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You’ve done it. You mastered the koffiegesprek. You’ve met five, maybe ten, interesting people. You’ve added them on LinkedIn. Now what?
The biggest obstacle isn’t just meeting people; it’s building genuine, long-term relationships. A network isn’t a list of contacts you “use” when you need a job. It’s a community you cultivate. If you only reach out when you need something, you’re not networking; you’re just asking for favors.
Here is how you turn those first meetings into a powerful, sustainable network that will support your entire career in the Netherlands.
1. Shift from “Taking” to “Giving”
This is the most critical step. You might feel that as a newcomer, you have nothing to “give.” This is wrong. You have a unique international perspective, new ideas, and a fresh set of eyes.
- Did you read an article your new contact would find interesting? Send it to them with a quick note: “Saw this and thought of our conversation about [Topic].”
- Did they win an award or get a promotion? Send a genuine congratulations.
- The goal is to create “touchpoints” that are not about you.
2. Be the Connector
The fastest way to become valuable in a network is to connect other people. As your network grows, you’ll start to see patterns.
- “Hi [Contact A], I wanted to introduce you to [Contact B]. You both work in FinTech and [Contact B] has a fascinating perspective on [Topic] we discussed. I think you’d enjoy a chat.”
- This moves you from being a “node” on the network to being a “hub.”
3. The 3-Month Check-In
Don’t let a good connection go cold. Set a reminder. If you haven’t spoken to someone in a few months, send a simple, low-stakes message. “Hi [Name], just checking in. I hope you are doing well since we last spoke. I recently [mention a small update] and your advice was very helpful.”
4. Share Your Success (and Give Credit)
When you do land that new role, make sure to circle back to the people who helped you.
- “Dear [Name], I wanted to share the good news that I’ve accepted a new role at [New Company]! Your advice about [X] was a huge help in my search. I’d love to take you for a coffee soon to say thank you properly.”
- This closes the loop and reinforces you as a professional, grateful person they’ll be happy to help again in the future.
This is how you overcome the “expat bubble.” You are not just finding a job; you are building a professional community. This is the real goal.
A Great Network Isn’t Built on Luck. It’s Built on Confidence.
You can turn a single coffee into a lasting professional relationship. It’s not about luck; it’s about a sustained, genuine strategy. But that strategy requires confidence.
- Do you feel comfortable “giving back” when you’re still new?
- Are you worried your follow-up messages will sound forced?
- Is it hard to maintain these connections without feeling like you’re “using” people?
This is the final piece of the puzzle. You are a highly-skilled professional with value to offer. You just need a sparring partner to help you see it.
A Gort coach helps you find your authentic networking voice. We don’t just practice the first meeting; we build the long-term confidence to become a valued member of the professional community.
Stop being a visitor. Become part of the conversation. Plan your free, no-obligation orientation call today to build the career—and the network—you deserve.
