Presentation on Building your Network at the 2015 Rotterdam Expat Fair

1. 2015 Rotterdam Expat Fair

2. Who am I?
Dutch Australian
Mother of 2
Owner of Zestee
Lecturer at The Hague
University of Applied Sciences
Actively involved in (managing)
several communities
Natural networker (but took me
a while to realise this!)

3. But most importantly…
Went from lonely, miserable and unemployed in
a new country, to growing a successful business
and busy social life (twice!).
I believe it was specifically my willingness to “get
out there” and develop skills in networking that
helped me do this.

4. Here’s just 4 (big) reasons to make an effort…

5. Make new friends
Strangers are friends you
haven’t met yet!
We all need a support
network and people who
care about us

6. Get a job or build your career
Referrals - once people know
what you do and what you’re
looking for
Recommendations - once
others get to know you and
your work

7. Solve problems more quickly
Solve problems and get
answers to questions
Get things done more
quickly
Ask people you trust for
recommendations, help &
feedback

8. Grasp great opportunities
Building your network and
getting to know new people
opens up a whole new world
of great opportunities!

9. NO!

10. YES!

11. The lines are increasingly blurred:
people want to connect with people.
You decide how much to share in each situation

12. 12 tips
+ 1 (big) hidden bonus

13. Be genuine
Be yourself
Be vulnerable
Be unique

14. Combine online & offline
They compliment each other
Practice your skills: learn
social media basics and
public speaking
Have a few different
“pitches” for different
situations

15. Follow Up
Super simple step that many
miss
LinkedIn, Phone call, Letter
Give yourself a reason
during a conversation and
remember this (e.g. here is a
link to that great book we
discussed)

16. Create Systems
How are you going to
approach networking?
Before, during and after
event
Read through websites, use a
CRM, LinkedIn, Facebook
and more
No perfect system, keep
refining

17. Offer something
What do you have that
others need?
Be specific, people are more
likely to remember that,
even some time later

18. Understand your purpose
Why are you networking?
Are you lonely?
Need a job?
Want to learn new skills?
Building a business?

19. (Co) Create a community
Can't find what you're
looking for? Get out there
and start something!
Start a new community
online or offline
Do your research first

20. Don't forget the Dutch
Many internationals get
stuck in the 'expat bubble'
Dutch business and personal
relationships can take some
time but well worth it!

21. Be alert to nuances
Cultural differences
Does the other person seem
interested?
Often various things at play
at any given time, just be
aware of this - it’s usually
nothing personal!

22. Share your network
Keep an eye/ear out for
others who need help and to
be connected with each other

23. Stick with it
Consistency builds
relationships
Just keep trying - some
people you will click with,
some take longer and some
just aren’t the right fit for
you!
Networking often doesn’t
feel natural…just keep
trying, it gets easier

24. Get out there
Just do it.
Did you get the hidden tip?
Networking lunch right
now…go find a new friend or
connection!
Connect with me on
LinkedIn
Have fun!!