Sometimes I’ll hear business owners say that they don’t network any more because it doesn’t work. Maybe this is because they don’t understand the importance of effective global networking, or maybe they just don’t know how networking really works.  Usually, when I hear this, I know that person has committed at least one, and perhaps all three of the cardinal sins of networking.
1. The first cardinal sin of effective global networking is selling. Some of you may think that selling is what networking is all about.  You’d be wrong.  Although networking can be an integral part of the selling process, the two are distinctly different. Have you ever been circulating happily at a networking event (even at one of your own conferences or tradeshows), when suddenly someone has you backed into a corner trying to sell you mutual funds? That’s sin number one.  If you meet someone who seems to be a good prospect for your services, tell the person you have some information they might find useful and would like to meet or speak on the phone later to discuss it. If the person seems open to this, be sure to get their business card and make the call as arranged. That’s the time to go into selling mode.
2. The second cardinal sin of networking is asking for or offering someone a job. Certainly, job hunting is another reason for active networking, but once again it’s only part of the process. If you meet someone who seems a good candidate for a position you need to fill, follow the same process described above. If you begin discussing the job opportunity in detail, neither you nor the other person will have an opportunity to mix and meet others, which is the reason you are there. If your new acquaintance seems to be in a position to offer you a job, this is definitely not the time to begin an in-depth job interview! Again, express your interest in talking later, get the card and make the call.
3. The third cardinal sin of networking is spending time speaking to the wrong people.  I’m referring to the people you came with, or the people you see every day at work. Of course it’s a lot easier to chat with friends than make conversation with strangers, but it’s not networking. I’ve seen many people spend the valuable networking time at conferences with their friends, and then sitting with the same people at the education sessions and again at mealtimes. What a waste of an opportunity!
If you are there to develop business contacts and you spend all the time with your friends, don’t complain later that effective global networking doesn’t work.  It may just be the case that you’re doing it all wrong.

With all the demands on our time made by our business, professional, and personal lives it is tempting to assign a lower priority to networking as an activity designed to meet new people. However, effective global networking is only a conversation away.
We are constantly being introduced to new people every day with no disruption to our schedules. Secondly, by not consistently widening our circles of acquaintances and contacts, we may be severely curtailing our chances for advancement and success. It is estimated that the average person knows about 250 people. And each of those people knows, in turn, another 250 or so people.
This means that for each new person you meet, you gain access to a potential pool of 62,500 people separated from you by just two degrees! Talk about effective global networking! Imagine the odds, then, that out of so many people, you would NOT find one person who would be a source of information about a better job, additional clients or customers, a speaking engagement or writing assignment, an investment opportunity, where to shop for better value, and much more.

Because of the importance of effective global networking, the number people using social networking to advance their careers is at an all time high.

It’s no secret that quite often in life who you know is more important than what you know. These sites help automate the former so efficiently that I would unhesitatingly recommend them to everyone. Choosing the right social networking site to advance your career isn’t a serious problem. If one doesn’t pan out, you can always try another, perhaps more or less specialized one. When considering a social network the ability to connect with others is most important. Global networking requires the ability to connect with like-minded individuals who you can help and that can also help you in both business and personal life.

Although many of these sites may seem similar, they aren’t interchangeable. This means that joining one site doesn’t open you up to others. So don’t be afraid to try something completely different. Try a social network you haven’t tried in the past. Sometimes a new set of connections is the perfect way to broaden your horizons.

The art of networking with others does not come naturally for most, so it’s no wonder that the words global networking include the word “work”. It requires time, tact, and a lot fo work. However, if done right, effective global networking can help strengthen and grow your business.
From schmoozing to strategizing, the definition of networking varies from person to person, depending on their use of this important personal and professional activity. Ultimately, networking is an exchange of information, contacts, or experience. It’s frequently used for getting a lead on a job, gathering intelligence, or making a sale.
Proven to be more effective than advertising and cold calling, networking is a powerful skill. But, it can be challenging even for the most extroverted personalities. If you’re not used to working a room, how do you begin the process? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Ask yourself what your goals are. You’ll get the most out of networking when you go to an event knowing what you want to achieve and how people can help you.
Do your homework. If your intent is to meet someone for the purpose of obtaining a job, it’s a wise idea to do your homework before speaking with them. Google them, check out their company website, and be knowledgeable about the latest industry news.
Take the initiative to introduce yourself. Approaching successful professionals can be intimidating. Be confident and genuine. If you feel too awkward starting a conversation, ask the host of the event to make the introductions for you.
Follow up. It’s easy to get someone’s card with the intention of getting in touch with them and then forget to do so. Be sure to contact them and express that you enjoyed meeting them and ask if you could get together sometime to exchange ideas.
Effective Global Networking Tip:  Be a network resource for others. If you think you know someone who could benefit from meeting one of your contacts, be sure to extend an offer of introduction. They will appreciate it and might be able to return the favour.

Effective global networking requires a great deal of prep and homework. If you are marketing yourself on a global scale or seeking an international assignment, knowing who your audience is and what their expectations are is key to successful exchanges.  How do you prepare something as simple as a resume , or curriculum vitae (CV) as they are referred to abroad, for the international market?

In the US too much personal information supplied on a resume can result in it being tossed for fear of a discrimination lawsuit. It is, however, expected over seas.

