Doing Business Abroad
May 19, 2008 by Katie Skow
Filed under Biz, Travel
Photo Credit: www.BP.comNavigating the corporate world in your own country and in your own language can be a very daunting task. We’ve all been there at some point or another – confusing IRS papers, too many emails, a shipment that never arrived, or perhaps an incoherent client shouting in your ear- indeed the business world can be very complicated.
As technology improves, making communications and international travel that much easier, more and more companies are electing to take their business to an international level. Borders are melting as the international economy grows, making it all the more likely that someday you, too, will decide to take your business abroad.
Competition in the international arena can be stiff, but you can make it easier on yourself if you know what you are doing. Follow these tips and I promise you will already be ahead of the competition.
Adapt your business style to the country. Business is different in every country, so take time to learn how the locals conduct business because your bottom line depends upon this. Here are some questions to think about and research before doing business abroad:
- What are the business hours?
- How long do negotiations take?
- How do you greet business associates?
- What is the proper dress attire?
- How much of the language will you be required to speak?
Build your network. It helps to have an established and trusted network of people wherever you plan to do business. It is highly recommended to recruit a trusted local who can help you understand the system and explain the culture. They will already have established connections and can introduce you to the appropriate people as well as vouch for you if the business culture requires.
In addition, I also find it helps to speak with at least one other foreigner who has business experience in the area. Expatriates who have “been there and done that” can guide you through the process, provide tips, and hopefully a shoulder you can lean on down the road.
Begin networking in your new city as soon as possible. Check out what types of networking groups are available in the area. Chambers of Commerce and expatriate groups are good places to start in addition to your embassy or consulate. Some of these groups also present excellent opportunities to make friends while living abroad, an outlet you will definitely need.
Use common sense. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines this as “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.” While working abroad, using common sense will take you further than you can imagine. It will be vital to listen to that “inner voice” that tells you if something or someone does not feel right. Knowing the cultural norms will help you to better judge situations and act accordingly.
Have patience and stay positive. Every country has a different rhythm and work ethic, as do individual companies. Your patience will be tested as it has never been tested before, regardless of where you work. It is important to keep this in mind while doing business abroad. Be prepared and have lots of patience as well as a positive attitude for whatever curve balls might be thrown your way. In the end, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
(This article I wrote originally appeared in the March 2008 Women’s Global Network newsletter.)
Stylish laptop bags for women
May 15, 2008 by Katie Skow
Filed under Biz
“Get on the move with this cute little thing. You will get lots of bang for your buck with a streamlined laptop backpack that features a top loading, fully padded compartment for your laptop and files. Fit your extras into multi-functional pockets and an easy access pocket for your cell phone and accessories. You’ll even get the added bonus of a detachable cosmetic bag. Make your outfit with black, red, cranberry pink or faded denim.”
$52
I hate laptop cases and and anything that appears like a laptop belongs inside. Laptop cases are traditionally ugly, bulky, awkward, and not very stylish.
I used to work for a place that had me traveling abroad several times a month with my 12″ laptop in tow. Carrying a laptop case slung across my shoulder, in a place like Mexico City, is an invitation to get mugged. During these trips I would pack my laptop in a thick black wet suit-like sleeve and place it inside an over-sized purse. My makeshift system worked quite well at the time. The bag was elegant enough for meetings yet camouflaged enough for the busy city streets.
If only I’d known about the existence of Kolobags during these trips! Kolobags are the best thing to ever happen to women entrepreneurs who want to be stylish and practical. Whether backpacks, purses, wheels, totes, or messenger bags Kolobags offers a large array fashionable options to meet any type of business or personal need. It’s really a one-stop shop.
With lots of storage space and compartments for those random odds-and-ends, buying bag from Kolobag for your entrepreneurial needs could be a good option and time saver. Ordering a Kolobag online is easy because they give you the interior dimensions as well as what type and size computer the bag will fit. The company could, however, do a better job of showing customers the interior of each bag online. I’m the type of person who really wants the details of each and every little compartment.
Kolobags boasts an easy return policy, which I can’t vouch for because I’ve never returned anything. You will, however, lose money on the shipping costs. From the looks of it, REI has more liberal return policies. If you purchase your bag outside of the US or Canada, there are no returns accepted at Kolobags. Thumbs down for that small, yet major detail.
Prices range anywhere from $25 for a basic sleeve to a whopping and insane $456 for a purse. You can get a nice looking and practical bag for around $50. You shouldn’t have to spend more money than that for a bag! Check out the Kolobags website and chances are you will find a laptop bag to meet you small business needs!
*And no, I’m not getting paid (or kickbacks) to write this.
Networking success in a nutshell
May 13, 2008 by entrepreneurgoddess
Filed under Biz
The key to doing business is connecting with others. It is really that simple and that complicated at the same time. In order to do business, you need to connect with others and in order to connect with others, you need to have access to the connectors of the world. How do you do this? You could place an ad in the newspapers or yellow pages, but why wait for customers to go to you? You need to be going to customers.
That’s where networking comes in handy. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Kym Yancey, former CEO of matchmaker.com and current President of eWomen’s Network. While speaking, Yancey covered the Three T’s of business: Time, Talking, and Touching.
Time: Take time out of your life to really know others. Slow down and take the time to make a real connection with someone. If you are always running around, you will meet everyone, while never really getting to know anyone and make a true connection.
Talking: Talk less and listen more. The more you listen, the more business you will get in return. Yancey claims this is the key to networking success. The trick is to take the focus off of you and refocus the attention onto others. Highly successful people rarely ever talk about themselves, they ask about others and listen intently.
Touching: Touch hearts, minds, and souls. If you have touched someone’s life in a special way, you will be remarkable.
Other tips for networking:
1. Venture into places you can’t imagine yourself in and that’s where opportunity awaits you.
2. Go to networking events to give. You are not giving enough until you give to someone who could never pay you back in a million years. In the beginning, Yancey suggests you should “give to get” which is a start to eventually “give to give to give” with nothing expected in return.
How do you network?
Exercise for the busy entrepreneur
May 8, 2008 by Katie Skow
Filed under Biz, Move That Booty!
Pompilates…the product owned, created, directed, and marketed by yours truly (Entrepreneur Goddess!) moved up into the Amazon.com best selling exercise video list earlier this week! Pompilates made it to the #97 spot on the list! Thanks for buying Pompilates and tell your friends!
With Pompilates, you don’t need any heavy equipment, just a TV and DVD player (or computer). These exercises are fast, easy, focused on the butt, and created especially for busy people. All you need is 15 minutes.
This has been yet another success for women business owners around the world and we’re celebrating in a big way!
