Shape our free report

by Simon Black · 48 comments

Last week during a short visit to the United States, I wrote a letter with some important updates that had been provided to me by my Panamanian lawyer.

In the letter, I discussed briefly how great connections and a solid network can make all the difference in the world, and I mentioned that I was thinking about writing a free e-book on the subject.

To put it mildly, the response was strong. The comments and emails are still rolling in a week later, and I was particularly pleased to see a number of other international investors and entrepreneurs willing to share and discuss their own resources.

I met with my partner Matt over the weekend in Chicago to talk it over, and we decided to get to work immediately on the free report. It will contain unique insights on how to build a contact list and infiltrate any network.

I hope to have it ready for release by this time next week… plus or minus a few days.

In advance of this report, though, I’d like to open a discussion on the topic. We all probably recognize that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know… and if you have both, you can be damn lethal.

In my own life, my friends, partners, and contacts have proven extraordinarily valuable.

5-years ago I was finishing up military service and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I had built up rather sizeable real estate holdings at the time, and with a fair amount of time and passive income on my hands, I set out to have an adventure.

I started in Panama… first meeting some successful young attorneys, real estate agents, and developers. They introduced me to their friends, their friends’ friends, etc., and eventually I was having drinks with some of the wealthiest people in the country.

They let me in to their deals, cut through the bureaucracy, and opened a lot of doors for me that turned out to be incredibly interesting and quite profitable.

In time, this same formula was repeated on five other continents, as well as in circles that are generally considered to be ‘inpenetrable’: political elite, Hollywood, large corporations, modeling agencies, etc.

My ultimate goal has never really been to make money; I view money in currency form as worthless paper– an inanimate commodity that I can always conjure more of with a unique business model or sensible investment.

Rather, profit is simply a byproduct of spending my time with interesting people doing interesting things… and I have plenty of both under my belt thanks to a constantly expanding network of unique individuals.

I could cite you examples all day, but honestly I’d like to hear from you– tell me about your own experiences and how knowing the right person has opened up a great opportunity for you.

Most of all, tell me what specifically you would like to see from this free e-book so I can make it as valuable as possible for you.

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  • http://www.openchoke.com campbell evans

    I applaud your generous idea. All small businessmen involved in risk taking businesses, oil, gas & gold, need to know where to go to source capital, domestically and internationally. Many thanks for your good work.
    Best regards, Campbell

  • Mark

    I can tell you it is very important to recognize the wrong people too. Obviously avoid the dishonest. I also mean the well-intentioned incompetents who want to manifest success by positive thinking and leverage but actually are unable to follow through in the real world. Something bad, and totally unforeseen(?!?) always seems to happen to their ventures.

  • JL

    I’m very wary of “interesting” people in business deals. Two different people immediately come to mind. They were both heading and selling real estate deals. Both individuals were charming, gregarious, interesting and wined and dined me to the max. In addition, they both came with several excellent references. Both individuals painted rosy pictures of sales in and the future of their respective developments. In both instances I passed on getting involved and later found out that sales at both developments were being exaggerated and both individuals ‘neglected’ to mention significant problems with both developments. I’m not sure what the lesson is here, but “interesting” people can be hazardous to your financial health.

  • Göran Högberg

    I certainly agree with you on your comment on that ones network is verry verry important.

    Best Regars,
    Göran Högberg, own business in financial services since 25 years in Sweden

    Ps.Maybe you could write an investment letter?

  • JL

    PS- Once I made it clear I was not going to invest, their interest in me as as a future compadre faded as quickly as it developed. Charming people will make you feel as if you are their new best friend and the center of their universe. Once your financial interest is no longer a factor, you become a non-entity and of no interest to them whatsoever.

