Doing Business
Business Etiquette
- Address business associates using their official titles and surnames. Use
someone's first name only if you've been invited to do so or know him
or her extremely well
- Both men and women are expected to wear professional attire at business meetings
and lunches. Generally, men wear suits and ties, and women elegant and simple
clothes. Remember to polish your shoes – they do get noticed!
- A firm handshake begins and ends meetings
- English is generally accepted in business, but don't assume that all
companies are equipped or happy to negotiate in a foreign language. Find out in
advance, and prepare proposals in English and Italian. If necessary, hire an
interpreter
- Hierarchy is important in Italy. Senior executives handle decision-making, and
Italians prefer to conduct business with high-ranking associates
- Trust counts as much as proposals in business. Third-party introductions and
networking will help build strong relationships
- If you have a university degree title, ensure it appears on your business card
- Don't interpret loud conversation as a sign of anger. People often
raise their voices simply to be heard over others
Chambers of Commerce
Bologna Chamber of Commerce
Address: Piazza Mercanzia 4, 40125 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 609 3111 Website: Bologna Chamber of
Commerce
Embassies & Consulates
French Consulate
Address: Via Guerrazzi 1, 40125 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 237 575
Mexican Consulate
Address: Via Garibaldi 7, 40124 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 580 585
Netherlands Consulate General
Address: Via del Monte 10, 40126 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 234 115 Website: Netherlands Consulate General
Business Centers
Most major hotels and several independent executive centers have business facilities,
including the following:
International Business Centre Bologna
Address: Via Ferrarese 3, 40128 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 419 8400 Website: International Business
Centre Bologna
Conference & Exhibition Centers
Palazzo de Rossi
Address: Via d'Azeglio 31, 40123 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 22 12 82 Website: Palazzo de
Rossi
Palazzo della Cultura e dei Congressi
Address: Piazza Costituzione 4, 40128 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 63 75 111 Website: Bologna
Congressi
Palazzo Albergati
Address: Via Masini 46, 40069 Zola Predosa, Bologna Telephone: +39 051 750 247 Website: Palazzo
Albergati
Translation Services
International Services
Address: Via del Rondone 3, 40122 Bologna Telephone: +39 051 555 650 Website: International
Services
Courier/Messenger Services
DHL Worldwide Express
Address: Interporto di Bologna blocco 9.4, 40010 Bentivoglio, Bologna Telephone: 199 199 345 (within Italy) or +39 02 824 70288 (from
overseas) Website: DHL Worldwide Express
FedEx
Address: Via Guido Rossa 52, 40056 Crespellano, Bologna Telephone: 800 123 800 (within Italy) or +39 02 218 87651 (from
overseas) Website: FedEx
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