One memorable catchphrase from a commercial from a few years back went: “We are going global… after we go regional.” These words were used to drive home a simple truth when business leaders were often distracted by the overarching trends of globalization. Those times have passed. Globalization is a reality that cannot be ignored, and global networking now defines not only a firm’s potential but also your personal potential. 

Going regional is no easy task, but going global involves more moving parts, a broader distribution infrastructure, and market awareness. 

Social networks are abundant in today’s connected society. Ideas that once took months to cross international borders now do so instantaneously. Finding lucrative positions overseas or drawing upon global talent pools is no longer a hit-or-miss proposition. If a business is to compete effectively in today’s modern marketplace, global networking must be a top priority.

Evidence supporting the primacy of global …