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Appearance

Business suit and tie are appropriate in all major cities. Wear dark colored business suits in classic colors of gray and navy. For an important formal meeting, choose a white dress shirt, for less formal a light blue shirt will still give you a conservative appearance.
Women should wear a suit or dress with jacket in major cities. Wearing classic clothing and classic colors of navy, gray, ivory, and white will ensure you give a confident and conservative appearance.
Rural areas and areas with extremely warm summers have more informal wardrobe requirements.
Women may wear a business dress, or skirt and blouse, in rural areas.
Men may conduct business without wearing a jacket and/or tie in rural areas.
The formality of a meeting, even in rural areas, may dictate a sports jacket and tie for men. The same formality will require a woman to wear a dress, possibly with a jacket.
Casual clothing is appropriate when not attending a work related meeting/dinner. Building a casual wardrobe using classic lines and colors (navy, gray, camel, ivory and white) will give you a look that is stylish and professional even when you are relaxing.
Clothing, whether formal or casual, should be clean and neat in appearance.
Men may generally wear jeans or khaki pants with a shirt for casual attire.
Women may wear comfortably fitting slacks with a casual shirt. Wearing jeans or shorts, even in a casual setting, may be inappropriate for the city. It is better to err on the conservative side if you are not sure.

Behavior

Business conversation may take place during meals. However, many times you will find more social conversation taking place during the actual meal.
Business meetings may be arranged as breakfast meetings, luncheon meetings, or dinner meetings depending on time schedules and necessity. Generally a dinner, even though for business purposes, is treated as a social meal and a time to build rapport.
Gift giving is discouraged or limited by many US companies. A gracious written note is always appropriate and acceptable.
If you do give a gift, it should not appear to be a bribe.
An invitation for a meal or a modest gift is usually acceptable.
If you are someplace with a line or queue, go to the end and wait your turn.
Do not use or chew on a toothpick in public.
Many public places and private homes do not allow smoking. In some areas laws have been passed to prevent smoking in public places.

Communications

Offer a firm handshake, lasting 3-5 seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Maintain good eye contact during your handshake. If you are meeting several people at once, maintain eye contact with the person you are shaking hands with, until you are moving on the next person.
Good eye contact during business and social conversations shows interest, sincerity and confidence.
Good friends may briefly embrace, although the larger the city, usually the more formal the behavior.
Introductions include one's title if appropriate, or Mr., Ms, Mrs. and the full name.
Business cards are generally exchanged during introductions. However, they may be exchanged when one party is leaving.
A smile is a sign of friendliness, and in rural areas you may be greeted with a "hello" rather than a handshake.
Ask permission to smoke before lighting a cigarette or cigar. Due to health concerns, you may or may not be given permission.

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