Business Differences

 

            Throughout my time here in England, I have experienced the student, tourist, and everyday life all in less than a month! Throughout this time, I passed through many, many shops and found that the tourist and everyday stages, I experienced a totally different experience in these shops. When going to tourist-based areas like Bath and Cambridge, people would consistently welcome you when you came into their shop. Cashiers and owners were very welcoming and usually asked about where I was from. But, when it came to living like a local, this warmth completely switched off. During my time living the “everyday” Londoner life, I lived near Paddington Station (very, very near!!) and I found that shop owners won’t acknowledge you at all unless or until you are purchasing!

            Additionally, politics is veryyyyyy open here! Most of the time, when people would ask where I am from, their follow-up questions would relate to Trump or their own politics. It was so interesting to me that people would end a conversation by asking about your day rather than starting it that way! I also experienced that almost everyone of the locals is in business casual or flat out professional clothing all the time. Being at the mall was quite the experience for my friend and I as even young teens were fairly dressed up. Our jeans and simple tops seemed to put us to shame! Interestingly enough, the last time I was at the mall in Boise, I saw more pajamas than I had ever before! It is also common for businesses here to not have fitting rooms, which has definitely been a down-side for me. During my time here, I did not receive or give any gifts to people I had met, it seems to me that things like hosting gifts and similar things are not in the culture here. I think that if anything, people value the gift of someone’s time much more!

 

           

            If an American businessperson were to attempt to find employment at a business in England, I think that there are three main things they would struggle with. The first being experience versus degree. As mentioned in an earlier blog post, because so many businesses are family-owned, it is clear when someone at a shop (even if it is a chain!), is not part of the immediate family. I think that a typical American would come in with their degree and little experience, but expect themselves to be the best option to hire because of their certificates. The second thing I think could cause for struggle would be timing. Being late is absolutely not an option. Be it late to the train, late to plans, or late to leave, the British are in a hurry!! In accordance to one cab driver, being on time is being past time and considered unacceptable. The third trait that a common American might have troubles with is attire. As mentioned earlier, everyone is constantly in business casual if not professional. Companies around the U.S. either have a very loose dress policy or provide associates with uniforms. While I haven’t been able to notice if people in England are in provided uniforms, it is obvious that no matter the job, even street cleaning, requires slacks and a button down. I think the average American would struggle with this fashion change at first.

 

 

            Throughout all of the different businesses I have visited during my time here, I have experienced a wide range of content with my presence. I think that has been the most interesting difference. In the U.S., it is very, very rare that associates don’t want you there—and even rarer that they make it clear to you!! But here in England, I have experienced some associates are quick to ignore me as soon as they know I am American. I have not been denied business but I have certainly been looked past.