Minneapolis-St Paul City Guide - Business Etiquette

Businesspeople in the Twin Cities dress well and while suits are still the norm for both men and women in many offices and financial institutions, business dress has generally become more relaxed, particularly on Friday, when many companies allow casual clothes. In winter, practicality takes precedence over style and a heavy coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots are essential. Outside work hours, the Twin Cities are definitely informal – only a few of the top restaurants require men to wear jacket and tie, while people attend theatre and classical music performances in everything from smart clothes to jeans.

The normal workday is 0800-1700, with lunch generally taken between 1200 and 1300, or 1230 and 1330. Meetings can take place over lunch, breakfast or in a more formal setting, depending on the company and situation. Business cards are usually exchanged before or after a meeting. By and large, people are health-conscious and smoking or heavy drinking may be frowned upon in a business environment.

After work, it would be more common for a business guest to be taken out for drinks or to a restaurant by the host, rather than back to someone's home. If invited home, however, wine, chocolates or flowers would be appropriate gifts but are not expected.