The comment about Risk-Taking is also a big one. Research has shown that successful international workers are not only flexible and accommodating, but are also extroverted and risk-takers. You have to be open and willing to approach and embrace the new culture and oftentimes that can be frightening and/or intimidating.

Other research has also shown that advanced cultural or language training has little effect on the success of an international assignment. Personality traits like flexibility, risk-taking, and extroversion, as well as corporate and familial support, are much more highly correlated with successful international engagements. It appears that people who are motivated and accommodating and who have sufficient professional and personal support networks are much better positioned to make their assignments successful. But then I guess that’s true of most things in life, isn’t it?

Bravo to My Global Career for providing a forum and a network for international workers to obtain some of that much needed support. Allé! Weiter! Vamos!

Think about being the first to ask others what brought them to the event or what it is they are working on or need help with these days. We all usually have something that we could use an assist on, don’t we? Ask them “So, Bob, do you need help with anything in your world right now?” Or perhaps while you are listening to Bob’s intro or elevator pitch, a person you know pops into your mind that you realize could be a good resource for him to connect with regarding the best associations to join for electrical engineers (your brother-in-law maybe). Well, offer to connect Bob to them and simply consider it an easy “pay it forward” in the karma bank. Because, when you’re least expecting it, you’ll soon likely be the recipient of some good karma of your own.

I believe that networking can be a fun and easy way to enrich your life, contribute to your community, broaden your horizons, and enhance your business or career. But, I also believe that it can be potentially devastating to your social capital and personal brand if you act rudely, insensitively, or don’t do what you say you are going to do. It is crucial to your success that you treat networking as an exchange of ideas, information and experiences. And, remember, in networking, reciprocity is key, so be generous in sharing your talents, knowledge, and ideas, and always be respectful of and demonstrate appreciation to those around you whether they appear to be able to help you out immediately or not. BTW, I lots more to share on this topic in my book!