In today’s blog, we explore the inspiring journey of Monika Zuberova, a Czech entrepreneur who has harnessed the power of Spanish to build a thriving business in Almería, Spain.
Her experience highlights the importance of expats networking for business growth, showing how effective communication in Spanish can open doors to new business opportunities.
Introduction to Monika Zuberova
Monika Zuberova is a remarkable figure in the expat community of Almería, Spain.
Originally from a small village in the Czech Republic, she made her way to the vibrant city of Almería during the pandemic.
Monika embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience, having transitioned from a corporate career in international companies to establishing her own ventures focused on helping fellow expats settle into their new lives.
Professional Journey and move to Almería
Monika’s journey began in Prague, where she spent thirteen years working in various international firms. Despite her professional success, she felt a persistent desire for change and adventure.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, prompting her to seek new opportunities.
In November 2020, she discovered a project in Almería that resonated with her aspirations for personal and professional growth.
Upon her arrival, Monika quickly immersed herself in the local culture and community. She volunteered for ten months, which not only enhanced her Spanish skills but also deepened her connection to the region.
After a brief return to Prague, she felt an undeniable pull back to Almería, leading her to establish her entrepreneurial pursuits there.
Learning Spanish: Challenges and Strategies
Learning Spanish was not an easy feat for Monika.
Prior to her move, she had only six months of formal instruction at the university, which she found inadequate. The academic approach lacked practical application, leaving her with minimal conversational skills. Upon arriving in Almería, she faced the challenge of communicating in a language she had largely forgotten.
Determined to learn, Monika utilized various informal methods. She turned to YouTube and engaged in conversations with locals, practicing her Spanish in real-life scenarios. This hands-on approach allowed her to pick up the language more organically, though it came with its own set of challenges, especially regarding grammar.
Despite her struggles, her understanding of the language grew significantly, thanks to her interactions and the use of tools like ChatGPT. This technology became a valuable asset for her, particularly for crafting professional emails and communications.
Current Use of Spanish in Business
Today, Monika leverages her Spanish skills in several ways.
While her primary interactions may still be in English, she recognizes the importance of speaking Spanish to build credibility and foster relationships with local partners and clients. This bilingual approach not only enhances her business operations but also enriches her personal connections in Almería.
During her time at the coworking space (WorkSpace Almeria) Monika engages with a diverse clientele, many of whom are Spanish speakers. This environment provides her with daily opportunities to practice and refine her language skills. Additionally, she prioritizes using Spanish in professional settings, believing that it strengthens her rapport with local businesses.
Monika’s Projects: Almería Wonder
Monika is the driving force behind Almería Wonder, a community-focused initiative designed to connect expats with local resources and opportunities. This platform serves as a gathering point for both expats and Spanish residents, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.
Through Almería Wonder, Monika organizes events that cater to the needs of the expat community, providing essential information and networking opportunities. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where newcomers can find assistance with everything from legal advice to real estate services.
As she develops her projects, Monika emphasizes the importance of building relationships with local businesses and institutions. By engaging in Spanish, she not only enhances her professional credibility but also contributes to a more inclusive community for all residents of Almería.
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Cultural differences in doing business in Spain
Understanding cultural differences is essential for successful business interactions, especially for expats like Monika in Spain.
One of the most significant contrasts she observed is the informality in Spanish business culture compared to her experiences in the Czech Republic.
In Spain, it is common to transition from the formal «usted» to the informal «tú» quickly, even in initial meetings. This shift reflects a more relaxed and personal approach to business relationships. In contrast, Monika noted that in her home country, maintaining formality is the norm, especially when dealing with clients or partners.
Personal connections are prioritized in Spain. Monika shared that Spaniards often prefer to meet face-to-face, perhaps over a coffee, to discuss business. This contrasts with the more transactional approach she experienced in the Czech Republic, where meetings might start with a call or a formal presentation, without the emphasis on building rapport first.
The Importance of Patience
Another cultural aspect that Monika had to adapt to was the pace of communication.
In Spain, responses can take longer than what she was accustomed to.
Monika’s inclination towards planning and quick responses clashed with the Spanish tendency to take time to consider decisions. She learned to cultivate patience, understanding that not every interaction would yield immediate results.
Mistakes and Lessons Learned in Spanish Networking
Monika’s journey in networking was not without its challenges.
She candidly shared experiences where her honesty sometimes backfired. In her eagerness to help others, she realized she occasionally overshared about her business plans, which led to missed opportunities.
One particular incident involved connecting two individuals with the hope of collaboration, only to find that they pursued their interests without including her. This experience taught Mpmola the importance of discretion in sharing ideas and the necessity of protecting her business interests.
Moreover, she recognized that her tendency to be too open could enable others to take advantage of her goodwill. This lesson is crucial for any entrepreneur navigating a new business landscape, especially when building a network of contacts.
Advice for Entrepreneurs Learning Spanish
For those looking to leverage Spanish in business, Monika has valuable advice.
She emphasizes the importance of finding a dedicated teacher who can provide tailored instruction. While self-learning can be effective, she believes that structured lessons, especially focused on Spanish for business, can save time and enhance understanding.
Monika suggests avoiding generic language apps that might not cater to the specific needs of entrepreneurs. Instead, engaging with a private tutor or enrolling in specialized business Spanish courses can yield better results.
ChatGPT to write professional emails
Using tools like ChatGPT to practice and refine language skills can also be beneficial.
She advocates for actively seeking out new phrases and expressions that can be applied in business contexts, specially when she has to write professional emails.
Future Goals and Expansion Plans
She aims to expand Almería Wonder into a fully-fledged business, moving beyond a mere project.
Her vision includes increasing her financial stability while also allowing herself the freedom to travel, which she deeply enjoys.
To achieve this, Monika plans to build a team to support her initiatives. Currently, she collaborates with friends and students, but her goal is to establish a more structured team to enhance her operations.
Expanding Opportunities
Monika is also keen on creating more B2B opportunities, aiming to connect businesses with the resources they need to thrive in Almería.
She believes that as the expat community grows, so too will the need for comprehensive support services that cater to both expats and locals.
How to Reach Monika
At the end of the interview, Monika give you a lot of ways to connect with her.
However, when I was writing this post, she told me that if you are not living in Almeria, the best way to reach her is by her Linkedin Profile.
However, you can find her also in his project (Almeriawonder.com), as well as on Instagram or Almeria expat Whatsapp group.
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