I am relocating to Europe in August. Any recommendations on how to develop business contacts?
I am currently in Australia but moving to Europe for family reasons in August. Although I relocated from Europe to Australia in 2000, I am really in need of creating a wider network in Switzerland, UK and the Netherlands. Do you have any recommendations on how to go about building a new network?
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
Oct 20, 2020
People in Switzerland speak the German, French, Italian, and Romansh languages. (Source: http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/switzerland/culture/)
The linguistic diversity of Switzerland is rather diverse according to a fractionalization scale which for Switzerland is 0.5441. I think this is a suitable country for you.
Jul 2, 2015
LinkedIn.com can bee a good option, but also depends what your type of work, exist, try make a good profile, witha simple and direct information, and also in Facebook try to find groups in this contries for your type of business and make good post with content. But the approach depends of your type of business
Jun 29, 2015
hi, i'm from US here in zurich for five years, when you're in town pls get in touch for a beverage; i'm glad to share my on-the-ground experience building a network - always a work in progress.
to add to the thread, linkedin definitely, also xing is much more particular to german speaking world - though i have not developed my presence there so much, i'm told that is where our client base would be concentrated.
people are quite approachable once you have your pitch/ product together.
best regards, charles
Jun 29, 2015
My in-laws reside in Holland...you can get
more info by contacting Ada at 702-952-9455...She'll be on her way over there tomorrow!
Good Luck!
Rich
Jun 29, 2015
Hi Samantha, You have received some excellent advice in this forum. I am connected to a US based HR company that specializes in programs to help US Corporations set up operations or sales forces overseas. If you see some value in this type of connection, let me know and I will make an introduction for you through LinkedIn. All the best in your new adventure.
Jun 29, 2015
Hi Elaine - thank you so much, I would definitely appreciate an introduction, sounds fantastic!
Jun 29, 2015
Do LinkedIn, advanced search (which lets you search by location for people to meet, and ask people to do coffee or a phone call, telling them you want to learn about their business. Ask questions. When they see how sharp you are with your questions, you have instantly built strong relationships.
Jun 28, 2015
In such cases one thing cannot be avoided: presence. Power and connections can only be built by presence. You should be present in the mind and sight of all your targeted professionals and areas. It is very hard and difficult to do this from this distance, but it is not possible. You have chosen three different countries with five different cultures and languages (GB: British; CH: German, French, Italian; NL: Dutch). This makes it more difficult, but still not possible. LinkedIn is a good tool, just as experter.ch. In the first turn I would use my presence in Australia and visit all embassies of the targeted markets. They have strong connections to the local (British, Dutch, Swiss) markets and society, and their chambers of commerce, trade and foreign affairs in Australia. They surely can help you further. There are also some very good programs ran by governments to boost economic relations between countries and continents. You should check this also. And do not forget: Australia and The United Kingdom are both members of the Commonwealth. This will give more uncovered options for you. I hope this will help you :)
Jul 1, 2015
You are very welcome! :) If you will be interrested in Middle Earth... eeeer in Middle-Europe (Austria, Hungary) I can help you further with more exact details... :)
Jun 28, 2015
For business contact I will suggest you to Go For Social Media Approach. Find contacts associated with your business. Have some discussions with them. The Tool for social media is: FB , LinkedIn , Twitter etc.
What kind of business do you have?
Jun 28, 2015
Thanks Nilesh - Im a coach, facilitator and consultant in the areas of Org development and HR
Jun 28, 2015
Samantha register on a social network portal www.meetup.com
you will find various groups in each country that you wish to build contacts. You may join the group you feel is good for your business. Hope it helps. Good Luck.
Jun 28, 2015
I've read most of the replies and they're all good. I just want to mention that every city has a website. You may want to go on their website to look at the business directory. Also it will have additional information as well. If you use Wikipedia, you can find lists or directories of companies by country.
Good luck.
Jun 28, 2015
Europe is a diferent ball game from Australia. The economy there is more volatile and that is somethig you got to factor into your relocation.
IN order to build a network, I suggest you start connecting with your existing friends in Europe and on social media.They will help you create new contacts.It is going to be a longish process but FB and LInkedin will enable you to make a start. Your spouse should also be able to help you in creating new contacts.
Jun 28, 2015
Check out http://www.meetup.com/ and http://www.4networking.biz/ - this assumes you are moving to the UK, otherwise Europe is a big place.
Jun 28, 2015
Everyone in europe likes it if you speak some lines in their languages. It's a form of showing respect for their language and culture.
Europe is like many said veryyyyy diverse. Switzerland is very formal , netherlands is pretty loose and the english are in general a bit conservative and formal.
Jun 28, 2015
to add to this. In the netherlands we like bottomline. Simply getting things done, is more important than how you dress, talk or do it.
Get it done.
Jun 28, 2015
Thanks Marc - I am actually Dutch and have been living in Amsterdam before relocating to Australia. I also spent time in UK (my son is British) and in Switzerland, but good advice nevertheless.
Jun 28, 2015
Outreaching via your #Linkedin contacts, is a good way. Then again, each country are specifics and there isn't such a thing as 'Europe'...there's western europe, northern europe, etc..
Jun 28, 2015
hi Samantha, I'm a little biased with this suggesiuton. why not investigate joining your local and/or state chamber of commerce. I work with the state chamber here in new south wales. Most cities have a major chamber (e.g. london chamber of commerce) and then a number of local business precinct chambers operating in them. good luck and safe travels!
Jun 28, 2015
1. use your professional association contacts to find local members/meetings
2. seek out the local chamber of commerce and meet with the membership director - it's their job to get you connected with the businesses that make sense for you locally
3. join a group that aligns with personal interests, ie. running, hiking, art, cooking, symphony, local choir, etc.
Jun 28, 2015
I think with this portal for Expats will help you make a lot of contacts, not just in Europe http://www.internations.org . Best wishes ;-)
Jun 28, 2015
Thank you it is indeed a wonderful portal - I checked it out this morning and already got some introductions! Awesome!
Jun 28, 2015
Samantha
I can't help you with Switzerland, but you also mention the UK. If you find yourself over here as an HR/OD professional, it may be worth joining the CIPD (Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development). Lots of lively local groups in each of the regions.
Others have mentioned LinkedIn. For obvious tax reasons, lots of large multinationals are headquartered in Switzerland, but stuffed with English speakers form the UK and US. If you feel comfortable, it may be an idea to use your LinkedIn connections to find people in those communities. I doubt it is for pure tax reasons, but a few large multinationals are also HQ'd in Amsterdam, and of course in the UK.
Jun 28, 2015
THanks Mike - I'm already a CIPD member, so will definitely use that suggestion
Jun 28, 2015
Join online industry forums, and do some Q&A. Find others who do what you do, and get to know them.
Thank you Charles, I am looking forward to my relocation!