2010-01-27
To invest in something uncertain may be frightening, especially in these times. My colleague and I quit our jobs a year and a half ago, in the beginning of one of the worst recessions in recent time.
Bad timing, you would think, or absolutely the right timing. Our gut feeling told us to go for it - and we did. A decision we never regretted.
today we work in our own company to create good, sustainable business between Sweden and Chile.
Many eyes are now turned towards Asia, where the potential is large and a growing number of Swedish companies establish themselves. But why not look in the other direction? I feel that Latin America remains a largely unknown continent for us in Sweden.
Sao Paulo in Brazil is certainly one of Sweden's largest industrial cities (more than 40.000 Swedes are working there), and most large Swedish companies are established in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and other countries.
Yet, I feel that Swedish entrepreneurs, especially small-and medium-sized, do not perceive Latin America as an economic potential, but more as an exotic destination.
I wish that more companies had courage. Dare to think about a market that initially does not feel completely natural. Despite the large corporate presence, the Swedish trade in Latin America is still very small. This does not mean that there is no possibility, rather the opposite.
For me, Chile is a natural first step when you want to enter Latin America. I've lived, studied and worked in Chile on several occasions and almost perceive myself as partly Chilean.
There is something special about Chile, there are not many Swedes who go there but –if we go- we tend to stay. The country is exciting and is almost as far away as one can get from Sweden. Yet it feels like home after a short period of time.
In many ways, Chile is the Latin America Nordic region. We are a bit on the edge of our continents, are separated by oceans, mountains, etc., we are a bit shyer than our neighbors, a little more accurate. At the same time we also share a desire and need to learn and do business with other countries.
Sweden also has a very good reputation in Chile and I've always felt very welcomed here, both as an individual and entrepreneur. People typically assume that I am interesting, smart, credible, and that the product I sell is of high quality. Simply because I'm Swedish.
Chile is a market with great potential for Swedish companies. We have similar basic industries such as forestry, mining, agriculture and hydropower. Needs, knowledge and technology, however, differ between the countries, so we complement each other. I have often seen how companies, by simple means, can do good business with each other.
Chile is virtually the world champion in free trade and has signed free trade agreements with a total of 53 countries, covering 85 percent of world GDP. Between 1990 and 2007 the Chilean economy grew by an average 5.5 percent per year. The country is also politically stable and is counted as the least corrupt in Latin America (same level as France).
Things just work out, even in times of crisis. Chile also suffered from the financial crisis but to a smaller extent than many other countries.
... So this is my thing. To run my own business with people I like and the values I stand for, to deal with Chile, to show the possibilities that are there and to inspire others to entrepreneurship. What do you / your company want to achieve?
Dare to trust your gut feeling. And dare to ask!
People are often happy to help, people around us have been incredibly helpful.
What is your thing? Do you dare to take the final step?