Building Your Network2015 Rotterdam Expat Fair

Who am I?

Dutch Australian

Mother of 2

Owner of Zestee

Lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences

Actively involved in (managing) several communities

Natural networker (but took me a while to realise this!)

But most importantly…

Went from lonely, miserable and unemployed in a new country, to growing a successful business and busy social life (twice!).

I believe it was specifically my willingness to “get out there” and develop skills in networking that helped me do this.

Why network?Here’s just 4 (big) reasons to make an

effort…

Make new friends

Strangers are friends you haven’t met yet!

We all need a support network and people who care about us

Get a job or build your career

Referrals - once people know what you do and what you’re looking for

Recommendations - once others get to know you and your work

Solve problems more quickly

Solve problems and get answers to questions

Get things done more quickly

Ask people you trust for recommendations, help & feedback

Grasp great opportunities

Building your network and getting to know new people opens up a whole new world of great opportunities!

Do you have to love it?NO!

Can it be fun?YES!

Business versus personal

The lines are increasingly blurred:people want to connect with people.

You decide how much to share in each situation

How to network?

12 tips + 1 (big) hidden

bonus

Be genuine

Be yourself

Be vulnerable

Be unique

Combine online & offline

They compliment each other

Practice your skills: learn social media basics and public speaking

Have a few different “pitches” for different situations

Follow Up

Super simple step that many miss

LinkedIn, Phone call, Letter

Give yourself a reason during a conversation and remember this (e.g. here is a link to that great book we discussed)

Create Systems

How are you going to approach networking?

Before, during and after event

Read through websites, use a CRM, LinkedIn, Facebook and more

No perfect system, keep refining

Offer something

What do you have that others need?

Be specific, people are more likely to remember that, even some time later

Understand your purpose

Why are you networking?

Are you lonely?

Need a job?

Want to learn new skills?

Building a business?

(Co) Create a community

Can't find what you're looking for? Get out there and start something!

Start a new community online or offline

Do your research first

Don't forget the Dutch

Many internationals get stuck in the 'expat bubble'

Dutch business and personal relationships can take some time but well worth it!

Be alert to nuances

Cultural differences

Does the other person seem interested?

Often various things at play at any given time, just be aware of this - it’s usually nothing personal!

Share your network

Keep an eye/ear out for others who need help and to be connected with each other

Stick with it

Consistency builds relationships

Just keep trying - some people you will click with, some take longer and some just aren’t the right fit for you!

Networking often doesn’t feel natural…just keep trying, it gets easier

Get out there

Just do it.

Did you get the hidden tip?

Networking lunch right now…go find a new friend or connection!

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Have fun!!