Networking Tips for the Busy Business Traveler

Sometimes, it’s all about who you know and not what you know.

Networking is a key tool for those looking to get ahead in today’s competitive business environment. If you live a busy lifestyle, traveling often for work, it may seem that you might not have the time to explore networking opportunities, but that couldn’t be further from the truth with all the social networking sites, apps for smartphones, and localized online resources that are available today.

Meeting fellow business professionals while on the go is easier than ever before, and networking with new contacts is never a bad idea. There are many opportunities out there to branch out and mix business with pleasure; whether you’re riding in a cab on the way to the airport, waiting for the plane to start boarding, or taking time to relax in your hotel room after a long day of conferences, find some time to explore the interwebs and see what meet ups are going on near you.

According to Statista, in 2015, over 70% of the US population had a social network profile and by 2018, it is expected that an approximate 2.5 billion users worldwide will be using some sort of social networking platform. This means that about a third of the Earth’s population will be online and networking. If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t yet embraced the online networking culture, do yourself a favor and start making new and potentially beneficial connections no matter where you are in the world.

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Make a Social Network Account

As most people know, the biggest social network accounts for business professionals are without a doubt LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+. These social networking sites are great for networking opportunities because you can search meets ups and social events that may be going on in your area—or the area you’re traveling to. LinkedIn has been said to be the Facebook of the business world, and in most respects, this is true. Expanded Ramblings states that as of February this year, LinkedIn’s user total hit a record high of 414 million users around the globe.  Dubbed the “world’s largest professional network,” LinkedIn has a more narrow focus on users’ professional background, and it is easy to find new contacts through joining groups based on common interests or industry. You can even search through companies that interest you or explore current job opportunities all over the world. You can also see who has been viewing your profile, and based on mutual connections, you can see suggested “people you may know” profiles. All of these social networks have apps available to download, making it easier than ever to access your connections while on the road.

Download Smartphone Apps

It seems almost everyone nowadays owns a smartphone, and with new apps being released every single day, there’s no excuse not to find new people to meet. Almost all of the big social networking sites have mobile-friendly apps that can be used on smartphones so the networking doesn’t have to stop when you’re on the road. If you’re looking for a more unique and spontaneous experience, you might want to look into Planely, an app that lets you find people to sit with on the plane. Paving the way for the “social flying revolution,” Planely pairs users who will be on the same flight by similar interests. First, you make a profile and input your travel details: where and when you will be flying. Then, you will be paired up with a travel buddy via LinkedIn or Facebook and the rest is up to you. Grab a coffee after your flight or share a cab to your next stop. Who knows, you may end up sitting next to your future business partner.

Join a National Organization

There are an abundance of professional business organizations that you can join that host meet ups all over the world. You can search different organizations by industry—like the American Marketing Association—or by common interests, like the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Once you become a member, you will have full access to exclusive updates, business news, and events going on that provide a great opportunity to network and meet other business professionals that may be higher up in the ranks. When you join an organization, you also become part of a professional community with many different resources readily available at your fingertips.

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Henry Ford once said, “coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Networking creates irreplaceable assets in your professional as well as personal lives because your connections can serve as helpful resources for your future success. Maybe, after all, it’s not about who you know but about who knows you. Serve as a resource in your business relationships and continue to cultivate and leverage your network. Facilitating a long-lasting win-win relationship will accelerate your professional development as well as open up the door to future career opportunities. No matter how often you travel or how much time you spend traveling, you can find a way to use your travel time efficiently and network while on the move.