  • Steve

    As a retired partner in a US ad agency with over 100 clients, I can vouch for your ‘networking’ agenda. However, contacts will only remain useful as long as what you have to offer is of a positive, useful and reliable nature. In other words, of reciprocal value to these contacts.
    What many of us are searching for are sound, authentic facilities wherein one can store/invest assets, including gold and silver, that offer protection from the harsh effects of the declining value of the USD. As you point out, it’s all about purchasing power, not fiat currencies. Along those lines, a question: are you familiar with a firm called “Gold Money?” Thank you, Simon, for your fascinating communications! Steve

  • Mark

    How do you vet a person/a project to separate the BS from real.

    How to assess a RE project/biz investment to see if profitable once one infiltrates into community.

  • David Hubbard

    I would appreciate some insight into medical options in the locales you cover. It’s great to have contacts for wealth and privacy but if one’s health is a potential issue everything else will quickly fade in importance.

  • lawrence scharf

    Simon,

    I have been greatly enjoying “Lodging of wayfaring men.” It is indeed a modern Atlas Shrugged. I have sent copies to my 2 kids.
    Thanks for the recommendation, and all your communications.
    Today’s reminded me of one of the characters in the book, it is the way he would go about networking as well.
    Kind Regards,

    larry

  • http://www.VirajDance.com Viraj

    E-Book Tips/Request:
    Topics below within a final summary of proven methods that’s comprehensive but concise. ie. bullet list of To Do’s hierarchy. If a step doesn’t make sense I can read up on justification/example.
    1. how do I leverage current value/goals to new network door-keeper who can get me through to the high-value insiders? try x y z methods.
    2. top tips for establishing trust? in this order do this for x y z situation.
    3. these specialists have these cross-interests for you to make connections. x worked here. y didnt, try z. q always as backup.
    4. after above, then: proven ways to persuade/overcome/influence for action.
    5. maintaining network: what do you keep vs cull? why? how to tell who has future value? best methods?

    I live for this stuff: opportunity (risk for reward), connections (growth, shared experiences with like-minded people). Thankyou!
    ThatMaleBellyDancer.com

  • james ohare

    appreciate the fact that you haven’t tried to sell me anything yet. lol.

    i myself am looking around for retirement options with a retirement home being the first priority. unbiased and currently updated appraisals of expatriate possibilities would interest me. trends in real estate markets. countries that welcome americans.

    i am weary of travel however. it would be great to be able to browse detailed 3d earthmaps of homes and properties around the world from one website. along with some legitimate and trustworthy contacts for further inquiry.

    Thanks. you have a nice unpretentious website.

  • John T. Potts Jr

    Simon — The Beijing parade was terrific and also hokey. I’ll bet they had rigged some sort of laser beam control system to keep all those trucks lined up. Everything looked so 1970′s. I especially liked the white sidewall tires. I expect those rigs would have a hard time negotiating rough country, like Afghanistan. Seriously though They are trying. — Also, I am interested in your references to new ideas with Matt Smith. Hang in there. I love your daily blurb. 10-09-09

  • Duane

    Hello, Simon,

    I agree with you absolutely that is WHO you know that makes the difference. And, as you also say, combined with WHAT you know, you are a powerhouse. I’ve had that experience recently.

    I am in a country in which I do not speak the language (yet) but beginning with my lawyer, an 81-year-old gentleman, he led me to an excellent car dealer from whom I bought a car. I was referred to my lawyer by a friend of this nationality who has used his personal and business services for many years.

    Then, my lawyer referred me to a real estate developer 500 miles away where I was looking to initially rent a house before I made any decisions about buying.

    He had nothing but it led me to a friend of his who had a very nice house on the river, a picture of the view across the river from my desk I sent you a few months ago.

    Back to my lawyer, he and his daughter held my hand through all of the internal paperwork that I needed.

    My landlord has help me enormously in many way that I could not have done alone. He seems to know everyone here.

    Then back to the real estate developer, this morning we have agreed in principle about a new method up to now not available in this country of inexpensively building extremely energy- and soundproof-efficient houses. We will soon investigate further and meet with other investors. Who knows where it will end?

    All because of who I know.

    And with me not knowing the language but they knowing mine well enough that we can make some serious headway.

