How can you build a professional network overseas?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to potential contacts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to learn more about the local market, industry, or culture? Do you want to find a mentor, a partner, or a client? Do you want to expand your influence, visibility, or reputation? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your energy and time on the most relevant and valuable connections.

4 Leverage your existing network

Another way to build a professional network overseas is to leverage your existing network and ask for referrals, introductions, or recommendations. You can reach out to your colleagues, clients, suppliers, or alumni who have connections or experience in the country where you want to network, and ask them for advice, tips, or contacts. You can also ask them to introduce you to their contacts or endorse you for your skills or achievements. You can also use your existing network to find out about networking opportunities, events, or organizations that you can join or attend.

5 Be proactive and respectful

Once you have identified and contacted your potential contacts, you need to be proactive and respectful in building and maintaining your relationships. You need to follow up with your contacts regularly, but not too frequently or aggressively. You need to show interest in their work, challenges, or goals, and offer value, support, or assistance. You need to respect their time, preferences, and boundaries, and avoid being pushy, demanding, or rude. You need to be authentic, honest, and transparent, and avoid making false promises, exaggerations, or assumptions. You need to be open-minded, curious, and respectful, and avoid stereotypes, judgments, or criticisms.

6 Nurture your network

Finally, you need to nurture your network and keep it alive and active. You need to stay in touch with your contacts, and update them on your progress, achievements, or challenges. You need to acknowledge their contributions, feedback, or referrals, and express your gratitude, appreciation, or recognition. You need to reciprocate their value, support, or assistance, and offer your help, advice, or resources. You need to celebrate their successes, milestones, or events, and congratulate, compliment, or reward them. You need to strengthen your bond, trust, and rapport, and seek opportunities to meet, collaborate, or partner with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?