The Germany Expat Business Show

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?In this episode, I had a fun and insightful conversation with Genevieve Retzlaff about her journey from being a successful HR professional in Montreal to moving to Germany and starting her own business, Grow Better Together.We discussed:How 3 years of ‘reflection' helped her refocus building her careerHow she built her coaching business using a combination of networking and targeted advertisingBuilding momentum by working with clients in her home country while building up a local client base in GermanyThe importance of authenticity, leadership and female empowerment, and the benefits of self-leadership.We also touched on harnessing the power of websites and how she expanded her network through industry groups and platforms.Genevieve shared her experience transitioning from the corporate world to freelancing and how her passion for coaching led her to create Grow Better Together.We also discussed the growth of Grow Better Together, and how Gen leads a remote team that works collaboratively to create offers and share opportunities.We shared insights on embracing the possibility of failure and surrounding oneself with quality people for support and guidance.If you're interested in learning more about Genevieve's journey and the insights she's gained along the way, be sure to tune into this episode of the Germany Expat Business Show.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Emilia Puentes is a stop motion and paper artist originally from Wisconsin.  Emilia co-owns  Pairem with her business partner, Natalie, the brand director who takes care of all things marketing for Pairem. Pairem creates eye-catching visuals with the magic of stop motion and paper animation. It's a creative production partner for agencies and for brands who want more motion and magic in their marketing strategy. When she's not working on her creative business she's usually doing something with her hands like coloring, crocheting, and photography - creativity is in her soul.  Emilia and I talked about:How a job opportunity for her husband was a chance for her to freelance full timeHer approach to sharing her work on IG and getting noticed by large brandsHow LinkedIn is in some ways better than IG for her visual businessWorking permission with a Blue Card visaHow often she had to pitch to get her first two German projectsHow feeling isolated as an expat lead her to her business partnerThe process and services they used to start their GbR (and what that is) and how much it costsThe clever productized offering for brands they created (launch)Why it's never to late to get started with something your passionate aboutMCBW in MunichThe power of networkingYou can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Tim is a native Californian who has been in Germany over 20 years. He's an experienced coach, facilitator and trusted advisor. For over two decades he has helped young professionals to C-level executives generate clarity, confidence and momentum for lasting change.In addition People & Organization Development, Tim has first-hand work experience in Financial Services, Education and the Media across 4 continents. As blog, newsletter and coaching practice, 'The Path To Peak Performance' is the product of this diverse experience.In this episode Tim and I talked about:The challenge of measuring the effects of content marketingWhat he did to pivot from corporate coaching to coaching private individuals when the lockdown hitTim's ideal mix of corporate vs. clientsWhat to focus on instead of tasksHis experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and whether or not it ‘worked'What makes a client ready to buyWhere to find Tim:https://pathtopeakperformance.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnash-peakperformance/You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey? Join me as I chat with Jesus Navarrez, an expat from Mexico City living in Munich, who shares the story of his Mexican food import business that changed the game for authentic Mexican cuisine Germany. From the origins of his venture to the hurdles he faced in starting a tortilla business in Germany,  Jesus opens up about overcoming bureaucracy, learning the art of tortilla-making and trying to convince reluctant restaurant owners in Germany to buy authentic corn tortillas.Stay tuned for his insights on staying positive while starting a business, and where you can buy his delicious products to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. You won't want to miss this flavorful conversation!You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Originally from America, Lisa moved to Germany from London and launched her online bookshop Story Post. We literally talk shop about why she chose Shopify, Facebook ads, and the challenges of marketing in the EU.In this episode Lisa and I also talked about:Some of the post-Brexit challenges of launching an online shop in the EU when her merchandise was originally sourced in the UKHow she approached market research in a linguistically fragmented European Union marketHer journey from working in publishing to finding a way to promote great books and bring more diversity to children's book market.Her experience with using Facebook ads to market her e-commerce businessLisa's tips on making reading a fun and enriching experience for children.