There are many prime ministers and parliament members throughout the world who have one thing in common. This common thread is the fact that many of these successful politicians have roots in the business world.

Although the US seems to dominate the discussion regarding business people making it into politics, a look at Azmi Mikati’s profile, as well as others online, demonstrates that this trend is quite true abroad as well. There is a long list of politicians with prior business experience, which has helped give them the tools they need in order to resolve some of the most pressing economic issues that face countries.

Politicians with experience in business have often been involved in telecom and other industries that account for a good portion of a country’s economy. In the Middle East, telecom has become especially popular is the environment becomes more business-friendly, leading to a rise in influential leaders with strong business backgrounds. Influential business owners in the telecom business have a broad reach that often includes several countries outside the Middle East, giving them a bigger picture of the global economic situation that will influence.

Politicians and would-be politicians can forge relationships with leaders in other countries far more easily when their companies have operated on an international level. Several skills from the business world translate well into politics. Negotiation is an important skill that business professionals learn that also translates well to the political world, especially in an era where there are so many sources of conflict in the world.

Many politicians who rise to national prominence in their respective countries start by initially holding cabinet or ministry positions. Although it may seem as though these positions are of little consequence, they allow business professionals to put their experiences to use and gain a greater knowledge of the political experience.

Philanthropy often plays a major role in the lives of successful business people, and this interest influences how well they are often able to address their countries’ most difficult problems as politicians. In addition to philanthropy, many business professionals who go into politics also serve in an educational capacity. Examples of educational activities that some politicians take part in include serving on a Board of Trustees or being on advisory councils. An involvement in educational and philanthropic activities also leads to a greater ability to develop and oversee programs that result in economic growth in countries affected by war or other hardship.

Some of the most popular philanthropic activities among business owners with political ambitions include setting up foundations that provide ongoing support. Foundations are often in honor of a professional’s parents or other important people in their lives who have helped shape who they are.

Some of the charitable organizations and foundations that business professionals in politics favor include groups that assist with health care, as well as educational and cultural needs. As many countries today have seen a lot of warfare, politicians engaged in humanitarian causes have had a positive following. Helping to make a genuine difference in the lives of those in need is one thing that makes a difference for politicians.