During her first year at the foreign company, Xiaodan poured all her time into work. Though grueling, her performance was solid. When New Year arrived, she planned to relax with sunbathing and naps—only to find colleagues busier than ever. They were swamped with New Year calls, partner company gatherings, and client dinners—all focused on customers or those who'd helped them professionally.
So this was when they built their networks! No wonder while Xiao Dan toiled endlessly, running until his sneakers smoked, others handled big and small matters effortlessly with a single phone call from their desks—and still outperformed him.
Having discovered this new world, Xiao Dan tugged at his hair like Columbus, utterly clueless about what to do next.
Action Plan:
Don't panic, Xiao Dan! They say from 20 to 30 you earn with expertise, from 30 to 40 with connections, and after 40 with money. Since you know networking matters, just keep up—don't fall behind!
What do newbies like us lack? Social savvy and connections, that's all.Work experience builds gradually through your job, and connections grow steadily through your work. While you can't match the veterans overnight, laying a solid networking foundation is entirely achievable.
Veterans excel at using holidays to nurture connections. Newbies shouldn't sit idle either—try out the plan below. This New Year, you too can hit the networking grand slam.
Plan A: Attend partner company parties!
Think about it—didn’t partner companies send you New Year party invites? You probably tossed them into mental trash thinking you just wanted to relax. Now fish them back out and reconsider.
These parties typically invite partners and industry professionals relevant to the company's business. Attendees span a wide spectrum—elites, administrative staff, and people from all walks of life. While connections within your field are ideal, even unrelated contacts are valuable. Networking is about building diverse connections. Even if you don't become friends, expanding your horizons is worthwhile. Bottom line: retrieve those invitations from the trash!
If you're new and didn't receive an invitation, no worries. Ask a close colleague who got invited to bring you along for the experience. Or simply call the PR department of a partner company, explain your company's collaboration with them, and express interest in attending their New Year party—it's that easy!
Next, Xiao Dan should—
Before the party:
1. Prepare an appropriate outfit.
Generally, in China, company New Year parties don't require formal evening wear, but steer clear of overly casual shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or jeans. You can get custom-made outfits at small designer studios or pick something from major brand stores.The simplest, most practical, and economical approach is to choose a dark-colored dress, pair it with dazzling accessories like earrings, bracelets, or necklaces, and finish with a pair of black open-toe high-heeled sandals. This will look stunning and elevate a simple outfit to something very appropriate.
2. Since you're making an appearance, don't be late—earlier is better.
3.Eat something beforehand. Remember, parties aren't about filling your stomach—they're prime opportunities for networking and expanding your connections. Arriving famished, with your stomach growling and your focus on food, defeats the purpose entirely.
During the Party:
1. Don't be afraid or shy. Smile, be confident, and actively engage with others—whether you know them or not.
2. Cherish opportunities when others initiate conversation. Accept business cards with both hands, carefully place them in your bag, and let them see you value the exchange.
3. Approach industry peers or respected figures outside your field whom you've admired for a long time. Introduce yourself and offer your card.If they show interest in further conversation, that's wonderful. If they're occupied, don't linger—as a newcomer, simply making a positive impression is a success.
After the party:
1. Send an email to the event organizer (e.g., the PR department of a partner company) expressing your enjoyment of the evening and gratitude.Even if formulaic, such a message feels warm and thoughtful to the contact, leaving a lasting impression.
2. Organize collected business cards immediately. Categorize them by relationship depth—long-standing contacts vs. new acquaintances; those requiring frequent follow-up vs. occasional holiday greetings.Alternatively, organize by industry: sales professionals, IT specialists, lawyers, doctors, advertising executives, etc. Networking Tip: Don't underestimate the value of organizing your business cards! If you maintain this habit consistently, you'll avoid the frustration of seasoned professionals flipping through thick card holders—a single call can resolve any matter, big or small.
Organizing contacts is the foundation of networking. Accumulate small efforts into significant results. Maintain connections appropriately based on each contact, and in time, you'll shed the label of a networking novice!
Next Page: Plans B & C
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Plan B: Phone Calls, Texts, & Emails