10 Tips to Networking Globally (and locally)

You all understand the power of networking...that is why you are here on Motor City Connect, but did you know that networking forms the backbone of any global business.  Not only is it an essential part of growing your online presence but you will build and cultivate business relationships around the world while widening your market reach beyond the borders of the United States.

I am not going to pretend that the current economy has been nice to everyone but the global market is more than willing to buy what we have to offer.  Did you know that 95% of the world's consumers are outside of the U.S?  Have you thought about how you could take your business to the next level?  If yes, than there are lots of places on the web where you can go and network with no planes to catch, no need to even get dressed up and everything is at your fingertips. 

One forum that I use is LinkedIn to perform research, meet people and ask/answer questions and to recruit resources for IteroText Translation Services.  There are several groups that I belong to on LinkedIn as well that have a global focus.  You need to research and find out which group or groups would benefit you and your business. 

10 Tips to keep in mind when networking globally.(I think most of this work locally as well)

1.  Post an introduction of yourself - tell the group about yourself and your business.  Better yet, I am of the philosophy that you should tell them something unique and interesting about yourself so that you are memorable.  Try to set yourself apart - you never know how many people have the same name as you or are in the same business as you.  Just be sure to keep it professional. 

2.  Keep your intro short, simple and interesting or as I like to say compelling.  NEVER launch into a sales pitch right away as this tends to turn people off.  I know this is hard because we are so excited about sharing our business we forget that networking is about establishing relationships first and making sales later.

3. If possible Greet new members when they post an intro.  A short welcome note with a brief introduction of yourself is a nice gesture as well as good public relations for your company.

4. Play by the rules.  Each group has its own set of rules regarding how to post and if it is discussion only or if they allow ads etc.  Follow these rules... otherwise members of the group will see that you do not have proper netiquette and start ignoring your posts.

5. Don't be a lurker.  If you join a group, participate.  This is the best way to learn, share and establish strong connections with the group.  If you hide, you are only hurting yourself and your sales. This doesn't mean you need to post everyday - that could get annoying to the membership.  For example, I only post once a week or every couple of weeks, but I am active on the threads that matter to me.  By staying active and visible you will be heard and remembered.  You may need to schedule time to do this on your calendar.

6.  Leave your cultural, racial, and personal biases at the door.  With international memberships it is important for you to be courteous, supportive and respectful of other peoples culture, ideas and opinions no matter how different from yours.  You may actually learn a new way to approach something if you take the time to truly listen.  Don't be too quick to judge there are really no right or wrong ways to do things, simply different approaches.  These ideas may actually spark a creative idea or business that never even entered your mind - that could be worth millions. 

7.  Keep your language clear and simple.  Not everyone in the world knows English perfectly.  We are very lucky that so many people do understand and have a working knowledge of the language as only 7% of the world's population's mother tongue is English.  Writing simply, clearly and having a willingness to rephrase to be understood is essential to success in global business communication.

8.  Be interested in what goes on in the group.  Take the time to learn about another member's culture or explain something peculiar to your industry or country.  Consider this all part of the exciting education that comes with going global. 

9.  Stay neutral - Understand that people have bad days and sometimes there will be disagreements.  It is always best not to get involved.  In this case, silence is golden.  Be diplomatic.  Most times people need just a bit of space and time to come around. 

10.  Offer help and advice.  Networking is about give and take.  By helping someone now you will win help for yourself in the future when you need it.

Have fun and see this as an adventure - is that actually number 11?  Good luck going global. For more tips and advice in taking your business global please visit my blog at www.globalbusinessperspectives.com.

Beverly Cornell

IteroText Translation Services

248-239-1144

www.iterotext.com