Since I was a child I was dreaming about living and working in different cities and countries. My dream came true. I studied and worked abroad and now I am running my business while visiting places and cities I love. I have never imagined that I would end up as a business owner. You see, as an expat you can still fulfil your entrepreneurial aspirations. Today we are going to explore 5 steps which will help you to create your thriving expat business. So you can live the life you want, make money and work at what you love.

Step 1. Your life vision

It is very important to start with your life first. This is the most important step. If a business idea or a business vision you have doesn’t fit with your life vision, there is no point in starting this journey. Stop for a moment and answer the following questions:

1. What do you want your life to look like?
2. Where do you want to live?
3. How would you like to start your day?
4. What would your ideal work hours be?

So take a moment and think about your life vision. If you want to travel around the world there is no point in opening the local shop.

Step 2. Your business vision

Now focus on your business vision:

1. What do you want your business to look like?
2. How might your business grow in the next 12 months, 5 years or 10 years?
3. How much money do you need to make to need your financial commitments? Be clear also on your financial goals.
4. What are your visa or work permit limits for starting a business? If there are any?
5. What would you like to earn in one year time?

If you are switching from a full-time job to be your own boss, expect to earn less at the beginning.

Step 3. Your offer

Many people know exactly what they love to do but they not know how to get paid for what they have to offer. On the other hand, many people are not clear about their offer. The fact is that without a clear offer you will not attract the clients you want. The questions below will help you to get clarity about your true calling, gifts and skills which you can use to help others solve their problems.

1. What do you already have? Express your gratitude.
2. What do you love to do?
3. What are the skills, gifts you enjoy using?
4. What people are complimenting you about? Pay attention to compliments.

Think also about what form your business idea, your offer is going to take. Is it a product, a service, a shop or something creative like a show?

Step 4. Your ideal client

Who is going to pay you for what you have to offer so you can have the life you described in Step 1? Research your market. Interview your potential ideal client. What is his/her biggest challenge, problem? Create your client avatar, for example, you can put a photo of your ideal client on your computer and talk to him or her.

Reflect on the following questions:

1. Who are your clients?
2. What are their problems?
3. How you will help them?

Step 5. Get visible

Once again know your market. Think about where your client is hanging around and then you can map out your strategy. You can get visible online through running blog or website, being active on social media, networking online or delivering webinars. And offline by attending face to face networking meetings, running workshops or live events. Of course, you can do both, a little bit of online and offline activities. Remember to be strategic and niche related. Be consistent, for example, post twice per month or attend 4 networking meetings per month.

Those steps will help you to get clarity about your expat business idea. Start with your life vision first so then you can test the business idea you have with your desired lifestyle. Take small steps, think about yourself as a business owner, ask questions, do your research and have fun!

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Dominika Miernik

Dominika Miernik is an award-winning Career and Expat Coach with over 20 years of living and working abroad in countries like Poland, Italy, the UK and France. Over the past 10+ years, she has been helping expat and globally mobile women to create fulfilling careers and businesses around their international lives. She works with individuals and expat support organisations. And is a mentor for expat coaches.
Currently, she is enjoying a laptop lifestyle while travelling across Europe.

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