Utah: Doing business & staying in touch

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly. Western business courtesies should be observed, although Americans tend to be less formal than Europeans. Appointments and punctuality are expected procedure and business cards are widely used. Dates in America are written month-day-year.

Visitors should be sensitive to the conservative climate the Mormon faith has brought about in Salt Lake City. Drinking is tolerated but is a sure sign of an outsider. Smoking is frowned upon by almost everyone, due to the health-conscious environment. Family values are strong and, when entertaining clients, business lunches are preferred over business dinners, as after-work hours are considered family time. A business visitor who is invited to a client's home should bring candy or flowers, rather than wine or liquor, as an appropriate gift, although these are not expected.