8Maximizing the Power of Networking
Jessalin Lam
When I was first starting out in the industry, I had an exercise for myself where I would try to go out to a new event once a week and meet three new people. It wasn't about meeting everyone, it was about trying to intently get to know a few people more intimately with intention. The point being—get to know the human first and the rest will follow.
—Dan Matthews, managing partner and creative producer at International Secret Agents
Do you get nervous when you have to connect with new people at a networking event? Or you are not sure what questions to ask when trying to approach people for professional relationships? How do you follow up after you meet someone to nurture the connection? It's okay to not know where to start, and this chapter will help meet you where you are to equip you with how to learn and apply the skills of networking to benefit your career. I started networking when I was in college, and I remember I used to think it was weird to strike up a conversation with a random person, but networking is a skill that anyone has the capacity to learn as long as you take the time to practice and prioritize it.
As Asians, we know that it is not always culturally acceptable to ask those we don't know for help; however, forging connections and building bridges are essential for upward mobility. This chapter will guide you to discover the power of networking and unlock keys to help you connect with others and foster strong ...
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