Moving to Italy with IntlMOVE will prove to be a very exciting experience.
There will be a lot to learn about your new country.
If you are moving overseas for a job, it will be most important to learn about business interactions in Italy.
Protocol, business etiquette and social norms all play roles in interacting with your bosses, co-workers and employees.
Cross cultural awareness will definitely help ensure your success in business matters when relocating to Italy.
Meetings, negotiation styles and work expectations can vary greatly throughout the world.
Investing time researching these differences can save you a lot of misunderstandings when dealing with your new workplace in Italy.
Business Etiquette in Italy
Always act in a considerate fashion when in Italy.
Like in all countries, there is specific protocol, but Italians are very forgiving as long as you practice good manners and courtesy.
When meeting someone, shake hands.
When departing, shake hands again.
After a relationship is formed, don’t be surprised if you are hugged or embraced.
Relationships play an integral role in successful business ventures in this European country.
In Italy, personal space is less defined than in the United States.
You may find that Italians stand much closer to you when talking, but don’t back away.
This is considered rude.
Keep an open mind and understand that the closeness is just part of the culture.
Business Meetings
Italians are big on relationships.
If you want to secure a meeting, network with your professional contacts to see if you can get an introduction at a company.
This will greatly enhance your chances of winning over a new client.
Try to avoid scheduling meetings in August, as most Italians are on holiday at this time.
When starting a meeting, try to engage in small talk.
You can talk about food, wine, football (soccer) or the weather.
When negotiating, take your time.
Negotiations can be a very long process.
Decisions are always analyzed, so don’t expect important decisions to be made right away.
If you demonstrate urgency, this can be seen as a sign of weakness and you could lose the business.
One thing to remember is to stay firm.
Italians are infamous for changing the demands at the very last minute to test the flexibility of their business counterparts.
Business Entertaining
As business relationships are formed, you will notice that entertaining is an important part of business.
Dinner and lunch invitations are expected.
When inviting guests to a business meal, you should ask the most senior Italian contact who he or she would like to invite to the meeting.
The most important guest should sit to the right of the host or in the middle of the table.
Never answer phone calls while eating because the most important part of Italian meals is enjoying the experience.
At the conclusion of the business meal, the host always pays the bill for the entire group.
Fashion in Italy
Many of the top designers in the world call Italy home, so it is no wonder that fashion is very important in this country.
Make sure you are always dressed to impress.
Never show up to work in jeans and a t-shirt, even on casual days.
If you do wear jeans to a more casual event, make sure you dress them up with a belt and nice shoes.
Women should not wear clothes that are too revealing to work, but make sure you look sleek and sophisticated.
IntlMOVE can ship all of your clothes, shoes and accessories along with your household goods so you can be prepared for your new job in Italy.
Punctuality in Italy
It is always considerate to show up on time.
However, be forewarned that Italians have a very relaxed view on time.
If you show up to a meeting late with a good excuse, the lateness is usually dismissed.
When you show up late consistently with little respect for others’ time, this is viewed as very rude.
Always try to be on time.
When you are ready to move to Italy to start your new career, contact IntlMOVE.
The international movers can pack, ship and deliver all of your household goods and furniture to Italy.
Sit back, relax and get ready to start a new business adventure and life in Italy.
