What You Should Know Before Doing Business in Europe

Going to college is expensive but there are graduate student loans available from private lenders to cover the rising costs of education. The investment you make now in your education will bring you so much value in the long-run and you'll gain better employment opportunities in Europe when you have the right degree. Working internationally is an exciting prospect but things operate very differently there. Simple things such as making presentations and building client relationships do not operate the same way as they do here in the US. What are you going to do to ensure you're in the know? You can start to get prepared by reading this article.

It Doesn't Matter Who You Know

You might get by in the U.S. by knowing top executives and some very important people. That won't work in the EU as Europeans put more of an emphasis on a person's knowledge and intellectual ability. You need to be able to hold conversations and bring something new to the table during discussions with clients and potential partners. Spouting off about who you know and who you've done business with will typically leave a more negative impression that will be hard to shake off.

Dress to Fit In

We generally dress to impress here in the US but that's not the best approach to take when doing business with our European friends. Instead, dress to fit in and don't be too flashy with your choice of clothing and accessories. Opt for elegance over trendiness. Choose timeless neutral colors instead of bright, loud tones. Europeans love long classic coats so be sure to invest in one if you're traveling in winter. When packing, the main thing to remember is you want to show your business associates that they have something in common with you – even if it is just a classic suit.

Deals are Done After Meetings

Time is money in the US and meetings run back-to-back, leaving no time for discussions or reflections. Europeans take the opposite approach and, in many cases, the biggest and most important deals are struck after the meeting is over. The atmosphere relaxes after the clock stops ticking and the conversation can lead to the digestion of ideas and the signing of new contracts. The lesson here is to not micro-manage your time and always leave extra time to mingle with people after important meetings.

Don't Play Golf, Book Dinner Instead

A large percentage of deals are done on golf courses all over the US but that's not the case in Europe. If you really want to attract new clients and make the most of your trip, it's time to trade in your clubs for a knife and fork. That's right, deals in Europe are done over dinner and Europeans get so much pleasure out of discussing business while drinking and eating. Never turn down an opportunity to dine out with associates and always try to be one of the last people to leave the table. It might get a little tiring (and your waist line might hate you) but you will come home after each meal feeling like you're making progress towards the goals you had for the trip.