Melissa Ratliff to Speak on International Career Panel
- April 13, 2021
- Posted by: Lauren Spagnoletti
- Categories: International, international business, Management, Marketing, MI Team, News

Melissa Ratliff, MI’s VP of Marketing, will be speaking on an International Career Panel on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.
The virtual event, which is sponsored by UNC Charlotte and Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte (YPWACC) – of which Melissa is a board member – will provide young professionals with the opportunity to virtually network.
The panel will discuss international elements of their careers, speak about their experiences, and offer advice.
While Melissa’s undergraduate work took place at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her M.A. and pursuit of a Ph.D sent her to England (University of Leicester) and the Netherlands (University of Groningen), with field work, conferences, and workshops in Belgium, Italy, Tunisia, and China just to name a few. Her expertise in cultural competencies spans the globe.
You can register for the event here.
Melissa Ratliff to Speak on International Career Panel
- April 13, 2021
- Posted by: Lauren Spagnoletti
- Categories: International, international business, Management, Marketing, MI Team, News

In our previous post on the topic, we covered some important things to remember when setting up your company in the U.S. market. Beyond operations, sales, and marketing, a manager would be remiss not to focus on how cultural differences might impact the success of a subsidiary.
The U.S. is not homogenous
Unlike several other countries, the U.S. is vast – and not just in its size. Americans tend to break up the country into its East and West coasts, and the Midwest. But there are even more segments, like the South, Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, Florida, and Texas – all of which differ greatly from each other. There are several big cities, countless medium-sized markets, and even more rural or suburban areas. Interacting with people living in big cities will differ greatly from interacting with people in smaller towns. While it would be unwise to generalize, it is best to understand the culture of the part of the U.S. in which you are doing business before having expectations.
Patience is not always a strength among Americans
When in negotiations or conducting business, Americans tend to want to just get the deal done. While many other cultures take their time, get to know everyone involved, and move along at a comfortable pace, those in the U.S. do not always see a need to drag things out. Get ready for what looks like impatience, when in reality it is just a desire to be efficient and effective.
Don’t plan on in-person meetings
At least not all the time. The tendency for Europeans and Asians to conduct most business in person is not the same in the U.S. Phone calls, emails, and now even video conference calls are the norm. Businesspeople like to work efficiently, and don’t gather in person unless it is necessary. First meetings, larger negotiations, and important topics are generally discussed in-person. Otherwise, don’t be offended or surprised if many of your interactions are taking place remotely.
Open-minded over traditions
A positive aspect of Americans in general is their ability to have an open mind. Many other cultures rely heavily on traditions, and act in certain ways because history dictates that they should. That is not the case in the U.S. Americans tend to welcome new ideas and concepts perhaps more freely than their foreign counterparts.
That being said, Europeans tend to rely on strongly forged bonds in which trust is paramount. Loyalty is key. Americans tend to be looser and more pragmatic when it comes to doing business. They don’t necessarily need to have known someone for years to begin working with them. At the end of the day, it’s about getting the deal done.