The prongs of the fork must always point
downwards. While eating dessert, a dessert spoon is used in
place of a knife and one must never try putting food in the
mouth with the help of a knife. Cutleries are always placed
according to the usage on both sides of the plate. Always start
from the outside set.

After the meal is over, the cutlery must be kept at the six o' clock position; the fork on the left hand side with the
tines facing up and the knife on the right hand side with the blade facing in.

Never try to eat with fingers, however there are few food items such as asparagus and gull's egg that must be
eaten with the help of your fingers.
ñ Basic table manners: Food and drinks are always served from the right side. While eating, never lean towards
your plate. Sit straight. For a serving from a food bowl kept away from you, ask someone closest to pass it for
you. Never pick from your neighbor's plate or allow anyone to pick from yours. If extra food is there on the table,
offer others first and then serve yourself.

Always, chew with your mouth closed and swallow before eating more. Never talk while eating. Don't rest your
elbows on the table when you are having your food. Your other hand should always be on your lap.

It is always suggested to excuse yourself and attend telephone calls and it is best to put your mobile phone on a
silent mode when you are lunching with your clients/colleagues.
ñ rinks: If pouring a drink for yourself, always offer to pour it for others first and then serve yourself.

If white wine is served, hold the glass with its stem whereas in case of red wine, hold the glass by cupping the
 bowl.

If port wine is served after the meal, then the decanter must be passed to the person sitting on the left and not
to the right.

For English, it is not a courteous manner to toast for people who are elder to you.
ñ Using a napkin: Napkins are meant to prevent your attire from greasy food and to dab your lips while eating.
Never use it to blow your nose. It must be placed on your lap as soon as you take your seat. After the meal, it
must not be placed back on the table neatly folded. Just leave it neatly but loosely on the table.

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Ôith more and more business corporations emphasizing on the need to entertain the clients, the right dining etiquette
goes a long way in reinforcing your organizations' and your image. Here are some dining etiquette points to
remember while you are in the US and Canada.

ñ It is common to conduct business dinners at homes in American business culture.

This doesn't mean that it's meant to be casual. Make it a point to arrive on time if
invited for dinner, no more than 10 minutes later than invited. Invitations to homes
are rare in Canada and traditionally business is not discussed during the meal.
This rule, however, is slowly changing. If it is a business lunch or dinner it is safe to
wait for your host to start the business conversation.
ñ Always wait to be shown to your seat. Helping yourself before the host starts,
resting your elbows on the table, fiddling with the cutlery and chewing with your mouth open are seen as
disrespectful in almost every country, including the
ñ Don't jump into "business conversations" as soon as you are seated. If you are an invitee, wait for the host to
begin. If you are hosting the business dinner, pace time for the conversation properly. It's ideal to start after
ordering so that, you can have the discussion uninterrupted till the food arrives. Starting the conversation too
early will mean that your are only bothered about business while keeping the guests waiting will make them
wonder, the purpose of the meeting.
ñ In Canadian table manners, fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right
while eating. In American dining etiquette it is alright to switch hands while using a
knife. Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally acceptable in the
Canadian dining etiquette. Table manners are more informal in both the US and in
Canada. You can refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation,
but do so politely.
ñ While small talk after a business discussion is allowed, never be the one to initiate
by commenting about weather or other general topics. It is advisable to steer away
from topics like religion, politics and other controversial subjects at the table.