So you
have been experiencing business success, rubbing shoulders with the
right people, attracting investors, and getting some much needed
publicity in industry magazines and websites. Great – and
congratulations! But you have that ache in your heart to do more. I
certainly did and am acting upon it now. In this globalized world
clients and businesses are looking for multicultural connections beyond
their borders…and there is only so much the internet can do. How about
finding new industry connections in Kurdistan of Iraq? You’re still
young so get an advantage over your competition and take these steps
make the world your oyster.
Acknowledge you’re not going on a holiday
Ask yourself what you want to achieve on your trip. Write out at
least three goals for going overseas – yes, you can certainly tailor
them to be on the personal side as we all have a bucket list! However,
your key motivator should be to do business. By ‘business’ this could
mean at times you are giving away business cards by the pool in
Hawaii…and you just so happen to get a tan!
Let your clients and business allies know what you are doing
You never know how these guys can help you out.
Learn the basics of the language
This shows you are courteous to those business connections you will
meet with, and you have shown interest in the customs, country and
culture. It could also prove useful when you need directions to a
networking event in Kurdistan! My advice is to simply play things by ear
– joke when appropriate.
Be positive
positive environment can change not just your business, but your entire life.
