International+Expansion+Plans


 * ﻿Countries We Would Expand To and Why: **

New Zealand: It gets very cold and small animals need help to heat their bodies since heating places is expensive here. France: French people like their small dogs and we figure they would like them better wearing more than a small purse. Britain: It is cold and rainy here and no one wants their little pets to be cold, wet, and stinky. We would create a waterproof outfit just for them.


 * Test Country and Research For: **
 * France **

__//French Culture //__

-Don’t think TV is reliable -Don’t read newspapers all that often. -mainly listen to one radio station -Get all news from the TV station TF1 -Travel mostly by train -like nature -Passion for food -Extremely proud of their heritage

. The family is the social adhesive of the country and each member has certain duties and responsibilities. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The extended family provides both emotional and financial support. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Despite their reputation as romantics, the French have a practical approach towards marriage. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Families have few children, but parents take their role as guardians and providers very seriously. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The French are private people and have different rules of behavior for people within their social circle and those who are not. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Although the French are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with their close friends and family that they are free to be themselves. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Friendship brings with it a set of roles and responsibilities, including being available should you be needed. Friendship involves frequent, if not daily, contact. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The handshake is a common form of greeting. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbors with the same appellation. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13, which is considered unlucky. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they are used at weddings. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Prohibitions about flowers are not generally followed by the young. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Gifts are usually opened when received. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Dining Etiquette <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">If you are invited to a French house for dinner: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is not as relaxed as in many western countries.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Relationships & Communication <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">French business behavior emphasizes courtesy and a degree of formality. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Mutual trust and respect is required to get things done. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Trust is earned through proper behavior. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very important. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may aid in developing a relationship. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases, since it demonstrates an interest in a long-term relationship. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The way a French person communicates is often predicated by their social status, education level, and which part of the country they were raised. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. In business, the French often appear extremely direct because they are not afraid of asking probing questions. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Written communication is formal. Secretaries often schedule meetings and may be used to relay information from your French business colleagues. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Business Meetings Etiquette <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the level of the person you are meeting, are often handled by the secretary. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Business Negotiation <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. French business emphasizes courtesy and a fair degree of formality. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Wait to be told where to sit. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Maintain direct eye contact while speaking. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Avoid confrontational behavior or high-pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The French will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of how minute. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Business is hierarchical. Decisions are generally made at the top of the company. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The French are often impressed with good debating skills that demonstrate an intellectual grasp of the situation and all the ramifications. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French generally compartmentalize their business and personal lives. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Discussions may be heated and intense. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided. The French are more receptive to a low-key, logical presentation that explains the advantages of a proposal in full. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. When an agreement is reached, the French may insist it be formalized in an extremely comprehensive, precisely worded contract. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Dress Etiquette <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Business dress is understated and stylish. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Men should wear dark-colored, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the personality of the company with which you are conducting business. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft colors. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. The French like the finer things in life, so wear good quality accessories. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Business Cards <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without formal ritual. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Have the other side of your business card translated into French. Although not a business necessity, it demonstrates an attention to detail that will be appreciated. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. Include any advanced academic degrees on your business card. <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">. French business cards are often a bit larger than in many other countries.

__//<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">French Exports: //__ <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Machinery, Transportation equipment, Aircraft, Plastics, Chemicals, Pharmaceutical products, Iron and steel, Beverages <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;"> <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">﻿Main Export Partners: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Belgium, US, The Netherlands

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Main Imports: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Machinery and equipment, Vehicles, Crude oil, Aircraft, Plastics, Chemicals

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Main Import Partners: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, UK, US

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">We could use Busuu.com to help our employees learn French.

__//<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt;">French Economy: //__ <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Currency: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The currency in France is the EUR <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">1 (USD) 1.36856 (EUR)

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Tariff and Trade: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The tariff between the U.S. and EU is relatively low. The EU does not allow U.S. exports of beef, poultry, soybeans, pork, and rice.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Quotas: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The French Senate have approved a low that will only allow radio stations to play at least 40% French music.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Embargo: <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There was an embargo in 1807 made by Thomas Jefferson that closed U.S. ports to all exports and restricted imports from Britain. It was in response to British and French interference with neutral U.S. merchant ships during the Napoleonic Wars. Legislation passed in 1809 lifted the embargo, but continued British interference with U.S. shipping led to the War of 1812.