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International Networking Tips
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- Always keep an address book up-to-date and on-hand.
- Select with whom you network if you are at an international conference on aid relief. Your time is limited go for the international contacts first.
- Attend meetings, seminars and conferences.
- Learn a 2nd or 3rd language.
- Be visible when you attend functions and always wear a name badge.
- Do everything in your power to actively meet or introduce yourself to, people in your field of expertise. Write a letter, send an email etc.
- Enrol on forums on the internet. Post your views regularly, leaving your contact details.
- Get involved with all the relevant International organizations and affiliations within your area of interest. These could include universities, embassies and government agencies.
- Hand out business cards to everyone you meet and enclose one in your correspondence.
- Networking should start while you are still on training or attending University.
- Join committees and associations.
- Research other countries and their customs and cultures.
- Learn a couple of polite phrases in relevant 'other' languages but make sure your source of information is accurate. For example get involved in organizing events:.
- Write an article and submit to journals and article directories in your field.
- Write a blog and publish it on the internet.
- Include friends and associates of anyone you come into contact with, wherever possible.
- Be patient and courteous at all times. Networking seldom brings instant results but politeness will always ensure that you will make a good impression on the people that you meet. These people may come back to you in the future with an opportunity that is too good to miss.
- Different strokes apply to different folks, i.e. culture and beliefs vary dramatically around the globe and it is important to appreciate this and not to jump to too many assumptions.
- Respect the culture of the people you deal with in the same way that you expect your culture and beliefs to be respected and enjoy the opportunities that are ahead of you!
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