Comments on: Cultural differences between the US and Europe http://stuartbruce.biz/2006/05/cultural_differ.html Public relations, corporate communications and social media Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:33:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ian Bruce http://stuartbruce.biz/2006/05/cultural_differ.html/comment-page-1#comment-2642 Ian Bruce Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:51:46 +0000 http://www.stuartbruce.eu/?p=653#comment-2642 <p>Having worked in marketing and PR circles in Boston and London, I understand the comment. The well-lubricated world of London business isn't so common over here, but networking is still a fine art done well by most.</p> Having worked in marketing and PR circles in Boston and London, I understand the comment. The well-lubricated world of London business isn't so common over here, but networking is still a fine art done well by most.

]]> By: Ian Bruce http://stuartbruce.biz/2006/05/cultural_differ.html/comment-page-1#comment-1578 Ian Bruce Tue, 30 May 2006 16:54:50 +0000 http://www.stuartbruce.eu/?p=653#comment-1578 <p>Having worked in marketing and PR circles in Boston and London, I understand the comment. The well-lubricated world of London business isn't so common over here, but networking is still a fine art done well by most.</p> Having worked in marketing and PR circles in Boston and London, I understand the comment. The well-lubricated world of London business isn't so common over here, but networking is still a fine art done well by most.

]]> By: Stuart Bruce - Wolfstar http://stuartbruce.biz/2006/05/cultural_differ.html/comment-page-1#comment-1577 Stuart Bruce - Wolfstar Sun, 28 May 2006 16:44:34 +0000 http://www.stuartbruce.eu/?p=653#comment-1577 <p>Morgan, I take your points. I was more on about when you are on the road, such as staying in a hotel for a few days at an exhibition/expo such as Cebit, Telecom, Internet World etc. That's when I've noticed the difference. The norm amongst Europeans appears to be hit a bar, then a decent restaurant, then the hotel bar. Americans (in groups as individuals tend to go with the flow). Are more likely to skip the last stage.</p> <p>Sherrilynne, I also skip the alcohol at lunchtime - after work (especially in the situation above) it is different.</p> <p>One major plus is the bonding/camaradrie with clients. It makes it much easier for them to open up to you so you find stories/insights etc you would otherwise miss.</p> Morgan, I take your points. I was more on about when you are on the road, such as staying in a hotel for a few days at an exhibition/expo such as Cebit, Telecom, Internet World etc. That's when I've noticed the difference. The norm amongst Europeans appears to be hit a bar, then a decent restaurant, then the hotel bar. Americans (in groups as individuals tend to go with the flow). Are more likely to skip the last stage.

Sherrilynne, I also skip the alcohol at lunchtime – after work (especially in the situation above) it is different.

One major plus is the bonding/camaradrie with clients. It makes it much easier for them to open up to you so you find stories/insights etc you would otherwise miss.

]]> By: Morgan McLintic http://stuartbruce.biz/2006/05/cultural_differ.html/comment-page-1#comment-1576 Morgan McLintic Sat, 27 May 2006 16:51:36 +0000 http://www.stuartbruce.eu/?p=653#comment-1576 <p>Stuart - must admit that I haven't found that to be the case on the West Coast. Networking is an essential skill in the Valley. I've found my US co-workers to be more adept at mixing with people who they may not know than more reserved Brits for example. Go to a newtworking event in the UK and most people stick to the people they know - not the same here.</p> <p>That said, there is a different approach to socializing and attitudes to alcohol consumption with coworkers, particularly mid-week. Employers are expected to pay if it's a company event - even just drinks after work. Many people drive and so don't drink heavily. Many others organize several meet ups during an evening so move on, which is less common in the UK.</p> Stuart – must admit that I haven't found that to be the case on the West Coast. Networking is an essential skill in the Valley. I've found my US co-workers to be more adept at mixing with people who they may not know than more reserved Brits for example. Go to a newtworking event in the UK and most people stick to the people they know – not the same here.

That said, there is a different approach to socializing and attitudes to alcohol consumption with coworkers, particularly mid-week. Employers are expected to pay if it's a company event – even just drinks after work. Many people drive and so don't drink heavily. Many others organize several meet ups during an evening so move on, which is less common in the UK.

]]> By: Sherrilynne Starkie http://stuartbruce.biz/2006/05/cultural_differ.html/comment-page-1#comment-1575 Sherrilynne Starkie Sat, 27 May 2006 10:43:25 +0000 http://www.stuartbruce.eu/?p=653#comment-1575 <p>Stuart, One of the first things I learned during my stint in DC was that people there are uptight about mixing booze with work. Friday lunch down the pub almost never happens and when it does, it's "diet cokes all round". It's kind of weird when you look at how cheap and freely available alcohol is in the US. To use an Americanism, I think "they have issues" with control and liability. </p> Stuart, One of the first things I learned during my stint in DC was that people there are uptight about mixing booze with work. Friday lunch down the pub almost never happens and when it does, it's "diet cokes all round". It's kind of weird when you look at how cheap and freely available alcohol is in the US. To use an Americanism, I think "they have issues" with control and liability.

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