Why Are Americans Always Super Excited?
Are We Brits Too Reserved Or Are Americans Just A Tad OTT?
If you’ve ever attended a webinar hosted by an American marketer or entrepreneur you’ve probably experienced an introduction something like this.
“Hey everybody! So good to see you all. I’m SUUUPER excited to be here with you and tell you all about blah blah blah …”
If there are two presenters, you get double the excitement!
“We are super, super excited to be doing this, aren’t we Amy?”
“Absolutely, Jeff! I can’t wait to tell you about all the exciting things we’ve got lined up for you.”
Really?
Maybe I’m just a jaded, cold-hearted sceptic, but I do find that kind of enthusiasm a little excessive.
To be fair to our American cousins, perhaps it’s down to a major difference in outlook.
The reserved, pessimistic Brit versus the can-do optimism of the American businessperson.
The Advantages of Doing Business In The USA
And, if you are doing business in America, you do have a lot to be optimistic about.
· Being able to sell to the biggest economy in the world
· A more dynamic business culture
· Access to cutting edge technology before it rolls out to the rest of the world
· Lower business costs.
That last point is something that has always got my goat.
You hear so many Americans complaining about the price of petrol and yet it is so cheap on the other side of the pond. According to Finder.com, in October 2023 the average price for a tank of petrol in the UK was £85.
The average price for a tank of petrol in the US was £46.
46% less than in the UK.
And don’t get me started on technology.
When I moved to Turkey in 2004, I was surprised to see some businesses had really old versions of Microsoft Windows on their PC.
“Come on, everyone,” I was saying, “Get the latest version - it’s only $60.
“Look, let me show you on the Microsoft website ... here you go …
“WTF!
“One hundred and ten dollars! That’s like a week’s wages here.”
Why Are Apple Products So Expensive Outside America?
This US – Rest-of-the-World price disparity continues to this day.
An iPhone 15 Pro in the USA starts at $999, while the same phone in the UK starts at £999.
At today’s exchange rate of £1.25 to the dollar, the UK phone would cost $1,245.13.
That’s almost 25% more expensive than the retail price in America.
Maybe it’s because of the increased shipping costs. The iPhones have to go by ship from China to the US west coast. Then over to the east coast by train, followed by another cargo ship across the Atlantic.
If only Apple were able to ship their products directly from China to the United Kingdom.
If only.
So, if you are a British entrepreneur and you are worried that you are not super excited enough about your business, the solution is obvious.
Move to America.
Suggested further reading: https://www.finder.com/uk/international-petrol-prices-map