You already know that networking is crucial to a successful business. But for entrepreneurs who are living a nomadic lifestyle, it can be hard to maintain a consistent network. The world has never been smaller, and you should be seeing nomadic entrepreneurship as your opportunity to meet the people that will ultimately drive your business forward. I’ve been to many countries and have made connections around the globe that’s facilitated the growth of my business, Bulls on Crypto Street and Bulls on Wall Street.
Making International Business Connections as You Travel
As a nomadic entrepreneur, you’re going to be putting yourself into brand new environments often. Don’t just head down to the local expat bar. Use it as an opportunity to begin making international business connections. Look for people who are in different forms of business than you; you never know who knows someone or whether someone has the knowledge that could grow your business.
By being mobile you’re exposing yourself to a greater number of people all from different backgrounds. Always remember that even if someone doesn’t have an opportunity now, they may very well have one further down the line.
Document Your Travels on Social Media
Some people say that spending time posting on social media can be a waste of time; you should enjoy the moment. As important as it is to seize the moment, it’s just as important as an entrepreneur to document your travels on social media. As you add people you meet on your social accounts, including Instagram and Facebook. You’ll be working on keeping everything fresh.
The easiest way to do this is to document your travels. Post pictures of the places you’ve been to and talk about some of your experiences. You can even combine your posts with some business related posts to keep things interesting.
Know the Events in Your Area
Plug yourself into the local social scene the moment you enter a new country. This includes both the expat and local scenes. These will give you the benefits of meeting new people and opening up causes that you could participate in.
For example, you may decide that you want to head down to a salsa lesson. Then you meet the owner who says that he’s trying to market the club to more people. If you’re a web designer or an online marketer, you’ve just won yourself a new contract. Situations like this happen all the time. You never know when and where new opportunities are going to come up.
You just have to put yourself out there.
Choose In-Person Over Online Meetings
You’ll meet hundreds of people when you travel. Most of these people will not stay in touch with you. Those who you do consider to be at the top of your list have to be managed carefully.
That means you have to keep the relationship going. Try not to make relationships with potential connections online, as there’s no human touch. Try to meet in-person whenever you get the opportunity.
Of course, this can’t happen all the time, but if you can meet your top connections a couple of times every year you’ll refresh those relationships and keep them strong.
It’s Always Good to Give and to Receive
Don’t become that guy who just wants to take, take, take from others. Give back to the people you’re connecting with. Let them into your circles and give them the benefit of your connections.
Never look at this as a purely one-way street. You need to make sure that you’re as valuable to them as they are to you. Plenty of people have avoided giving up contacts purely because they don’t see any value in continuing the relationship. And that could be a huge missed opportunity for you.
Last Word – What’s the Key to Networking Globally?
The key to networking globally is to recognize the social aspect of networking as much as the business side. Don’t walk into an expat event trying to promote your business. These relationships have to happen naturally. Look for ways that be mutually beneficial when getting to know the other person.
Really, it’s about becoming friends with people you identify with and get along with. Once those strong connections have been built you can start to leverage the business partners and contacts they have.