| I was contacted by one of my book readers from | | | | But then, I put on my research hat. The first stop |
| the most populous city in Nigeria, which in turn, is the | | | | was at the CIA's web site to read a profile of |
| largest country in Africa. | | | | Nigeria, as a country. Next, I searched the U.S. State |
| He asked if there was a way that I could bring my | | | | Department's site for traveler warnings. |
| seminars to his country. | | | | What I read there blew me away. Not only are there |
| Let me digress for a moment, to share my | | | | rampant kidnappings of executives and others, but |
| philosophy with you with regard to international | | | | marauding POLICE and MILITARY officers, in full |
| speaking and presenting opportunities. I can sum it up | | | | uniform, also freelance in human trafficking. |
| in one phrase: | | | | In a word, your security as a speaker, seminar |
| "Just say YES!" | | | | leader, presenter, or even tourist, is non-existent. |
| In other words, I try to do them, whenever possible, | | | | You're taking a big risk by accepting this kind of |
| providing I travel well and there is a reasonable profit | | | | assignment. |
| in it for me. | | | | Do yourself a favor if you're considering international |
| Why? | | | | business. Consult the available resources before even |
| It's exciting, for one thing, and of course, it's culturally | | | | entering preliminary negotiations, because the ultimate |
| broadening. | | | | bargain you might be striking is: "Your speech or your |
| So when the Nigerian lead came along, initially, I was | | | | life! |
| optimistic. | | | | |