How do you use mentors and networks to find business abroad?

Finding business abroad can be challenging, especially if you are new to a country or culture. How do you connect with potential clients, partners, or collaborators who share your vision and values? How do you learn from the experiences and insights of others who have succeeded in your field or market? How do you use mentors and networks to find business abroad?

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1 The benefits of mentors and networks

Mentors and networks are invaluable resources for anyone looking to expand their business, particularly when working abroad. Mentors are those with expertise, knowledge, or skills you wish to learn or improve. They offer guidance, feedback, support, and opportunities. Networks are groups of people with shared interests, goals, or backgrounds; they provide referrals, leads, contacts, information, and social support. With mentors and networks you can gain access to local markets and cultures, learn best practices and avoid common pitfalls, build trust and credibility with your audience, expand your reach and influence, as well as discover new ideas and opportunities.

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Mauricio Galeano

Founder Strategy AI a Productivity AI Agency, Business Executive Consultant & Coach
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Good mental health and a healthy leadership style are closely connected. Despite the vast array of books, business models, technologies, and even AI, leadership cannot be taught, coached, or mentored - leading people is a way of being.

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Dr. Saira Moinuddin-Huber

Founder & Consultant | Trainer & Lecturer | Author | Academic Coach
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Working in the automotive industry for over a decade has made me connect with a number of mentors. In my last position as Head of Strategy and Projects, my direct Chief Executive was my mentor. Mentors helped me to position myself regarding my next steps in personal growth and development. Moving to the Middle East, I have relied more on informal networks, which mostly form when training for sporting events. In these informal networks you gain different market perspectives and eventually discover new ideas and opportunities as a lot of business professionals are passionate sport enthusiasts.

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Faeez Fadhlillah

Entrepreneur | Board Member | Advisor | Trainer | Mentor | Forbes 30 under 30 | PATA Face of the future | Linkedin Spotlight | Corporate Strategy | Digital Transformation | Investment |
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Mentors not only open up access to a wide range of business contacts and networks that can be an invaluable asset to you and your business. When entering a new market and segments, mentors can help open up doors, connect you to people who can help the business grow and expand at a rapid rate, and enable the founders to focus on the operation and business itself. Mentors also can be a source of experience and knowledge that can generally cut years of learning processes. They can be a source of what not to do, based on their years of experience. One thing for sure, in my business journey, my mentors have always been a source of credibility and influence which would open up doors, especially business partners and clients.

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2 How to find mentors and networks abroad

Finding mentors and networks abroad may seem intimidating, but there are numerous ways to go about it. For instance, you can use online platforms and tools such as social media, blogs, podcasts, webinars, forums, or online courses to find and follow people who are doing what you want to do or who have similar interests. You can also use platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, or Eventbrite to find and join professional or social groups that are pertinent to your field or niche. Moreover, attending events and workshops organized by local organizations, associations, or chambers of commerce is a great way to meet and interact with people in your industry or market. You can also look for events and workshops hosted by international organizations such as the British Council, the American Chamber of Commerce, or the World Bank that are geared towards supporting global entrepreneurs and professionals. Additionally, you can leverage your existing connections to find mentors and networks abroad by asking your friends, family, colleagues, or clients if they know anyone who can help you or introduce you to someone who can. You can also ask your mentors or network members if they can refer you to other people who can offer more advice, support, or opportunities.

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Mauricio Galeano

Founder Strategy AI a Productivity AI Agency, Business Executive Consultant & Coach
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The other day I was asked for advice on hiring and I remembered how philosophers recommended examining people's lives beyond what is presented or depicted in their profile. When recruiting, inquire about relevant matters in a straightforward way and aim for uniformity and consistency. The same applies to you, your co-workers and in particular the managers. Companies cannot take on a nurturing role towards harmful and detrimental character attributes in individuals, even if said individuals are superb at their jobs. In the long run, what comes around goes around and affects your environment. Put effort into promoting healthy mental states at every level of the organization.

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Dr. Saira Moinuddin-Huber

Founder & Consultant | Trainer & Lecturer | Author | Academic Coach
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Finding a mentor online is one option, however, nothing beats face-to-face encounters, which can eventually lead to forming a mentoring partnership. This mentoring partnership can then be carried forward in a hybrid format.

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Faeez Fadhlillah

Entrepreneur | Board Member | Advisor | Trainer | Mentor | Forbes 30 under 30 | PATA Face of the future | Linkedin Spotlight | Corporate Strategy | Digital Transformation | Investment |
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Events, conferences, and exhibitions are great sources to find and connect with mentors and industry leaders. I managed to connect with some of the industry's key stakeholders, and influential decision-makers at these events, especially at industry-related conferences.

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3 How to approach mentors and networks abroad

Once you have identified potential mentors and networks abroad, you need to approach them in a respectful and professional way. Before you reach out to someone, do your research and make sure you know who they are, what they do, and what they are interested in. This will help you tailor your message and show that you are genuinely interested in them and their work. When contacting someone, avoid sending generic or mass emails, or sales pitches. Instead, send them a personalized and concise message that explains who you are, why you are contacting them, and what you are looking for. Mention something that you have in common such as a mutual connection or shared interest. After contacting someone, follow up and follow through with a thank you note or an update. Ask for feedback or suggestions if appropriate. Offer something of value such as a resource or referral to show your appreciation and reciprocity. Be consistent and reliable, and don't let the relationship fade away.

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Dr. Saira Moinuddin-Huber

Founder & Consultant | Trainer & Lecturer | Author | Academic Coach
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The potential mentor needs to be able to rapidly identify why the seeking person has specifically contacted him/her. Most importantly, what specifically does the professional contacting the potential mentor want to gain from this relationship. A short and concise purpose aids the potential mentor to assess depth and value of the mentoring request.

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4 How to maintain mentors and networks abroad

Maintaining mentors and networks abroad is essential for achieving success. You should communicate regularly and effectively, adapting to the preferences and expectations of your mentors and networks. Give and take feedback and support, both offering your own advice and acknowledging their achievements. Furthermore, meeting and collaborating in person can help you strengthen your bonds, deepen your trust, and create more impact. By following these tips, you can find, approach, and maintain mentors and networks abroad to help grow your business.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you use mentors and networks to find business abroad?

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1 The benefits of mentors and networks

2 How to find mentors and networks abroad

3 How to approach mentors and networks abroad

4 How to maintain mentors and networks abroad

5 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

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How do you use mentors and networks to find business abroad?

1

2

3

4

5

1 The benefits of mentors and networks

2 How to find mentors and networks abroad

3 How to approach mentors and networks abroad

4 How to maintain mentors and networks abroad

5 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

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