Jorge Montoya s’ experience
Jorge Montoya works with a Spanish firm called Fullstep, experts at purchasing and procurement they also do technology and consulting, and we do outsourcing. Fabio is an expert procurement . He is a civil engineer, he also has an MBA in France.
Do you think it’s hard to break into the Colombian market?
I think it is hard as in any country, market of course it has its particularities, when you start doing business in Colombia you must navigate into its culture, its society and all the difficulties of the taxes. It is necessary to manage all the situations and the particularities, every city has their own characteristics, it is different Medellin than Bogotá.
Can you tell us two main role blocks that you had to face?
I don’t think there is one particular thing, I think there is always someone who knows how to solve the problem in the right way, so for me the way to do my job is to find the right connection who can help me.
Which is the biggest mistake someone who is breaking into the Colombian market can make?
It can be the mindset because sometimes people assume that is the same business as the place they come from, they do not understand this is another country with a different culture. It is necessary to be flexible and to adapt. Also, to read what is behind and this is not always easy.
Tell us three tips you will give to someone who is just starting
It is hard, because I think the path you follow is what you need to learn and there is no short way even if someone tells you there is, you must learn in your way. But my advice will be to trust that you can solve the problems that present themselves with this job.
How has been you experience with Colombian clients?
In my experience Colombians are more open than other countries, at the end it comes out from one thing, trust, if you gain their trust, they will be open for you.
What will you recommend to someone who wants to start doing business in Colombia? What makes Colombian market different from other countries?
Every country and every market is different but I can say that Colombia is a country full of opportunities, to take them you have to take risks so, if you are risk adverse I do not recommend Colombia but if you like some risks there are a lot of opportunities, you have to understand that the market is not huge and the country is not that sophisticated in many ways so if you come with a very sophisticated service the market will be very tiny but if you find something that may be needed by the masses it is a huge opportunity.
Why will you recommend Europa Network?
I think because of connections, if someone is thinking about join the most important aspect are connection, but you must go often to event to be seen frequently so you can take advantage. With Europa Network you can find who you can trust and do business with so at the end the only way to trust is to join up.
