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Read our latest articles covering key topics that your company needs
to understand when expanding in the USA.
US Decision-Making | Why Americans Decide Fast and Adjust Later
American decision-making runs on speed, personal accountability, and the confidence to act on 80% of the available information. For international managers used to thorough consensus-building, this can feel disorienting. Understanding the logic behind it is essential to leading effectively in any US business environment.
Legal Termination Guide: How to Fire a US Employee Without a Lawsuit
Terminating a US employee is one of the most legally consequential decisions an international employer can make. The at-will doctrine offers flexibility, but federal and state requirements create serious liability if you get it wrong. This guide covers every step, from documentation to final pay compliance.
German Employment Law vs. US At-Will | What Mittelstand Companies Must Unlearn
Transitioning from Germany’s rigid dismissal protections to the US “at-will” system is a major shift for Mittelstand executives. Success requires unlearning the reliance on long notice periods and complex contracts. By embracing US-compliant offer letters and results-based documentation, German firms can maintain their values while gaining American operational flexibility.
US Work-Life Integration: Why the Line Is Blurry by Design
In the US, “balance” is out and “integration” is in. For international managers, this means moving away from rigid hours toward a results-oriented culture. Understanding that American employees value autonomy over their schedules is key to building trust and retaining top talent in a competitive, fluid work environment.
Foothold America’s Laurie Spicer Joins SelectUSA 2026 Tech Track
Foothold America’s Director of US Expansion, Laurie Spicer, will facilitate the official startup workshop at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, May 3 to 6 at National Harbor, Maryland. Join us for practical, experience-led insights on what it actually takes to succeed in the US market.
US Time Management & Why Speed Is a Leadership Signal
American business culture treats time as a strategic asset, not just a scheduling consideration. International managers who mistake a fast-moving environment for haste risk being seen as indecisive or out of sync, before they have even proven their strategic value. This guide breaks down how US time culture actually works, where it trips people up, and how to adapt fast.
US Leadership Hierarchy & Why Flat Does Not Mean No Authority
American leadership is accessible, but not leaderless. International managers who mistake a flat hierarchy for a lack of authority risk losing the room before they have even made their first big decision. This guide breaks down how US leadership actually works, why open challenge is a sign of respect, and how to adapt fast.
IRS Audit Triggers: Red Flags for Foreign-Owned US Businesses
The IRS does not distinguish between deliberate non-compliance and honest ignorance. For foreign-owned US businesses, the penalties are the same either way and the exposure is larger than most founders expect. This guide covers the seven audit triggers that catch international companies off-guard and how to avoid them.
When to Switch from EOR to PEO | Signs Your US Operation Has Outgrown Its Hiring Model
Your EOR got you started in the US. But if you have a US entity, a growing team, and an EOR bill that no longer makes sense, the model has run its course. Here are the six signs your US operation has outgrown its hiring model and what to do next.
US Communication Style: Direct Words, Diplomatic Delivery
American business communication is direct, but not unfiltered. International managers who miss the difference risk being seen as indecisive or evasive — before they have had a chance to prove themselves. This guide breaks down how US communication style actually works, where it trips people up, and how to adapt fast.
The World Cup Is Coming to America. European Brands, the Window Is Still Open.
On June 11, 2026, the FIFA World Cup returns to American soil for the first time in 32 years. For European brands eyeing US expansion, this is the moment. With 87 days on the clock, a global audience watching, and billions flowing into 11 host cities, the window is open, but not indefinitely.
What the Middle East Conflict Means for Your US Expansion Plans
Geopolitical shocks are disrupting Europe’s economic outlook, but the US market remains comparatively resilient. For European business leaders, the question is no longer whether risk exists, but where it is greatest. This analysis examines energy shocks, growth forecasts, and why US expansion may be more urgent now than before the crisis.
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