Art of Networking Part III 

Introduction

“Definition of networking – the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. Specifically:  the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business” www.merriam-webster.com

“Networking, Networking, and Networking – how to leverage it to maximize career objectives and job performance” – stated as one of the key elements on career management in the “Art of Closing the Deal – A new perspective on Career Management, post date: January 24, 2022.

“Networking” is often referred as the not-so-secret formula for success in everything in Career Management by mentors, coaches, and even professional trainers. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what that really means. It is almost second nature for someone who are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. It is difficult to achieve effective results and impact. Networking event often turns in social gathering. They have fun for the moment without any return on the time investment for their career. For those who are more reserved and less outgoing, they often let others take charge of the conversation and forget why they are there in the first place.

In this three-part series, we will explore with the Art of Networking and how to leverage it to maximize your career objectives and job performance. We will first review the key elements one has to deal with in Part I and develop a practice approach for effective networking in Part II. Finally, we will address multicultural tug-a-war for Chinese/Asian Americans or immigrants in the Art of Networking in the American business or professional environment in Part III. 

PART III – Special Considerations:

For Chinese/Asian Americans or professionals from the immigrant community, there is an additional barrier for effective networking. Beyond the language issues, unique cultural differences can lead to high anxiety for someone who are attempting to implement their networking plan with others outside of their comfort zone. Especially for those are more reserved, they tend to hang out with people they know. They also tend to convert back to their own comfort zone and their native language in conversations. Unfortunately, that would push away others who may have something to contribute to the conversation and their network. 

While there is not a magic formula for success for networking, here are the generally rules of Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to networking in the professional environment. Most mainstream Americans have learned by doing since their early age. But new immigrants may have challenges since they missed the “second grade.” There is a widely held belief that most mainstream American learn their manner and expected behaviors in the second grade.

Do’s

•  Do enter a networking situation with the mind-set of helping others instead of looking for someone to help you.
• Do create a thirty second pitch with a particular brand/fact other can remember you by after the event. For example, “I am George Mui, I am here to solve the world hunger issue.” A bit over the top, but just trying to get the point across.
• Do believe that having a multi-cultural background is an advantage to any networking situation. You bring one additional benefit especially when it comes to have global connections. 
• Do share interesting titbits about your cultural and experience during networking discussion and perhaps teach words in your own language along the way. This is especially true in any business discussion. Global trade is usually on every everyone’s mind. Know this fact and it would be a good reference in any global discussion. Note that ninety five percent of the world population is outside of the United States. [i]
• Do lead with questions on how you can support them instead of how they can help you. For example, a realtor asking for referrals of new clients may not be as well received as asking whether anyone in the network has real estate challenges.
• Do work toward a goal of getting to know new people at every networking opportunity so you can continue to expand your network. It can be a simple LinkedIn connection that allow for future communication.

Don’ts 

• Don’t let the language or accent become an issue. Effective communication is more than the spoken words. Lead with effective communication techniques.
• Don’t go back to your comfort zone when you meet others from the same cultural/language background and start communicating in your own language.  This is especially important if there are others who do not understand it. It will give the impression that they are not welcome in your conversation.
• Don’t ask for help until you get to know them better and most importantly until they know what you can do to help them.
• Don’t jump into your intent of the networking session. For example, finding a mentor in the same industry may be a reasonable objective in a networking situation with more senior people in your profession. Asking someone to be a mentor can be counter-productive without getting to know the individual first. Determine whether there is any interest or good fit. The worst situation is for them to say “yes” when there is not a good match.
• Don’t go to a networking event with too many friends. If you do see old friends, do arrange time for catching but avoid networking exclusively with them. 

Summary

To be successful in networking in a sustainable manner, it requires a comprehensive approach. First, we need to understand the key elements, establish a plan, and act. Part III provided special consideration for Chinese/Asian Americans or Americans with international background. See Part I and II for a quick review of all the key elements and a practice approach. Also, creative adaption to the networking environment is also necessary. Hence it is really an “Art” not a “Science”

Ref: [i] – https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/about-95-percent-of-the-world-s-population-lives-578228