The coffee shop entrepreneur in Atlanta

Next to me, a couple of friends are talking about their dreams of owning a business one day. Another table, a woman confirms in a telephone call that she is about to sign an investor in her new business idea. Across from me, a woman edits her book. People are deeply entrenched in their computers, ipads and books or chatting to others about business and life.

I am fascinated by the investor conversation but feel a bit guilty for earsdropping. I would find this to be rude, but I feel that I have a leave pass on rudeness as I am a foreigner.

In Australia we are very casual about business. We do deals that are very focused on relationships particularly if you work in a business to business environment. In Atlanta and the entire US for that matter, people are more serious. It's hard to imagine, but from where I am sitting, that is exactly how I see it. They talk differently in business meetings and it reminds me why I have always been an easy sale to an American salesperson. They know their game and are exposed to so many different things.

While in Australia, we are creative and from a technology perspective, we have an amazing talent pool. World class in fact.

But from a sales perspective, we could learn a thing or two from our American counterparts.

Well, I am in Atlanta ready to learn.

I notice that by listening intentively to the people around me, each one of them is capable of closing a deal. They close a deal with a call to a friend, so imagine what they do in a business situation.

I look around Caribou Coffee Shop in Atlanta and I am smiling as I soak up the atmosphere. I am so happy to be here and to learn and explore what Marketing Eye can do for companies in the region.

What an exciting and exhilaring journey. Can't wait to share it with you!