The Germany Expat Business Show

Eleanor Mayrhofer
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • WEEKLY SERIES

A podcast that shares knowledge, stories and inspiration for anyone starting, running or growing a business as a non-German in Germany.

See All
  1. From Politics to Digital Marketing - Jordan Beck Wagner's German Business Journey

    EPISODE 37

    From Politics to Digital Marketing - Jordan Beck Wagner's German Business Journey

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? Jordan Beck Wagner - American expat entrepreneur who built a successful digital marketing agency in Germany after transitioning from politics to marketing through travel blogging. Episode Highlights: The Unexpected Path to Germany Started with a rebellious high school decision: choosing German over SpanishLed to Germanic languages degree, study abroad, and eventually 12+ years in GermanyClassic expat story: "18 months" turned into a permanent moveMet future husband at a ball in HeidelbergFrom Travel Blog to Digital Marketing Career Started "Wayfaring with Wagner" blog in 2013 (originally "Beer Time with Wagner")Used blogging experience to land job at Hamburg digital marketing agencyWorked on major campaigns including Ritter Sport's US/Canada marketingLeveraged unique position as native English speaker in German marketCOVID Pivot and Community Building Shifted travel blog focus to northern Germany content with "Hamburg and Beyond"Discovered SEO goldmine in niche German locationsCreated Facebook women's group in Kiel that grew to 1,000+ membersOrganic community spin-offs: yoga classes, book clubs, art groupsLaunching Jordan Beck Media (2022) Went solo after getting NiederlassungserlaubnisCelebrates 3-year business anniversary next weekSpecializes in B2B social media strategy (LinkedIn, Facebook)"Work smarter, not harder" content philosophyBusiness Reality Check Interesting insight: sustainability content consistently underperforms across all clientsClient acquisition: 100% word-of-mouth and networkingoperates as selbstständig in Germany (above Kleinunternehmer threshold)Uses Accountable for bookkeeping, MyExpat Taxes for US complianceFuture Plans Exploring Substack for premium content monetizationCombining expat expertise with northern Germany travel contentPlanning point-hacking guides and destination content behind paywallTiming coincides with Booking.com affiliate program cancellationKey Business Takeaways Networking beats everything - Start before you quit your jobNiche content can outperform big players in SEOSolve your own problems - personal needs can become business opportunitiesRepurpose successful content - don't reinvent the wheelJoin Künstlersozialkasse if you qualify for significant savingsResearch tax software thoroughly before committingGuest Contact Information LinkedIn: Jordan Beck WagnerInstagram: @jordanbwagnerCompany: Jordan Beck Media You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    55 min
  2. From Nepal to Munich: Building Startups and Mastering LinkedIn in Germany

    EPISODE 38

    From Nepal to Munich: Building Startups and Mastering LinkedIn in Germany

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? What happens when you delete 3,500 LinkedIn connections and start over? Sanjeev Thapa, a three-time founder from Nepal, reveals the unexpected strategy that transformed his consulting business in Germany. From burning through €700,000 in 15 months by over-engineering a startup to discovering why German language skills matter more than a stellar resume, his journey is packed with hard-won lessons about building companies in one of Europe's most regulated markets. In this very candid conversation, Sanjeev shares how he went from student visa struggles to German citizenship in record time (hint: organization is everything), why he chose Munich's mountains over Berlin's startup scene, and the daily networking system that finally cracked the code to landing international clients.  Whether you're navigating German bureaucracy, building your first startup, or wondering if you should wipe your own LinkedIn network clean, this episode delivers the unfiltered truth about succeeding as an expat entrepreneur in Germany. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    41 min
  3. Building a Business in Berlin: Rachel Wright's Journey From Student Exchange to Event Design

    EPISODE 39

    Building a Business in Berlin: Rachel Wright's Journey From Student Exchange to Event Design