    I look forward to your new report, Simon.

  • jack

    Simon (not your real name),
    It takes money to make money. Time is something I have in abundance. But the tool to make my time a little more interesting is still growing. I currently have it compounding at 20% per month. When it reaches a certain level, that will help in building my confidence, I will then do as you, and start putting together a rolodex of like minded people to help grow my confidence level even further. I am currently lining up my ducks as they say to make it all achievable by acquiring and IBC from Belize, a Panamanian Foundation and several banking accounts in different countries. None of which I own but control them all. So bring on the e-book and I will compare my notes with yours and just maybe we shall cross paths someday soon putting together a deal that will lead to sensible investment. In case your curious, it’s a cartoon character for my email. Phoentically spelled: y lee ky o t

    much success,
    jack

  • Roberto

    one of my most profitable endeavor resulted from meeting a builder who eventually i hired about a year after i met him. I met him in an informal way as he had built a building for a friend of mind who had a specific need. we met, we discussed industrial buildings overall (i owned a piece of land and i was considering building a multi-tenant buidling in such site)…
    so as the meeting and the conversation went along, this led to a more specific topic with a specific type of building in mind… time went by and as i decided to go ahead with my project… i contacted him, gave him more specific data… soon i had a specific budget for a 70,000 sq. ft. building which led to plans a meeting with a bank who we both knew… one year later, he built a great building and i sold it before it was fully finished… leases were up to 40% of the space at the time of the sale. i did ok.

    with the real estate environment the way it is in the US (and probably most of the world)… i am trying to change my business focus… i have an idea about an ethnic restaurant in asia that i would like to give it a try… the concept would be unique because i know it does not exist other than in the place of origin. i would like to test the idea in a small scale to see if it has any sort of possibility of success…. if the test shows promise…. i think the idea could be expanded relatively quick… (assuming an initial success).

    it would be very helpful to have contacts in asia where specific suppliers could be contacted, including a library of ‘licensing requirements’ could be initiated (or at least learn and know about) so to initiate the initial ground work with relative minimal cost…. as the process goes further… such initial homework may lead to more specific and detail steps… so… this information could be compiled in a format organized “by country” and “by industry” which would assist in such initial steps….

    i believe the USA is a place where formerly it was a paradise for business. this has ceased to be so many years ago and it is now asia, and possibly latin america (more specifically brazil) where impressive growth will take place… in the beginning there may be some hick ups, but soon, these countries will create their own consumer markets in their own right, which will outshine the US market…. and the pace to reach this seems to be accelerating as years go by… clearly, the US government is not helping at all… and so… having a virtual contact board where these sort of ideas could be researched further in various countries by the ability to establish an initial contact with those critical starting points would be very helpful….

    at the very least, it would provide the initial checklist in order to take the idea/concept to the next level… perhaps, without even setting a foot in the target country

    i hope this helps….

    thank you for your ideas and newsletter.

    • ronnie flormata

      This is for roberto. I live in the Philippines. If you are interested in setting up a business here, I can help you to establish one. Above is my email add.

      thanks,
      RONNIE

  • Texian

    I would like to know what amount of money on reserve is necessary to establish one’s self in another country for mobility. Admittedly, that is a broad question. Would someone with under $1mil in assets be able to do so? Thank you-

  • http://underconstruction Bill Young

    Good Day Simon !

