Day 6 - The US in Paris

Today we headed to the train station and made our way back to Paris. On the agenda? A visit to the US Commerce Services in the Figaro Building. Then it was free time to take in as many Parisian sights as we could fit in the next two days. 

So we headed to the US Commerce Services and had to go through security on the 4th floor of the Figaro Building. They took our passports, had us go through a metal detector, ran our bags through an x-ray machine and took out any and all electronics. If that was the security in the Figaro Building, where they lease the 4th floor, I can only imagine the security at the US Embassy. 

I had never heard of the US Commerce Services before this meeting and unfortunately so. For a company like the one I work for, this is a service we should be taking advantage of. They make introductions, provide trade leads, set up events and  help with licenses and regulations among many other services. As a US manufacturer doing business abroad, having the right connections and relationships is critical for international success. Unlike the US, which is a transactional business society, many other countries (France included) and relationship focused societies. This means you need to know the right people in order to get the job, or even a foot in the door. There needs to be trust between the parties, as opposed to the lowest price. 

After our meeting we headed to the Hard Rock Cafe Paris for a quick drink, then it was back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. After we ate, the entire group hopped onto the metro to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.