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Ever wonder how a French expat found success with her own business in Frankfurt?Stefania Laventure, the brilliant mind behind Pimp My Product, shares her journey from love-struck expat to agile goal-setting guru in this episode. Listen in as Stefania reveals how she assists startups in finding focus, setting goals, and achieving them through quarter-long teamwork sessions – both remotely and on-site. Join us as we delve into the energetic world of startups and discover how a simple coffee break can lead to great insights.Stefania's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for self-development shine through in the second part of our conversation. Learn how she honed her agile skills to help clients prioritize and focus their resources, and the challenges she faced in building her clientele and pipeline. She also shares the value of referrals, but why it's important to maintain control over your growth. Plus, don't miss Stefania's take on the delicate balance between work and family life – juggling three kids and a full-time job is no easy feat, but her 50/50 partnership with her husband makes it all possible.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?In this episode I talk with Laura Ung, a  performance marketing manager by day and along with her partner Stewart is a  tea master when not at her 9-5. Coming from Southeast Asia, she trod an uncommon path, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and a challenging experience with a micromanager that ultimately led her to carve out her own path in the business landscape.Turning their passion for tea into a thriving business, Laura and Stewart created Hungry Tea Masters, a unique platform to promote tea appreciation events. We'll explore her marketing strategies, the channels she uses to promote her business, and her vision for the future of Hungry Tea Masters. Listen in as Laura shares her insights on hosting virtual events, her take on alcohol-free gatherings, and her experiences leveraging Eventbrite.Laura's entrepreneurial journey extends beyond her tea business. As a prominent member of the Southeast Asian Entrepreneur network, she sees the power of community bonding and networking first hand.Hear about her experiences living in various German cities, from the welcoming environment of Dresden to well, a little less welcoming Munich. We'll also delve into  a brush with a business scam and how it promted Laura and Stewart to found a group for South East Asian entrepreneurs.This episode is full of insights, whether you're a burgeoning entrepreneur, a tea enthusiast, or someone trying to adapt to life in Germany.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Emily Hughes is an American and the founder of Emily Claire & Co an agency that specializes in copywriting and influencer marketing for B2C female founders, based out of Hamburg.Emily has a great 'How I ended up in Germany story.' She was working as a performer on a German cruise ship! After docking in Hambugg her singin' dancin' self took a look around and said 'I love this place!' This was a fun episode with a lot of digital marketing shop talk.  Emily and I discussed:How a creating a course as a lead generator, sales asset and authority builder lead to thousands of euros in client contractsWhat exactly influencer marketing is. My (and maybe your?) understanding was a little, uh…simplisticOur different understandings of what a ‘start-up' is and why so many industries and businesses suddenly started ending with ‘techHow she got her initial clients by reaching out to people in a very niche industry which she where she had connectionsHow she cleverly bridges the gap between no influencer marketing and ridiculously expensive influencer marketing for her clientsEmily also shared her insights into how startups can leverage influencers to get their brand in front of their target audience and what it's like to have two skill sets (copywriting and influencer marketing). We discuss the difference between influencer marketing and PR and share some tips on how to find the influencers that will best represent your brand. It's not all business talk; Emily opens up about the challenges she faced when becoming self-employed in Germany and shares some advice for those considering the same path. This episode is packed full of insights, advice, and inspiration, so grab an Astra (or a Fritz Kola) and  enjoy my convo with Emily Claire Hughes.Where to find Emily:https://www.emilyclaireand.co/https://www.instagram.com/emilyinhamburg/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-claire-hughes-366108181/You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Get set for a thrilling journey through the intriguing world of SEO with our remarkable guest, Sarah Moon. With her roots in Luxembourg and extended stay in Ireland, Sarah Is it possible to get SEO traction if your content and marketing is in, say English (for example!) but you live in Germany?In this episode I talk to Sarah Moon, who is not an expat and doesn't live in Germany. What she is, is a SEO and movement marketing expert.Sarah is the founder of Sarah Moon & Co, a Portland, Oregon-based boutique SEO-first marketing & business strategy firm that helps audacious change-makers, thought-leaders, and transformational causes get found and make an impact. SM&Co is one of the original Squarespace Specialists, and the original marketing studio to optimize SEO services for Squarespace users.I've been searching far and wide for someone who could provide guidance on how to do expat/multi-lingual SEO and she's the first and only person I've found who had some thoughtful, meaty answers.Some of the things we discussed:→ Why low search terms can be your friend→ Why it's important to listen for terms people use repeatedly when talking about your business IRL→ Branded search, what it is and why it's important for expat businesses→ Why you should have a Google business profile even if you are a totally remote business→ How outbound links on your website send signals about your location to Google→ The impact of top level domain (.de vs. com)→ SEO Considerations for setting up multilingual websitesThis a nerdy but highly VALUABLE conversation if you want to up your SEO game and you're producing content in a language differs from the region where you live.Sarah also generously created a resource page full of free resources and a big discount code on her website just for listeners!https://sarahmoon.net/expat/You can find her both at her website and on LinkedIn here:https://sarahmoon.