Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand June / July 2017: The Business Issue | Page 60

WORKING THE ROOM:
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
TO NETWORKING
When we make our first foray into networking, we have a lot of
questions: How should I present my business card? When is the
best time to strike my pitch? What’s the statute of limitations
for a follow-up email? In this “Samantha Asks,” learn how to
tackle the tricky terrain of business networking like a pro.
by Samantha Proyrungtong
OVERBEAR SCARE
We have all met an over-bearer — the type of individual
who strides into a conversation, thrusts a hand into yours,
and suddenly commandeers the conversation. To avoid
scaring off prospective business contacts, stand at least
an arm’s lengths away, and wait for a break in the speech
before stepping in to speak. Smile and make eye contact
with everyone in the circle while introducing yourself in
a short and frank manner. I like to finish with a question,
such as: “What did you think of the workshop?” for exam-
ple. Posing a question shows you care about their opin-
ion, and encourages strangers to open up to you.
It takes a certain tact to talk to complete strangers and
initiating that first bold step is an achievement in itself.
If you stay aware of how much information you divulge
and how much personal space you invade in that first
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introduction, you’ll increase your chances of making a
good first impression.
PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
When offering your business card in a formal environ-
ment, it’s customary in Thailand to present your card with
both hands, with your index fingers and thumbs pinched
on each corner of the card, so that the receiver may see
your information the right way up before accepting.
At more casual events, a one-handed pass and a polite
gesture, such as a smile or a slight head bob with eye con-
tact, is more than acceptable. When you receive a busi-
ness card, do look at the card and acknowledge the per-
son’s name and position; this is a great opportunity to say:
“Nice to meet you [insert name]” before slipping it careful-
ly in your pocket or handbag.
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