More entrepreneurs than ever before now travel to foreign countries to meet new clients and increase the size of their portfolios. That is an excellent thing because it means people from many different nations can benefit from the business deals. Of course, there is a lot to learn when it comes to conducting operations in a different place. This article will offer some tips and advice that all company bosses should consider if they plan to spend a few months abroad meeting new customers and striking deals. The process is often much different than anything individuals have to undertake in their home countries. It’s possible that small mistakes could turn the trip into a disaster, and that’s why you need to pay attention to the information below.
Getting a working Visa
Depending on the country people plan to visit, it’s often sensible to get a working Visa upon entry. In some instances, entrepreneurs could enter the nation on a holiday Visa as nobody will know the real reason for the visit. However, it doesn’t make sense to take too many risks. Therefore, you should research the subject before leaving home. Some countries allow travelers to get a Visa when they land, and others ask you to apply in advance. Just follow the standard procedures highlighted online, and you shouldn’t encounter too many stumbling blocks. While the finer details tend to vary, most working Visas enable individuals to:
- Earn money and work in the country
- Start and work for twelve months
- Rent accommodation for the duration of the stay
- Get basic access to healthcare services
Finding somewhere to stay
Living out of a suitcase is the last thing entrepreneurs will want to do when conducting business abroad. For that reason, it’s vital that everyone researches the property market in their destination country. In most instances, people will manage to rent accommodation for a reasonable price. Whether you want an executive condo or something slightly less extravagant, the internet is your friend. Just search for local estate agencies and then get in touch to see the best properties on the market. Some landlords will hesitate to lease houses to foreign citizens. However, if all your paperwork is in order, there should be no reason to stress. Just be aware that those on a working Visa might have to pay six months rent upfront. That is so the landlord doesn’t lose out if you decide to disappear.
Being culturally sensitive
Most people from the Western world presume that those from other places have the same view of the world. The situation in places like Syria at the moment should help to highlight the stupidity of that misconception. Like it or not, residents of other countries have different cultures and traditions. It’s sensible for all business owners to research that issues as much as possible before they set foot on a plane. That is because entrepreneurs will want to make the best impression possible at all those client meetings. That is going to become a difficult task if you offend them before even sitting down at the table. So, use some common sense and search for something like “cultural sensitivities in whatever country you’re visiting” on Google. Even if you don’t agree with some traditions, you should respect them.
Networking with a lawyer
There is no getting away from the fact that experienced business owners might try to trick entrepreneurs and investors in some countries. For that reason, it’s vital that you have someone on your side who understands the local landscape. Employing the services of a homegrown lawyer while you’re away will make life much easier. Professionals in that career can check documents to ensure there are no hidden clauses, and they can often advise on the validity of a business deal. Anyone who doesn’t want to get ripped off and lose their money should make sure they always have a solicitor at the end of the phone at least.
Get to know the lawyer, take them out to lunch and try to turn them into your friend. That is the best strategy for making sure they always do everything within their power to ensure your business deals don’t go awry.
Moving around
Visitors to foreign countries will need to identify the best means of getting from A to B. Sure; you can use taxis and public transport for the first couple of weeks. However, that routine will get old pretty fast. For that reason, it’s sensible to look into the idea of hiring a car if you plan to stay for more than a month. That will assist entrepreneurs in saving as much money as possible, but it will also mean they get around much quicker than they would when opting for the alternative. Of course, some nations require people to take a driving test before they can use the roads. That is often the case, regardless of whether you have a license in your home country or not. So, research the situation and ensure you’re prepared.
If business owners have a lot of money to spend, they could hire a driver for the duration of their stay. Of course, that is going to cost a lot of money, but it could also assist entrepreneurs in making the best impression possible.
Dealing with language barriers
Lastly, there are a couple of different options on the table when it comes to dealing with the issues that language can create. You could either
- Learn the language
- Hire an interpreter
- Use telephone interpreter services
The first suggestion is the best because people from that country will know you made an effort to speak in their natural tongue. However, the second solution is the most popular among many business owners around the world. You can take advantage of the last idea if you ever need to interpret something in an emergency.
With a bit of luck, the tips and advice from this post will assist more entrepreneurs in making the right moves when they need to hold meetings abroad in the future. When all’s said and done, the process is not an exact science, and so it’s sensible to play the situation by ear. However, the information you’ve just read assisted many other people to get the desired results in the past. So, be sure to consider it when planning your next big business trip abroad, and you should come home with a smile on your face.
