Doing business in Berlin I
Berlin is an amazing place, and not really complicated to get into, at least not in the beginning.
Probably the first question is about the language: no worries. In the startup world English is enough, and of course for daily life German is useful, but it’s not a barrier if you don’t know it.
And another worry is: Am I going to be welcome? And I’m sure the answer is yes, if you have something to offer. If your project is really doing something good and you can show it, or your profile is interesting, where you come from will be just a topic of conversation.
In Berlin many people are transient, so creating personal and professional relationships is complicated because things are always changing, sometimes that’s cool, sometimes you feel like starting from scratch every day.
Be focused on what you do and how you create value.
Despite startup culture being based on the same principles around the world (basically American ones), German business culture gives to it a special personality. If you’re in B2B, you’ll face big, German companies, that are so big and so German.
Building trust is the key for business here. Insurance, credit rating and some cultural issues prove it. Efficacy is also very important. I always think about what’s the best and fastest way to add value to myself and others before starting anything new. This also means having clear ideas, getting to the point and receiving honest, and sometimes negative feedback. In the beginning, it could be perceived as impolite but it’s tremendously useful.
Learning how to respect the time of others and also your own is a lesson learned here. Maybe in meetings where all this business culture is clearer, 20 minutes is enough to get to the point, learn what is beneficial for everyone, and also to close a deal. Easy, fast, good management is really appreciated. So try to be as efficient as possible saving others’ time and your own. Efficacy is one of the areas where you can build confidence and, more importantly, improve your way of working.
Fast answers, clear ideas and objectives, and a decision oriented mindset are important for success. Also, you’ll get a lot of NO’s that are useful for not wasting time chasing false opportunities. Usually it’s easy to get a first meeting, where you can close deals. For a second one, you’ll need to be sure you’re adding value to the first one.
In Germany, building confidence is key. That demands time, but will give you good returns. It’s not just based on who your friends are, it’s about making the right, successful business relationships. You’ll need a bit of luck, because when you’re approaching people you don’t know if they’ll be leaving the city or their job next month. Taking time doesn’t mean wasting time, it’s more about the right, short interactions. When security is questioned show that you’re someone who can be trusted. Stay new, fresh and innovative, but also solid and trustworthy.
That means forget the bullshit, get to the point and have clear goals.
You can read more in:
Doing business in Berlin II: events and networking
Doing business in Berlin III: coworking and accelerators
Doing business in Berlin IV: market and trends
Doing business in Berlin V: Incorporating in Germany
Doing business in Berlin VI: Living here
Doing business in Berlin VII: Salaries and taxes
Doing business in Berlin VIII: Hiring in Berlin (and what to expect if you’re looking for a job)
Doing business in Berlin IX: final thoughts
Brexit: an opportunity for Berlin to grow
