Chapter 6

Alternative Approaches

Introduction

There is no limit to the number of ways of earning a living overseas. The majority of expats earn a living in one 12 ways which are listed in Chapter 7 (Popular ways to Eearn a living). In this chapter we will look at alternative ways of making a living.

You may have a great idea for a new business but lack the necessary capital to fund the project. Alternatively you may have an interesting project proposal for a special expedition or other adventure.

Whatever you do, hold on to your vision and dreams, even if you don’t have the financial backing yet. There are plenty of businesspeople and retirees with surplus funds awaiting adventurous, creative and talented people.

There are three main possibilities to consider:

Your success in securing funding, employment or sponsorship depends upon a clear and focused proposal. The proposal should be marketed effectively to the appropriate people or organizations with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is infectious, so your goal is to get your potential financiers excited about the project, and sell the concept to them.

Seeking Suitable Investors

You have a great business idea. If you don’t have enough capital to fund the business, maybe you can find a willing partner to invest in your business. You can stipulate whether you want a working partner or a “non-executive” investor. It is usually more difficult sourcing a suitably skilled partner to work in the business.

A sound business plan is necessary before you present your proposal to potential investors. This document should answer most of the investors’ questions. How much finance is required? What is the estimated return on investment? Include background information about you and your proposed management team.

The business plan is your roadmap to establishing a successful business. The document should include the following sections and information:

Refining the business plan is an ongoing task so get as much feedback about the document as possible.

The next stage is presentation of your plan to potential investors. Consider businesspeople who sell to a common customer base. Approach potential investors at local chambers of commerce, Toastmasters club, Rotary clubs, expat clubs and forums and appropriate trade associations.

There are many retired people with bags of money, waiting for an interesting opportunity to add interest to their life. Some retirees have no family or commitments and would jump at the chance of being involved in an exciting new business project.

If business networking and targeted marketing does not yield the investment you need, place advertisements for investors in classifieds, newspapers and online notice boards.

Seeking a Suitable Employer

Monitor the local classified advertisements for current recruitment opportunities and evidence of new businesses starting up in the local area. Freelance practitioners benefit from reviewing job advertisements because they provide information about new businesses starting up in the area which may require their expertise.

Case Study: I noticed a business brokerage for sale among the local business classifieds. I made an appointment with the business owner to view the brokerage. While I was negotiating a price for the business, another buyer stepped in and paid the full asking price. The seller introduced me to the buyer and I was immediately offered a well-paid position as manager of the brokerage.

Some expat websites provide forums for jobs. Join these forums and post a notice about the job you are looking for.

Seeking Sponsorship for Your Project

If you have an appetite for adventure and you really want to make things happen, why not seek sponsorship for your dream adventure? This option is limited only by your creativity and will to make it happen.

CASE STUDY

In May 2006 two English women started their 12,500 kilometer journey from Bangkok to England in a three wheeled vehicle (known as a tuk-tuk). They completed the journey in 98 days, after driving an average of 127 Kilometers each day. The itinerary covered 11 countries (Thailand, Laos, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, France and England).

Jo and Antonia’s above adventure was sponsored by several organizations and thousands of dollars were donated to a mental health charity in UK. Since completing the adventure, Jo and Antonia have written a book and the trip has been the subject of a documentary. For further information about this once-in -a -lifetime journey, refer to their website at http://www.tuktotheroad.co.uk.

Every project begins with an idea or concept. Jo and Antonia’s concept is summarized as “2 girls, 3 wheels, 12,000 miles; an epic overland adventure from Bangkok to Brighton in aid of MIND”. MIND is a UK-registered mental health charity.

An expedition of this distance requires considerable planning and organization. Matters to consider include motor and medical insurance, documentation and procedures for temporary import of vehicles at country border crossings, driving licenses, spare parts for the tuk-tuk, media and sponsorship.

According to Wikipedia, the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) allows drivers to temporarily import their vehicles without depositing a cash bond at the border. It is an international guarantee for payment of customs duties and taxes in case the vehicle is not re-exported from that country within the agreed period (which is usually 30 days). However, none of the countries through which Jo and Antonia traveled require the carnet.

A press release is necessary to interest the media including newspapers, travel magazines, online publishers, TV and radio stations. A press release is a one page project summary for the media. The girls also maintained a journal on their website together with photographs. The girls could be contacted by cell phone or by email.

Jo and Antonia managed to secure sponsorship from at least 18 organizations which are listed on their website. Some sponsors offered financial support while others supplied equipment or services for the expedition.

Sponsors want to see evidence of adequate media coverage. The underlying charitable cause is also a strong hook in sponsorship campaigns. Although sponsors usually write off their donations against taxable profits they expect positive publicity to help their business.

House-Sitting

Now you can live rent-free anywhere in the world! If you are a freelance writer, website designer or artist, why not consider house-sitting overseas. House-sitting is one way of living in a comfortable home free of charge. There are several international house-sitting agencies listed with website search engines. One such agency is called House Carers (http://www.housecarers.com). Most agencies require house-sitters to pay a small annual membership fee for the service. The house owners can list their house-sitting needs at no cost.

Here is an example of a recent house-sitting listing in Canada which was posted with Housecarers.com:

We are looking for a mature, responsible housesitter for our home in the Pandosy Village area of the Mission in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley for 7.5 months. Our home is on a very quiet street but close to shops and restaurants. It is also a very short walk to the Okanagan Lake and is within walking distance of downtown. For ski enthusiasts Big White is less than an hour’s drive away. We have no pets.

Responsibility for payment of bills for electricity and other services is a matter for negotiation between you and the house owner.

Christian Organizations

If you are a Christian there are many Christian organizations in America which may sponsor your trip overseas if you are willing to be a volunteer. There are Christian organizations begging for volunteering worldwide.