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Salve Italia
Text: Complied by Nisan Danisman from www.executiveplanet.com
Italy is such a charming place that even a business trip can be a pleasure. In the listing of Turkey's 50 major trading partners, Italy comes 3rd among countries from which Turkey imports goods and 4th among countries that export goods to Turkey. So, let's do business in Italia!
Tips on scheduling appointments
In Italian business culture, punctuality is not as much of a priority. As a visitor, however, it's usually a good policy to arrive on time. Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes before your Italian counterpart appears or lets you into his or her office.
Lunch breaks can last 3 hours (4 in the south). The best times to make appointments are 10.00-11.00 and after 15.00. Larger companies break for 1 hour.
When planning a trip, check the dates of public holidays as the company and whole region may close down.
Tips on making a deal
The use of business cards is common. Ensure that any academic degrees and your full title are featured as Italian businesspeople want to know that they are dealing with an important person. Whether you are worth doing business with may be more important than the details of your proposal. Still, bring a planned, logical proposal to the meeting.
All presentation materials should be aesthetic. In this culture, it's essential that things [as well as people] look good: appearance is frequently considered more important than "what's inside."
Italians tend to be guided by their feelings. Consequently, make an effort to ensure that people like and trust you.
Final decisions are slow and protracted, taking several months to a year. Be patient. Putting pressure on the decision-making process will be seen as an affront.
Tips on conducting business meals
Hospitality plays a key role and usually involves dining in a restaurant. Refusing an invitation of any kind will be perceived as an insult.
The business breakfast is almost unheard of. Rare exceptions may be found in the major cities. Business is often conducted over a long lunch, which can last up to 3 hours.
It is considered bad form to leave the table for any reason.
Non-smoking sections in restaurants are still a rarity and signs are often ignored.
Coffee is taken throughout the day. Coffee breaks are often used to re-establish personal relationships, especially in tough meetings. Even if you are not a coffee drinker, it is worth taking the time out anyway.
Once you ask for the bill, the waiter will wait at your table until you pay.
Tips on how to dress
Dressing well is a priority here. Your clothing will be perceived as a reflection of your social standing and relative success, as well as your competence as a businessperson. Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. When you receive an invitation stating "informal" dress, don't arrive in a t-shirt and jeans.
An Italian would never wear scuffed, unshined or unfashionable shoes. Wear the best pair of shoes you possess.
Tips on making conversation
Italians are often loud, animated and excited. Interruptions are common. They gesture with their hands while talking to emphasize a point or feeling.
Subjects to avoid include religion, the Vatican and its policies, politics, the Mafia and WWII. Avoid criticizing Italian culture or inefficiencies, even if your Italian counterparts are doing so.
Italian business etiquette requires that personal and professional titles be used both in casual conversation and formal writing. Ensure that you learn and use the titles of everyone you expect to encounter.
Tips on gift giving
Refrain from giving a business gift until you receive one first. Your gift should be a prestigious brand name.
Avoid giving gifts showcasing your company's logo or wrapped in black and gold paper--the colours of mourning.
Tips on proper public behaviour
> Upon introductions and departures, shake hands with everyone in a group. It is polite while doing this to say "buon giorno" [in the morning] and "buona sera" [in the late afternoon and evening].
> It is common to see a person walk up to the front of a line at a bank, restaurant or store and get served first because of their relationship with the clerk.
> Placing a hand on the stomach signifies dislike, usually for another person.
Tips on proper public behaviour
Upon introductions and departures, shake hands with everyone in a group. It is polite while doing this to say "buon giorno" [in the morning] and "buona sera" [in the late afternoon and evening].
It is common to see a person walk up to the front of a line at a bank, restaurant or store and get served first because of their relationship with the clerk.
Placing a hand on the stomach signifies dislike, usually for another person.
İtalya Italy Salve Italia Salve Italia
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