    I really can’t remember how I came onto you but it’s really cool to get your e-mails. I’m nowhere financially near being in a position to move and shake in the ways you discuss in your ” missives” (sp), I love that term, but it’s a riot to hear about those things. I feel like I’m in touch with this kind of James Bond dude that blows around the world hangin’ with all these super heavy hitters, doing deals, sippin’ martini’s and e-mailing me like, ” Yo Bill, check out this cool gig I just pulled off over here in Shanghai while I was having lunch with all these IMF hotshots “. I love it ! And then, ” Hey, I got a chopper waiting on me so I’ll get back to ya after I hook up with my super hot, inside skinny babe in Singapore. She’s gonna give me the low down on this unbelieveable, but legal, way to cash in on the massive interest and Global demand for Lithium. Matter of fact, we’re both gonna jet to Bolivia to hook up with the Prime Minister and check this whole gig out personally. Whoa !! Get a load of that “. You kill me !! I love it !! Hey, I did the Service gig to, got out in “71, did the NAM thing, Germany for a few months, little bit of stateside. Unfortunately, unlike yourself, I didn’t pull of any real estate or passive income stream deals. But, I’m hangin’ and doing ok by most standards. Haven’t had to hit the Ritz Crackers just yet … With regard to your latest
    project referenced in your newsletter, I wish I could contribute. At this point, the way I see it, is that if I stay in touch with you, that’s all that’s necessary. When ya know the ” Big Dog “, who else do ya need to know ? Right ? I actually Googled Simon Black. Talked about some Finance dude, based in London, I think. Is that You ? Doesn’t matter, your information and insight is cool and maybe, at some point, I’ll come upon the means to really capitalize on some of those things. Till then, keep it coming. I always look forward to reading your ” missives “. (sp). I love that word …. Bill

  • Bob Hays

    A couple of quick thoughts. When I started investigating New Zealand in 1997, I knew little about the place and no one there. But I found an on-line discussion group and just started asking questions. By and by there were two people in particular who were interested in a kind of pen pal relationship around what NZ and life there is like. They later showed my wife and I around with great hospitality, and introduced their long-time contacts, which helped a lot. We also joined an expat group locally that got us past some of the awkwardness of cultural adaptation, and furnished more contacts.

    Second model is not my experience, but that of my cousin and childhood best friend. He’s not particularly well educated, and only in later life functionally literate. But is he ever connected! I talked with him about this, and watched as he relocated cities and re-established himself. He does the following: First, he joins some social or service group that’s made up of well-connected folks he can relate to. In San Diego, this was the Sheriff’s Reserve. In the new place, a small town in the Sierra foothills, central California, he joined the Masons, most of whom are retired and know everyone and often own or control lots of land and businesses. He also is very generous in offering help to about anyone who needs it, and takes on jobs like treasurer for the Masons chapter. Helpful, lots of contacts, gets known, but doesn’t take lots of his time. Further, he isn’t hesitant to ask for help. Sometimes asking for help is more productive of relationships that giving it, he says. But I’ve noticed this mostly looks like the loan of a piece of equipment, or connecting to someone else, not giving someone else heaps of time. Finally, he spends heaps of time just keeping up with his circle of contacts.

  • Nick

    Hi Simon,
    Well my personal experiences are surely less spectacular than your own. The opportunities to do interesting things via the network of people I know or have met along the way do range widely, but have not seemed to manifest in the financial sense.

    I have taken opportunities to climb mountains in New Zealand and paraglide from their peaks, sea kayak around Samoa and ride the Bolivian death road on a mountain bike, just to name a few.

    The people who pursue these activities tend to live for their adventure and ignore all else so you typically find them working night shifts or low paying laborer jobs and have no desire to set themselves financially free if it means sacrificing time in the outdoors doing what they love.

    My vision is longer term and I see financial freedom as being an essential component to my future. To me money means choices, opportunities and time to pursue the things that are important. Of course, a steady supply means security to continue to live the life I want to live.

    Although doing the things I mentioned was fun, I still had to return to the grind stone.

    One business contact I made provided me with the opportunity to lead and coordinate a team of software developers who were stationed all around the world. It freed me to travel while working.

    I experienced the police night shift change-over in Panama City first hand from my rearview mirror.
    I waded through a flash flood in Honduras that unfortunately claimed my laptop.
    I ate the most incredible roadside food late one evening in Guatemala after a 12 hour stint on the olfactory challenging long distance bus line.
    I shuffled through the streets along with 1million partying Brazilians to the sound of the Batucada during Carnival in Salvador da Bihai.
    I played many games of cat and mouse with groups of young men intent or relieving this gringo of whatever I had on me.
    I spent days sitting under the shade of tree in General San Martín Park, Mendoza drinking sublime Argentinean Syrah and eating equally impressive local cheeses and cured meats.

