Networking with Italians… It’s a challenge!
The Italian is a gregarious, conservative species. It’s highly social but just within its community.
The Italian is not hostile with other species. It’s known to be friendly and open but doesn’t trust the others.
It will tell you about its family, favourite food and football team. The male might make inappropriate comments on female attributes. However, you won’t get any useful information on opportunities. The Italian is suspicious and fears that you might deprive him.
Italians are highly divided in clans, towns and teams. Italy as a nation is a concept enjoyed by an elite. They can’t stand each other and will despise the enemies and incense friends. You will never get an objective assessment.
Catholics and family really matter in society and both require a sacrifice of the individual interest. Therefore, the Italian doesn’t understand a win-win situation but is an orthodox of egalitarianism: we must be all losers. The winner will take all and eventually be sacrificed… on a cross.
Networking is pointless in the Bel Paese. Don’t even try. If you go to an event you know everybody or won’t meet anybody. Even if you exchange cards they won’t stay in contact. If they do it they are too junior or too senior, ie. out of race.
In Italy you must rely on friends and family contacts. Don’t write an email but ask someone who might know your target. An introduction is a must and a dinner face to face is the best way.
Italians are not bad but doing business there is a nightmare. Don’t waste your time and go on holiday in Italy. A miracle might happen!
