Are you looking to broaden your social network? Trying to expand your China business? Or are you in the midst of a grueling job search? If so, this guide to networking in Beijing is the solution to all your problems. For some of us, networking does not come easy, and can be difficult or awkward at times. But don’t worry, you are in China, the land where Guanxi is such an important concept that the first thing many do when they meet is to exchange business cards. Networking is easier in the Middle Kingdom and occurs more naturally. Always remember, anyone can be a successful networker with a little bit of effort and some good advice.

Get Yourself a Business Card

Your first step to being a networking pro is to have some business cards made up. Walking down the street in Beijing, you can find a small printer on every other block. You don’t need anything too fancy and a set of 100 simple vanilla coloured business cards with your basic contact info should only set you back roughly 75 RMB. Once you have business cards, never leave home without them! Whether you are reading a magazine in Starbucks or going for a walk in the park, you simply never know when you when you meet a useful contact. In fact, leaving home without your business cards in China can be considered a faux pas.

In conjunction with preparing your business cards, you should also prepare a brief introduction or pitch about yourself. Everyone who comes to China has their own unique “China story.” Prior to your first networking event, you too will also want to prepare and polish your story, so that you stand out from the rest of the crowd. One of the best parts of networking is the opportunity to share China stories.

Use Networking Organisations

Now you are ready to go to your first networking event! The good news is that Beijing has a host of networking events from all types of organisations. The following four organisations (in alphabetical order) host general purpose networking events on a monthly basis. The entry fees range from 100-300 RMB and in some cases include a free drink and food. Discounts are also offered if booked in advance.

1. The Executive Network (Contact executivenetwork@hotmail.co.uk for further information)

2. FC Connection Club (http://www.fcclub.com)

3. InterNations (http://www.internations.org)

4. Oriented (http://www.oriented.com)

Additionally, you can find other events through your country’s respective Chamber of Commerce. It is often more interesting to go other countries’ Chamber events as you will stand out from the rest of the participants, as opposed to being an American going to an American Chamber of Commerce event, where Americans are a dime a dozen. Additionally, many universities have Alumni clubs in Beijing, and this is another resource for events, and opportunities to network. Finally, there are also niche networking events such as the China Mobile Internet Industry Business Networking event, and the Beijing Energy Network. Generally, these niche-networking events are not as well publicised but with some detective work they are not necessarily difficult to find.

How to Work the Room

So now it’s time to network! The first time entering a room full of 100 or so networkers can be quite daunting. If you are nervous, the free drink will help but you should remember that the majority of the people in the room have also come to this event alone, and have the same goals as you: to expand social or business networks. Now you can simply find someone to talk with. Most interactions start with a handshake and exchange of business cards, followed by exchange of China stories. After that rinse and repeat!

Don’t forget to smile, keep direct eye contact and give firm handshakes. Not all interactions are created equal, and some may be quite awkward. If that is the case, after the initial exchange you have determined that the contact is of minimal use, you can politely excuse yourself and move to the next person or group. On the flipside, if you find someone highly engaging, you want to be careful not to spend too much time with them, as your aim is to meet many people at this event. You will have plenty of time to follow up with that person after the event. The key is to work the crowd and spread yourself around the room, collecting as many business cards as possible, as “he who dies with the most business cards wins.”

Once the event is over, you can review the business cards you have collected to see what contacts were most interesting and follow up with them on an individual basis. The practices detailed above will get you started on your networking endeavors in Beijing, but these tips also apply to networking just about anywhere else in the world. Good luck networking! 

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