Moving to a new city can be tough, especially when you don't know anyone. That’s one reason why so many networking groups have sprung up in Beijing, hosting events aimed at everything from helping newcomers meet new friends to hooking people up with potential employers. Alexander Rivan Ronalds from Oriented tells us it’s never too late to expand your circle of friends and contacts, and offered us a few tips on how to make networking work for you.

What is Oriented?
Oriented is a global network of international professionals with a focus on doing business in Asia. Right now we have more than 30,000 members worldwide. Here in Beijing, we host a monthly networking Happy Hour at different venues. The focus of this is to meet business contacts and make new friends.

Do you find that more locals or expats participate in your events?
When I first arrived in Beijing three years ago, the networking scene was pretty expat-heavy, but now more and more local Beijingers are learning the secret of networking and attending these events. The result is a very diverse networking crowd giving all of our participants an even richer experience. The networking trend is also only getting bigger, more people are participating in these types of events than ever before.

Do you think there is room for improvement in the Beijing networking scene?
Networking in Beijing is a well-developed activity, but as with anything there is always room for improvement. From event organizers to venue managers and even participants, there's always something we can do to make sure we get the most out of our networking experience.

So what makes a great networking event?
The best networking events are always the ones with the most diverse range of people. Oriented has been in Beijing for a long time and has built a great reputation for being exactly this type of event. When setting up the event, it’s important to provide a good environment to make networking easier. Big open spaces and long bars are the best, because it makes it easier to walk up and start conversations. I also like to strike agreements with the venues to keep the drink prices down, which helps keep people talking!

What are some good conversation starters?
People at networking events are there to meet people, so conversation starters can be pretty simple and as straightforward as a "hi." Simply walking up and introducing yourself is usually enough to get the ball rolling. Keep the conversation going by asking open-ended questions and see where your new connection goes with it. Everyone has their own story about how they ended up in Beijing and wants to tell you about it.

What are some networking faux pas?
Don't just give your business card and then run to the next person. It's all about the quality of the conversation you have, not the quantity of people you meet. Engage the person you are talking to by asking them questions about what they do and try to make a real connection! This is the most common networking error I see in Beijing, whether it’s an overly excited sales rep trying to get their name out there, or someone who's new to the networking scene and hasn't quite figured it out yet.

Have there been any Oriented success stories?
In the last three years that I've been involved with Oriented, I've seen countless success stories. Almost at every event I meet people looking for investment, looking for talent or just looking to meet friends. Over the years I've been with Oriented, I've helped several startups find angel investment, helped many companies find candidates and witnessed a lot of relationship-building, even love.

Besides your own events, where are the best places to network?
Depends on who you are looking to meet. If you're going after the student crowds, check out the bars behind Tongli Studios like The Smugglers’ and Kai late on the weekends. If you're going for the more established Beijing professionals, try Centro inside the Kerry Center, Song Bar, under The Place, or even Block 8, near Chaoyang Park, after work. If you need something more structured, try attending one of Bar Blu's quiz nights, or an open mic night.

And where is your favorite place to meet people?
The Saddle Cantina in Sanlitun always has a pretty diverse cross-section of Beijing expats. I often find myself there with old friends and can easily find new friends to tag onto our group. The open atmosphere (during summer time), long bar and standing tables make it pretty easy to start conversations. I also really enjoy Block 8, they have a long table in the middle of the bar that makes it easy to lean across and say hello to the people next to you.

Finally, what is some advice you would give to newcomers to the city?
Be trusting, friendly and open-minded. Beijing is an incredible place, everyone you need to meet is only a networking event away. You will receive the same treatment that you give, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. People in Beijing are very friendly and very welcoming to newcomers. It's all about your attitude, if you put your best face forward and help those around you, they'll help you as well!

Meet Alexander and expand your horizons at Oriented’s Networking Happy Hour on Thursday, Feburary 26. Entrance includes free drink, and there are two-for-one drink specials all night, as well as a lucky draw. See www.oriented.com for more information. RMB 50 with RSVP. 7pm. Flames. Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 Wangfujing Dongjie, Dongcheng District. (5812 8888)
东城区王府井东街8号北京王府井西尔顿 

Interview by Bridget McCabe; originally published in agenda, Beijing’s free biweekly source of dining and nightlife listings. Can’t find a copy? Call our distribution team on 5820 7101.