Quora Answer: Do You Think Business Development is a Transferable Skill?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Do you think business development is a transferable skill?  Would it be helpful if I moved to a different country?”

The fundamentals of business, in terms of management, finance and values are universal.  That aspect of business development is a transferable skill.  Knowing local conditions; local law and customs; and understanding the market, whether retail, and business; as well as the regulatory environment; requires local knowledge, and that may not be transferable.

Moving to a different country is still possible, because you bring, with yourself, your local knowledge of a market that businesses in this new country might want to expand to.  You also bring your experience and your values with you.  Most importantly, you should bring your ability to learn, and listen, so that you can provide a new perspective.