Living or Working Abroad?

[AussieTycoon]

Hey all,

We have started this new section of the site for people who are living abroad, we intend to discuss some of the oppurtunities that exisit internationally.

So, if you are not in Australia, but are still keen to join in on this forum.. go for it here!

Thanks
AT Team

[fred333]

Great section. I love hearing about how it is in other parts of the world.

[itycoon]

Well I live in Chicago. Its pretty nice here and great for technology. Only problem is the cold...lol. Not a big fan. But I think it beats the heat some of you Aussies are feeling down there.

[PeggyP]

Well, does being from NE of US (Pittsburgh, PA to be exact), and living in Northeast Georgia Mountains, count as living and
working abroad? I work from home with an international company and have customers from far and wide. We use television, radio, and print marketing, with internet marketing as a key viable component. We are currently in pre-launch in Australia and New Zealand and pre-pre-launch in some of your neighboring countries.

I don't want to get sales-y here, so I'll stop. ...but not without saying... Stay tuned and stay hopeful.

[Maxime Deux Gosses]

I come from France and I feel the environment for entrepreneurs is pretty negative in a country where people expect to be helped and cared for in every way. Australia is much more dynamic, with the advantages of a "socialist" country.

[Deny Disuza]

I also appreciate you for starting this new section. I like this section. Even it is beneficial for many people.

[Samantha Baker]

Yeah i agree. Nice section and nice topic to discuss. We can hear a lot of opinion in here about living or working abroad.

[PeggyP]

Working and living abroad entails much more than being successful in your business. Even if you love what you do, you have to love where you are. I meet people from many parts of the world, and sadly, I learn that many have never been invited into an American home. I'm not looking for bashing, please. I learn this because I have been hospitable and friendly, but admittedly, at my convenience. So, I do wonder though, what experiences some of you have had. Perhaps it's just my location and not a widespread failure to be welcoming.

So, my question is, where have you found to have the friendliest people?

[aapkae]

Well I live in Chicago. Its pretty nice here and great for technology. Only problem is the cold...lol. Not a big fan. But I think it beats the heat some of you Aussies are feeling down there.

[peroberg]

This world is now small. With Internet etc. I have realized that if you wantto do business its often good to not just look after it at your own street becausemany things are there to be grabbed – but beyond the borders.

[richasia]

Just came across yr post. Are you doing any pre-launch in Singapore or Malaysia?

[richasia]

You are absolutely right. The world has shrank dramatically the last decade or so. You can be anywhere in the world and do business with anyone as long as u have an internet connection. I am into project financing.

[Offshore Staff Leasing]

Nice post. It helps me a lot. Thanks

[Eugene]

There are a lot of benefits of living and working abroad. It can allow you to work in a place where there are less overheads, and living conditions are cheaper. You also have a chance to outsource in a reliable way, as you can directly screen potential employees, as opposed to delegating this to someone else.
One negative though is that you can lose touch with your market in Australia, as you are not as directly connected as you would be as if you were living in Australia.
I know of many companies that import goods from overseas, but remain working in Australia as they do not want to lose touch with their market. So instead of leaving the country permanently, they just travel a few times a year so that they can do what they need to.
You can have a look at the example of Mamagreen, a company in Sydney who sell outdoor furniture (http://www.mamagreen.com.au/), but import their recycled teak furniture (http://www.soundslikehome.com.au/) from Sounds like Home, a wholesaler in Sydney. By importing directly through a wholesaler Mamagreen does not have to deal with the importing process, therefore simplifying their business structure and processes. Sounds like Home is benefitted by having a stable supplier in Sydney.
If you can achieve a symbiotic business plan like this, whereby you can work and live abroad, but have a company in Australia selling your goods and being directly connected with the market it would be a good strategy.

[RebeccaR]

Great thread