    This and many more experiences, thanks to one person opening a door for me to step through.
    Interestingly, his business ethics left a lot to be desired and we parted ways eventually.

    What I would like to get from this e-book Simon is how one goes about developing the level of ones network?
    How do I actually meet people who are more financially successful than I and who want to help / mentor / partner with me?
    What can I offer them in return apart from enthusiasm and gratitude?
    How and/or where do these people hang out?
    Once I meet them, how do I capture their curiosity and imagination?

    These are the sort of question I would love answered as I’ve thought about it quite a bit but without actually knowing one of these people, I haven’t made much progress.

    Thanks again in advance,
    Nick

  • BEN BRABB

    I have several NEGATIVE experiences mostly in the lower 48, but also,
    Bermuda, Mexico,and an iffy one in Panama. Austria seemed to be a favorable experince for a while, but exited after a year plus. Denmark remains a pleasant, protective and mildly profitable experience. I would like to give Panama a second chance, but am a little hesitant to approach my previous contact. I don’t know how I let the September date get by, but is there any chance of obtaining the “Black Paper”?

    Best regards, Ben J Brabb

  • Nancy Spencer

    Simon,

    I am eager to hear all the things that you may have to say. I would also love to hear from a woman’s point of view. Perhaps you know some who would contribute. I suspect the rules are a little different. All assistance appreciated. I am new to your newsletters but am really enjoying them so far!

    Thanks,
    Nancy Spencer

  • Linc2010

    In your e-book I would like to learn where you network to meet these corporate officers and HNW individuals. Thanks, I appreciate the opportunity to ask this question!

  • Nick

    Hi Simon,
    This is sort of on another topic but I know you prefer communicating via the message board…

    Have you written about or do you intend to write about the practicalities of living a life like yours?

    Things like the benifits you enjoy, the sacrifices you have to make, a guide to getting started for those who want to walk in your footsteps so to speak, and how much “seed capital” you think is required and how long you think it practically takes to cut the ties to your resident country and embark on a new life style?

    That would be a very interesting read!

  • steve Johnson

    Simon,
    I live in the NW burbs of chicago. I am concerned about having most of my net worth here in us. I am looking to diversify. My plan is to buy a condo/villa out of the us. I am interested in costa rica. I would like to know what u think of CR or if you have other places that are better value/ safety. also if you have contacts of trustworthy folk to deal with there that would be great. love your writing, keep up the good work
    sj

  • Howard Thompson

    Hi, Simon,

    I’m 75 years old. I’m a retired Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. I consider that the most valuable person I have met is my wife of almost 12 years. My first wife died in 1996 at age 62 of complications of MS. She was in a wheelchair for 25 years. That somewhat limited me. I am the persons that wrote disparagingly recently about your Panama Black Paper. Thanks for the reply. Since then I have received an e-mail from a realtor in El Valle with an offer of a furnished house with a swimming pool for rent for $550. I have waited on replying because I’m having hip trouble. I just went to the orthopedist today and his diagnosis is “Bursitis”. I have had a steroid injection and it feels better already.

    Howard Thompson

  • Donald Fisher

    One item often over looked is the right to protect oneself through gun ownership. Although we take it for granted here in the US, it is a very different situation in most other countries. I definitely think one section should address type of guns allowed and transferring guns into and out of the countries on your “top of the list”.
    Thanks,
    Don

