If you're anything like me, over the past few weeks you've had your email inbox jammed with invites to online services like Naymz and Affluence.org. It seems that every few months another wave of social networks comes along, fills up your inbox and then shrivels away within a few short weeks. How can you sort the wheat from the chaff and find the most useful online networks?
The first place to check is TweetScan, which scans what twitterers are saying. Many twitterers are early adopters of these networks and may mention if it's worth joining.
Secondly, try googling the name of the site and looking down the results. Often you can find out what people are thinking from various blog postings about the service.
Be very careful about which online services you join, how much information you share and who you invite. Several, including the popular Hi5, have a reputation for spamming all the contacts in your address book with invites. As a rule of thumb, use the site for a few months to judge whether it's worth it before inviting everyone in your address book.
In my own case I stick firmly with LinkedIn and Facebook. There are many pretenders out there, some with much better features, but it's the quality of the network that counts in the end. Right now, only the big hitters can attract all the people in my networking circle, and Affluence.org and Naymz just don't cut the mustard.
I am constantly being asked by clients and friends about professional networking events in Shanghai - and Shanghai Networking News is my first recommendation. It's easy enough to find out what DJ is playing or what new bar is opening in Shanghai-- but learning about vital business information like networking opportunities is much tougher. Alex and his team have stepped up with a first-rate publication that never fails. Their listings are comprehensive, thorough and organized. Good work Shanghai Networking News!
Andrew Hupert
Editor, ChinaSolved & Due Diligence China
Lecturer in international negotiation, New York University Shanghai campus
Shanghai Networking News helps me find events of any type, depending on my needs at that very moment. Also, It often helps me find useful tips on how I can network better, for example how to steer a conversation
Carlo Wolff
Owner, Kai Ba
Shanghai Networking News presents all the advice, expertise and events that Shanghai newbies need on one site. They're the experts and are here to answer all your deepest, darkest networking questions
City Weekend
Shanghai Networking News is a great idea. I used to spend a lot of
time trying to look up networking events and then trying to find the
websites. Thanks Shanghai Networking News for making it easier!
Toffler Niemuth
Manager, Marketing and PR at italki.com
Owner, Shop My Shanghai
It helps me so much to have access to all of Shanghai's networking events in one place. If not for Shanghai Networking News I'd have to wade through dozens of magazines and websites to find out what's on. I've told lots of my friends about it!
Celine Ong
Director of Account Service, TouchMedia
With the world economy collapsing around our ears, networking is more important than ever. While Shanghai has been relatively unaffected so far, we have seen expats and locals alike suffering with the diminishing opportunities for sales, jobs, you name it. So, what can you do about all this and how can you minimise the effects of the crisis on your life? 1. Network, network, networkOf course, you should have been doing that all along. As Harvey Mackay said in the title of his book, Dig your well before you're thirsty. Still, it's never too late to get out there and expand your network more. More and more people will be out on the networking circuit as they search for jobs or look for ways to streamline their business. Even if they're not personally useful to you, they may know someone who is.  Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty 2. Consider which events are worthwhile
Going to networking events is all well and good, but which ones are you actually meeting the right people at? Consider the time, effort and money you're putting into each event and see if you're making the most of them.
Read more...
Right now Shanghai Networking News is on the lookout for testimonials -- we'd like to know how we've helped you with your networking -- whether it's providing valuable advice, letting you know about that great little event or sending business your way. All testimonials will (optionally) be featured on our site with a short profile of you and your picture, giving you and your company exposure to thousands of networkers around Shanghai. Just email your testimonial, profile and picture to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and we can get cracking! Happy networking!
We've just started our own Facebook group -- swing by and join up now! Feel free to write on the wall to let us know who you are and what you do, and start discussions about which networking events you like, networking tips or how frustrated you feel about people giving out cards like a blackjack dealer.
A couple of links today from Lifehacker, one of our favorite sites for just generally useful ideas: Plus a couple more links we just found handy: Do you know any useful links or resources for networking? Get in touch or leave a comment today and let us know!
By Karen Leong
Keeping in touch is the key to nurturing a quality network. How many of you have attended networking events where you collect hundreds of name cards but end up not keeping in contact with any of them? Networking is not just about exchanging business cards, but about keeping in touch and building long-term relationships. In today's competitive environment, we are constantly being sold to, prospected, and marketed to. If your keeping in touch process is uninspired and self-serving, you will be relegated to the level of spam. One way to be truly memorable is to focus on embedding value in your keeping in touch process. It shows that you have taken the time to understand the other person's needs and interests, and will motivate him to reciprocate in the relationship. Here are 7 ways to keep in touch by providing value:
Read more...
Gregory Prudhommeaux (of NextStep) just posted an article to Facebook by Ananth Krishnan of the Shanghai Daily. We're mentioned briefly as well.
ONE of the most important ingredients to an entrepreneur’s success in a new environment is a strong support network - local partners to teach you the ins and outs of an alien culture; old industry hands to help you navigate an unfamiliar marketplace; or friends whose shoulders you will need to cry on if your plans go awry.
However, for an expatriate entrepreneur who has just landed in a foreign country, assembling your support structure can also be one of the hardest challenges you will face.
More on Shanghai Daily (subscribers only, alas)
Our bit:
Alex Cureton-Griffiths, the founder of Shanghai Networking News, a Website that chronicles the city’s networking events, says that while consulates and chambers of commerce can be a valuable resource, clubs offer something different.
“I would advise against sticking to your country’s chamber of commerce,” he says. “Networking groups and clubs give different specializations, and often provide a more informal environment.”
BritCham's Friday Fizz is a unique spin on networking that I haven't seen before in Shanghai. Unlike traditional events, where it's just mingling, meeting people and collecting cards, Friday Fizz features a bulletin board at the entrance where attendees can post a numbered profile. The number corresponds to a sticker and it's then easy to find the person with the profile you want.
The event I went to last Friday had a fair number of attendees in a more informal environment than the monthly BritCham Sundowner. However, not so many seemed to be making full use of the bulletin board, with only 4-5 profiles besides myself.
I'd recommend attending in future to see how it works and to post your profile. Unfortunately, profiles are only up for the event itself -- after that they're gone and you'll have to bring another one for the next event. BritCham really needs a more permanent presence for these, so networkers can really make the most of this opportunity.
The event is not yet a regular thing, so keep your eyes on Shanghai Networking News to find out when the next one is on.
Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and came to China Networker and REV's networking training session last night.
During the presentation, I mentioned that getting everyone in your network online can really be a boring task, something which I would provide on ChinaNetworker.com rather than including in the presentation proper. You can go to China Networker now to download the presentation and a free handout on how to put your network online.
Happy networking!
|
Do you want to generate more leads, increase sales and create more exposure for your company? Or perhaps you want to find new talent and increase employee retention? Or maybe you're on the lookout for a new career and want to make a great impression...
