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What to Watch Out for When Taking A Contract Outside of the USA
Thanks to contractor Robert Fox for contributing these useful pointers!
- HIDDEN COSTS There are several hidden costs associated with performing business globally. Europe, for example is extremely expensive by comparison with the US in simple things such as food, gas, travel, and just about everything else.
- CURRENCY Always work in the local currency when negotiating rates (considering the local living expenses, etc. - unless there is international travel involved. Never keep converting back to dollars and comparing the rates for similar US work. This doesn't work!
- AGENCIES Watch out! There are more shady types of agencies than legitimate and professional ones both in Europe and the States. Many agencies will promise you the moon just to get the business. VERY IMPORTANT POINT: EVERYTHING SHOULD BE IN WRITING!
- CULTURE Americans have a general stereotype of being too aggressive, too confident, too obnoxious (in a business sense), too demanding, too opinionated, too self-promoting and overall headstrong (by European standards.)
The key is to be sensitive to each set of local business customs--to listen more carefully and try to adapt. Even from country to country within Europe there are several stereotypes and culture differences. A joke I ran across here in Europe says it all:
HEAVEN:
is where the Police are British
The Cooks are French
The Mechanics are German
The Lovers are Italian
and it's all organized by the Swiss
HELL:
is where the Cooks are British
The Mechanics are French,
The Police are German
The Lovers are Swiss,
and it's all organized by the Italians!
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