How to become Honorary Consul - ask nicely !

Toby Unwin was an unlikely choice as Austria’s newest honorary consul.

He has never been to Austria, has no Austrian heritage, and doesn’t speak German, the country’s official language. But he is a successful businessman with a clean background, and he did ask nicely.

The 33-year-old, originally from England, once read that people could become amateur diplomats by writing foreign officials and inquiring. After he made several attempts, Austria took him up on his offer.

The job doesn’t pay, but Unwin does get the authority to issue emergency visas, the title of honorary consul, Republic of Austria, and a license plate that can get him out of tickets.

Unwin’s role hasn’t hurt his career, either: He’s rubbed elbows with city and county mayors, and met others interested in doing business with him.

“I’ve gotten to meet all kinds of people, and doors have opened for me that otherwise were shut or I didn’t know were there,” Unwin said. “A lot of times you don’t get to meet people with access to government. That’s something I’ve really never had before.”

An Austrian flag and a plaque on the door of Unwin’s home, which includes an infinity pool and full bar, mark it as the official honorary consulate. Visiting Austrians with legal problems or entrepreneurs interested in doing business in Austria may meet Unwin’s wife, child, or yellow Labrador.