Unlock Global Success with LinkedIn and WINK

By Elke Porter | Canadian German Business News | April 19, 2025

When Elke Porter stepped down from the Board of the German Canadian Business Association in the Spring of 2024, she found herself at a crossroads. With a long-standing passion for connecting people, she began envisioning a new project—one that could unite business professionals from around the globe.

That’s how the Westcoast International Networking Klub (WINK) was born.

Originally focused on Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, the idea quickly gained traction with the support of several forward-thinking entrepreneurs and colleagues. But the real turning point came about six months later when Elke met Karalee Greer from the World Referral Network (WRN). Karalee invited her to a Kitsilano Connectors breakfast at White Spot—a simple morning meeting that would inspire an international expansion.

From that moment on, WINK took off.

As Elke started writing for WBN.Digital, an innovative AI-assisted news platform, she found herself surrounded by inspiring people like George Moen, entrepreneur extraordinaire, and a network of movers and shakers across industries.

Thanks to these valuable connections through WRN and WBN, Elke was able to bring some truly stellar speakers to WINK 2025, including:

Earl Flormata, the “Evil Marketing Genius” and a master of strategic visibility,
Teddy Nedulco, drone expert and tech innovator,
and now Debbie Balfour, international business strategist and success coach, who will headline the April session.

Debbie will present on April 30 at 9:30 AM PST with a session titled:
“Going Global with LinkedIn: Network, Connect, and Sell Internationally.”

This meeting marks a milestone as WINK welcomes its first German-based member, prompting the earlier start time to accommodate time zones. Monthly Zoom meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month in April, May, and June, followed by a summer break and resuming again in September, October, and November. December is reserved for a festive brunch at a hotel chosen by WINK members.

Elke sees the Klub as more than just networking—it’s about global learning, growing, and sharing. Think of it as a kind of “business pen pal” network where entrepreneurs, corporations, students, and freelancers come together to exchange ideas, build bridges, and explore cross-cultural collaborations.

Want to be part of this vibrant international community?
👉 Sign up now via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/going-global-with-linkedin-network-connect-and-sell-internationally-tickets-1330436805299?aff=oddtdtcreator

Your first WINK session is FREE, and ongoing membership is just $133/year, giving you access to high-quality speakers, international contacts, and endless inspiration. Corporations pay $233 and Students only $33.

Join WINK and the World Referral Network today—and let your business connections take flight! You can use the flyer below to share with your friends!

#LinkedIn Success, #Global Networking, #WINK Meeting, #Debbie Balfour
#Entrepreneur Growth, #Professional Branding, #Business Networking, #Westcoast Events #German Canadian Business News #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788. Place an ad, add your business to the director or join the WINK 2025!