Strategies for network building and success

: German entrepreneurs in the U.S.

Abstract

This study investigates the strategies German entrepreneurs undertake for establishing and leveraging professional networks in the United States in order to enable the growth and success of their startups. Globalization and digitization have changed the entrepreneurial landscapes worldwide, making the dynamics of cross-cultural networking ever more critical. Based on a qualitative approach via expert interviews with German entrepreneurs in the U.S., this research identifies the following key dimensions: networking strategies, cultural adaptation and resource exchange, boundaries trust-building strategies, professional support systems, and overcoming barriers. The findings emphasize the importance of enlarging networks with online platforms such as LinkedIn and strategically setting up physical and virtual events to make connections. Further, cultural adaptation is essential as entrepreneurs discovered the necessity to adapt the style of communication and business practice towards the American standards. In professional networks, exchanging resources and knowledge is a potent way of tapping into financial resources, market insight, and human talent. The base of professional relationship building is a sense of trust built upon mutual reliance in consistent relationship building and supporting one another. Other professional support mechanisms, such as mentorship and industry associations, can provide valuable advice and resources towards helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the U.S. business environment. Overcoming challenges such as legal and regulatory barriers requires a robust network of knowledgeable contacts. The study offers practical recommendations to future international entrepreneurs and suggesting directions for further research on understanding how the role of networking on entrepreneurial performance evolves between different cultural contexts. This study contributes to the international entrepreneurship research debate, and the findings offer practical insights for those practitioners seeking to tackle the market with their venture in the United States.

Date of Award	5 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rand Gerges-Yammine (Supervisor)