Thanks, Covid! Feeling the Shrinkage?

-

Thanks, Covid ! :( 


Research from Harvard Business Review (February 2021) indicates that on average, our professional and personal networks have shrunk by close to 16% - or by more than 200 people – during the pandemic.


It's pretty scary really to think about.  


Such network shrinkage has serious impact for finding a job, career prospects, and simply remaining at the forefront of our industry knowledge.  It hurts companies too, reduced opportunity for potential clients, can lead to less creativity and more groupthink, and with fewer connections for individuals, a decreased sense of belonging.


Scary that in a time of enhanced online activity, we are in fact decreasing our connectedness.


We all need to be out there more, making quality, credible connections. Feel free to connect to us.

 

 

 


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Choose the Best PR Agency in Malaysia: A Practical Guide for Brands

-
Image
When you search “best PR agency in Malaysia,” you’ll find endless lists, awards, and glossy websites. Every agency claims to be the most creative, the most connected, or the most “integrated.” But the truth is: the best PR agency for your brand depends on more than hype or a clever tagline. At its core, public relations is about trust, reputation, and relationships. Choosing the right partner can make the difference between a campaign that fades after a press release — and one that builds lasting credibility. So, how do you separate the buzz from the substance? 1. Look Beyond the Hype A slick website or big client logos don’t tell the full story. Ask: What measurable impact did the agency deliver for those clients? Are there long-term relationships, or just one-off projects? Do they have sector-specific experience (e.g., fintech, lifestyle, NGOs) that matches your needs? The best PR partners don’t just chase headlines. They help you build brand equity over time. 2. Test Their Crisis R...
Read more

Are You a Dirty Consultant? She Was! (Part 1)

-
Image
At Orchan, we’ve seen consulting at its best - and at its glossiest. Dirty Consultant is our no-nonsense series calling out the theatre, the buzzwords, and the shiny distractions that get in the way of real change. Because true consulting isn’t about polished decks or clever algorithms; it’s about rolling up sleeves, getting into the grit, and facing the messy human reality head-on. Are you a dirty consultant? She was. Back then, she didn’t sit behind a shiny desk. She pulled night shifts. She rode shotgun with truckers. She sweated it out in the warehouse. She asked the tough questions: to managers in ties, and to workers in boots. She refused to give advice until she knew what the advice meant for the people who had to live with it. That was consulting. Now? Consultants stroll in polished and perfect. Designer suits. Fresh slides. Laptops glowing like neon signs. They sell “platforms” and “solutions” and “engagement dashboards.” But they won’t get their hands di...
Read more

Stop Trying to Be Everyone’s Favourite: Why Bold Branding in Southeast Asia Wins by Standing Apart

-
Image
We recently came across a sharp piece from ET BrandEquity titled “Stop Trying to Be Liked: Why Great Brand Strategy Repels More Than It Attracts.” It struck a chord with us at Orchan, because we’ve seen the same truth play out across Southeast Asia: the strongest brands don’t aim to please everyone. They stand for something, and by doing so, they inevitably turn some people away. But here’s the catch; in our region’s complex cultural mix, bold branding can be both a strength and a risk. Done well, it creates loyalty and cultural relevance. Done poorly, it sparks backlash or fades into noise. (Libresse V-Kebaya Campaign) Malaysian Brands That Took a Stand Libresse’s V-Kebaya campaign (2021) used vulva-inspired kebaya designs to challenge taboos around women’s bodies. For some, it was empowering; for others, offensive. The backlash eventually saw it pulled, but it trended for weeks, boosted sales, and even won awards. It showed how boldness, rooted in local culture, can make a brand impo...
Read more