Museums, cathedrals, lagoons? Italy isn't all about that! On that far end of that majestic palace is the corporate world. You don't expect Italy to be one of the richest in Europe without
their dominant culture, do you?
In one recent trip, I had to meet Italian delegates for a business deal and I'd say that it was mixing business with pleasure. More or less, they're quite typical, not far from expectations. Unlike the eccentric and sometimes erratic India, you'll get along with these fools just fine.
The only problem I had was sometimes you would need an interpreter. It's like having a puppet around you, and believe me it gets weird. I get paranoid everytime they'd laugh, as it sounds like they're talking shit or something. But what the heck, I do the same behind their backs!
As refined as their civilization, they prove to be affable but serious when it comes to
business meetings. I've stashed a bundle of business cards and acted out as if I'm checking their names out, when in fact I'm not even going to give them a call. Though if there's something they hold very important, it's punctuality. Never be late if you want a favorable response from these Italians. They are more likely to deal with people they trust.
They also know how to conduct one effective meeting. It's somewhat informal and doesn't need much of grandstanding, for they are direct and immediate when pinpointing the over-all agenda. There is less bureaucrap! Some decisions need be written and deliberated as long term. They are up to the minute and if you want to get their side, make it a win-win approach. Sometimes the main aura of the meeting is to weigh the response and mood of its members when an agreement has already been made privately.
However, negotiations may take time and are sometimes not implemented. At least that's the kink in the Italian corporate culture. But all in all, they're modern and fast-paced in terms of business solutions. That has to be the reason for their booming economy, less crap, more outcomes!
