Dave Ananth
Auckland, September 30, 2024
In over 35 years of navigating the business world, both locally and internationally, I have come to appreciate one undeniable truth: networking is the lifeblood of any successful venture. Yet, it seems that some businesses—and their leaders—are utterly oblivious to the power it holds. Instead of fostering meaningful engagements, they throw together meetings so dry and monotonous, that you could fall asleep faster than a narcoleptic at a sleep convention. Ever sat through one of those presentations where the speaker drones on with an uninspired slideshow, somehow thinking this is the height of corporate camaraderie? Yawn.
But let us get one thing straight: no amount of monotonous speechifying will ever replace the magic of genuine human connection. A business does not need a Minister’s glowing recommendation, a slick CEO pitch, or a Marketing Manager’s well-rehearsed deck to thrive. What it needs are real people who know how to move things along—and believe me, those people are not typically the ones speaking into a microphone in front of 200 bored attendees. They are at the back of the room, sipping coffee, making deals in hushed tones that could shift entire industries. That, my friends, is where the real action happens.
Group Discussions
Over the years, I have found that some of the most productive business discussions take place in informal settings—away from the long speeches and stiff presentations that seem to plague so many corporate events. Give me a room full of professionals, a few well-placed chairs, and minimal formalities, and I will show you more progress than any boardroom meeting could achieve.
Too many networking events are still bogged down by overstuffed agendas and long-winded speeches. By the time the microphone is finally pried away from the Keynote Speaker’s hands, you are left with a meagre 15 minutes to talk to anyone. What can you possibly achieve in 15 minutes? Oh sure, maybe you will snag a business card or two, but that is about it. There is no time for real conversations, no time to discover that the person you just met has exactly what your business needs—or better yet, that you have something they did not even know they wanted. Reversing this trend is crucial: keep the speeches short and leave ample time for people to mingle, talk, and—dare I say it—actually network.
Face-to-Face: The Secret Weapon
Networking is personal. And in certain regions, particularly Asia, where business is steeped in cultural nuances, it is essential. You cannot build trust through emails or Zoom calls—not the kind of trust that results in long-term business relationships. You need to meet people face-to-face, read their body language, sense their intentions, and genuinely connect.
Cultural differences can also play a big role in how these interactions unfold. Some cultures are more reserved, while others thrive on overt displays of confidence. Some prioritise long-term trust, while others are more transactional. Understanding these dynamics is key, but at the end of the day, business is business. Whether you are in New Zealand, Malaysia, or anywhere else in the world, you need people to buy what you are selling. Networking is the universal language that bridges these cultural gaps and creates lasting connections.
Skip the Corporate Hierarchy
In many countries, business is still governed by rigid hierarchies and excessive formalities. It is all about who is sitting at the head of the table, who has the most impressive title, and who can pull out the most jargon-filled presentation. But networking breaks down these barriers. It allows people to meet on equal footing, share ideas freely, and discover common interests without the red tape and formality. At a networking event, you are not a CEO or a Junior Executive—you are just two people trying to figure out how to help each other succeed. And that is where the real magic happens.
The Digital Dilemma
Some might argue that in the age of digital communication, the need for in-person networking has diminished. Why spend time meeting someone face-to-face when you can send them an email or hop on a video call? Sure, these tools have made doing business easier, but they will never replace the power of a handshake or a face-to-face conversation. When you meet someone in person, you build a level of trust and rapport that simply cannot be achieved through a screen.
Networking is not just about exchanging business cards; it is about building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating opportunities for collaboration. It is about recognising the subtle cues that only come from personal interaction. Call it a sixth sense if you will, but trust me, if you are tuned in, you will know exactly who you should be doing business with after just one conversation.
Building a Community
At its core, networking is about community. It is about creating a support system of like-minded professionals who are just as invested in your success as you are in theirs. It is about giving as much as you take—sharing knowledge, offering resources, and opening doors for others. And the more you invest in these relationships, the more you will gain in the long run.
In short, networking is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to succeed in business. It is personal, it is powerful, and when done right, it can open doors you never knew existed. Whether you are the head of a multinational corporation or just starting out in a small business, the connections you make through networking can be the catalyst for your next big breakthrough.
So, skip the endless PowerPoint presentations and monotonous speeches. Go to that next event, grab a drink, and have a real conversation. You never know where it might lead.
Dave Ananth is the President of the New Zealand Malaysian Business Association based in Auckland.