  • Quantella C. Owens

    Dear Mr. Black,

    This is in response to your request for comments regarding your free ebook. I agree with you that in this world who you know does seem to be the metric for success. I suppose that might explain why after 20+ years of working towards my own business, it is exactly nowhere. I am a loner, a hermit and have severe anti-social tendencies. For your subscribers, you would be doing them a tremendous service and possibly enriching their lives and businesses tremendously if you taught them your techniques. Might I suggest that you consider expanding the free ebook into a full on course with separate website at a later date? Info products are exceedingly well received and this sort of knowledge is not easy to find. Usually trying to encourage someone to share their methods and sources is akin to pulling teeth.
    My own background is related here merely for reference purposes and I wish that I had a way to at least salvage some of the contacts I once had, but it has always been my belief that what you know was the most important thing. I still feel that way. So while I would love to read your ebook, I expect that I will not actually put any of the knowledge to use. That happens often. I believe that everyone has something to teach and I read a great deal of material that I may never use. In spite of all of that, I think that an ebook describing the best way to marry the two approaches would be incredibly useful. I hope that this is the type of commentary you were seeking and I hope it was helpful towards the end of encouraging you to write and distribute this information.

    Thank You,

    Quantella C. Owens

  • http://cfw123.com Charles Wilkes

    Sounds like a great idea, but I will not venture to define content — I will be happy with whatever you decide. But I will want to read it on my Kindle. Either offer it through the Kindle Store (some disadvantages other authors have told me about), or let me download it and send it to my Kindle (costs me 15 cents to do so, but well worth it). I also like to read from my iPod Touch (anything for the Touch should also work on an iPhone). But Kindle lets me download things to my Touch already, so maybe that’s enough.

  • Keith

    “Nick has said it all “

  • Keith Davis

    Perhaps someone else will request to elaborate on Nicks comment.

    • Nick

      Yes please Simon, please Elaborate ;-)

  • Bron Suchecki

    Appreciate your frank comment, Quantella. Not being a natural networker I understand where you are coming from.

    As to GoldMoney, Steve, I would recommend them along with Bullion Vault and of course the Perth Mint. That is not to say they are risk free, nothing is, and they each have slightly different pros and cons, but overall they are as safe as you can get.

    A free insiders tip on dealing with Perth Mint – give the bullion dealers some respect and you are likely to get a good spot price. But developing a friendly relationship with them is more about price. If you want delivery of physical they are likely to move your request to the top of pile, for example. Could be crucial in an world gone mad.

    If you get to speak to Deniece when trading, I’d recommend mentioning you saw her mentioned in my post http://goldchat.blogspot.com/2008/06/investment-timeframes-part-ii.html – bound to put you in her good books :)

  • GIL

    HI, SIMON BLACK:
    I find myself looking forward to your daily communication. It keeps me excited about the live I have lived, and continue to enjoy.
    Reading the letters I find it important for readers, of your email & future book to acquire a few skills, for the journey.
    The most important would be “how can I BECOME an international man?”…to be international you must divest yourself of a NATIONALISTIC
    demeanor and treat yourself to a LEARNING EXPERIENCE. You can tell “how”, in your book.
    Another item that is important to remember “these contacts are not your FRIENDS”. They are interested in GOOD BUSINESS. That is the extent of their interest. The friendliness is “business friendliness”. Don’t get so touchy because they lose interest, after you tell them: “I’M NOT BUYING”
    The wining, dining and invitations are all a cost of DOING BUSINESS”. DON’T MEET THESE PEOPLE JUST TO FLIRT WITH THEM.
    Clearly identify your business interest, before you communicate to another, whom is going to waste their time and money, chasing your dream of the day. You will be PERSONA NON GRATA real quick.
    It would be nice to have an electronic link that identifies the “DISHONEST AND INCOMPETENT” in the various professional fields. It could be a bulletin board, with names supplied by readers. No fluff, just facts.
    With your contacts, you, or someone you guide, can create an INTERNATIONAL CONCIERGE SERVICE, that for a small fee can prepare a portfolio for parties in interest. Names,specialties, hours of service, schedules and, perhaps, appointment coordination. And for a separate fee, become that companionship that hand carries the timid through their first challenges.
    Another service, and here is where I could become interested, is providing long term stay in a locale that is safe and easy to entertain, in different cities throughout the world. Arriving at a clean appartment, in a high end neighborhood, stocked with information regarding the town, its businesses and professionals, as well as data on our market interest. A driver and a maid to call, as needed.
    There is so much more to add to your book, if this type of input is welcome.