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmoon/You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Ever wondered how a successful entrepreneur and side-hustler from a foreign land made it big in Germany? Aazar Shad is a hustler, entrepreneur and marketer. He loves ads, tearing them down and figuring out why they work. He runs an expat newsletter, The Munich Post with 5500+ subscribers.Originally from Pakistan, Aazar made Munich his home and showed us that resilience and a never-say-quit attitude can lead to incredible success. Buckle up as Azar takes us through his entrepreneurial journey filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs, along with his in-depth insights into the fascinating world of performance marketing and consulting.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Imagine taking a leap of faith, moving to a new country, and building a successful business with no university degree in hand.This was the journey of Penny Blackmore, a sales and marketing consultant who transitioned to freelancing in Germany. Join us as we explore Penny's fascinating journey to Germany and how she established her successful sales and marketing consultancy, Company Studio. From working at a digital product studio to dealing with the intricacies of freelance work in Germany, Penny's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.Penny's worked with clients ranging from Twitter to Tetra Pak in locations across Australia, Europe, and the US. She headed up business development at two globally recognised design agencies and has expertise in startups, innovation and design. Penny now brings this unique expertise to her hyper-specific niche helping her clients to with their sales and marketing. Other things to know? Penny is working on a novel as well as writing an occasional newsletter, And Another Thing, with an accompanying podcast. She loves writing and has been published in the Guardian and the Huffington Post. Penny competed at the Olympics as a gymnast in 2004, which has taught her infinite lessons about tenacity, motivation, and resilience.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?In this episode I talk  to  Karina Weber, also known as the Brand Architect.We talk about her journey from Canada to Germany,  where she built a flourishing marketing business, specialized in branding and carved a niche within female, service-oriented businesses struggling with branding issues. Karina shares insightful nuggets about her unique journey, which includes a master's degree pursuit in Munich, mastering German (her Father's native language) and the challenges faced while expanding her business and utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook Ads to grow her brand and audience. Karina talked about her experience providing free content, fine-tuning her offerings to resonate with her target market, and her innovative approach in creating a program that responds to her clients' needs. We also talked about the pros and cons and necessity of building a location independent and  travel-friendly business - especially as expats. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Dan's journey of transforming into an entrepreneurial powerhouse is a real inspiration and a living demonstration of the good old American 'Can Do' spirit.He shares candid tales of his early days grappling with language barriers and the incredible stroke of luck that led him from the doing research at the U.S. consulate with a bag lunch, to the boardrooms of Siemens.In this episode Dan shares:The surprising story of how and why he decided to leave a promising trajectory in Silicon valley and move to Munich (spoiler: it wasn't a relationship!)His life philosophy and approach to making decisionsLiving in a WG with roommates disinclined to speak EnglishThe relatable challenges of navigating German bureaucracyHow he got started with no connections and no German language skillsHow he identified a gap in the German market and how he could serve it with the skills he already hadThe astonishing story of how he landed his first Fortune 500 clientDan's story is a masterclass in adaptability and perseverance. His anecdotes about pushing through fear and the humorous realization of operating without proper permits will resonate with anyone who's ever sat dejectedly in the KVR office.Beyond business stories, Dan also shares a wealth of knowledge on leadership dynamics. With his background in psychology and criminology, he doesn't shy away from getting into the nitty-gritty of executive coaching and the significance of investing in team relationships. His transition from running a successful company to focusing on improving team interactions within corporations offers an insider perspective on leadership that's both informative and inspiring. