Marina has been an expat for a long time but is preparing to move (to Guate) and is in full networking mode.  I love what’s she’s doing, because part of the successful transition for me was intensive and creative networking.  Be sure to check out her list.

I want to share a tactic I’ve used throughout the world as I’ve traveled that is very effective at developing almost instant circles of friends.  There are organizations on the internet devoted to facilitating travel by backpackers and other budget travelers.  Two such organizations are CouchSurfing and HospitalityClub.  (Don’t be scared by the word ‘backpacker’, just keep reading.)

The most basic premise is that you can connect with someone in a foreign land who is trusted by the online community and crash on their couch for a night.  If you’re lucky, they might have a private room for you and be able to take you around town.  I’ve tried this approach with varying degrees of success, but for many travelers hanging on some stranger’s couch isn’t their idea of a good time.  To be honest, I’m a little old for it myself, but I did discover how this tool can be a tremendous resource.

One of the common threads among the people involved in these organizations is generosity, charity and a desire to meet new people and learn new things.  Unlike more mainstream expat groups that might consist of grumpy retirees, stoned hippies or wide-eyed Lefties waiting for Obama to ascend into the heavens, these internet-based communities are locals who love to meet new people and travel.  As a result, they offer a rare and valuable insight into the local community and a refreshing perspective for a visitor.

When I am traveling, whether on business or pleasure, temporarily or with a long-term move in mind, I make my travel plans and choose a hotel. I then log on to Couchsurfing or Hospitality Club and begin to search for prospective new friends in my target city.  For me, this means I am looking for men over the age of 25.  I have found, understandably, that most women are only willing to host other women, and that group members under 25 usually have interests different from my own.

Because of my background and lifestyle, I will usually filter through members and try to find business people, doctors, lawyers, economists or professors, people that I may be more likely to connect with.  I will then email them and say something along these lines:

Hello, my name is Mark and I’m a fellow (insert group name) member, and I’m coming to Guatemala in two weeks.  I already have a place to stay, so I’m not asking to borrow your couch, but I really enjoy meeting new people and would love to learn more about your town/country.  Would it be possible to meet?  I’d like to buy you a cup of coffee or a cocktail, if you have time.  Regards, Mark.

This approach results in fantastic responses.  Most people on these groups are accustomed to people writing and saying, “I’m going to be in Antigua tomorrow for 5 days, can I sleep at your place?”.  My approach implies a very different desire, viz., and interest in them and their country and no desire for a ‘free ride’.   Invariably people will respond with, “Sure, that’s great…call me when you get here”.

The resulting meeting at a coffee shop allows me to get to know them, and vice versa, and get a feel for whether this person is someone I’d like to get to know better and may be in a position to help me network around the city.  (It goes without saying that they will want to get to know me better).  Sometimes I discover they’re more interested in meeting girls or partying or showing tourists where to get blow, but even these contacts come in handy, e.g., if you need to crack a Blackberry to make it work in Guatemala.

Other times I’ve found really high quality people who after coffee will say, “Look, it’s crazy to stay in that hotel, come stay with me and my family, we have a spare bedroom and will introduce you to all our friends”.  Instantly you’re like a distant cousin, albeit perhaps that crazy one people only whisper about and who mangles all your names and your language.

After six months in country, I’m still using these tools to connect with people and network.  People are always puzzled by the novel use of the group, but invariably the people who respond positively are quality people I want to get to know.

In conclusion, if you’re planning on traveling long-term or moving to a new place, don’t neglect these forums.  It will take some experimentation, but you’ll find the right ‘filters’ to help find people who will eventually become close friends.