How to network like a pro: Germany edition

Germany is not only a land of engineering marvels and punctuality but also a place where networking and socializing can open doors to exciting opportunities. I came to Germany as a foreigner in 2016, and by 2018 I was already living a very fulfilling life here (even as a self-financed student). This could only be possible because of my ability to easily create and maintain social networks across language, culture and country or religion.

So, if you want to do it too, let's delve into the art of connecting with Germans (or Ausländer), from casual conversations to corporate gatherings!

Basic idea:

In order to socialize and make friends, first and foremost you need an opportunity to present yourself to a new group of individuals. 

Afterwards, if you are successful in getting the opportunity, you must showcase some kind of value to the group asap. This value can either be in terms of entertainment, information, resource or a combination of any of the three.

In general, any interaction will measure you on these three things and if you provide enough overall value, one interaction will lead to many more interactions and opportunities. Accordingly, you will slowly and slowly create and expand your new and existing networks.

Once this part is clear, then the main issue is creating those opportunities and demonstrate value.  

Some of the ideas to do that (which worked for me) are as follows:

Speak their language: 

While many Germans speak English fluently, making an effort to learn German can go a long way. Showcasing your language skills, even if it's just a simple "Dankeschön" (thank you) or "Prost!" (cheers), demonstrates your respect for their culture.

The better you can speak in their language, the easier it is for them to talk to you without going out of their comfort zone. Remember, most of the places where you will get a chance to socialize will be places where people seek first and foremost comfort. And anybody is most comfortable when he / she is interacting in his / her mother tongue. 

Assuming you are the one who wants to socialize and network with them, the onus is on you to put in the effort and make the situation as comfortable as possible. If you make things uncomfortable for them by forcing them to speak your language, they might or might not want to talk to you in future depending on how much value they were getting out from your conversations. So, invest in the language and you will reap the reward sooner or later. 

In my own experience, my fluency in 3 different languages helps me establish quick connection with a lot of groups very fast. For the international ones, I have English, for majority of Indians, I can cover them with English or Hindi, and as soon as I start speaking in German, majority of German speaking groups are very happy to interact and socialize with me. This power of multilingualism was always known to me and was one of the big reasons why I started learning and speaking German as soon as I landed in Germany.

Master the Art of Small Talk: 

Apart from the language, it is also important to know what and how to speak to create the first interactions. This is where small talk skills come handy.

For example, Germans often dive into topics like weather, current events, or their beloved traditions. So, arm yourself with a few "Eisbrecher" (icebreakers) to spark conversations. Complimenting their punctuality, criticizing the Deutsche Bahn or appreciating the German engineering can break the ice in most cases. As a note of caution, try to avoid topics which are too controversial or emotional like politics, religion, World Wars etc.

I have felt that through practice, I have become pretty decent in doing small talk whenever needed. That makes it easy for me to keep a conversation going as soon as I get an opportunity to interact with someone new.

Meet new people at Work, Events and Meetups: 

German govt., various agencies, your university, or your work organization, all of them host a myriad of professional and informal events and meetups, where you can showcase your skills and expand your professional network. 

Also, you can keep an eye out for industry conferences, job fairs, and networking events which are tailored to your interests. Germans admire preparedness, so remember to bring your A-game to the event, swap business cards, and engage in meaningful conversations. The word "meaningful" is very important and signifies the "value" part we talked about earlier.

Join Local Clubs and Organizations: 

Germany is a nation of clubs, whether it's a sports club, a choir, or a hiking group. Joining these organizations not only gives you an opportunity to pursue your interests but also allows you to meet like-minded individuals. Whether you're perfecting your backhand on a tennis court or singing in a choir, you're bound to find your tribe. 

And just in the rare case you do not find the group you are looking for, start one!

Utilize the motto of Work-Life Balance: 

Germans value their work-life balance. While networking is essential, it's important to strike a balance between professional connections and personal relationships. Invite your colleagues for a post-work drink or join them for a leisurely stroll along the Rhine. Building personal connections often leads to stronger professional relationships as well.

Respect and value time:

Also, always be punctual! Germans are very careful and respectful of others time. So, if you ever disrespect their time by being late or wasting their time, It will leave a long lasting bad reputation against your name. Only a few people in my experience have been able to bounce back from that kind of a bad start. Most others are just ignored in future plannings and occasions because of their disrespectful behavior. Don't be that person!

Conclusion: 

Networking and socializing in Germany may initially seem like a challenging endeavor, but with the right attitude and a touch of insights on German behavior and tendencies, you'll soon find yourself forging valuable connections and immersing yourself in this culturally rich country. I have found German friends and colleagues to be extremely nice, and helpful. It is just hard to warm them up to you, but once they accept you, they are just amazingly loving and sweet people!

So, don't be shy—dive into the world of beer gardens, clubs, and events. 

Prost to new adventures and friendships in Deutschland!

Note: This blog has just the fundamental ideas. There are many other practical tips and tricks to speed up your socializing skills and many will depend on your personal style as well. Maybe I will make a YouTube video on it if there is enough demand for the topic ;)