When Doing Business There ...

In Italy, being well-versed in dining etiquette and knowing what clothes to wear are important for U.S. people hoping to do business there. Several do’s and don’ts of business in Italy:

Do

* Recognize that dining is serious business. Prestige can be gained or lost at a restaurant table; try not to bring up business until after there has been some social conversation. Italians may slip the waiter a generous tip before dinner to make sure you do not get the bill.

* Keep in mind that good clothes are a badge of success. Italy is considered one of the hubs of the European fashion industry--even casual clothes are chic.

* Write first for an appointment. In scheduling meetings, be aware of summer vacation periods, and remember that companies will be closed in August.

* Bring gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries or flowers when you are invited to someone’s home. Never give an even number of flowers, however.

* Greet and introduce older and more senior people first.

* Study corporate hierarchies. It’s important to understand that titles may not coincide with conception of responsibility. Authority goes with the individual, not the title.

* Shake hands with everyone present when arriving at and leaving a meeting. It is considered proper to shake hands and introduce yourself if you don’t know others in the room.

Don’t

* Exchange business cards at a social event.

* Ask someone you meet at a party about his or her profession--it is considered gauche. Also avoid talking about football, religion, politics and World War II.

* Refuse a social invitation from Italian business colleagues.

* Use first names unless you are invited to do so.

* Eat any fruit except grapes and cherries with your hands. Also, don’t pick up cheese with your hands; use a knife instead.

* Think the Italian phone system is as reliable the U.S. one. Remember, telephones may be different from one area to the next, and they often don’t work well. Banks of phones are usually located at train stations and other government buildings.

Sources: Getting Through Customs database; “Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in Sixty Countries,� Terri Morrison