We believe success comes from the ability to foster meaningful relationships in an Abroad Agents personal and professional life. Would you agree? This is probably the reason why many highly successful business leaders are also excellent at expanding their business and agency networking.
Your network is your net worth – Porter Gail
Whether you are the sole proprietor of your business or own a study abroad consultancy, business networking with the right people and organizations will help you grow in every aspect. In the world of Agents, managing people and building relationships with the clients are your forte.
Collaborate with colleges and universities to expand your consultancy business:
Colleges and universities worldwide are constantly on the lookout for reliable Agents to promote their institutions or recruit international students. They need Abroad Agents as much as Abroad Agents need them!
Search online to see what they have to offer and apply or make your business pitch accordingly. Their global outreach and academic excellence combined with your local knowledge can grow your network like no other.
Join online Abroad Agents communities:
The internet is buzzing with communities and forums of all shapes and sizes. For instance, Education Agents Forum brings together education providers and counselors under a single platform by hosting events and discussions. Similarly, the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) strives to empower professionals and engage institutions. Search these resources and join those that fit with your Abroad Agents objectives.
Subscribe to industry news:
The Abroad Agents is big and changing all the time. It is essential to understand these changes and plan accordingly. However, you can only do so when you know the news beforehand.
Subscribe to industry news on pages like the PIE, news and business analysis platform for professionals in international education. You will receive regular updates about the industry – from policy changes and products to research and partnerships. It will help grow your agency network as well.
Join relevant training courses:
Learning is an evolving process and never actually complete. By joining relevant training courses in Abroad Agents industry, you will enhance your knowledge as well as expand your business network in the right circles.
While some require fees, many of them are free!
The Education Agent Training Course (EATC) is a free, online, self-paced, industry-recommended course that provides Abroad Agents with information about the Australian education system. PIER is another training body. Other organizations like the British Council and Canada Course for Education Agents (CCEA) also offer such training courses.
Meet people and stay visible:
To grow your consultancy network, visibility is essential. Go to industry-related seminars, workshops, and conferences, where you can meet your fellow consultants and share experiences. In fact, you as an Abroad Agents can even host your own events, however small or large. Get your team to plan a seminar, workshop, or event in your local area, along with an online webinar option for delegates in other regions or countries.
You can do a lot online too! Social networking sites like LinkedIn are ideal for professionals from all industries. Create a profile and start networking with other professionals. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are also good for enhancing your digital footprint and getting feedback. Send newsletters and updates to your existing clients and potential ones, so your agency remains top-of-mind.
Increase referrals from past and present clients:
Develop a referral program in your agency that incentivizes clients, past and present, for referring their contacts to your consultancy. This really works, as people will most likely take effective suggestions from their peers.
Make this program visible on your website and social media pages. You can include it in your newsletters and emails as well. Referrals can be one of the most effective ways of building your network.
Establish Strategic Alliances:
In a strategic alliance, two or more companies come together to achieve goals that are mutually beneficial. They share information, resources, capabilities, as well as risks. More importantly, a common reason for joining a strategic alliance is to take advantage of another company’s innovations.
For instance, another agent may have developed an innovative product or service that you need. In turn, they might be looking to grow their network with your help. In such cases, a strategic alliance is a great option as both companies can benefit from each other’s expertise as well as work towards a common goal.
Expanding your networking must be a combination of your personal and professional efforts. Although there is a difference between the two, the way you choose to conduct yourself will also matter.
Moreover, growing your consultancy should not only depend on you. Your Abroad agents can also play an integral role and it must be an important part of their job profiles.
