Perhaps you have heard the expression- when in Rome, do as the Romans do. So when you want to do business in France, you have to get to know French culture, to make marketing plans, and to run your business by local laws.
16 The French take great pride in their language, so anyone who does not speak it may run the risk of being disrespected by his French colleagues or business partners. Also, another reason why learning French is important is that it is a great way to show every possible French business partner that you care and respect their country’s culture and language.
The first thing you should do when meeting someone new is to shake his hand firmly and always look the person in the eye. In social meeting with friends, kissing is common.
Use first names only after being invited to. 17 The French will sometimes introduce themselves using their surname first, followed by their first name.
Dress well. 18 Your business clothing is a reflection of your success and social status. Always try to be tasteful and stylish. Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly. Wearing make-up is practised widely by businesswomen.
The French are passionate about food, so lunches are common in doing business in France, which usually consist of an appetizer, a main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee, and normally take up to two hours. 19
Do not begin eating until the host says “bon appetite”. Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the table and try to eat everything on the plate. 20 This may suggest that you find the food tasteless. If eating in a restaurant, the person who invites always pays.
A. The French draw information about people based on their appearance.
B. This is a time for relationship building.
C. Remember to be as polite as possible.
D. Language should be the focus of anyone planning to do business in France.
E. Be careful with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food.
F. Use Monsieur or Madame before the surname.
G. Make an appointment with your business partner in advance.
DFABE
—Good afternoon. My name is Peter. I’m the general manager of the personnel department. I’ll be interviewing you. Please sit down.
— 61 , Peter. My name’s Jon. Jon Smash.
—Well, Jon, it’s a pleasure to meet you. 62 .
—I’ve been a manager at Nike for over three years. I won manager of the year award two years ago, and I got promoted last August.
—OK. Tell me about yourself…your personality.
— 63 . I think before I act, and if something goes wrong in our company I always remain calm. I never scream at my employees. And I’ve never lost my temper.
— 64 ?
—I think I’m good at solving problems. 65 . I also love challenges. I work well under pressure. When my boss pushes me to finish a project early I always get it done and never complain.
—Jon, you seem like a very good manager. I like your ambition. You’re very confident and motivated. We like that here at Microsoft. Well, our interview is over……
A. I’m glad it’s you who will offer me the opportunity to get the job B. I enjoy approaching problems directly C. Nice to meet you D. What are your strengths E. I owe my success to my employees F. Tell me about your work experience G. I think I’m very level-headed |
61. _______ 62. _______ 63. _______ 64. _______ 65. _______