What are your main needs at this moment?
'Esigenze' = e-si-JEN-tse; the 'ge' is soft, like the 's' in 'measure'.
Use early in a client meeting to understand their situation before proposing any solutions.
'Esigenze' (needs/requirements) is the key word in Italian client-facing language. Understanding the client's needs ('capire le esigenze') before presenting solutions is both best practice and good Italian business etiquette — it shows you are not just trying to sell but genuinely trying to help.
Può raccontarmi la sua situazione attuale?
Can you tell me about your current situation?
More open-ended; invites narrative
Cosa sta cercando di risolvere con questo servizio?
What are you trying to solve with this service?
Problem-focused; good for consulting contexts
Quali sono le sue priorità per i prossimi sei mesi?
What are your priorities for the next six months?
Time-bounded; helps with proposal planning
In Italy, clients expect to be listened to before being sold to. A meeting that goes straight to the sales pitch without first exploring the client's situation is perceived as aggressive and disrespectful. The listening phase ('fase di ascolto') is not optional.