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Imagine uprooting your life and moving to a country where you don't speak the language to chase a dream. That's precisely what Ranjit did when he left India for Germany, and his journey is nothing short of remarkable. In our heart-to-heart, Ranjit, a seasoned entrepreneur, walks us through his challenging yet rewarding path from a language novice to a thriving business owner. Tune in as he shares the pivotal moments, from landing a project with Deutsche Telekom to the strategic pivots of establishing his own company.Navigating the complex world of business in a country that's not your birthplace requires resilience and a strong network, both of which Ranjit has mastered. His anecdotes about ensuring an employee's residency and the strategic shift to a home office are testaments to his adaptability. For all the freelancers and aspiring business owners out there, Ranjit's insights into the power of past colleagues, professional networks, and agencies can be the key to unlocking new levels of success. His tale is a striking example of how embracing change can forge unexpected opportunities.Beyond the entrepreneurial grind, Ranjit also underscores the importance of continuous personal development. His involvement with Toastmasters shines a light on the profound impact that honing public speaking and leadership skills can have on professional growth. If you're pondering on how to handle the recurring tasks of business ownership or seeking advice, Ranjit's experiences reveal the strength found in community and mentorship. Embark on this episode for a dose of inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that no one should navigate the intricacies of business, especially in a foreign land, alone.You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Laila is a Startup Coach from Stuttgart, who wants to create a safe space for migrant founders in Germany through the community empowerment project ‘The Migrant Accelerator'. She loves to talk about lived allyship and inclusion for investors and corporates.She is also the host of The Migrant Accelerator Podcast.TMA sounds like a fun place to be, it's full of founders from: Thailand, Uganda, Russia, Palestine, India, Ukraine, Pakistan and even a few Americans!In our conversation we discussed:How her bachelor thesis formed the basis of  The Migrant Accelerator.What The Migrant Accelerator is and how it helpsThe history of migrant entrepreneurship in GermanyThe availability of grants and non-VC sources of funding that aren't widely known aboutThe opportunities (and challenges) to founding a startup in Germany‘Passport privilege' and the the difference between the terms migrant, immigrant and expatBalancing motherhood (of a toddler!) and business leadershipYou can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?A subscriber to my newsletter asks the eternal question: How do I get more clients? I share my response.Links mentioned in this episode:4 Thrilling Things That Suddenly Happened When I Committed to a Niche How to Find Clients Online with Enjoyment and EaseHow to Grow Your Business Online (newsletter)You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Leaving the warm beaches of California for  Munich? Gretchen and her family did just that. The result is an inspiring story of her career evolution from a CMO in the B2B software industry to business founder and entrepreneur.In this conversation Gretchen and I talk about  the whirlwind of relocation, unexpected career detours and the growth that comes with such a bold move.  We also discuss:The decision and backstory on moving to Germany based on a major opportunity for her career (rather than her husbands)How her substantial business acumen informs her approach to leadership consulting Why she's passionate about helping leaders become the best versions of themselves so they can lead their teams to do the sameHow and why she transitioned as a successful CMO into a consulting business owner and entrepreneurHow she developed a proprietary tool and team development methodHow she built up a LinkedIn audience of over 5k followersWhether it's better to use accounting apps and services or a professional SteuerberaterWhy sometimes the best thing you can do is just throw some money at a problem!You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?It was a thrill when John Ismailoglu cheerfully accepted my request for a podcast interview. He is hands down one of my favorite LinkedIn follows, posting about - of all things - Insurance! A fellow American born and raised in NYC, John is a ‘4th culture' person with a family story that spans Turkey, Bulgaria, the U.S. and now Germany.With close to two decades in the dynamic realm of insurance, John has seen it all. John's story began in New York where he started from the bottom, selling car insurance in a call center. Over time, he climbed the ranks to handling the needs of prominent businesses and the affluent. "From Call Center to Rockefeller Center" will be the title of John's insurance biography - he just needs to put pen to paper and write the thing.Nowadays, John is venturing into new territory in Berlin and embarking on a fresh chapter with INSRD, an insurance and risk solution provider for startups, scaleups, and tech. In this interview we talked about: How the buzz and diversity of Berlin feels similar to being in his hometown of NYC 3.How a his experience working at a call center in high school led to INSRD Our shared American respect for the art and talent of selling and customer service (of course!) His German language journey from learning it, forgetting it, then learning it again and then learning ‘Insurance German' His rule of thumb advice for the basic insurances every business needs Balancing the market opportunities with the bureacratic challenges of setting up and running a business in Germany His excellent, excellent LinkedIn game and how and why he built up a following on the platformAnd congrats! INSRD just received €500k in Pre-seed funding!You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Time for another episode of The Germany Expat Business Show Mailbag!This time I'm sharing a question from Nutan Jaeger.Nutan is a