Lessons from Mexico

I have just come back from a UKTI trade mission in Mexico – this is the second such trip I have been on – and, as on the previous occasion, I am struck with the potential of UK companies to do business in other countries.  Apart from representing our British food products in other countries these trips always do as much in educating and inspiring me as well as achieving goals for the export side of the company.

Coincidently, a Mexican became the richest man in the world whilst I was there– Carlos Slim overtook Bill Gates last week. Whilst having $31Billion or $22Billion will not make a significant difference to his lifestyle, it may well make a significant difference to many Mexicans as this man is a great philanthropist.  Interestingly the number of billionaires is now growing faster in developing economies than in the western world.  This has significant implications in many aspects of world trading – and will make a difference to our lives – but maybe more of that another time…

Back to the subject of this blog, what are the main differences between doing business in the UK and Mexico?  Above everything, generally business is a lot more fun in Mexico.  Whilst the business deals are serious, they have more fun doing it and they are a lot more relationship –orientated than we are in the UK.  People in Mexico make friends first, and do business second, so you are unlikely to do any significant deals the first time out to the country. The Mexicans need to see that you are serious by coming out a second time. What a shame!

People in Mexico, I reckon, are far less likely to get stressed and burnt out than we are.  Of course, the climate helps, but let me give you an example of just how easy-going they are.  We went out for a meal one night in a group of 9. The first five got into a cab, which left four of us to get into the second cab.  We were sitting in there a while talking, and after 10 minutes started to wonder where the driver had gone.  It wasn’t long before he came out of the hotel, and then we quickly realized he wasn’t a cab driver. We were actually sitting in his private car – he had come to drop someone off at the hotel, and found four strangers sitting in his car when he came out.  However, no shouting and getting angry, he just shrugged his shoulders and laughed!

I also read a fantastic little book on the plane on the way over there, called “The Go-Giver”. It is a parable about a guy who is trying to succeed and get on, but has to learn 5 key lessons as follows.

The Law of Value:  Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

The Law of Compensation: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.

The Law of Influence: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.

The Law of Authenticity: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

The Law of Receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

It will all make sense when you read this book, it is releasing and freeing – and will change your business life.  The key to getting is giving. I have started with putting a few ideas into practice this week – and have enjoyed every minute! Enjoy giving this week!

By the way for a UKTI perspective on the trip, click http://blog.ukti.gov.uk