Usually, the initial minutes of a French business meeting are used to reaffirm the main purpose of the meeting and to deal with any questions before the main meeting commences. Make sure that you state your business intentions directly and clearly since meetings follow a rigid format with a detailed agenda. During your first business meeting, try to remain respectful and welcoming, bearing in mind that your French counterparts need time to build trust in you and your organisation. The French do have a habit of direct and probing questions, so don’t be offended and offer your plans for a carefully considered proposal – remember they like attention to detail. Be prepared to expand on the details of your proposal. It might seem as if the business discussion becomes an intellectual exercise, this is because the French like a full understanding of the logic behind it. Since they prefer to concentrate on the long-term objectives, make sure you have considered these in your proposal.