Business Owners Report: EugenConsult

Name: Eugenio Otero-Meléndez

How many years have you been living life in the Foreign Service?

6 years
Where have you been posted?

S. Korea (Seoul), India (New Delhi), Germany (Frankfurt)

Briefly describe your career path:

I started my career selling computer supplies at Computer Land of San Juan, PR where I sold my first Network Installation to a walk-in customer who was ignored by senior sales reps.

In 1996 I became an assistant to a new manager at Xerox Business Services a new division brought to PR to market “services” rather that copier hardware products and also worked at the Mail Room and as an Account Associate to XBS Accounts.

In 1999, I landed a job in Xerox, South FL and moved to Miami. Within a year, I was selected to a unique position as Office Knowledge Management Specialist – spearheading a new set of software applications solutions called Electronic Content Management System (ECMS).

In 2001, I was ready for new challenge on the International Level. Thanks to a professional friend, I moved to Canon Latin America, Inc. where for the next nearly five years I managed all Canon Resellers out of several Latin American and Caribbean countries.

In 2006, my wife and I moved to NYC and I transferred to Canon USA, Inc. where I managed all Independent Software Vendors – Alliances for the Scanner Resellers Team building strategic partnership to drive Canon Scanner adoption.

In 2008 we joined the State Department and moved to Seoul, South Korea. Through my expanding professional social network, I was able to become the first Westerner to be invited to work for Canon Korea Business Services, Inc. as a General Manager in the Solutions Team.

In 2010 again through my professional contacts, we were able to plan our dual career move to India. My wife and 10-month old daughter headed to Washington DC to learn Hindi while I headed to India to work again as the first Western employee for Canon India Pvt. Ltd. spearheading complex consultative Software Solution sales and marketing.

Currently, we are posted to Frankfurt where for the past two years, I worked as a dedicated “tele-consultant” for Canon India developing strategic BPO Alliances with Canon Business Services EMEA building new “offshoring” Innovation Services.

Finally, in 2015 I took the leap and incorporated under EugenConsult LLC to expand my consulting practice and ability to work with other organizations.
What is the name of your business?

EugenConsult LLC
Briefly describe your business:

I am a Strategyzer: I develop ideas and advise executives regarding technology providers and tactical allinaces to deliver innovative product and sales solutions that can lead to revenue increases.

Additionally, I am an expert as a cross-cultural business connector, communicator, and negotiator and am highly adept at attaining executive buy-in and bridging cultural gaps to achieve growth and bottom line results.
Why did you start this business?

To expand my consulting practice and ability to work with multiple organizations.
What makes you stand out from your competitors?

Strategy, visualization and conviction.
How does your business fit into the Foreign Service lifestyle?

As an Independent Consultant advising and connecting businesses and technology providers, I can conceivably provide services regardless of borders.

I can telework and tele-consult as long and I have an internet connection and the necessary (e.g., cloud-based services).

What has been your biggest challenge with your business so far?

Making the decision to incorporate and getting started.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Landing my first strategic alliances and contract with an India BPO.
What resources have been particularly helpful to you when you were starting your business?

Going through a decade of professional social network contacts!
Which resources do you use to maintain your business?

Internet and the new generation of cloud-based tools and telework supporting services.
Any advice for EFMs thinking about starting their own business?

Research, network, network some more and seek help from mentors!

Are you on LinkedIn public profile

Yes!