I call it the “Relationship Quotient.” Good Communications revolve around Good Relationships.
The better your communications, the deeper you can forge your relationships. The stronger your relationships, the more effective your communications can become. And around and around it goes. It’s a powerful spiral.
One of the first people I met in Italy is, to me, a shining example of this. Her name is Paola De Juliis and she is quite simply an expert in all things Tuscan: Your Tuscany Concierge.
She found us our first home in Arezzo’s countryside, complete with a sparkling swimming pool.
She also negotiated our deal for our current palazzo home in the city’s centro storico, or historic center. Paola has her finger on the pulse of practically every home, apartment, villa and country cottage in this region of Tuscany.
But, even more than real estate, Paola manages experiences for visitors. For instance, I have been fortunate to accompany Paola as she led a behind-the-scene-tour of an exclusive mountain-village gelateria (yes, that means a place that makes Italy’s famous gelato!) – along with Lulu, who was more than happy to taste the delicious recipes that have won several national awards.
I’ve enjoyed chamber music festivals that Paola has helped organize, I have eaten some wonderfully authentic Italian meals at the comfortable homes of her friends, and I have attended gala-like parties at incredible Tuscan villas with some of the area’s most affluent and influential residents (and one with a rather flirty priest, but that’s another story).
Paola also helped organize my book-launch party here in Arezzo last spring which brought out over a hundred people, including the president of the Women’s Business Chamber as well as the mayor himself, who has now become a friend, Giuseppe Fanfani.
How does Paola successfully manage all these diverse activities? The simple answer is because she knows everybody in town. But it’s more complex than that. It’s one thing to “know” someone, it’s another thing entirely to invest time to learn about that someone’s family, their health, their interests. It takes time and effort to form a relationship – to show you really care.
And, that “Relationship Quotient” is what makes Paola successful. She takes time to care.
If you’re planning a visit to Tuscany, for work or pleasure, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Paola De Juliis. You’re also welcome to contact her through Facebook or her website. Tell her Gina sent you!
Ciao!
Till next time,
Baci, Gina
Copyright Gina London 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Paola is such a lovely person! I was introduced to her by Paola from Cultura Italiana and we talked about ideas for me doing a group tour in the Arezzo area. I still hope to do that at some point-my challenge is finding a good place to stay in town for about 5 people (don’t want to be outside of Arezzo and have to drive every day).
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Yes,”in fatti” – you know the two great Paolas! As for your place to stay in town for five, I’m sure when you’re ready, Paola Dejuliis will be able to help you. Centro Storico, as you know, is such a great place to be located. Meantime, the “secret garden” next to the Chiesa Maria Santissima Annunziata was open this weekend. Thought of you! Ciao!
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