Imagine this. You step off a plane, suitcase in hand, into the quiet hum of a city that isn’t yours. The hotel lobby is polished, the bar stools perfectly aligned, but the silence feels heavy. You check your emails, scroll through social media, and yet—something’s missing. You’re alone, and the thought occurs: perhaps everyone else has already figured out how to make this whole ‘networking while travelling’ thing work.
The truth? Most haven’t.
But here’s the twist—networking doesn’t begin in a crowded conference room or over an overpriced dinner. It begins in your head. And the first step is to reframe the way you think about it. Networking isn’t about pitching ideas or trading business cards. It’s about connection—the kind that leaves both parties richer, whether or not there’s a deal at the end of it.
1. Start Before You Land
Most people only think about networking once they arrive. That’s like preparing for a presentation while the audience is already seated. Instead, start the groundwork early. Reach out on LinkedIn or use platforms like RAVL to find others travelling to the same event or city. Ask questions, share plans, and make yourself visible before your flight even takes off.
2. Make Every Encounter Count
Now, here’s where the fun begins. That stranger in the airport lounge? A potential collaborator. The person beside you at breakfast? A mentor in disguise. Approach each encounter with curiosity rather than expectation. People can sense authenticity—it’s what turns a brief chat into a lasting impression.
Think of it as planting seeds. You’re not forcing anything to grow immediately, but you’re leaving enough light and space for something meaningful to take root.
3. Embrace the Power of ‘Why Not?’
When travelling, it’s easy to retreat into the comfort of solitude. But say ‘yes’ to invitations. Join group dinners, attend local meetups, and explore coworking spaces. Even the smallest interactions—sharing a taxi or asking for restaurant recommendations—can spiral into opportunities.
Treat conversations as puzzles waiting to be solved. Approach each interaction with curiosity rather than calculation, and you’ll find that people naturally open up.
4. Use Vulnerability as a Superpower
Here’s a secret—being alone in a new city can be your greatest strength. There’s something disarming about vulnerability. Sharing your experience of feeling out of place can make others feel trusted, and in return, they’ll often share their own stories. That’s where real connection happens.
Instead of shying away from admitting you’re new to town, wear it proudly. “I’ve just arrived and don’t know anyone yet” is an invitation for people to step in, recommend places, or introduce you to others.
5. The Follow-Up is Where the Magic Happens
The meeting is just the beginning. The follow-up is where trust is built. Send a message thanking them for their time. Reference something specific from your chat—a book they recommended, an insight they shared. Keep the momentum going, but without pressure.
Networking works best when it feels effortless.
Final Thoughts
Business travel doesn’t have to feel isolating. In fact, it can be the very thing that propels your network—and your career—forward. By staying curious, embracing vulnerability, and focusing on genuine connection, you’ll find yourself building relationships that outlast the trip.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all looking for human connection—even if we’re just passing through.
So, the next time you’re alone in a new city, ask yourself this: Who could I meet today that might change everything?
