Career advice: How to Connect with Decision Makers After Taking Time Off

Try this exercise: Imagine that you're working as an employee for a company that develops consulting contracts. You're responsible for its growth in Europe. How do you proceed? You'll need to do desk research followed by field research. Talk with three to five professionals selling the sort of service you'll offer. Find out how they got started and what they've learned that might be of help to you as you begin this venture.

When you have completed this research, approach possible prospective customers. Show them your laundry list of services, but don't try to sell to them at this stage. Explain you are a US citizen considering development of a business in Europe. Get their reaction. If you find there's interest, you might get a few letters of intent, which will help you decide if you want to launch this new business. If the feedback you get isn't positive, you may want to rethink your next step.