Cleveland City Guide - Business Etiquette

As a Midwestern city whose traditional economic base was in manufacturing, Cleveland possesses the conservative business manner typical of the region. Its citizens are friendly and hardworking. Formal business wear is often worn in the office, although 'dress-down' or 'casual' Fridays are common, especially in summer months. Formal business attire can always be counted on for sales calls or when meeting business associates. The working day typically runs 0900-1700, although many career-minded employees work longer hours.

Entertainment commonly takes place in restaurants (occasionally bars) either during lunch or in the evening. It is not common to be invited into a business associate's home for business purposes, although an invitation to a weekend barbecue during summer months would certainly not be abnormal. Gifts are not usually expected, although token gestures, such as a bottle of wine, are happily accepted after a deal has been completed. Business cards are normally exchanged after meals or meetings, not during introductions. Upon introductions, it is normal to call people by their last names, however, once a relationship has been established, people tend to call one another by their first names. The best time to visit Cleveland for business purposes is between September and May, as the summer is a popular time of year for holidays.