Traveling, for personal or for business, is a great time to meet with like minded geeks and explore new business opportunities. If you look at a lot of successful, well-respected entrepreneurs, they’ve often traveled the world and can bring a global perspective to business, products, and tech.
Here’s a few tips on how to meet with geeks abroad:
- Tap into existing clients, and their networks (if applicable) — Be assertive! Blast out a note on Facebook, Twitter, and follow-up with local contacts before you leave. Our world is becoming smaller, and you may be surprised the contacts your local friends, mentors, and clients have abroad.
- Search for local leaders — Browse Twitter, Facebook, and the blogosophere to identify local leaders within the tech industry. They are great launching pads for events or referrals.
- Google search for local industry associations – All of my connections when I was traveling in Munich came from doing a simple Google search for “American business in Munich.” I then stumbled upon the American German Business Club, and went to one of their events while I was there.
- Plan for spontaneity — If I was too structured or unwilling to change my schedule, I would have never gone to the Business Club meeting in Munich that brought me so much. Knock down doors, send as many emails as you can, and welcome the spontaneity that comes from that!
