Back to Books Page


Have you got what it takes?

Expats by nature tend to be possessed with entrepreneurial characteristics, as Jo Parfitt, author of 'Expat Entrepreneur' explains to Jill Ervine.

Presenting her new book at the Women’s Business Initiative International in Den Haag last year, Jo said, “The key traits of an entrepreneur are almost a direct match with those of an expat: willingness to take risks, flexibility, lateral thinking, self-motivation and an ability to solve problems. Plus, of course, patience and a sense of humour.”

An entrepreneur is essentially anyone who works for themselves, whether selling home-made cakes or owning a multinational company. With an increasing number of people leaving their homelands to begin new lives elsewhere, so it becomes more and more relevant to develop transferable skills that allow them to work wherever they happen to live. Since the ‘job for life’ is no more, it behoves us all to give some thought to how ‘portable’ our career really is – and, indeed, if we are in the right one!

Expat Entrepreneur is a practical and inspirational book, beginning with a section identifying the skills and attitudes necessary to becoming an entrepreneur. It examines the processes of reinvention, self-marketing and effective networking that are vital to maintaining a career on the move. The second half of the book is comprised of case histories from a wide range of entrepreneurs, their top tips for success and a large resource section.

Jo Parfitt knows a thing or two about being an expat, and another thing or two about being an entrepreneur. She grew up in England and has since lived in Dubai, Oman, Norway and the Netherlands.

Her writing career has spanned over 20 years and she has published a number of books including the bestselling Your Career in a Suitcase. She also runs her own consulting and editing company, The Book Cooks, helping other writers to make their publishing dreams come true. Now, with a team of Sous Chefs she has clients all over the world.

“The real key to success is to do something you love, and that passion will help you overcome difficulties along the way,” says Jo.

Reinventing herself with every move has allowed this author to become a serial entrepreneur, with each metamorphosis being based firmly on what she most loves to do – writing, teaching and working for herself.

Go on - release your inner entrepreneur!