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2008-02-09
Do you network in Beijing? And if yes, why do you network?

I spent the first 8 months of my time in Beijing ignoring most of the social and networking opportunities that exist in this big city. And to be honest with you, it did not seem to matter so much: I was doing just fine.
BUT recently I met new friends, business partners, inspiring models and other creative and positive people. All thanks to socializing and networking. And this made my life significantly richer.

If you are interested in the topic of effective networking, I would like to share with you some useful information about WHY you should network , WHERE you should network and HOW you should network?

WHY you should network?
From my personal experience, and as mentioned already, networking has made my personal and professional richer.
In their website articles www.expatwomen.com/tips/expat_networking_helping_improve_success.php , Andrea Martins and Jill Langré explain that networking for expats is so much more important than back home.
"When expats embark on what may be viewed as “exciting” and “privileged” assignments abroad, it sometimes is forgotten that they typically are sacrificing all of their support systems at home—such as extended family, friends, babysitters, medical specialists, counselors, business contacts, sports teams, and hobby clubs—literally everyone who they normally would turn to in any aspect of their lives."
So indeed, if you need to build new support systems, you need to find the right places where to meet new friends, babysitters, medical specialists, counselors, business contacts, sports teams...

WHERE you should network?
If you are not familiar with the social and networking events that exist in Beijing, refer to the list at the back of the monthly magazine That's Beijing. You will soon realise that you could spend all your days and evenings attending those events.
I suggest that you try to be as selective as possible when choosing an event to attend: who do you want to meet, what kind of atmosphere do you favour?
I personally prefer smaller and more personal networking events where one can make a significant connection with a likeminded person.
I particularly like:
1. Beijing BenCham networking events, particularly their Young Professional ones (see www.bencham.org )
2. FC Club networking events: even if they tend to be crowded and attended by too many relocation agents, they are good if you are looking for a job or want to be "out there" (see www.fcclub.com )
3. International Newcomers Network (INN) meetings: they are great to meet others in the expat spouse community and build a support network (see www.innbeijing.org )

HOW you should network?
I attended recently a BenCham event with Angela Keane from Keane Learning and Media as a speaker.
I would like to share with you her secrets for successful networking:
1. Work at making a significant connection with people you meet rather than giving away all your business cards
2. Watch your body language: did you know that words only count 7% for your communication impact? The rest is being played by your body language and your tone of voice.
3. Communicate effectively: speak slowly, use simple words, ask clarifying questions
4. Follow-up by email or by giving a phone call a few days after meeting

HAPPY NETWORKING!