Running a Successful Speaking Business Abroad

By Tony Chatman, CSP

In late October of 2021, I received a text from a friend from college. She simply asked if my wife and I would like to join them in Mexico in five weeks. They owned a place in Playa Del Carmen, so all we’d need to do is get there. We jumped on the opportunity. After being there three days, I looked at my wife and said, “We can do this!” She knew exactly what I meant.

For the previous few years, we had been toying with the idea of living abroad. We thought Costa Rica or Panama, but it seemed like a daunting task, maybe something we’d do after retirement. It turns out, it wasn’t nearly as difficult as we thought. After three years of living off and on in Mexico we are now happily living in Panama.

But let’s be clear; this isn’t just about beaches and margaritas (or whatever your libation of choice may be) while working remotely. Running a successful speaking business from outside the U.S. takes planning, and smart decision making.

Here’s my blueprint for making it work.

1. Try Before You Buy

Choosing a country you like isn’t enough. Honestly, visiting a country before moving isn’t enough. Most of us visit new countries, like tourists. Resorts, dining out, excursions. That is not reality. I know a couple that moved to Portugal sight unseen. They weren’t there but four days before they realized they had made a mistake and left.

Tip:

Before we moved to Mexico, we did a one-month trial run. We lived like residents which meant working during the week, going grocery shopping, cooking our meals and having fun on the weekend. A trial run can reveal things you’d never learn during a visit. How much does it really cost to live there?  Do I need a car? Is this a good fit? I recommend spending at least two weeks before deciding to move.

2. Travel Smarter, Not Harder

If your business still involves a lot of onsite, U.S. work, you have to know what travel options are available. Depending on whether you currently live near a major hub or not, travel from abroad may actually be easier if there are a lot of direct flights to U.S. destinations. That being said, flights will likely be more expensive, and you will have to factor in going through customs when planning your travel. When possible, consider batching your U.S. travel by stacking multiple engagements or personal visits into a single trip to the U.S.

Tip:

Spend a few hours running scenarios of travel to and from your most common destinations on a travel site. Are there direct flights? How expensive are flights? Are there multiple flight options in case of cancellations? What does it cost to get to and from the airport. Will I need to become loyal to a different carrier than the one I’ve been building status on for decades?

3. Ensure that You Will have Proper Infrastructure

Much to the surprise of many, a large number of countries are actually more technically advanced than the majority of the U.S. This varies greatly, not only by country but by location within a country. When we moved to Mexico, many people had preconceived ideas about what we were walking into.

We had fiber optic internet which is very stable and gives symmetrical speeds (uploads and download speeds are the same). We also had very stable electricity, and I was able to purchase a UPC power backup at the local electronics store. Living in Panama is far superior. It is the financial center of Latin America.

Tip:

Research the infrastructure of the location you’ll be living; it can make or break your business. How is the internet? How is electricity? Is your area prone to blackouts. If the area has a winter or a rainy season, how is travel and utilities during that period? The answers to these questions will directly impact your business.

4. Prepare for Your Cost of Living to Change

Many think of moving to another country primarily to save money, and in many ways, living abroad is less expensive. That being said, it’s more complicated than that. In many countries you can live how you choose and with that comes expenses. Living on the ocean, especially on the beach, is expensive almost anywhere in the world, as is living in a major city. But housing is not the only expense you need to consider. Along with housing comes utilities, transportation, clothing, and groceries. Groceries are the factor many don’t consider. Locally sourced groceries are usually less expensive. But there will likely be things that you miss from the U.S. Those may be more expensive due to import fees. All of this should be considered when thinking about your budget.

Tip:

Check for home listings on local real estate sites. Realize that when you do your trial run, you will likely find better deals on housing than you will before arriving. Here is a site to get an idea of the overall cost of living abroad compared to where you are:  https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/city

5. Healthcare

Part of the reason we chose our area is that it is a common dental tourism destination. The healthcare we received was not only less expensive than in the U.S. it was significantly cheaper. Last December I broke my toe. I contacted my doctor via WhatsApp and was getting X-rays within an hour. An hour later, I was in her office, and when I left, I had to go buy a walking boot. All of this was about 1200 pesos or just over $60 at the time with no insurance. I had a tooth filling fixed for $40 and a zirconia tooth implant for $400 with superior technology, all without insurance. And some doctors even make house calls.

6. Client Relationships and Positioning

Positioning matters. You are not a U.S. speaker living abroad, you are a global speaker. This simple positioning shift means the world.

More importantly, clients don’t care where you live; they care what you deliver. This one is huge and was a big mental barrier for us. Clients care about outcomes. Can you deliver what they need, when they need it? If the answer is yes, they don’t care whether you’re in Portland or Portugal.

Before moving, we did communicate with our consulting clients before making the move to make sure there were no issues. This can be a big concern if you are in a heavily-regulated industry.

One unexpected thing that happened for me: My clients were actually inspired that we made the move out of the country and some even have made plans to come visit. Our move validated our success to them.

Super Tip:

This tip could fall under any of the categories. There are Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups in almost every destination for expats or people looking to move. Simply search expats in whatever destination you’re looking at on Facebook, and you will have access to all sorts of insider information. Is it safe? Where are the best areas to live if you have a family? If you‘re empty nesters? Where should I shop etc. It is far more reliable than the “relocation specialists” you find on YouTube. By the way, many of those “experts” are people who moved to a location without a plan and needed to make money, so that was the way with the least friction.

Many of us got into the speaking industry not just as a way to make money, but as a way to live the life we wanted. We didn’t want to have to clock in. We didn’t want to have a boss. We wanted options. We have more options and fewer restraints than we realize. The world is a big place; go live.