Christophe Delcourt is the co-founder of Espagnol à la Maison, a company based in Colombia that teaches Spanish using an innovative method. In this interview, Christophe shares his knowledge and experiences on how to manage a company in France from Colombia.
What are the main mistakes that people make when managing a company from Colombia?
There are two main mistakes:
The first one, is that they must be careful with taxes because when bringing money to Colombia, you need to be aware of the tax laws. Regarding health and pensions, you must take into account the existing obligations. It is essential to seek advice on this matter to evaluate the impacts.
The second mistake is that, in order to work with people here, it is crucial to understand the culture and communication styles. It’s important to learn how to work with people from each country, as there are many things to learn and discover. For example, in Colombia, word of mouth works, but it is not always reliable.
What is the main advantage?
Connecting with the French network and people you could never have imagined connecting with.
Because the community is so small in Colombia, you can connect with people that would not have been possible if you had stayed in France. You can find good profiles.
Additionally, the cost of living is lower.
You can work with trustworthy people at a lower price.
What recommendation could you give to a person who has employees in Colombia and clients in other parts of the world?
I work with independent employees, but you must be careful to connect with good and trustworthy people. Once you find them, you should take care of those relationships.
Why would you recommend joining the Europa Network to a European entrepreneur?
The network is excellent for people who have a business, especially for B2B professionals. In addition to creating professional contacts, you build connections and friendships. You can receive advice on how to start a business. For me, the network has introduced several people to the classes.
On a personal level, I come to meet and talk to people.
I can connect with others and benefit from their experiences.
