If your journey to France is primarily business related, you will surely be interested in how you can make a positive first impression on your prospective French business partners.  The most important thing to keep in mind when doing business in France is that French business behavior is all about courtesy and has an enhanced degree of formality.  Remember to be as courteous as you can and keep things formal until you are invited to do otherwise.  For French business people, trust is extremely important if they are considering doing business with you.  In order to earn their trust, you will need to behave properly.

 

When you are getting ready for meeting with French business colleagues, keep in mind that business dress is stylish but understated.  For men, a dark colored business suit is always appropriate for a first meeting.  For women, a business suit or an elegant, softly colored dress will make a great impression.  Be sure to take care with the accessories that you choose for your outfit, because the French appreciate fine things.  If you can see that your French contacts are a little more casual, you can always dress slightly more casually for your subsequent meetings. 

 

Handshakes are a proper way to greet a French business acquaintance.  Business cards are usually exchanged upon your first introduction without a great deal of formal ritual.  If you do not speak French well, you should try to at least learn a few key phrases.  This will show that you are making an effort to speak the language and that you are interested in a long-term business relationship with your French contacts.  It is also a good idea to apologize to your colleagues for not speaking French better. This will ease any possible tension related to them speaking English with you, even though you are the one visitor.  Another gesture that will make a good impression is if you have some business cards printed featuring your English information on one side and French writing on the other side.  Be prepared for your French business partners to be extremely direct with you.  The French are not shy about asking probing questions and digging to find the real truth of the situation.  If you are writing about something business related, keep your writing extremely formal.

 

If you are going to be attending a business meeting in France, keep in mind that it will most likely be scheduled by the secretary of whomever you are going to see.  You should speak with the secretary at least two weeks in advance to schedule your appointment.  If you are running late for an appointment, be sure to call ahead and let your colleague know.  It is considered very rude to show up late for an appointment without calling.  To French business people, meetings are not for making decisions, they are simply for discussing issues.  Do not hard-pressure a contact to close a deal on the first meeting.  This will not be appreciated.  Also, do not make exaggerated claims about your products or services.  French people really don't like over-exaggeration.  For best results, do not try to travel to France for business in July or August.  There is a good chance that your business contacts will be out of town on vacation.

 

Remember to keep things formal and courteous in your French business dealings.  Keep in mind the French values and what they appreciate.  Be tough and don't lose your composure even if things get heated.  If you do strike a deal in France, expect to go through a tedious process to draw up a precise contract.  Then congratulate yourself for successfully conducting business in such a formal and respectful manner.