Traveling for business opens doors to new opportunities, but staying connected with your network can be tricky. You meet potential partners, exchange business cards, and have promising conversations. Then, life gets busy, and before you know it, those connections fade. Building international business relationships is easy. Maintaining them? That’s where most people fail.
If you’re a Kenyan entrepreneur or professional traveling abroad, you need a solid game plan. Here’s how to keep your network strong, no matter where business takes you.
Be Proactive—Don’t Wait for Them to Reach Out
Many business relationships die because no one makes the first move. You can’t assume people will remember you, especially in competitive industries. If you meet a potential business partner at a conference or meeting, take the initiative to follow up within 48 hours. A short email or message keeps you fresh in their mind.
Instead of just saying, “Great meeting you,” add something personal. Mention a key topic you discussed or share a relevant article. This shows genuine interest and makes your message stand out. If your conversation touched on a future collaboration, propose the next step. Whether it’s a follow-up call or another meeting, don’t leave things open-ended.
Social media also plays a big role. Connect on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. A simple comment on their updates keeps you visible. The more they see your name, the more likely they are to remember you when an opportunity comes up.
Leverage Technology to Stay in Touch
Distance is no excuse for losing touch. With the right tools, you can stay connected no matter where you are. WhatsApp, Zoom, and LinkedIn are your best friends when it comes to maintaining international business relationships.
Set regular check-ins with key contacts. A quick video call every few months keeps the relationship warm. If they are in a different time zone, be flexible. Offer multiple time slots so they can choose what works for them.
Automate where possible. Set calendar reminders for follow-ups and use email scheduling tools to send messages at the right time. If you find an article or market update that might interest them, share it. Even a quick “I thought of you when I saw this” message can keep the connection alive.
When traveling again, let your network know. A simple “I’ll be in your city next month, let’s catch up” message can open new doors. Business relationships thrive on consistent engagement, so use every tool available to stay on top of things.
Provide Value Before Asking for Favors
No one likes a one-sided business relationship. If the only time you reach out is when you need something, people will lose interest. The key to maintaining strong business relationships is offering value before asking for anything in return.
Think about what you bring to the table. Can you introduce them to someone in your network? Do you have industry insights that could help their business? Even small gestures, like recommending a useful resource, show that you care about the relationship beyond personal gain.
When you do need to ask for something, make sure it’s reasonable. If you’re requesting an introduction, make it easy for them. Provide a short summary of why the connection would be beneficial. Respect their time, and they’ll be more willing to help.
Adapt to Different Business Cultures
What works in Kenya may not work everywhere. Business etiquette varies across countries, and adapting to these differences strengthens relationships. In some cultures, direct communication is preferred. In others, small talk and relationship-building come first before discussing business.
Before traveling, research the local business culture. Pay attention to how people communicate, negotiate, and build trust. If you’re attending meetings, understand what’s considered respectful or inappropriate. Some cultures value punctuality, while others have a more relaxed approach to time.
If language is a barrier, learn a few basic phrases. Even if your business partners speak English, greeting them in their native language shows effort and respect. When in doubt, observe and adjust accordingly. Your ability to adapt will make a lasting impression and help you build stronger connections.
Stay in Their Circles—Even from Afar
Out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind. Staying relevant in your international network requires effort, but it pays off. If your contacts hold events or webinars, attend when possible. If you can’t make it, engage with their content online. Comment on their achievements, congratulate them on milestones, and show that you’re still invested in the relationship.
If you run a business, keep your network updated on what you’re doing. Share company updates, new projects, or industry insights. This keeps your business top-of-mind and positions you as a valuable connection.
Being active in industry groups also helps. If you’re in a professional association, participate in discussions and share insights. The more you engage, the more visible you become. Consistency is key in business networking, so don’t let distance stop you.
Secure Your Visa with Ease—How Decedat Can Help
Before you can even think about building an international network, you need to get your visa approved. Many business visa applications fail because of incomplete or weak documents. That’s where Decedat comes in.
We offer affordable invitation letter services for Kenyans to make your visa process hassle-free. A solid invitation letter increases your chances of approval and ensures your application meets embassy requirements. Whether you’re traveling for business meetings, conferences, or industry events, we’ve got you covered.
Our team ensures your invitation letter is professional, well-structured, and aligned with your travel purpose. You don’t have to stress about embassy rejections due to poor documentation. With our invitation letter services, you can focus on networking while we handle the paperwork.
Don’t let visa issues slow you down. Get a reliable, embassy-approved invitation letter today. Contact us for the best affordable invitation letter services for Kenyans and take the first step toward building global business connections.