WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? Image

Be on time, particularly in the north. Executives in Milan often start meetings promptly and spend less time on pleasantries than in the south. At the same time, though, it’s important to know that personal priorities can override professional schedules. Flexibility with agendas (and with contracts) is a key characteristic of Italians, and they will appreciate that quality in you. Your appointment may start within 15 minutes of the planned time in Rome, but being kept waiting for thirty minutes is not remarkable. Accept delays without rancor, and never reveal a sense of urgency to wrap up a meeting or close a contract. ...

Get Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.