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The Key to Success? Think Like an Immigrant!

We don't like to think of ourselves as immigrants. We didn't move to the US with the same spirit and motivation of the previous generations Italian immigrants. We consider ourselves world citizens available to move where the opportunities are. It could be US or Germany or Japan, doesn't matter. But regardless of the name we choose to identify ourselves we must admit that people leaving their own country are strongly motivated and can achieve ambitious goals and create incredible value, frequently outperforming local people. Richard T. Herman and Robert L. Smith have written a book to explore the power of the "immigrant" attitude. You may want to take a look at their website, in particular to the 7 steps to think like an immigrant. and you may also consider reading the book: Immigrant, Inc.

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BAIA Team Comment by Giorgio Ghersi on April 26, 2010 at 5:29pm: "To find immigrant partners, go to where the immigrants are.
Outside of colleges and keg parties, a good place to strike up a relationship with professionals from abroad is within the networking groups that have sprung up in immigrant communities across the land.
...
The networking groups provide opportunities to find teammates, capital, energy, and optimism. They may also offer a window onto the global economy."

And if you can't find them... make them!

BAIA Team Comment by Matteo Fabiano on April 25, 2010 at 10:04pm: I saw Omid Kordestani's commencement speech in video a couple of years ago and it struck a note. Although I had never thought of myself as an immigrant, I actually started to see the wisdom and opportunity in taking that stance. My grandfather immigrated to Canada, my aunt immigrated to Australia, my father immigrated within Italy... I guess it's in my blood, I may as well take pride in it and leverage it.