Networking Outside Serves You on the Inside

At the end of the day, people do business with people, not businesses. Building strong, authentic relationships that lead to mutual benefit are at the core of both professional and business success.

Although many expat professionals are aware of this fact, those who have long term goals of staying with their current company often don't fully appreciate the value of building relationships and networking outside of their organization. Here are just a few important reasons why building your network outside of your company is a good idea:

1) Job security is a thing of the past: One study indicates the average lifetime of a professional at one company is 2.3 years. No matter what your long term goals, one must assume that there are a number of factors out of your control that could require you leave your current job at your company. Chances are more likely that you will leave at some point - be it voluntarily or unvoluntarily.  As most jobs are secured through networking, you simply cannot afford not to look outside your company when developing your professional and business relationships.

2) Better understanding of client needs: The more you are in communication with the market you serve, the more aware you are of what your clients' unique needs are and hence how you are positioned to meet them.  The stronger your relationships with your target market, the more likely you will have access to valuable information that will help you provide better services or products.

3) Career development: Many professionals and executives aspiring to be expats are looking for opportunities to take short term assignments as part of their career development plan. Some companies support secondments or short term stays at a satellite offices to give their employees an opportunity to grow into a new position or work on a particular project. Building relationships with people in target markets in those countries can make the transition easier and enhance performance once you have arrived in your new location.

4) Business Intelligence: Often the most valuable business intelligence resides in the minds of others. It is difficult to learn about certain aspects of industry issues without engaging with thought leaders and key players in your field. And when you are working across cultures, understanding how culture factors into business can be enhanced through learning about others' experiences. Regularly engaging with others with an outside perspective will also help spark new ideas within your organization and drive innovation.

5) Become the hunted, not the hunter:  Be seen as an active member and thought leader or key influencer in your particular target market and you will be the 'hunted' as opposed to the 'hunter'. People want to do business with the best specialists, so the more exposure your unique value proposition has in the market place (via your relationships), the more likely clients will seek you out rather than you having to pursue them.

6) Increased Performance: Be it stronger client relationships or increased business opportunities, the returns you will receive through your investment in building your network strategically will inevitably allow you to deliver in ways you would not have previously.

7) Increase Earning Potential: Your network is an asset to you and your company. The stronger your network, the more potential business opportunities and intelligence you can bring to the table. The more assets you can offer, the stronger your position is from which you can negotiate a salary increase.

8) Find Talent: If you are a hiring manager, meeting industry professionals will expose you to more potential candidates. It will also allow you to assess possible candidates outside of an interview setting, which will likely provide important and often more accurate information regarding 'fit'.

9) Find Mentors: Although mentors are often found within an organization, finding a mentor outside of your company can help you grow in new and different ways.

YOUR EXPAT SUCCESS TIP:  Where might developing your network outside of your company help you to accelerate the pursuit of your long term professional goals inside your organization? What one action could you take to strengthen or build a relationship outside of your company?  When could you take this action?  Make an appointment in your diary to do it.

YOUR THOUGHTS? Can you think of other reasons why building your network outside of your company can serve your career goals inside of your organization? Do have an example of how an external contact have served you? Please share your thoughts or experiences by leaving a comment.

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