Business Etiquette This book teaches individuals how to represent their

parties—focus on both spouses in attendance,
not just one.
Š
Use business tools for business and save love
letters for after-hours.
Š
There’s no need to bend down to talk to a per-
son who is confined to a wheelchair, any more
than you would stoop down to talk to some-
one who is shorter than you.
Š
Know what to do when someone hands you a
business card.
Š
Make the best possible impression when pick-
ing up a VIP at the airport—clean your car
thoroughly, including the trunk.
Š
Treat receptionists with respect and help them
out by providing a business card when you ap-
proach the reception area.
Š
Use “Ms.” before a woman’s last name unless
you’re instructed to do otherwise.

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158
Business Etiquette

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159
International Etiquette
Appendix
International
Etiquette
Š
159 
Š
When doing business in Australia
When doing business in Australia
When doing business in Australia
When doing business in Australia
When doing business in Australia
Gr
Gr
Gr
Gr
Greetings
eetings
eetings
eetings
eetings
Typical greetings are “Hello” and “G’day,” rather than
“Good morning” and “Good-bye.”
Be prepared to offer your business cards. However,
don’t be surprised if you do not receive one in return.
Because Australia is a society that places less emphasis
on formal social status than many other countries, titles are
not used in introductions to gain respect. Actions and repu-
tations generally outweigh titles.
Conversation
Conversation
Conversation
Conversation
Conversation
Be ready to establish rapport by making “small talk”
before getting down to business. You will find that Austra-
lians tend to be direct and will often expect you to speak
your mind.

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160
Business Etiquette
Appropriate topics of conversation include sports and
tours you have taken while in Australia. If you choose to
discuss politics or religion, be ready to banter. Besides en-
joying your strong opinion, bantering is also considered a
form of entertainment.
Punctuality
Punctuality
Punctuality
Punctuality
Punctuality
Punctuality is both respected and a basic social norm.
If you are late, this fact will reflect negatively on you and
your organization.
Public manners
Public manners
Public manners
Public manners
Public manners
When riding in a taxi in Australia, you will be expected
to sit in the front passenger seat rather than in the back seat.
A warning: The popular American “thumbs up” sign is
considered to be an obscene gesture in Australia.
Business dress is generally conservative.
Business enter
Business enter
Business enter
Business enter
Business entertaining
taining
taining
taining
taining
If you are in a pub, it is appropriate to take a turn “shout-
ing for a round” (that is, paying for a round of drinks).
When invited to a home, a gift, such as wine, candy, or
flowers, is appropriate.
While dinner is served in the early evening hours be-
tween 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., a late evening meal called “sup-
per” is taken a few hours after dinner.
When doing business in France
When doing business in France
When doing business in France
When doing business in France
When doing business in France
Gr
Gr
Gr
Gr
Greetings
eetings
eetings
eetings
eetings
When greeting a person who has earned the title of
professor (