Networking

Many people find the task of networking challenging. However, there is no doubt that networking can be enormously helpful, especially when you are embarking into the unknowns of an overseas business trip.

Well before leaving, learn about the business culture, the country, its people and the do's & don'ts. Also consider establishing contacts and seeking help from the following areas in your country:

· Attend any Trade Fair organised by the country you are intending to visit.

· Contact your Government's equivalent to a "Department of Overseas Trade".

· Contact the commercial attaché at the embassy of the country you are visiting.

· Become a member of any appropriate business associations with overseas representatives and/or linked to the country you are intending to visit.

· Establish a relationship with an appropriate accountancy and/or legal firm that has international offices in the country you are visiting.

Once you have arrived in the country there are further points of networking you can use:

· Your embassy, make contact with the resident Trade official(s).

· Local business organisations.

· If you have time, golf and tennis clubs can often provide some useful contacts.

· Establish an account with an international bank and introduce yourself to the local manager when you enter the country.

· Last but not least, the Yellow pages telephone book can be very useful. In some countries there are specific network "facilitators/intermediaries", eg. China. These intermediaries have established business networks. In many countries, it is often not what you know but WHO you know if you want to achieve something in business effectively. These facilitators also assist in resolving procedural problems and provide advice on how best to proceed through sometimes seemingly impenetrable bureaucracy. However take care, there are rogues about, so fully check credentials before engaging their services. If they complain about the checking of their credentials, be doubly suspicious.