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Key considerations for setting up a business in the USA. Learn about mobility, religion, safety, war, business strategies, HR legislation, geography, and valuable advice for successful operations in North America. Understand the cultural, legal, and practical aspects to achieve business success in the US market.
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Reflections from 30 years presence “over there” To consider when establishing business in the USA
Mobility • New teacher and new class every year at school • College • University Move! • Job • Consequence: • Americans are trained to establish new relations at an early age.
Religion • Many people goes to church on a regular basis • A lot of different religions represented • The church has an important social function • No cursing! • Consequence: • Values & • Church role in • society is important • to understand
Safety • Safety always comes first • At work • At school • Children • In the society in general
War • USA is a country at war • Strong support to the troops • Nationalism • 9/11 – ”We’ll always bounce back”
Business • Cutting edge, front-end, premium rates • Innovation is a part of strategic planning • Competition • Courage & toughness • Contribution to the local community • All in – average is over!
Work environment • HR handbook is very important • Lawyers and agreements Consequence: Documentation
HR Legislation • Can’t ask candidates about age, family, religion or private life in general • Only the last 10 years of work experience required in a resume • Laws/movements are made to not discriminate minorities
Geography and travel • Distances and time zones • Traffic • Weather is more extreme Consequence: Planning is key
North American operation • Headquarters in Arlington, VA with offices in: Dallas, TX Denver, CO New York, NY Portland, OR
Advice • Management needs to be business oriented, adaptable to US way of doing business and skilled networkers • Invest in cultural understanding/coaching for your expats = quicker ROI • Adapt your company’s value proposition to the US market • Pay attention to local cultures/differences • Utilize business networks and chamber of commerce to determine location • Legal advisors are key • Realize that the upfront effort is long, complicated and costly, but once in it’s quite easy to gain traction • Be aware that people in general are good selling/promoting their capabilities. You’ll discover this when reading CVs or resumes. These are normally prepared by specialists • Be prepared and remember – average is over!