trained architect turned writer who moved to Munich with her German husband. She was laid off from her job and has worked as a freelancer in Germany before but always stayed under the mini-job level and making enough to cover taxes and insurance.Her biggest challenge is figuring out how to start.Should she exploring business ideas as side hustles and see what takes off? OR Should she create a business right away?She also asked about working remotely from Germany for clients in the U.S.It's so fascinating to hear everyone's stories.My advice to Nutan would be to start something as a side-hustle rather than a full on business. For a few reasons.Listen in to this shorty solo episode to find out more!You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Tetyana Pirker came from Ukraine to Munich in 2002. She studied psychology in the university of Munich and afterwards she started a career at Accenture as IT SAP consultant. After many years SAP consulting he looked for a ‘soul business'. After the birth of her first child in 2017 she discovered her passion; photography. Tetyana works for both business customers but also she loves weddings. She has 2 kids, lives in the north of Munich and still works part time in the consulting while she is developing her photography business.In this episode Tetyana and I discussed:

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?In this episode I talk to May and Peter Kamya, the Berlin-based founders of Kidsimply.  Peter is originally from the UK and May's family immigrated to Germany from Thailand when she was five years old.Kidsimply is an online shop selling diverse and inclusive books and toys. Through the KidSimply brand, and inspired by raising their child, Peter and May want to celebrate cultural diversity, but most importantly send out a message to ALL children that their experiences matter.In this episode of The Germany Expat Business Show we talked about:

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?I stumbled across Jen and Yvonne of Simple Germany through their YouTube channel, and boy am I glad I did!Jen was born and raised in Guatemala and sought better quality of life due to LGBTQ+ rights and security concerns. Yvonne was raised in Germany but always wanted to explore the world and worked for many years on a cruise ship (side note: This is the second Germany Expat Business Show guest that worked on a cruise ship!)Jen and Yvonne met in Düsseldorf where they became partners in life and business. Together they became the founders of Simple Germany where they create English content to empower internationals to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.They've got some eye popping stats including: A devoted following of 55k YouTube subscribers, 15k newsletter subscribers, 3M Annual website visitors and 1k happy customersIn our conversation we talked about:How their own experiences as immigrants and a native German led to the creation of Simple Germany.How they were able to leave their corporate jobs in 2022 to focus full-time on Simple Germany after starting it in 2020.Their business model which primarily relies on affiliate sales.How they build trust through YouTube and SEO efforts, emphasizing authenticity and human connection.Content creation on Simple Germany has evolved into inspiring stories of successful immigration to Germany, providing hope and empowerment to others.How through Simple Germany Jen and Yvonne aim to inspire people to realize that a life abroad is possible and that they have control over making positive changes for a better life.How they ventured into creating digital products like templates and e-books to offer more detailed resources to their audience.The challenges of finding the right e-commerce platform in Germany, particularly with regards to European regulations like displaying final prices including VAT and variable VAT rates.How and why they ended up getting married three times in Germany!You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Mandy Borchardt is a German marketing strategist and translator helping small non-German businesses to market their brand in Germany.In 2015 she went freelance full time as a translator for English and Spanish into German, working for translation agencies and direct clients.After a few years, she started to notice that most end clients need more than just marketing translations. They also need to understand their new target group and adapt their marketing efforts accordingly.This was when the idea of helping her non-German clients with their marketing in Germany slowly started to grow.I invited her on to the show to help those marketing and selling to Germans understand the mindset of the German customer.We talked about:The importance of understanding German customers' preferences and cultural nuances.The importance of detailed product descriptions, compliance with local regulations, and personalized content in German.Specific marketing tips for German audiences including guidance on machine translation, legal text and culturally appropriate visualsThe factors that influence many German buying decisionsAdvantages and disadvantages of running a business in GermanyThe importance of networking, collaboration, and continuous learning for all business ownersHow cooperation over competition among freelancers and small business owners has served her wellYou can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, Cheryl has the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During her time in Berlin, she's had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for numerous German companies.Her day jobs include working as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless individuals, as well as a team coach helping people work better