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Prague TV Directory › Expat Q & A › Business

Interested in starting a business but does not speak Czech

Posted by: Alfrank - [user profile]
Date posted: Sat 9th Sep, 2006
Category: Business
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Hello,

I am a foreigner interested in establishing a business in the Czech Republic. Is it imperative that I learn the Czech language first? Will I be in a severe disadvantage, against my business competitors, if I do not speak or understand the Czech language? If yes, what would be a good solution? My goal is to penetrate the local market first then gradually explore other European markets.

Thanks.

Al

COMMENTS:
fatman fatman Sat Sep 9th 10:11 2006 / #1
I think it would be extremely, extremely difficult. You of course could hire a staff that can speak Czech and English.
Alfrank - [profile] Mon Sep 11th 08:55 2006 / #2
Thanks fatman for replying back to the question that I have posted.

I guess it would definitely be a good idea to learn the Czech language, and at the same time employ a trustworthy personal assistant, fluent in both English and Czech, to help me with all my business dealings, including negotiations, sales presentations etc.

Kindest regards,
Al
todd todd - [profile] Mon Sep 11th 10:13 2006 / #3
Hello Alfrank, it is not necessary to learn czech to operate a business here, although it would be well advised if you plan on living here for any decent amount of time. The real question is what is the business. Depending on the area/type of business will determine there is alot of competition and whether czech language is a determining factor to your success. For example is you were opening an "authentic Czech Pub for tourists" then I would say you would be at a clear disadvantage however if you open a specialty store or restaurant and you have the capital to get it off the ground, then your personal czech language skills are almost irrelevent, although politeness would be to learn basic czech.
RacerX RacerX - [profile] Mon Sep 11th 11:35 2006 / #4
Todd's right. And I hope you have good intuition because, in my experience, a lot of your success will be in the people you hire.

I started my company in Prague without almost any Czech, but I got lucky: everyone I trusted was trustworthy. The assistant I hired, for example, had power of attorney, access to the bank account, etc. She was amazingly trustworthy and we're still friends to this day. I've known people, on the other hand, who came here and were very quietly fleeced by their employees or partners. You can't expect to know enough Czech when you get here, but after a while you'll get it and can start handling things in a more direct way. I hope it works out for you. Good luck!
Alfrank - [profile] Tue Sep 12th 01:40 2006 / #5
Thank you Todd and RacerX for providing insightful answers to the question that I have posted.

I have an extensive knowledge in business to business marketing, and I am also an active real estate developer/investor. My plan is to explore business ideas that I have already got experience in, but at the same time I will try to remain flexible with my strategies by letting the local market dictate what I do.

Kindest regards,
Al
Martini - [profile] Sun Jan 22nd 16:33 / #6
Hello, are you still loking for business properties? I can help you.

Martin
email: martini.petrasek@gmail.com
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