Thanks to ProExport, the Colombian National Trade Authority, I was invited to Bogotá, Colombia this February to attend Macrorrueda 50, ProExport's business match-making event. I met several Colombian entrepreneurs in the IT/Creative space and experienced Colombian hospitality first-hand. My Colombian partners are creative, hard-working people who deliver value. So for all of my friends that are having their national moment in the sun, I'm happy for you!
Bogotá is a vibrant city of 9,000,000 situated in a plain in the Andes Mountains at 9,000 feet elevation. Like the Colombian national soccer team, Bogotá is a city on the rise. While you need to take care as you would in any big city in the world, I didn't find Bogotá overly dangerous at all. I highly recommend a visit if it's in the cards for you.
Who doesn't love a story where the little guy gives it to the big guy? Brazil - the New York Yankees of futbol. Neymar pulls in the tall dollars - $33.6 million worth of them. They have another player named Hulk. Let me repeat that. Brazil actually has a player named Hulk. It's not hard to figure out why he's called Hulk - he'd be a great linebacker for the Washington Redskins! How can they lose?
On the other hand, Colombia has already progressed further than they ever have in their World Cup history. Their young striker, James Rodriguez, has scored 5 goals in the first 4 games, making him the first player since 2002 to score goals in the first 4 games. Colombia is the prototypical young, hungry underdog. Like the country itself, the Colombian national soccer team is on the move.
I really respect and admire the Brazilian style of futbol - it's improvisational and exciting. But I'd love to see a Rocky story where Colombia beats them and moves on to the next round.
I've had a great experience teaming with Colombian IT and Creative companies. I highly encourage American businesses to consider teaming with Colombian companies. Here are some great people to help you:
Alejandro Pardo, ProExport - Alejandro is ProExport's Executive Representative in Washington, DC. Alejandro helps connect American and Colombian companies for partnering and investment opportunities. Colombia has excellent capabilities in their IT sector and have some of the best medical tourism opportunities in the world. I recommend contacting Alejandro if you're interested in learning more about Colombian companies
Andres Vargas, Giraffe Ideas - Andres is the CEO of Giraffe Ideas, an inbound marketing and design firm located in Bogotá. Giraffe Ideas produces high-quality explainer videos for companies like HBO and Century 21. In addition to running his design/video production business, Andres recently started a new business, DingDong Farma, a prescription delivery service in Colombia.
Laura Amézquita, Brandca - Laura is the CEO of Brandca, a graphic design and website development business. Laura is a talented designer and a huge fan of Colombian futbol.
I think I know what these 3 people will be doing on the 4th of July - watching the game with the nervousness and anxiety that's familiar to any sports fan in the world. I will be with them in spirit!