Best networking practices in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is such an exciting city, and in order to make the most of your expat life here, you should dedicate some energy to creating a social and professional network. The networking etiquette in Frankfurt is not that different from the etiquette in other major cities in Germany.
Given the city's diversity and business and finance advancement, most residents are familiar with navigating cultural differences with curiosity and patience. Hence, the city is an excellent spot to meet people from all walks of life, address and challenge your prejudices, and expand your network. In order to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, it's best to follow some networking “rules” that will help you meet new people and fit in well. In this article, we'll go through the most important ones so you know what to expect.
Spoken language in Frankfurt
As it is all over Germany, the German language is the primary language in Frankfurt and is spoken at work among colleagues regardless of how international the company is. This means that although business might be conducted in English, small talk and communication in the office are often in German. Of course, there are exceptions, but you should be aware that you are expected to at least make an effort to speak and understand German if you want to be approached by German people and create an additional network of non-expats in and outside work.
Tip: Learn German to be able to follow the etiquette, which requires a minimum level of German language knowledge for socializing purposes with the German people of Frankfurt.
First contact in Frankfurt
Germans may seem slightly reserved at first, as they don't tend to open up easily about their personal and family matters, and they like to keep their professional and personal lives separate. You are expected to be discreet when interacting with people you don't know that well — whether they are colleagues, friends of friends, or acquaintances. Thus, don't ask questions that may be regarded as too personal (e.g., earnings, political and religious beliefs, questions about the family or family planning, etc.), and similarly, don't feel bad expressing if you feel that someone has crossed a line.
Tip: Meeting someone for the first time gives you several minutes to make a good first impression. Maintain eye contact, especially in professional contexts, and don't be afraid to remain quiet if you feel that you have nothing to add to the conversation.
Building rapport at work in Frankfurt
Since Frankfurt is a business-oriented city, personal relationships among new arrivals can be secondary to work, as many expats come to Frankfurt for work. Punctuality, solutions-based analytical thinking, and hard work are well respected and can be a cornerstone of a good business relationship. The business world tends to be hierarchical, especially in large corporations, and academic backgrounds are important. Overall, Germans are straightforward, so you will be able to grasp immediately what point they wish to make, what they expect from you, and how much space you are allowed for creativity. Germans have a high social conscience, and while they are reserved and like to talk about work, they genuinely care about topics such as sustainability, climate change, and human rights.
Good to know:
When speaking to a person, titles are significant. In the business world, people tend to be addressed by their last name and a title (i.e., Herr or Frau), and if an additional title is known (i.e., Doctor), it should also be mentioned. Wait until they tell you to address them for the first time. In startups and smaller companies, it's common to call each other by first names.
Business meetings in Frankfurt
Organizing a good business meeting shows competence and professionalism. It is important to have a well-prepared agenda that has been explained ahead to all of the members. Punctuality and good preparation are a must. Data and visual materials are great elements to add to a PowerPoint presentation. Some business meetings can also occur over lunch or dinner, which often is a sign of trust and good intentions.
Negotiating in Frankfurt
When trying to get a job in Frankfurt or make a business deal with Germans, it is important to understand that it is not easy to convince them without evidence, facts, and some knowledge of the German language. Germans are competitive professionals who are ambitious and skeptical, which is why it is vital to have a consistent and serious approach when wanting to achieve a professional goal. When discussing a topic, a direct approach is usually respected. However, decision-making is quite a slow and complex process, and it should not be rushed. Informal behavior is rarely liked, and jokes, slang, or confrontational behavior are unlikely to result in a deal. A good and strong handshake before and after a meeting is always a good sign!
Networking events in Frankfurt
Attending networking events in Frankfurt, such as happy hour meetups, career fairs, conferences, book presentations, and seminars that are specific to your interests, brings a lot of opportunities to meet new people. Regardless of the type of event, it is important to act formally and follow proper etiquette (e.g., say “please” and “thank you”; don't use swear words or other offensive language; use formal greetings and titles of respect; don't interrupt others, and wear proper clothes).
Before attending a networking event, it is a good idea to do a little bit of homework and get informed about the participants of the particular event you wish to attend in order to know whom you would like to approach and what points of discussion you could raise (e.g., learning about a new product, service, or trend in your sector). To approach an interesting speaker or participant, you can congratulate them on their most recent work or an element about their work that you admire and give a short introduction of yourself along with your business card if you have one.
Germans may feel a bit uncomfortable when receiving compliments. However, they will surely be kind and polite as long as you are not too pushy or irrelevant. The following day, you can send an email to remind them of your meeting and directly express what you would like to achieve from your interaction with them. Remember, Germans like straightforward communication!
