Be a big fish in a small pond at Inside Twente
February 25, 2009
I have just had a great meeting with Bea Stanford, who found herself as an expat in a part of The Netherlands that has no existing infrastructure for expats like her. So, realising that there was a need to network with other expats she started Inside Twente. This neat site has blogs and forums and is a kind of Facebook for Twente dwellers. It is also a really good place to get yourself know. Being a big fish in a small pond means you are more likely to get noticed. So, if you have a book that might interest these hungry Twente expats, or would like to meet some inspiring folk. Drop by Inside Twente. I’ve just joined the club and am thrilled by Bea’s wonderful initiative. I am glad to be part of Inside Twente.
Don’t miss Robin Pascoe’s Far East tour – coming right up!
January 15, 2009
No other ‘expat expert’ has quite such a punishing schedule as my dear friend Robin Pascoe. And just as I find myself returning to my own Middle East stomping grounds of Dubai and Oman (check out the Muscat International Mobility and Relocation conference in April), Robin regularly returns to the Far East. Fans of her great books, Homeward Bound, Moveable Marriage and Raising Global Nomads will know that she lived in Bangkok, Seoul and Beijing during her time in expatwifedom.
Now she returns, going to Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore and BAngkok, starting on Feb 17th. Her schedule is punishing, for she will be making 25 presentations during her stay. Do NOT miss this chance to meet her, hear her own personal stories that will resonate with you like nothing else. She’ll make you laugh, she may make you cry, but her solid wisdom and practical advice will have you leaving the room with a spring in your step – and a book in your hand. Check out her itinerary now here on her blog at Expat Expert.
Phew! Companies do care about spousal work permits
January 13, 2009
Phew! it seems that companies are behind the hard work of the Permits Foundation, after all. This organisation works hard to get governments to offer spouses work visas, and late last year decided it was time to check whether their tireless lobbying still matters. It seems it does.
If you care about the way expat spouses are treated by their partners’ sponsoring organisations in their career ambitions then take a look at the executive summary of this recent survey.
Hot off the press, you can read the summary at http://permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_summary.pdf
Jo Parfitt, expat entrepreneur
December 29, 2008
I never tire of being interviewed by journalists. Of course, being in the media is a great way to get publicity for my books and so, publication permitting, I usually agree to an interview. With my global network, most requests come in by email and interviews take place by phone, email or Skype, but, back in May, to coincide with the launch of the third edition of Career in Your Suitcase, Amanda van Mulligen of The Writing Well came to my home for ours.
Being able to see your interviewee face to face has many bonuses. It can allow you to get more of the personality of your subject, not only from their body language but also from the place in which they live.
Amanda has worked hard to find an outlet for her super article, and today I received the link to her piece on the home page of Women Unlimited. Take a look for yourself. She did an amazing job.
The article is here.
TotallyExpat – a brand new hit
November 19, 2008
Don’t you just love the way people you once knew pop up again? This happened to me this week, and the one who ‘popped up’ was Brian Friedman, who used to head up the Institute of Global Mobility, associated with Ernst and Young. I was big fan of the IGM back in the early 2000s when based near enough to London to attend their events. Their ‘Greatest Hits’ conference was exemplary, not least because of a line up that included the comedian Tim Vine and the erudite political journalist, Andrew Marr. But that’s not my point.
My point is that Brian Friedman has taken a bag full of good ideas and his passion for informing and supporting those in global HR and set up TotallyExpat. This website is a forum for those in IHR and relocation service providers, specialists and people like me who just care about this kind of thing. It’s free and its rise appears to be meteoric. It’s only been up 3 weeks and already has 600 members.
Take a look for yourself, add to the collection of useful articles and resources and be part of a network that is keen to make a difference. There will be meetings and events but right now be sure to be part of the buzz that is TotallyExpat. Become a member. i did.
I wonder if he’ll organise another Greatest Hits?
Don’t miss free writing workshops in The Hague during November
October 28, 2008
Maybe I’m mad to be doing this? Why would I want to give away my secrets for free? Maybe I’m just feeling generous? Maybe it’s because November is officially National Novel Writing Month? Or maybe I want to give my 2009 Writing Your Life Story workshops a bit of extra promotion?
Anyway, during November I am thrilled to be giving several free (OK, I admit it, one does have a minimum charge and another asks for donations to NaNoWriMo) workshops in The Hague.
Here are the dates, places and times. Don’t miss them. They may never happen again ….
Tuesday 4th November, 10-12, At the Expatriate Archive Centre, Paramaribostraat 20
Out of the Boxes – start telling your life story – Find out how to turn your life stories into words that will inspire others for blogs, newsletters, diaries, emails or a full length memoir.
Book via welcome@xpatarchive.com or Jo Parfitt
Places limited
Saturday 8th November, 2-3, Treehut, The American Bookcentre, Lange Poten
How to Beat the Block and Hang on In There – Learn how to tell those inner critics and naysayers to get outta here and crack on with your writing projects.
No need to book
Donations to NaNoWriMo welcome
Saturday 8th November, 3-5, Treehut, The American Bookcentre, Lange Poten
Writer in Residence – come along with your questions or your work for my comment.
Book your 15 minute time slot on the day itself
Places limited
Donations to NaNoWriMo welcome
Monday 17th November, 10-12, Women’s Business Initiative, Laan Copes van Cattenburch 86
Could you have a book in you? – Nothing gives a your business more of a boost than a book written by you. Could you write one that raises your profile and your reputation without breaking the bank? Find out here.
Book via info@womensbusinessinitiative.net or Jo Parfitt
Tuesday 25th November, 10-12, American Women’s Clubhouse Living Room
Write Your Life Stories – writer and publisher Jo Parfitt teams up with editor and designer Karin Harms to present this interactive and inspiring workshop that will give you the ingredients for writing compelling life stories.
Book via AWC
€10 members / €15 non members
Places limited
For more information please go to Expat Rollercoaster and look at the Workshop page
I was delighted to meet two of the Tempo Team employees a couple of weeks ago. For, despite offering to brainstorm with many other recruitment agencies over the years, with a view to finding a solution to the dual career issue, they were the first, ever, to take me up on it.
On November 3rd at 3pm in their offices at Spui 12, they are hosting a Focus Group Session in association with The Hague International Spirit (THIS) in order to start discussions with people who care about this issue and want to make a change.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided, so, if you can be part of this first, exciting session, please get in touch with jelmer.huizing@tempo-team.nl.
The link to download the complete invitation is below. Please tell your friends.
Just the site for expat entrepreneurs
October 17, 2008
I was delighted to hear from Karen Armstrong this week because she is a woman after my own heart. Passionate about expat women and their careers she is busy building a forum and portal to help people like us to connect and grow and learn together.
Karen says:
CALLING ALL EXPAT WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS!
If you’re a woman living abroad who has her own business – or want to be one – and would like to be part of an online community of women who share your entrepreneurial spirit, please contact karen@expatwomenentrepreneurs.com
Through Expat Women Entrepreneurs, you’ll be able to connect with women like you who share your desire for self-actualization through entrepreneurship — combining passion, purpose and profit. You’ll also be able to learn from highly successful women entrepreneurs who’ll share their expertise and insight on what it takes to create a thriving business.
Expat Women Entrepreneurs will inspire, educate and empower you so you THRIVE in your BUSINESS and your LIFE!
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