Networking But Unable to Call in The Military Halfway Across The World

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips and ideas for networking while serving in the military halfway across the world:

1. Cold Emailing/Connecting:

   • Utilize your limited phone time to send out cold emails or LinkedIn connection requests. Focus on finding commonalities with the people you want to connect with.
   • Keep track of your contacts in an Excel sheet, noting the last time you spoke, what you discussed, and any follow-up actions.

2. Organize and Plan:

   • Be organized and thoughtful in your approach. Understand why certain strategies work and why others don't. Keep experimenting and taking chances without straying too far off course.

3. Leverage Weekends:

   • Use your full-day availability on weekends to schedule calls. This might mean early mornings or late nights to accommodate time differences, but it can be manageable with proper planning.

4. Find Mentors:

   • Focus on building relationships with mentors rather than just contacts. Mentors can provide guidance, mock interviews, and valuable advice that can help you prepare for future opportunities.

5. Utilize Online Platforms:

   • Engage in forums, webinars, and virtual networking events. These platforms can provide valuable connections and insights without the need for real-time communication.

6. Stay Persistent:

   • Networking is a numbers game. Even with a 20% success rate, reaching out to 300 people can result in 60 valuable connections. Persistence is key.

7. Show Genuine Interest:

   • Relate to people's stories and show genuine interest in their experiences. This can help build stronger connections and make your interactions more memorable.

8. Keep in Touch:

   • Maintain regular contact with your network, even if it's just a quick email or message. This helps keep relationships warm and shows that you value the connection.

By following these strategies, you can effectively network even with the constraints of your military service. Good luck!

Sources: Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, How to Network and Tips on Networking, Some Thoughts on Networking, 13 Networking Tips and Tricks, Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview.