Well – sort of.
No matter what industry you are in, networking is an essential skill. Events and other opportunities to meet people from all dimensions of industry not only provide the (hoped for) business opportunities), but the opportunity to share ideas with fresh faces, garner new perspectives and insights, and even to just catch up on gossip with friends new and old.
Although not a member, both Farrell and I are supportive of AMCHAM, the American Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia. We met the Executive Director last year at another event (book launch) and have held many fruitful discussions since.
Just a couple of weeks ago we headed to AMCHAM’s “Business Speed Dating” event. Hosted jointly with the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, it was a fun event with plentiful networking opportunities.
Approximately 40 people. Two circles. Sixty (60) seconds each for a quick elevator pitch. Wow, not only does time fly, but saying the same things nearly twenty times to twenty new people is mentally exhausting. A very dynamic interaction as we got to meet some interesting industry people, and also those from other industries. No one in the room was left “un-talked to”.
Add to that good food and free flow of beer – it was an intriguing experience. What did I learn from it? You have sixty seconds to succinctly introduce yourself and explain what your business does – without graphics too! You never know when you will need that skill.
Met two of our former interns new boss too – now that was interesting. At least the stories continued.
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