Three weeks already passed since 14 managers from the Ukraine and one manager from Azerbaijan came to Germany—and more precisely, to Düsseldorf. Highly motivated and ready to commit to their projects, they initially arrived in Düsseldorf. Since then, each of them found their way to get closer to their goals or even managed to meet them: “I found a way for my goods to the German market, that is all I wanted and now I achieved it.”
The programme
Initiated by GIZ and BMWi, the programme aims to strengthen economic relationships between Germany and other countries. IMAP GmbH, a host for the second time[1], supports the managers in three aspects: 1) organise company visits, 2) conduct trainings and 3) provide individual tutoring. Additionally, we commit to making the stay in Düsseldorf rewarding on a personal level as well: “It is a nice time for doing business, but also for personal self-development and my travel experience.”
Company visits: Finding business partners and acquiring knowledge
The group visited many different companies such as Krückemeyer GmbH and Go-On GmbH: “They showed us different ways of thinking and mindset.” At Institut Kurz, the participants received information about certifications and labels: “Mr. Dr. Kurz is a person who is really engaged in what he does. He was open to all our questions.”
At Mühle Kottmann GmbH, the participants had advantage of the chance to see a high-tech mill from the inside and learned about how family business in Germany can work.
The company visits give insights into German companies and assist in deepening competencies. A strategy in Quality Management for example was presented by Moland GmbH & Co. KG.
With WOMA GmbH and Wilo SE, the managers encountered two highly specialised companies in pumping systems and how they manage different marketing strategies.
BoostBird Gmbh, as an expert in online marketing, explained to the participants the importance of online marketing for the world trade. “The company visits were really interesting especially the smaller ones, because I could identify myself with them.”
Trainings: Learning to become a leader in international business
In addition to company visits, the participants took part in specific trainings on a variety of competencies such as leadership, human resource management and intercultural management. Through presentations, group work sessions and individual work sessions, they learned how to find their balance as leaders and how to structure their businesses: “My knowledge feels more structured now."
Tutoring: Finding support on an individual level
During the whole time, the participants had the possibility to ask their IMAP tutors for advice. Tutoring sessions were held on a weekly basis to support the participants individually.
The third week of the Fit for Partnership with Germany programme ended with a visit of the Cologne Trade Fair. The International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports offered the managers a chance to find potential clients, to see how other companies present their products and to practise their own presentation and communication skills.
The last week is going to be all about reflection, summary and planning next steps. At the end of this programme, the participants will present what they achieved during their stay in Düsseldorf and what they want to implement at home in the future.
[1] Read about the first cohort from Chile here, here, here and here.