Moving Internationally? Ask lots of questions!

Having been involved with international business for more then 24 years now, I know that it is very difficult to predict how you and your family will be greeted in a new country.

 

There is a tremendous difference between speaking to folks in other countries, and them telling you that you will be welcome, as opposed to what will really happen once you arrive there.

 

When you speak to people in other countries about the “idea” of you moving there, please always remember that everything is “subjective” – what I mean by that is that everyone is different, everyone has a different background, and everyone has different goals for what they want out of a certain situation.

 

You can speak to three different people about the same situation, and get three totally different answers – all of which will be completely true – from their point of view.

 

So before moving overseas, go there yourself and visit.  And not just a “two week look around” – I mean three to six month hard core investigation.  And talk to everyone you can find!

 

When I am in a new city, I find the very best (and most honest) people to talk to are taxi drivers.  They are almost always foreigners, and they meet so many different people every single day, they have the “pulse” of the city.

It’s an old New York trick I picked up as a kid, and it has never failed me yet.

 

The truly hard part about trying to learn something new about the country or city you have your heart set on, is “listening” because people are going to tell you things you will NOT want to hear.  People will tell you things that you “just cannot believe” – but you have to suspend your “disbelief” long enough to see your new situation for what it truly is, and NOT what you “hope” it will be.

 

The best rule is: “do not have HOPE – have a PLAN!”

 

Having “hope” makes you vulnerable to failure, and that can destroy your soul.

 

But, if you have a “plan” – plans can change.  Plans can fail.  Plans can alter.

 

But your heart and your soul are not tied up in the process.

 

So:

1) Ask questions.

2) Ask MORE questions.

3) Listen to the answers.

4) Ask even MORE questions.

5) Have a “plan” – don’t have “hope.”

 

And if that doesn’t work – call me.  I will help you figure it out.

 

Sadly, I have had “hope” and have been destroyed in the process.  I would like you to not share my disappointments, but rather I would want you to benefit from my experiences.

 

I am a Management and Security Consultant with 26 years in International business.

 

Give me a call and I can help you out!

 

Charlie Bluehawk

bluehawk@charliebluehawk.com