Different Lands.

I read a lot and catch up on business matters globally via all the communication channels available to me today and use that information in my daily business life in Australia, but doing business in other locations especially overseas, is never like reading about it on the BBC News. As I wander around Bangkok amid the chaos and the frenetic pace, it's interesting to note that business for global and regional companies continue to expand successfully but not always in the way we do it at home.

One of the reasons for that success is the people who are willing to go and work in other parts of the world and leave behind family and comfortable surroundings. People do this for many reasons including the excitement of travelling to more exotic destinations and having the "International Lifestyle", having adventurous spirits, looking to advance their careers and wanting to explore different business relationships in different cultures.

As I sit in Lumpini park in central Bangkok, watching a 2 metre monitor lizard swim lazily along a canal, I can't help but notice the juxtaposition of the old Thailand rushing towards the western business world via mushrooming high rise buildings all the while trying to keep the culture and calm of the local people intact. Business in Bangkok is business in a true Asian capital, manic, constantly changing and evolving. Unlike the more westernised Singapore, which some business pundits describe as "Asia for beginners" Thailand has very defined cultural differences when dealing in the local business environment for foreigners. A good friend working in Singapore would no doubt chuckle over that Sydney, Melbourne style remark but admit life far from home regardless of where that might be, is very different.

The business done by the "expat" westerners who have to adjust, be respectful and always remain flexible when working outside their their comfort zone is made all the more difficult by local and regional business bureaucracy and expectations they would not encounter at home. The "expat" business person is highly sought after because they need to have an open minded approach and be self motivated to succeed in environments often without much guidance from head office. Not a surprise then, that an overseas posting is highly valued on business resumes.

It is a business life that brings with it many challenges outside the office environment including cultural, gastronomic, independent living and being a long way from your Mother. Benefits along the lines of monetary rewards, the travel itself and the sometimes close "ex pat" community help to compensate for many of the challenges but in the end it is the decision to do business in a different land that differentiates and highlights the skills accumulated through that decision.

If you get the opportunity to hire people with overseas experience your company will benefit from more than what shows up on their business resume. Because doing business is sometimes more than just doing business, especially in a different land.