The Art of Building a Global Network

I was once in Istanbul, scouting business opportunities with a friend. We were standing outside our hotel, waiting for a cab. The familiar chaos of the city buzzed around us when a cab pulled up to drop off another guest.

The guest stepped out—clearly not Turkish but fluent in the language. My friend and I were trying to convince the cab driver to take us to our destination, but he flatly refused, citing traffic. The guest overheard, exchanged a few words with the driver, and then turned to us: “The driver has agreed. He’ll take you there.”

We thanked him, struck up a quick conversation, and exchanged business cards (yes, they’re still a thing—carry one). Let’s call him Jeremiah.

A few days later, we met Jeremiah for dinner. Turns out, he was a businessman from South Africa who had lived in Istanbul years ago and now split his time between the two countries. As we explained our business plans, he offered invaluable insights about navigating the Turkish market. By the end of the dinner, he’d expressed interest in investing.

That’s the power of connections.

Now imagine this: wherever you land—a new city, a new country—you have someone you can call. Someone who can introduce you to the right people, guide you through the local landscape, or even just make your nights out more interesting. That’s what a global network looks like.

But how do you build one?

Rule #1: Talk to Everyone

Yes, everyone. Sitting in a hotel lobby? Don’t bury your face in your phone—say hello to the person next to you. Waiting in line for coffee? Strike up a conversation. People love to talk about themselves, especially to someone who seems genuinely curious.

Ask open-ended questions. But for the love of everything, don’t make it feel like an interview. Pay attention to social cues—if they’re uninterested or in a hurry, let it go. This isn’t a numbers game; it’s about quality over quantity. Do this consistently, and your network will practically build itself.

Rule #2: Right Place, Right Time

You won’t meet fascinating people holed up in your hotel room. Go where the action is:

• Cafés, co-working spaces, and social clubs.

• Events tailored to your interests—art galleries, kickboxing classes, tech meetups, whatever floats your boat.

• Local hotspots where interesting people are likely to gather.

And here’s a tip: consistency pays. Show up at the same place regularly, and you’ll start to recognize familiar faces. Familiarity breeds opportunity.

Rule #3: Join Groups and Clubs

Every city has groups and clubs built around common interests, professions, or nationalities. Pick one or two that align with your interests and start showing up.

Be warned: not all groups are worth your time. Some are glorified drinking clubs with no real value. Be selective. Attend a few events, gauge the vibe, and stick with the ones that feel right.

Rule #4: Be the Host

Once you’ve met a few people, flip the script and play host. It doesn’t have to be a grand affair—a casual dinner or coffee meetup will do. Invite five or six people you’ve met and think would get along.

This does two things:

1. It deepens your connections.

2. It positions you as the connector—an invaluable role in any network.

And here’s the beauty: when you host, people often bring friends. Your network grows exponentially without you even trying.

Rule #5: Play the Long Game

The most critical part of building a global network? Maintaining it. After you leave the city, don’t let those connections fade. Drop a message every now and then—share a link they’d find useful, comment on their posts, or just say hello.

Staying in touch isn’t about constant communication; it’s about being present enough to keep the relationship alive.

Building a global network isn’t about being slick or strategic—it’s about being genuinely curious, present, and consistent. The payoff? Priceless.

So, the next time you land in a new city, don’t just be a visitor. Be a builder. You might just meet your own “Jeremiah” along the way.

Until next time,

The World is Yours.