Introduction to Doing Business in Seattle

Doing business in various parts of the country can be as different as doing business internationally. That is why I thought I would share my insights, as a native resident of the Emerald City, of doing business in Seattle. Doing business in Seattle is similar to conducting professional affairs in other large cities along the West Coast, namely Portland. Here is a list for you to consider when traveling to Seattle for your next business trip:

Dress Down, Not Up
Seattle is one of the most relaxed metropolitan cities in the whole of the USA. Even if you have an appointment with one higher up, you can probably take what you are planning to wear down a notch on the fancy side. Most people here feel more comfortable building relationships with others that are easygoing. Garbing yourself in a stuffy suit will immediately put them off.

This fact is especially important if you are traveling to Seattle as a salesperson. We Seattleites want to work with those that we can relate, are honest, and can tell it to us straight. Showing up for a sales call wearing a designer suit and shoes could work against, not for you.

Laissez-Faire
Pretty much the only thing French you will find here is the attitude of Laissez-Faire. Keep in mind that I mean this for only social situations, not fiscal. Seattle is among the most liberal cities in the entire country and many believe that you should leave others to live their life however they want. Whether or not you agree with this philosophy, keep in mind that it is prevalent in the business culture of Seattle.

It Takes Us Time to “Warm Up”
I’ve have heard several firsthand accounts from new transplants to the city of Seattle that people are initially not friendly. We can blame it on the clouds and rain that stick around for most of the year, but don’t let that stop you from trying to make connections. If you are in Seattle to network and want to reach out to someone in particular, never forget the power of a smile, a handshake , exchanging promotional magnets, accompanied but a hot cup of coffee on a wet day…