A good network is key to growing your business. As the famous adage goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know that counts.
The more people you know, the more access you have to valuable resources, insights, and collaborations.
Having said that, did you know that traveling is one of the best ways to meet the right people?
Today, a lot of successful entrepreneurs travel the world as digital nomads, while operating their business with a remote team.
For example, some partner with reputable agencies like Remote Staff to handle their outsourcing needs.
They can hire a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, manage their schedules, and coordinate communication with clients.
They can also outsource certain aspects of their business to marketing assistants, graphic designers, and other virtual talent to grow their company faster.
Moreover, frequent travelers often have better financial resources and connections, making them ideal additions to your network.
Meeting Your Future Business Partners While Traveling
Some people you meet while traveling can change your business or career -or your life – forever.
One great example is co-founders Ehud Shabtai, Amir Shinar, and Uri Levine.
They met while traveling and discussing their frustrations with traffic led to the creation of Waze in 2008.
Waze, a GPS navigation software that uses user-generated data to improve traffic navigation, was acquired by Google in 2013 for $1.3 billion.
Another story is about co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger.
They initially met at Stanford University and reconnected during a vacation.
Later on, they co-founded Instagram in 2010, which quickly became popular as a photo-sharing app. Facebook acquired it for $1 billion in 2012.
So how do you build connections while traveling? Here are 5 tips you can follow.
Be Open and Approachable
When traveling, try to be open and approachable so you can connect with others easily.
Whether you are in a café, on a tour, or at a conference, you can try to initiate conversations.
Also, make sure to smile and make eye contact to create a welcoming aura and encourage interactions.
Join Group Tours
They’re a great opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded individuals who share similar interests.
For instance, if you’re visiting India, you can choose Kerala tour packages to discover its natural beauty and cultural sites.
This makes it easier to engage in conversations and form connections with fellow travelers.
Make sure you also participate in group activities and social events organized during the tour to further bond with your fellow travelers.
Attend Local Events
Attending local events lets you dive into the community and meet like-minded people.
These can include festivals, concerts, workshops, and cultural celebrations, where you can interact with both locals and other travelers.
By joining these events, you not only experience the destination’s culture but also forge connections that could be beneficial for personal or professional networking later on.
Take Advantage of Coworking Spaces
If you work remotely, consider coworking spaces.
These places bring together people from various backgrounds and industries. Working there allows you to connect with others, share ideas, and even collaborate on projects.
Plus, coworking spaces often organize networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, making it easier to build relationships.
Nurture the Connection
Keep in touch through email, social media, or messaging apps.
You don’t need to talk about business alone either; you can share updates about your travels or anything interesting.
Whenever possible, arrange to meet when you’re in the area or wherever you both travel to next.
When you stay connected as friends, you can support each other in your endeavors.
Who knows? It might even lead to bigger things in the future.
About Rica Jankulovski
As the CEO of Remote Staff, Rica Jankulovski has been helping small-to-medium sized companies grow faster by matching them with world-class Filipino remote talent.
Having grown up in the Philippines and currently living in Australia while working with several international businesses has equipped her with a deep understanding of Western and Filipino cultures, enabling her to empower both her clients and remote talents to work together towards meaningful success in both work and in life.
