My first solo trip as an Export Manager

Intro

My first solo business trip. Just three months into my sales career. No 

team. No prior travel experience outside a quick visit to Czech Republic with my commercial director. And now—Bosnia. A non-EU country, still fresh from Covid restrictions, with PCR tests before and after flying, and a cultural landscape I knew little about.

1. The unknown is intimidating—until it surprises you

I landed in Sarajevo with no expectations. I hadn’t done much research. My only childhood memory was watching Romanian TV in the ’90s and hearing about the war in Yugoslavia. Now I was stepping into that world as a salesman. What I found? A vibrant, deeply Muslim culture I didn’t expect. Breathtaking nature. And a city that felt like both a scar and a rebirth.

2. When the military walks the streets

One of the first things that hit me: soldiers in uniform walking casually around the city. Not police. Not security guards. Real military. In Spain, that would feel like a crisis. Here, it was normal. The energy of a city that’s seen too much—but keeps moving.

3. The practical hits different

The Bosnian currency confused me. I kept trying to convert prices to euros. The food is cheaper than in most European countries. And yes, I got scammed at a restaurant—paid way too much for a dish I thought was cheap. Lesson learned. But it wasn’t just about money. It was about the feeling of being the outsider. Alone, figuring things out on the go. The food reminded me of Romanian food, so I kinda enjoyed it. Actually, it’s one of the countries whose cuisine I find very interesting—a mix between European, Turkish, and Slavic influences.

4. The human side of sales in Sarajevo

I was selling synthetic shoe textiles in a market that still valued leather. A tough sell. But what saved me? The people. Young entrepreneurs, second-generation business owners, curious and collaborative. I didn’t have all the answers—but I had honesty, questions, and humility. I found a series of entrepreneurs trying to put Bosnia on the map. I think there are many brilliant people there, and people would be surprised.

5. The deeper lesson

I realized quickly: trust is everything here. In a place that’s been through war, isolation, and transition, people don’t buy fast. They buy with caution. They buy with feeling. And they buy from those who respect their pace.

Final thought

Selling in Sarajevo wasn’t just about business. It was a crash course in culture, empathy, and presence. It taught me that in unfamiliar places, the best sales tool is not the product—but the person you are when you show up.

CTA:

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