Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand June / July 2017: The Business Issue | Page 61

Samantha Asks
TOTAL RECALL
Networking is not just
about what someone
can do for you but what
you can offer in return.
After the card exchange is the per-
fect time to discuss what it is you
both do respectively. Don’t turn
it into a one-way dialogue, where
only the sound of your voice car-
ries the conversation. Ask ques-
tions and listen intently. Pick up key
points in what they’re saying and file
it away in your memory or even make
a note on their business card when
you’re away from the crowd.
You’ll be sure to impress those you’ve met
later when bringing up topics specific to them, such
as: “How have you settled into your new office?” or “How
did your launch go?” Doing a little online surveillance
doesn’t hurt either. LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook can
be your friends when getting to understand the person’s
activities, taste, dislikes and whether the connection is
right to pursue a further working relationship.
PITCH PERFECT
Once you have warmed up your fellow networker and you’re
settling into the conversation, this is a great time to drop
your pitch. By now, they should be aware of the basics —
your name and occupation, for example — so it’s time to of-
fer a little more. State why your project, product or service is
so exciting and interesting, but be careful not to brag; there’s
a subtle art to confidence while remaining humble.
During this time, always leave gaps in the conversation
so that it doesn’t turn into a running dialogue and always
ask questions in return. According to their responses, you
should find a common ground or interest. Networking
is not just about what someone can do for you but what
you can offer in return, with the potential to become bet-
ter connected. This could be as simple as discovering you
share mutual friends, or offering professional favors that
could help those you meet with their own projects.
LIQUID CONFIDENCE
Networking events often involves snacks and alcohol.
Sometimes the ratio of food to booze is way off, and you
may find yourself feeling dizzy from too many bubbles. If
you are inclined to drink, do so in moderation. A drunken
conversation could result in irreparable damage.
Most of us are guilty of doing or saying something ridic-
ulous after one too many, but remember that this is a pro-
fessional environment and you need to present your best
self — after all, you wouldn’t show up to the office under
the influence. If you feel yourself
crossing the line, drink plenty of
water, or head to the bathroom
where you can splash cold water
under your neck and sit in a cu-
bicle or secluded space to quietly
compose yourself.
GRACEFUL EXIT
Don’t worry if not everyone is en-
amored by your charms or networking
techniques. It’s possible that you may find
yourself talking to someone who is simply un-
responsive to your advances, or, even worse, someone
who is belittling your every suggestion. Don’t be disheart-
ened by rude encounters. In these situations, you often
have two choices: Stay and fight for your idea until you
win them over, or bow out gracefully.
Although it’s sometimes advisable to stand your
ground, there’s no shame in turning away. You could ac-
tually be doing yourself more damage to continue a
confrontation with individuals who may have ulterior
motives. If you need to bow out, simply listen, smile re-
spectfully and then politely make your excuses to leave.
It’s often better to appear as the gentleman or woman
and move on to invest your energy with those who are
more receptive.
THE FOLLOW-UP
The aftermath of the networking event is always a daunt-
ing one, and many people struggle with the follow-up
timeline. Avoid waiting longer than a week before send-
ing an email to your new contacts, though. The optimal
time is within three days of your encounter and during of-
fice hours (not weekends).
Keep your message polite and use your notes or re-
call-power to mention key aspects of your conversation,
which should help ring a couple of bells if the person you’re
contacting doesn’t remember