A Guide to Doing Business in Italy

If you are being sent to Italy for a work trip, you may think this an excellent excuse to sample some glorious wines and sumptuous food, but with all cultures there are certain etiquettes and protocols that must be maintained while doing business. So before you start planning which sites you are going to see in Rome, and which ice parlours to visit, make sure you first go over these rules to doing business with the Italians.

As with all cultures, lateness is frowned upon, and while it is doubtful you would be late for an important business meeting, making sure you get there on time, taking in to account any traffic problems you may face.

Continental Business

If you are late, make sure your excuse is a good one.

Smartness is also key, after all Italy is not the home of fashion for nothing. While you may find it acceptable to come to the meeting wearing your Matalan bargain suit, this may be perceived (quite rightly) as being rather cheap -especially in the home of Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.

As in most countries, simple manners are also important. The Italians greet and depart by shaking hands and this is expected in any business meeting. Of course, the Italian people are also known for overt friendliness, so if you are hugged, do not be surprised - however this is generally only done if you know the person beforehand.

While a 'touchy-feely' lifestyle may be uncomfortable to some, in Italy people are extremely warm and friendly, so if you are used to your own personal space, you may be alarmed at how close some people get. Do not be shocked however, and definitely do not keep your distance, as this may be regarded as being rude and unfriendly.

When in a meeting, Italy businesses tend to favour meetings with established contacts. Therefore, if you are trying to set up a meeting with a potential client, try using a middle man that you both know to secure it. Once it is arranged, make sure you confirm it with a phone call or email.

Also remember that business times are different to that in the UK and lunches in Italy are known to over-run. As such, the best times for a potential meeting are 10-11am and after 3pm in the afternoon.

As for Italian business tactics? Many experts says that the Italians are known to analyse proposals carefully and, it is not unheard of, for them to make last minute changes or demands in order to get the better arrangement out of any deal. However, this may not always be the case, but as with all business meetings, be firm, be frank and the best possible result will transpire.

A Guide to Doing Business in Italy

Valeria LoIacono is a professional native Italian translator and interpreter, specialised in website translations.
http://www.translations-italian.com/
http://www.translations-italian.com/Tips/