Tips for Effective Global
Business Networking
Networking forms an invaluable backbone to global business.
Not only is it an essential part of growing your online business, it’s
a fantastic way to cultivate business relationships globally and widen
your market reach to customers beyond your own shores.
There are lots of places on the internet where you can
go to network – forums, message boards, groups and other networks. There
are no planes to catch, no need to get dressed up, everything is at your
fingertips.
Choose a networking group that’s relevant to your line
of business, your target audience or your interest.
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Post an introduction of yourself when you first join a group.
Tell the group something about yourself and your business. Better yet,
tell them something unique and interesting to increase the likelihood of
them remembering you or your business. Remember in online networking, people
only have your name, they don’t have a face to go with it. Sometimes several
members may have the same first name or a similar on to yours, so try to
set yourself apart.
-
Keep your introduction short, simple and interesting. Never
launch into a sales pitch right away as this tends to turn people off.
Oftentimes, we’re so excited about sharing our business we forget that
networking is about establishing relationships first and making sales later.
-
Greet new members when they post an introduction of themselves.
A short welcome note with a brief introduction of yourself would be both
a nice touch and an excellent public relations move on your part. Remember
you never know if or when a member of the group could turn out to be your
loyal customer or your biggest strategic alliance in business.
-
Read the rules of the group carefully. Every group has its
own set of rules. Some allow you to post ads, others are discussion-only.
Some have designated days of the week for different topics. Always play
by the rules of the group. Make a note of which day is designated for what
in which group. Stick to them and it will earn you the respect of the group
owner, moderators and members.
-
Join in the conversations or threads. Don’t be a lurker.
Well, obviously there are some very good reasons why you joined the group
– to learn, share, establish business contacts – and these are reason enough
to post. If you stay in hiding, nobody knows you’re there and certainly
nobody knows what your business has to offer.
-
Offer help and advice whenever you can. If someone asks for
help or advice, offer it in any way you can. Networking is about give and
take. Help someone now and win help for yourself when you’re in need. Share
and be helpful – it’s a win-win situation.
-
Leave your cultural, racial and personal biases outside the
networking door. Many networking groups have international memberships.
Be respectful of others’ cultures, ideas and opinions, no matter how strange
they may sound to you. Making an effort to be courteous and supportive
can go a long way in a business relationship.
-
Keep your language clear and simple. It’s very possible that
some people in your group may only have a basic working knowledge of English.
After all, the percentage of people whose mother tongue is English make
up only about 7% of the world's population. Even among those who speak
English, language can easily be misunderstood. So clarity and a willingness
to rephrase and simplify language are to being understood in global business
communication.
-
Be interested in what goes on in the group. After all, you
did choose this group. Whether it’s taking the trouble to learn another
member’s culture, or explaining something peculiar to your industry or
country, consider it part of the education that goes with global business.
-
Don’t discount an idea or an opinion because it comes from
another culture or country. In other words, don’t be too quick to pre-judge.
There is no right or wrong, just a different approach to doing things.
Ideas and opinions that appear to be ‘just a little too far-flung’ may
well spark off a creative business idea that’s never even crossed your
mind. Now wouldn’t that be priceless!
-
Stay neutral. Where two or more members have a difference
in opinion, it’s best not to get involved. In this case, silence is indeed
golden. Be diplomatic. Understand that people do have bad days. Most times,
all they need is a little space and time, and they’ll come around.
-
Stay active to stay visible. Be heard to be remembered. In
larger groups, it’s easy to slip into oblivion if you don’t keep up. Networking
can be a time-consuming activity. Schedule your business day accordingly.
Have fun. Yes, even netpreneurs are allowed to have fun.
If you have fun with your business, it will feel less like work and more
like a hobby, a profitable hobby. So get out there, make some friends,
have a few laughs and benefit your business at the same time.
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