They would rather have you arrive a few minutes early. Also, if you expect to be delayed even by a few minutes, you are expected to call and inform your host. In contrast with the practice in most other countries, Americans prefer to finish with business first and then begin the socialising. One needs to specifically remember this adage, specially if there s a business meeting scheduled over a meal. The practice is to begin to business discussions soon after everyone s ordered, or immediately after everyone s seated.
Introductions begin with a firm handshake of the right hand.
The handshake should neither too light nor too strong. The Americans do not believe in the ritual of exchanging business cards at every meeting. Talking tips When you are in America, remember you are in a country where assertiveness has value. For the Americans, words are a tool with which to not just express opinions, but to assert oneself. Unlike people from other countries, Americans consider being assertive an asset.