“For example, in the U.S. you should never include a photograph of yourself in your resume (unless you are a model or an actor/actress). Likewise, you should not include any information about your birthday, marital status, family status, or other similar personal details. In fact, if you do include photos or personal data, most U.S. employers will simply discard your resume rather than risk a potential discrimination lawsuit. On the other hand, personal photographs and data are expected and often required on CVs meant for European or Asian employers.”

After determining the correct format and style of your resume make sure to emphasize all skills that facilitate your expertise in a foreign market.

Regardless of the job you are targeting, and what country that job is in, if your goal is to go global you definitely want to emphasize and highlight your international travel and multicultural experiences, your foreign language abilities, and any coursework you have completed that is relevant to international business. You can weave all of this into the body of your resume/CV and may even create a separate section to call it out in greater detail.”

With the information age that has been ushered in by the internet, effective global networking is literally at your fingertips.  There are enough social networking websites available now that it could really give you a headache trying to sort through them all.  So, how do you choose one that meets your needs?  Here are some things to consider:
- Introductions come first.  Never launch into a sales pitch right away. This tends to turn people off. Sometimes we get so excited about sharing our business that we forget one key fact.  Business Networking is about establishing relationships first and making sales later.
- Consider your target audience.  Your target audience can vary greatly depending on what your business offers.  Consider those who will be interested in your products or services.  Who are they? What are their likes?  Where do they like to hang out?  Answering these questions can help you network with members of your target audience.
- Choose a networking group that’s relevant to your line of business.  To have an effective global networking strategy, you must be involved with groups who are interested in what you have to offer.  Choose those groups who share an interest in your business.
Finding effective global networking groups not only helps extend your reach to new customers.  It can also be fun. Imagine that, work that is actually enjoyable!

To those who make the cyber world their own, effective global networking is almost standard practice.  The web designer might live in England, but be designing a site for a Florida business while the content for the site is being written by someone in Canada.  Because of the possibilities of effective global networking, it is possible for these three parties never to meet in person and yet execute a complete and successful project.
Effective global networking has also totally transformed the expat experience with families undertaking international assignments now able to arrange schools, search for staff and familiarize themselves with more ease to their new host country.  Effective global networking allows for that same family to keep consistent communications with friends and family in their home countries.
Effective global networking is as integral to the continuity and free flow of commerce today as was the telephone and telegraph one century ago.

If you have ever handed out your business card, you have engaged in some sort of business networking. Thus, you may actually be establishing an effective global networking strategy, whether you know it is happening or not. Every time you select new vendors, recruit for new employees, seek to promote your product/service or expand your market reach, some type of networking is involved. The focus of effective global networking is to create a positive identity as both a business and a brand or service. Essentially, effective global networking is operating on your name. An integral component of networking is maintaining an impeccable reputation with your vendors and affiliates and your customers. Any poor business practices will become evident in time and if that reputation is damaging, there is no networking that can reverse it. Effective global networking is one of the many key methods for generating leads. Someone always knows someone who needs your service/product. If you have a pristine relationship with your vendors and affiliates, they will gladly recommend you. Consider coordinating a marketing campaign or event with your affiliates that promote your mutual interests.

More often than not partners in a small start-up company have planned on only networking locally, but small businesses today have to plan for an effective global networking strategy as well. Are your products or services marketable overseas and at what juncture do you envision expanding globally? Is your service executable via an effective global network and what are the implications for your business if you deal on an international level?
Businesses a decade ago, or even five years ago probably didn’t think in terms of effective global networking. Prior to today’s technological and telecommunications capabilities, effective global networking was the concern of the internationals or the rare local business that had commerce outside of the country
To those who make the cyber world their own, networking globally is almost standard practice. The web designer might live in England, but be designing a site for a Florida business while the content for the site is being written by someone in Canada. Because of the possibilities of effective global networking, it is possible for these three parties never to meet in person and yet execute a complete and successful project.

If there has been one tool that has helpedincrease the ability to effectively network globally, aside from the internet, wireless phones could be considered.  Wireless phones have given us the ability via text messaging, email, and other features, to reach a worldwide audience, and keep in touch and network with professionals around the globe.  Well, it appears that AT& T is seeking to increase our ability to achieve effective global networking. Today wireless provider AT&T announced plans to invest $1 billion in 2008 to continue the expansion of AT&T’s industry-leading network and portfolio of solutions for multinational companies with operations and applications in key markets worldwide.
The 2008 program — which is 33 percent more than last year’s enterprise investment and more than double AT&T’s investment in 2006 — is being driven by demand for Internet Protocol (IP) networks and services as companies deal with the explosive surge in data, voice and video traffic made possible by the proliferation of high speed networks and devices worldwide.
Responding to this demand, AT&T is accelerating its efforts to: 1) extend its global network reach and capacity; 2) globalize its portfolio of business services and 3) embed the latest utility computing and other technologies in the network so that companies can deliver real-time applications to their customers, suppliers and partners.
“Companies worldwide are responding to the exploding need to deliver voice, data and video in real time to their end-users, no matter where they are, no matter what the device,” said Ron Spears, group president, AT&T Global Business Services. “It is vital that we continue to invest in those geographies and services to meet this demand so our customers can connect their operations, partners and suppliers.”
With providers like AT&T stepping up to the challenge of offering more competitive global products, global networking is something that will literally be “at your fingertips.”

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