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? From student exchange to successful event business serving clients prominent Berlin clients like Lingoda, Moss, Hello Fresh and more. Rachel Wright's Berlin entrepreneurship story is one of persistence, smart pivots, and systematic growth. Originally planning just one semester in Germany, Rachel has spent 15+ years building a thriving event design company serving international tech scale-ups. She shares the real story behind navigating German visa bureaucracy, using design thinking to find product-market fit, and why she dissolved her agency to rebuild as a solo consultant. Packed with practical insights on B2B networking, strategic content marketing, and the mindset shifts that turn obstacles into opportunities. Plus: why Rachel treats apartment hunting like a numbers game and her best advice for expat entrepreneurs ready to bet on themselves in Germany. Topics covered: Immigration & visas • Design thinking methodology • B2B client acquisition • Business model pivots • Berlin startup ecosystem • Expat entrepreneurship Perfect for entrepreneurs, expats/Ausländers/immigrants and anyone curious about building a business in Germany's international market. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    53 min
  4. Building a 11,000+ Subscriber Newsletter Empire in Berlin with Igor Ranc

    EPISODE 40

    Building a 11,000+ Subscriber Newsletter Empire in Berlin with Igor Ranc

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? From corporate burnout to 11,000+ newsletter subscribers – Igor Ranc built his Handpicked Berlin newsletter starting with just 20 friends.  In this episode, he reveals why he ditched Substack for better business tools, how he's monetizing without paywalls in the German market, and why human curation beats AI every time.  Plus: navigating German bureaucracy as a newsletter entrepreneur, the distribution problem that kills most startups, and why authenticity trumps copying other creators' formulas.  Essential listening for anyone building a creator business in Germany. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    46 min
  5. From Licensed Therapist to International Relationship Strategist: Katie Rössler's Journey Building a Business in Germany

    EPISODE 41

    From Licensed Therapist to International Relationship Strategist: Katie Rössler's Journey Building a Business in Germany

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? When Katie Rustler moved to Munich in 2016, her therapy credentials weren't recognized - a crushing blow for any licensed professional. But instead of starting over in the German system, she got creative.  Today, she runs a thriving online practice serving high-achieving international couples from Japan to Dubai, has written two books, appeared on 80+ podcasts, and built communities that have helped hundreds of expat women rebuild their professional confidence. In this episode, Katie shares her blueprint for turning professional obstacles into opportunities, the Facebook group strategy that built her client base before she officially launched, and why she wishes she'd ignored her German husband's Excel spreadsheet approach to starting her podcast.  Plus: the cultural clash every American entrepreneur in Germany will recognize, and Katie's upcoming venture supporting women navigating perimenopause while living abroad. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    48 min
  6. From Strategy Manager to Somatic Coach: Building Community in Munich

    EPISODE 42

    From Strategy Manager to Somatic Coach: Building Community in Munich

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? Polish-born Paulina moved to Munich for love nearly eight years ago and ended up finding herself. After being laid off from her corporate data analyst role during the pandemic, she transformed into a somatic wellness coach who built a thriving membership business and retreat community through authentic connection rather than aggressive marketing. Paulina discusses transitioning from yoga teaching to emotional healing work, the challenges of finding affordable event spaces in Munich, and why community building beats competition every time. Connect with Paulina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/with.paulina/ Website: https://www.withpaulina.com/ You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    51 min
  7. Helping Freelancers in Germany Fight Red Tape with Kathleen Parker

    EPISODE 43

    Helping Freelancers in Germany Fight Red Tape with Kathleen Parker

    Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text? From opera singer to bureaucracy expert, Kathleen Parker shares her unconventional story of building Red Tape Translation—a business she started by showing up at Berlin's immigration office at 7 AM and asking strangers if they needed help.  In this episode, she breaks down the real costs of freelancing in Germany (hint: multiply your employee salary by 2.5-3x), explains why the Künstlersozialkasse is a game-changer for creative professionals, and reveals what actually goes into getting a freelance visa.  If you've ever wondered whether your international client base will help you get residency, or why that €20/hour freelance rate won't cut it long-term, this conversation delivers honest answers. Kathleen gets refreshingly candid about the messy reality of growing a business in Germany—from the steep learning curve of German employment law to surviving her first tax office encounter (complete with yelling and threats), to why she wouldn't change her slow-growth approach despite never getting rich.  Whether you're considering the move to Germany as a freelancer, already navigating the system, or wondering if you should convert from freelancer to UG, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from someone who's spent 15 years helping immigrants crack the code of German bureaucracy while building her own business alongside motherhood and an opera career. You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/ Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

    47 min
See All Season 5 (7)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A podcast that shares knowledge, stories and inspiration for anyone starting, running or growing a business as a non-German in Germany.

Information