Thailand Network Clubs

Networking Intro

 Many people would rather jump out of a plane, or roll around in a snake pit rather than walk into a room full of strangers and try and make polite conversation.

So why do networking events continue to be so popular?  How can you make networking work for you?  And how much Chicken Satay and Spring Rolls can you safely eat?

Networking, like so many things, is a skill.  While there are some naturals the majority of

us have to work hard to make networking work for us.  So lets start with what the payoff is. 

Having a big network is not about who has the most friends.  Most of us have only a handful of people that we trust with the real important conversations in our life, but that is not what a network is for.  A big network just gives us more options and not just in business but in life.  Want to book a holiday in a hurry?  Call the women you met a few months ago.  Want a golf lesson?  Who was the guy you met last week that said he was being taught by a great guy?  Need new staff?  Looking for somewhere to hold a party? Want to join a gym?  These are the things that we call on our network for.  The bigger the network, the bigger the resource.

So how do you go about it?  What events should you attend?  What do you say after you say ‘hello’?  When is the best time to network?  How do you let people know what you want without appearing pushy?  How come everyone else seems to know each other already?  What should you have on your business card?  What should you do with other peoples business cards?  How do you follow up?  And most importantly, how do you shake hands, drink wine, hold your plate and pass a business card with 2 hands? 

Each month we will show you how to make networking fun, easy and effective!  - Although we make no promises on the whole food, drink business card juggling!

Callum Laing is the consumate networking guru in Bangkok, he writes a monthly column in the Nation, Mentors many Licencees to run events in the city including Bangkok Young Professionals and is the country manager for XL Results foundation Bangkok.

He can be contacted at : www.mobyelite.com