and find happiness in their careers.The combination of her personal and professional experience means she knows exactly what it takes to move to Germany and find work. In 2021, she created the The Berlin Life, with a mission to help make moving to Germany and finding work easier. The Berlin Life provides guides to life in Berlin, career coaching services, and connections to a wider community.In our conversation we covered:How and why Cheryl started The Berlin LifeHow she balances The Berlin Life as a side hustle with her full-time job.How she focuses on organic SEO for growthSome pracitical tips for crafting powerful CVs and cover letters tailored to the German marketWhy she switched form ConvertKit to Substack for her newsletterHow she generates revenue with the website and newsletterThe current state of the German job market and broader economic trendsWhether or not you can find a job in Germany just speaking EnglishHow to find more efficient ways to manage time and the idea of reducing regular working hours to focus more on a hustle.Where you'll find Cheryl and The Berlin Life:The Berlin Life websiteThe Berlin Life InstagramThe Berlin Life Facebook GroupThe Berlin Life on LinkedInYou can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Thermodemand, founded by Irapua Santos Ribeiro, is a consultancy focused on sustainable energy solutions for industrial applications, particularly in solar and renewable process heat technologies.His company aims to help industrial clients reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. Ira has started the business as a sole proprietorship, but plans to expand by forging strategic partnerships and delivering innovative, high-quality services worldwide.Irapua an impressive professional background in renewable energy. He earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA in Business and Project Management, and a European Master in Renewable Energy, specializing in Solar Thermal Energy.He's also the father of twins (two little girls) and sports enthusiast who also writes on his free time about life related subjects.In this episode we talked about:

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Jen and her husband Paul Higgins are originally from NJ. A career opportunity for Paul brought them to Munich in 2003 and Jen kept her IT career on track so they stayed.In 2018 they founded a small craft beer brewery in the heart of Munich's brewing district, creating American styled ales. In 2022, they opened a taproom next door to the brewery and have enjoyed meeting locals, expats, craft beer fans and brewers from around the world.In our conversation we discussed:How they expected to stay in Munich ‘A couple of years' and why they've been here for almost 20(!)Even though Munich is the beer capital of the world, they missed craft beer and slowly but surely, they pursued their passion to found Higgins Aleworks in 2018.The process of establishing a business that involves beer and consumablesStarting a business as a hobby and leveraging the luxury of timeThe ‘Reinheitsgebot' and how it impacts beer innovation (or lack thereof)A lucky coincidence that has to do with starting a brewery in a bakeryControversy! Can vs. BottlesHow the pandemic actually forced them forward with their business and make strategic partnerships with competitorsHow they found a space for their taproom in Munich's impossible commercial real estate marketHow they use Google Maps and LinkedIn for marketingYou can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Lora McInturf supports high-performing lawyers and business professionals primarily in law, IT, finance, accounting, and coaching.Lora's business is 100% virtual. She's worked with professionals and businesses around the world - from over 40 countries and counting.She is also a founder and co-leader of the following groundbreaking online networking communities: Lawyers Coaching Lawyers - International Network, Women Expat Lawyers and Law Students, and Women Expat Entrepreneurs Empowered Germany.In this episode we talked aboutHow being exchange student lead to her putting down roots in GermanyThe native English speakers conundrum when it comes to learning German while working in an international corporate environmentHow multiple international moves prompted her to create a portable business that made use of her background in law without actually being a lawyer How marketing ourselves on our backgrounds is effective; Why it's important to try and do ‘all of the things' when first starting outWhere she got her first clientsHow and why she founded several successful Facebook groups and the highs and lows of running themVisas versus permanent residency permitsThe joy of a good tech stackYou can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at www.eleanormayrhofer.com/podcast Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?Hey everyone! Season 3 is FINALLY underway.Also, big announcement! I'm excited to introduce The Germany List. This came out of the need to connect and support the expat business community in Germany, this open directory is a centralized resource for international entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers. Together with my co-founder, Lindsey, we're publicly building a platform that aims to make finding and promoting Ausländer English-friendly services easier than ever. Tune in to learn more about the Germany List and how you can add your business, service or community group if you have one and discover new ones nearby.Links:https://thegermanylist.de/Add your business:https://thegermanylist.de/add-your-business/You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.Need an expert Squarespace web designer and online marketer book a free, no-pressure consult call.