How can you network effectively in E-Commerce when you're in a new city?

LinkedIn is one way but having a local mastermind in your local city is huge. Think 10 members max and you meet up regularly to discuss growth strategies and hacks. This is also a good way to vent and be heard. In a world where everything is fast paced and we are more disconnected than ever, having human to human contact is everything for the aspiring entrepreneur. It will boost your mental health in phenomenal ways and you will end up learning things from fellow builders.

Utilize LinkedIn not just for networking but as a platform to establish yourself as a thought leader in E-Commerce. Regularly share insightful articles, comment on industry updates, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Lucky you. E-Commerce is an online activity and all of your peers will be online too. The best plan of attack is to search in your existing network for people located in your new city. Engage with them to open more contacts and ask what communities they draw value from. If you don't strike gold at the first contact, be sure to follow up on all the suggested contacts they provided, this is a chain you can pursue until you find what you were looking for. When you do join a new community and engage with new contacts, remember that you must bring value to the engagements and to the community to get anything back. Bring your unique perspective, share your best practices, outline your vision. In short: Give to Get.

Building local e-commerce connections in a new town takes proactive networking - like making friends after a big move. Join associations and chamber events to introduce yourself. Look for meetups related to specific platforms or interests. Offer advice freely to establish expertise. Follow local leaders and companies on social media. Consistent outreach builds community and opportunities. With openness to learn and collaborate, soon you’ll call this city home! Let’s spread some e-commerce camaraderie! ??

Remember that first day at school feeling? Moving to a new city can feel just as daunting. But trust me, tapping into local e-commerce communities can make the unfamiliar feel like home. The friendships you'll form and knowledge you'll gain are priceless

Go beyond attending events and consider hosting your own E-Commerce networking event or meetup. This takes your networking efforts to the next level and positions you as an industry influencer.

The traditional advice is to attend as many events as possible and cast a wide net. However, I believe it's more effective to be selective and strategic. Choose events that align with your specific goals and interests, and focus on building deep, meaningful connections rather than collecting business cards. This approach might lead to fewer overall contacts, but the quality of those relationships will be higher.

I've built some pretty great relationships from local e-commerce meetups. I recommend sticking around, attending regularly and contribute to the conversations. This is where you can break out of your shell and forget being a wallflower because this is your element. You are speaking about topics you have experience in, and everyone there is there for the same reason.

Actually, I disagree with those who say you should always prioritize online connections. There's magic in face-to-face interactions at local events. The kind of connection where you feel the passion in someone's voice, and that's irreplaceable.

Linkedin has been the best media for me to reach out to local experts, and you would be surprised how many of them are willing to meet you.

Don't limit your networking strategy to just following influencers—strive to become one yourself. Reach out to blogs, podcasts, or industry events, and propose guest appearances or contributions.

In my recent move to Seattle, I discovered a trick. Instead of just attending e-commerce events, I started hosting small coffee meet-ups. It changed everything. The connections I made were genuine, and I quickly felt like a part of the city's e-commerce heartbeat

For me, LinkedIn is the best! I've done this many times. When I'm scheduled to be in a city, I first post to announce my trip and say that I'm happy to meet experts in my field. Then, I use the filters in my network to check who lives in the city and send them some messages.

There's an old saying that content is king. But in a new city, content is your calling card. Share your journey, your insights, your challenges. You'll be surprised how many will resonate and want to connect

I once stumbled upon a tweet from an e-commerce influencer in my new city. Instead of just hitting 'like', I sent a personal message. We met for coffee, and she introduced me to some of the most influential people in the local scene

I've always identified target companies and people in the city I live in or travel to. First, I see if I have any mutual connections that can make a warm intro for coffee or lunch. If I don't have any connections, I reach out via email or LinkedIn and add value for them when asking for a meeting. I'd like to point out that cold outreach is about adding value for the person you want to meet with. Don't expect them to trade their time to meet with you.

One thing I've found helpful? Always be a student. Even if you're an expert, there's always someone who knows something you don't. In a new city, seeking knowledge can open more doors than you think

Reach out to your existing communities What communities are you currently a part of? Think about your college, sorority, memberships, or employer. Communities can also be based on your culture, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Look for people in your new city to meet based on shared communities.