How to Network at an Event

Networking in business is essential. "Relationships matter and networking opens the door to establish these connections," says Shilpan Amin, Executive Director of Global Interiors & Exteriors for General Motors. "The benefits of networking includes getting to build common grounds with a broad range of people, provide diverse perspectives, and establish insights on where there may be opportunities in the future." Networking in business is a vital way to expand your knowledge, learn from the success of others, get new clients, create business partnerships, and tell others about your business. How do you do all this at a networking event? Here are some tips to use at the Blood of the Dragon, APACC's signature biennial wine and sake networking event.

Ask a Question
Networking events could be tough for people not used to talking to strangers. But often a simple question could get a conversation going. Try using one of the following questions at Blood of the Dragon:

"Is this your first time at this event?" - This year the Blood of the Dragon is being held at the Madison Rooftop & Loft in Detroit. Previous years it was held at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester.

"What organization are you with?" - There will be people from some great companies networking at Blood of the Dragon, just like you. Make sure you connect with one of our many sponsors. Supporting Sponsors: DTE Energy, General Motors, FCA USA LLC & MGM Grand Detroit; Wisdom Sponsor: Ford Motor Company; Destination Sponsor: Quicken Loans; Inspiring Sponsor: Mercantile Bank of Michigan; Phoenix Sponsor: Eastern Floral; Phoenix Sponsor: Law Offices of Rona M Lum; Phoenix Sponsor: SIGMA INTERNATIONAL; Zen Sponsor: Centrepolis Accelerator (City of Southfield); Zen Sponsor: Chrysan Industries, Inc.; Zen Sponsor: Midwest Molding, Inc.; Start-up Showcase Sponsor: Comerica Bank; Panda Sponsor: Caravan Facilities Management; Media Sponsor: Corp! Magazine; and Magazine Sponsor: DBusiness.

"That food/beverage looks great. Where did you get it?" - Blood of the Dragon is a strolling networking event with food stations and specialty cocktails spread throughout the event space. Make sure you move around the room.

Listen

After you ask a question, listen to the answer. Build a genuine personal connection. Don't take over the conversation and talk about yourself and your business. People want to feel that you are genuinely interested in them. Take a few minutes to listen to the conversation when joining a group of people. An effective way to make a good first impression is to join a discussion with a comment that shows you were listening to the current group of people. Acknowledge an important point to add to the conversation rather than refocusing on you and your work.

Look

When exchanging business cards. Don't just put it in your pocket. Look at it first. Read it, use their name when thanking them, and note their title. Looking at the card will help you recall the conversation when you follow up the next day. And be sure to follow up the next day with a simple email or LinkedIn invitation to connect.

Networking events are essential for establishing and maintaining business relationships that produce long and short-term benefits for the Asian Pacific American business community and individual businesses. These gatherings reduce transactional friction, increase trust, enhance Asian Pacific American commerce, foster talent mobility and spread ideas. For APACC, "networking" is not a by-product of our events; the network is the product. Be ready to put these tips to use at the Blood of the Dragon, on Wednesday, October 30 at the Madison Rooftop & Loft in Detroit. To register for this event or for more information, click here.

Share your networking tips in the comments below.
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If you are interested in being a guest blogger and sharing your thoughts and expertise with our members and the Asian Pacific American business community, please contact me at duc.abrahamson@apacc.net or (248) 430-5855.