Professional networking is no longer confined to meeting rooms and in-person events. Now, more than ever, there are more opportunities than ever before to create a globally impactful career by growing your professional circle — without even leaving your desk. We’re fortunate enough to live in the digital age, where building your business network and making connections really are just an online search away.
Here’s some tips on how to expand your business network:
Be Specific With Whom You Interact With
There’s no shortage of connections you can make online. At the risk of sound too cliche, think quality over quantity. If you send 50 generic emails to random people, you may not get the response you need. Do your research on who would you most like get in touch with – or perhaps you already know. Is it an entrepreneur whose career you have followed and truly admired? Make a wish list and send each person an email to introduce yourself and explain why you’d like to get in touch.
Join international Groups and Networks
Participating in online discussions that include international voices is a primary way to make connections and expand your international network. E-mail lists, online groups, and networking sites are easy ways for getting involved in these discussions.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Being an active member of social media platforms, such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, is a great start — particularly for conversations you are initiating. Social networking sites like LinkedIn or community platforms like Orkut and Groupsite.com host discussions that you can search by interest, meaning you can find relevant international topics with the right search terms.
Follow up
All relationships require work to maintain. The work relationship is no different. Keep the conversation in motion and make an effort to check in occasionally.
Our team can help you guide you on how to establish your international networking empire.