    regards,
    gil

  • Jusina

    I didn’t discover your daily writings until after you announced the
    “Black Paper”, and was dismayed to find it no longer available. For one who has lived a successful “ordinary” life, not knowing who to contact or where to start when venturing out to explore other countries, is perhaps the most intimidating challenge. Contacts are paramount to being able to make the right decisions. I was excited to know you were going to pubiish another list. I really enjoy your daily communiques, they are much appreciated.

    Jusina

  • Me

    Lawyers, Accountants and business groups.

    Lawyers.
    I Ask a lot of questions, pay immediately on conclusion of any business, take them out to lunch. They are possibly the most networked professionals I can think of. They can put you in touch with most anyone in the relevant business area you are interested in. Real estate – chances are they have developers on their books. Large business owners – ditto. The same can be said for accountants.

    Seek out top business professionals in whatever area, ring them up and take them out for a coffee, meal. You will be surprised how easy it is.

    Government officials to can be useful. Look, I like them collectively about as much as I like having a leech suck blood from my body. Do I hate government? Absolutely. Can I do business by ignoring them? No way.

    I recall one situation where I was attempting to get some information on future local government plans. The unhelpful gentleman I was talking to sat in a horrible little office with no windows. No wonder he was such a miserable old goat. Anyway I offered to take him out for a coffee at a newly opened Starbucks around the corner. With a cup of Joe in his chubby fingers and a cream bun to munch on while the sun shone on him (instead of fluorescent lighting) his attitude changed 180 degrees. I got the information I was after and all it cost me was a few bucks. Furthermore we are on first name basis now and occasionally I will “pop in” to take him for a coffee. I find out all the local govt plans before most anyone else. Things like where a new school is going to get the go ahead, where roads will be upgraded, which areas are going from Rural to Town supply for water (a huge one since land can then be subdivided into much smaller lots and will ultimately be re-zoned for residential development). Not bad for a few cups of coffee.

    Oh and it help probably to be a nice guy.

    Lastly…always follow up with people and do what you say you are going to do. Honesty breeds relationships and relationships trump pretty much everything else.

  • Jim M

    Safe to say all of us appreciate your candid commentaries along with the questions asking us to “also ask questions” and respond with input from our experiences. I find keeping it simple as much as possible cuts to the quick a little sooner. Just doesn’t always work.

    Nicks’ first reply in the bottom paragaraphs outline what many of us are looking for in guidance. We may be from inexperienced individuals to experienced travelers and entrepreneurs. Globally speaking if you are
    a North American looking at the international market then you have to ask yourself, “self”, who can I trust and how do I determine how much I can trust anyone. I think it might start with understanding how do I “approach the international market.” How does the process work, etc.
    Again, Nick asked the proper questions.

    Some are looking to retire while others to relocate and creatively work in a new business, etc.

    Most importantly is the lack of understanding of the cultures in Central and South American, Asian countries then European(East & West).
    The probem is what areas of the above jurisdictions are going to survive the current economic wind and will be the best areas to invest. What cities within those countries will be the best.

    To simplify: The process of building the network and giving back plus the
    underlying problem of identifying the best areas that will give the most
    successful opportunities. This comes from your contacts, experience and integrity in relaying to those who are reaching our for help. Help that
    has become more urgent due to the current and forseeable trend in the U.S.

    Again, we appreciate your help and, oh, you missed one great grilled grouper “a la trio americas” when in Tampa while we thoroughly enjoyed in Clearwater.

    regards,
    Jim

  • Pat

    I know a man in Panama, who says he can do wonderful things for me, at a price. He sounds a lot like you and I wonder if you are his associate. His services are a tad expensive and I would like to compare.

