The Internet is bringing business further and further around the globe. Off of home turf, there are opportunities everywhere - you just need to know how to score them. Here are ten tips that can help you build your business internationally.
- Be prepared.
Have plenty of business cards, a professional picture for use in a directory and an accurate and informative profile. If you want to succeed - provide information on who you are, what you do, who you know, and what you need. Effective networking can only happen when both parties know what is required.
- Be open-minded.
Everyone you meet has the potential to help you towards a goal. Be friendly, listen carefully and use a little lateral thinking to see the fit between you and the other person. Maybe it's who they know that could be the important connection.
- Don't be afraid to ask.
When you are participating in international events, do your homework. What do you need? Who do you want to meet? What is a good connection for you? On the reverse - what do you have to offer? Who do you know? By being prepared with a list of your contacts, you might be a more welcome match.
- Give without expectation.
Introduce yourself to as many delegates as possible, ask how you can help them. By building relationships between yourself and other participants, you will find common interests and this usually results in business opportunities.
- Set realistic and achievable goals.
Make sure you plan ahead. If you are a member of an international organization, connect with a local chapter. If you are a member of a Chamber of Commerce or a Board of Trade, connect with them, ask for introductions in the conference area. These associations can help you realize your goals if you put them in the picture.
- Think laterally.
Learn to look at each new person you meet as a possible business alliance. Maximize your participation in every event by listening carefully and acting on what you hear. Ask questions that will give you a more in depth picture of everyone you meet. Use questions like - what makes your approach to the industry different? This gives the speaker the chance to talk about themselves.
- Self promote.
Promote yourself effectively. Understand your features and benefits (your strengths and how to use them) and learn how to express them. Perfect your infomercial. Use the SMILE and ASK formula. Start with a smile, Make eye contact, Introduce yourself, Let people know what you do, Explain what you need, Ask how you can help, Say thank you, Keep in touch.
- Communicate.
Be articulate, concise, enthusiastic, honest and open. Use language that is comfortable and acceptable for the event, but make sure it is impressive and powerful. Don't forget the other side of communicating is listening. This is as important as speaking.
- Organize.
Organize yourself thoroughly, your thoughts, your notes, your files, your time. This takes time in the short run, but will save you tenfold in the long run. Bring your data base, organized by category and use codes to help you identify who you know and what they know.
- Teamwork.
Work hard for others and the rewards will come back to you 10 times over. Each time you meet someone new, remember who they are and who they want to connect with. By being part of a team, everyone is working together helping each other connect and build better international business relationships.
