Business Gift Giving
Italians prefer to do business face-to-face with people they know and trust. Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person before conducting business with you. Net-working is a must. Take the time to build the relationship by inquiring about your colleagues family and personal interests. First impressions are important. Make sure to demonstrate respect when greeting your colleagues, especially when meeting them for the first time. Appearances matter – expect to be judged on your appearance, your attire and the demeanor you project. Because hospitality is important to Italians, business entertaining often takes place in restaurants. Refusing an invitation will offend your business colleagues. Also, business cards should never be given in a social situation.