  • Walt

    I believe one of the most useful things that you could provide would be a time oriented sequential check list of things that need to be done or considered but punctuated with good contacts to help in their implementation when we are considering a move to a different country. Without it, it is so easy to procrastinate and dally or else do serious damage in implementation.

  • Clement

    Yes we need a checklist of contacts for real people who have finance and ideas to help others. i am happy to discuss one of my business ideas and wish to invite you to invest in this island that we wish to develop for a “boot camp’ for entrepruners meeting financiers and bankers and venture angels. We have more than 3 islands for this and wish to get a team of contacts to come by in 2010.

    Keep us posted on this project.
    Clement

  • ronnie flormata

    simon,
    I like the article about your networking in other countries. I agree with you that its who you know that counts. This is a big factor in business. and if you combined your who you know with technical matters, it becomes very effective. I am looking forward and excited to your free e-book on this subject. Give us tips and techniques on how to connect to other important people and your experiences.

    thanks,
    RONNIE

  • Nico

    Well…
    You’re absolutely right. It’s not What I know but Who I know. My experience’s too small for take like an exemple but If my father’s friends count the presidential election & my brother do the recount, well I guess, I can even be the President.

    I view also, money in currency form as worthless paper. It’s not richess but the way or raisons for get what ever I desire.
    I belive you know more then me about, how people destroy our planet for more profits, $$$. Never enough, even they’re already Billioners.

    I belive the nature can provide us all energy we need for FREE. All resarch of Tesla prouved over & over.

    If you can get some how Billions of $, cause of you’re so good to make $, please let me to ask you, why not spend & invest that in only things that give us a better wold. I guess we do need to take care efficiently our planet as much as we destroy it for profits.

    Am I too Idealist?

    PS: thanks a lot for share your great informations

  • Nico

    HI
    I know $ make $ & more you’ve $, more you’re souround by people who has $ & association of their mindes to make $ gonna obviously make more & more $…
    Be honest, I can’t even afford your consultation. Even I know that, your time & knowage are worth then that.
    If you feel confortable to help me, some how, to build up my 1st amount of investements, almost from nothing &…
    With all my hart, I desire to continue this Buiness & Knolage adventure for the rest of my life. Knowage, that’s the real richess I want over $.
    I’ll understand you’re relly busy if you do not accepte to help me.
    PS: Nico’s my real name! If you can check on facebook or what ever advence resarch technologie you do acess.

  • RB

    Simon,

    I am also in Panama but work internationally. My main activity is in the oil derivatives and minerals transactions business as a Buy/Sell Transaction Facilitator. I also represent various “funders” seeking projects in the U.S. primarily, but also internationally, that are seeking funding.

    Thank you for your willingness to publish such a resource and any information that could be included regarding these areas of business would be appreciated. Also, if there’s anything that I could do to assist, just let me know.

    RB

    • Rick G

      Curious, what is a buy/sell transaction facilitator? Are the funders you represent looking to lend money or do equity investments? Sounds like an interesting job. Am looking at a career change from real estate appraising. Lots of practical experience but no corporate experience. Thanks.
      Rick G.

  • Bob

    Hi Simon:

    I enjoy your letters very much. Your international rolodex way exceeds my humble local one. When I first started my solo medical practice, I was fortunate to be put into contact with the right people – accountant, lawyer, billing agency etc. What I learned is that the single most important trait in a contact is honesty. Unfortunately for me, in the last 2 years, I got entangled with people who looked very good on paper and were charming in person, but turned out to be real crooks. A contact becomes helpful and useful only when he is straightforward, upright, and a stand up guy.

  • Jerry Carey

    Thanks for your most interesting & informative letters.
    I would like to know how to order the iphone for $90 (from Shanghai).
    Jerry Carey
    aka Mexi-Jer

  • John N.

    I’ve opened and operated a business in the Ukraine for 3.5 years. Without the right partner, I would have had my head handed to me on a platter, complete with apple and eyeballs replaced with my testicles.
    Having survived life in the east, I am living in Panama and seeking opportunities to leverage my capital.

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