How to Build a Powerful Network as an Entrepreneur in a New Country (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Many entrepreneurs assume that if they build a great product, customers will come. But in a new country, you don’t just lack customers, you lack context.
- You don’t know the unwritten rules of business culture.
- You don’t have trusted advisors to warn you about local pitfalls.
- You don’t have warm introductions to key partners or clients.
Real Example: Aisha’s Tech Startup in Toronto
Aisha, a software engineer from Pakistan, moved to Canada with an AI-powered education platform. Her product was strong, but she struggled to gain traction, until she shifted her focus to intentional networking.
Instead of cold emailing investors, she:
✅ Attended niche tech meetups (like TorontoJS and AI Toronto)
✅ Asked for informational interviews with local founders
✅ Shared her expertise freely in online communities (like Indie Hackers)
Within six months, she met:
- A mentor who helped her navigate Canadian startup grants
- A co-founder who complemented her technical skills
- Her first enterprise client through a casual coffee meeting
Lesson: In a new country, opportunities come through people, not just pitches.
Step 1: Start Before You Land (The Pre-Move Strategy)
The best networkers don’t wait until they arrive, they lay the groundwork early.
Actionable Steps:
🔹 Join online communities (Facebook groups, Slack channels, LinkedIn groups) for entrepreneurs in your target city.
🔹 Follow local influencers in your industry, comment on their posts to start conversations.
🔹 Attend virtual events hosted by accelerators, chambers of commerce, or cultural associations.
Pro Tip:
If you’re moving to the U.S., search for “[Your Industry] + [City] + Meetup” on Meetup.com. For example:
- “Fintech founders Miami”
- “E-commerce entrepreneurs Berlin”
Step 2: Leverage Your “Outsider” Advantage
Many immigrants see their foreign background as a weakness, but it’s actually a superpower.
Real Example: Mateo’s Empanada Shop in Miami
Mateo, an Argentine baker, worried that his lack of local connections would doom his empanada business. But instead of hiding his roots, he leaned into them.
He:
✅ Partnered with Latin American cultural groups for pop-up events
✅ Connected with other immigrant food entrepreneurs to share supplier recommendations
✅ Positioned his shop as “Authentic Argentine flavors, made for Miami”
His “outsider” status became his differentiator, helping him stand out in a crowded market.
How to Use This Strategy:
🔹 Find cultural bridges: Are there diaspora groups, expat networks, or industry associations for people from your home country?
🔹 Highlight your unique perspective: What do you know that locals don’t? (Example: If you’re from India and launching a SaaS tool, you might understand cost-sensitive markets better than Silicon Valley founders.)
Step 3: Network the Right Way (No More Awkward Events)
Most networking advice is vague: “Just be yourself!” But in a new country, you need a real game plan.
What Works:
✅ Targeted small gatherings (industry dinners, mastermind groups) > Large conferences
✅ Asking for advice, not favors: People love to help if you’re genuinely curious.
✅ Following up within 48 hours: Send a personalized message referencing your conversation.
What Doesn’t Work:
❌ Spraying LinkedIn connection requests with no context
❌ Talking only about your business instead of listening
❌ Disappearing after the first meeting
Scripts to Use:
Instead of: “Let’s connect!”
Try: “I loved your insights on [specific topic]. I’m new to [country] and would love to learn how you [achieved X], would you be open to a quick coffee chat?”
Step 4: Give Before You Ask (The Generosity Mindset)
The fastest way to build trust? Help others first.
Ways to Add Value:
🔹 Introduce two people who should know each other
🔹 Share useful resources (e.g., “I noticed you’re expanding to Brazil, here’s a legal contact who helped me.”)
🔹 Offer your skills (e.g., “I’m a designer, happy to give feedback on your website.”)
Real-World Impact:
A founder in Berlin told me his first big break came after he volunteered to speak at a local startup event. A VC in the audience later invested in his company, not because of his pitch, but because he demonstrated expertise.
Step 5: Avoid These 3 Networking Mistakes
1️⃣ Only sticking with expats → Integrate with locals too.
2️⃣ Being too transactional → Build real relationships first.
3️⃣ Giving up too soon → Networking compounds over time.
Final Thought: Your Network = Your Lifeline
In a new country, your business success depends on who you know, who trusts you, and who’s willing to advocate for you.
Start today:
- Find one local event or online community to join this week.
- Reach out to one person for an informational chat.
- Offer one piece of value before asking for anything.
The strongest networks aren’t built overnight, but every conversation is a step toward a business (and life) that thrives in your new home.
Your Turn:
What’s your biggest challenge in networking abroad?
