All About American Culture

For more than 20 years I’ve worked internationally, and I’ve noticed that cultural differences don’t fade away. They still pose a challenge for Americans when working with French or German companies. In fact, even after you put language difficulties aside, intercultural misunderstandings can play havoc with your business relationships.

But I don’t want to warn you off from doing business with Americans. The opportunities are there. A bit of insight is all you need to avoid the worst pitfalls along the way to success.

Working with Americans can pose a challenge for the French and the Germans. Even though today’s managers are aware of their cultural differences, they struggle to effectively deal with them on a daily basis.

Time management, decision-making, and communication style are all parts of the American culture that cause issues for the French, the Germans, and many others. Expectations in terms of service can also vary widely.

In the “American Culture” pages of the blog you will find informative insights into the American way of doing business. I deal with lighthearted topics like why Americans can’t drive, or more political subjects like the role of guns in everyday US life. Sometimes I’ll write about current news, and explain differences or why a given topic is so important for Americans.

I am a French native, and I have lived and worked in the States since 2013. Before that, I worked in Germany for over 20 years. My French roots, my experience in Germany, and my everyday life in the United States have given me an objective outlook on how American culture affects business relations with other countries. I would like to share that with you.

I also share my knowhow and experience at international conferences as an intercultural speaker. I otherwise work as an intercultural marketing consultant and I am more than curious to discuss your projects with you here.

READ MORE

Latest Post

Protected: Changing Careers: Is It My Turn Now?

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password:
Read More
Protected: Changing Careers: Is It My Turn Now?

Some Thoughts on Cultural Differences Between the US, France, and Germany

Context, time frame, and personal space are all key aspects to consider in cross-cultural business. Today, let me share some...
Read More
Some Thoughts on Cultural Differences Between the US, France, and Germany

How Levi’s reflects the American Dream for many Germans and French

On March 21, when Levi’s went public, it looked like the whole planet went crazy. The news made it to...
Read More
How Levi’s reflects the American Dream for many Germans and French

Business dress codes: Differences between the US, Germany, and France

Tourists are easy to recognize by their clothes. But, you might be surprised to hear that business dress codes also...
Read More
Business dress codes: Differences between the US, Germany, and France

Protected: Changing Careers: Is It My Turn Now?
It has been a while you have heard from me. Yes, I’ve...
Some Thoughts on Cultural Differences Between the US, France, and Germany
Context, time frame, and personal space are all key aspects to consider...
How Levi’s reflects the American Dream for many Germans and French
On March 21, when Levi’s went public, it looked like the whole...
Do Europeans Really Move Less Often Than Americans?
Europeans move house much less frequently than Americans. When doing business with...
What do the Super Bowl and Bayern München have in common?
Sports is a good small-talk topic on both sides of the Atlantic....
Holiday myth: Christmas pickles from Germany
Christmas pickles don’t actually come from Germany, and only 7% of Germans...
A European View on America’s Gun Culture
Gun violence is part of my every day life. Time to share...
The Soccer World Cup and American World Champions
Americans call winners of national competitions "world champions." This contributes to the...
Public Restrooms: A Huge Difference Between the US and Germany or France
If nudity is taboo in the US, why are American public restrooms...
Why is Weather in the US a Never-Ending Source of Surprise?
Weather in the US is a never-ending source of surprise. Due to...
5 Things About Life In The US I Wish I Had Known Before
After living in the United States for five years, I still have...
Cultural Differences Don’t Play a Role in Gender Wage Inequality
Cultural differences don't play a role in gender wage inequality, but the...

All about culture

Germany Culture

Here you will find informative insights into the special ways in which Germans think, feel and act about all sorts of things. [expand title=”Read More” swaptitle=”Read Less” trigpos=”below” targpos=”inline” targtag=”span” trigclass=”box-culture highlight arrowright” tabindex=”0″]I deal with lighthearted topics like German humor, organizational subjects like maternity leave in Germany, as well as current news when it arises.[/expand]

French Culture

In the “French Culture” pages, you will find other insights into the French approach to business. I address accessible subjects [expand title=”Read More” swaptitle=”Read Less” trigpos=”below” targpos=”inline” targtag=”span” trigclass=”box-culture highlight arrowright” tabindex=”0″]and reveal key elements of French culture. Understanding cultural differences can help your company success in your business with the French.[/expand]

Day-To-Day Differences

Here I’ll explain differences between France or Germany and the US, or write about current news. Sometimes it’ll be about [expand title=”Read More” swaptitle=”Read Less” trigpos=”below” targpos=”inline” targtag=”span” trigclass=”box-culture highlight arrowright” tabindex=”0″]about why a given topic is so important for Americans, Germans or French people.[/expand]