A true master of networking can, in just five minutes of conversation, help answer any question — from “Who’s the best at selling cloud services for corporates in Moscow?” to “Where can you buy the best black caviar in downtown Dubai?”

If you think this is only about business forums and LinkedIn, here’s a story for you. In southern countries like Armenia, Georgia, or the United Arab Emirates, networking is elevated to an art form. Instead of Googling, people there practice “social search” — searching through trusted friends and acquaintances.

It’s the same story in Georgia. Want wine and cheese? Don’t Google it. Just tell a friendly neighbor you’re looking for something special, and they’ll not only recommend a winery but also call ahead so they’ll be expecting you.

In Armenia, any question about “where they bottle happiness” turns into an amazing tour where you’ll learn the entire history of a family winery even before your first tasting.

And in the Emirates, thanks to a “friend of a friend,” you’ll find yourself at a table with the finest caviar and the freshest, most delicious bread.

Because networking isn’t about databases — it’s about trust bases. In southern cultures, knowledge is passed through people. Personal recommendations are valued, and information is verified instantly, in person.

Learn to tell your friends “what I’m looking for, what I want, what I’m missing.” That’s where an exciting social search begins.

So grab your phone, call, ask — and remember: a good connection solves everything. And no, I’m not talking about your mobile carrier! 😉