Italian wares are second to none, and their workmanship has been respected world-wide for centuries. From quality leather, wine, and cheese, to fashion, the ‘made in Italy’ label equates with a history of premium craft, unique products, and a tradition of high-end results. Working with Italian companies will not just give you credibility, it gives you a premium image and product.

There’s no use in acting surprised, therefore, that many of these Italian companies have developed a specific manner of doing business. Cognisant of the fact that they are held in high regard, if you’re looking to work with them, you’re going to have to get on their level. Many of them see their work as their life calling, not just a job, and therefore are very particular about how they do their business deals and with whom.

However, there are a couple of things you can do to get them to see you as more than just a tourist or desperate businessman. Just keep these little tidbits in mind, and you’ll have them inviting you for gnocchi followed up with a coffee and biscotto at Nonna’s house.

Learn Italian

Though they don’t expect you to be bilingual in Italian, they will appreciate your effort in trying to communicate with them in their language. They don’t like people assuming that they are comfortable in English, so if you want their quality business, you’re going to at least try as hard at speaking Italian as they do English if you want to win their love.

Don’t Make Document Mistakes

Though you don’t have to be native-level fluent in your conversational Italian, your official translations better be rock solid. Hire professional Italian language translation services with a fast turnaround. Only the highest quality will do, as Italians don’t like to see their language tampered with- only perfection will do. Though you should never pressure them with time, they will expect you to show them respect with timely responses when it comes to business.

Socialize With Them

Italians have a way of mixing business with pleasure, so don’t you dare refuse an invitation to dinner or out for a quick espresso at the place around the corner. By the same token, wine and dine them when the ball is in your court, because Italians are happiest when they are well-fed. They would offer the same to you, so that’s something that they expect for you to provide for them.

Dress the Part

First impressions are big in Italian culture, and that’s partially why they put so much time and effort into their own appearance. It’s also a sign of respect for the party with whom you are meeting, so if you want to impress, you better dress the part. Grooming is also very important, so take the time to style your hair, perfect your makeup, and smell nice. However, in your attempts to look slick, don’t forget to let your personality shine through, as Italians are very personable and they want to feel like they know you well, even if it’s just from their first impression.

Working with Italian brands and production companies could be a huge boost to any business, as the legacy of their quality speaks for itself. However, don’t let the laid-back lifestyle of Italians trick you into thinking that you don’t have to try your very hardest to win them over. The lucky part is that once you do, you don’t just acquire business contacts, you acquire lifelong friends!

So sign up for those Italian lessons or at least download an app, source a proper translation company, and start working on your swag. Once you start thinking, eating, and looking like an Italian, you’ll find doing business with them not just easy, but enjoyable.