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You gotta have guanxi
By Louise Ho Source:Global Times Published: 2014-9-3 18:38:01
For professionals in Shanghai, building what the Chinese refer to as guanxi - that is, one's network of contacts and connections - is typically a prerequisite on the road to career success. For those in Shanghai looking to form new relationships or cement existing ties, one aptly named group, The Guanxi Network, could be a vital resource.
The Guanxi Network organizes professional and industry-focused networking events for expats and local professionals in 12 major cities across Asia, such as Hong Kong, Shanghai Jakarta and Taipei. These events provide executives and business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region opportunities to build professional bridges and exchange ideas. There are about 75,000 active members now in the network.
The Guanxi Network was launched in Shanghai back in December 2011 by Chris Minyen as a side project, one that could help him and others grow their personal networks. Since then, Minyen, who is now the CEO of The Guanxi Network, told the Global Times that his project has far exceeded its original objectives. Today, The Guanxi Network is based in Hong Kong with team members and offices in Singapore.
Joachim Kjaersgaard, technical manager at lighting company Monda International Ltd, attended his first networking event with the group in January and has since joined in four such events in total. He said he heard about the network through a recruiter whom he had been in contact with prior to his arrival in Shanghai in December. The recruiter, Kjaersgaard explained, spoke positively about the group's networking events and the mix of people from a wide variety of industries who are typically in attendance.
"I see the networking events as being good occasions for meeting new contacts in Shanghai," Kjaersgaard, who hails from Denmark, told the Global Times. "As it is quite expat-oriented, the type of people joining most likely will have some common areas of interest."
Discussing specific events, Kjaersgaard said he enjoyed the group's previous event, held at KEE Club last month. "The people who attend naturally shape these events and the last event had a great mixture of familiar faces and new interesting people that I enjoyed great conversations with," he said.
Richard Kimber, managing partner at law firm RHK Legal, has also attended several of these networking events over the past two years. Compared with events organized by some of Shanghai's other networking groups, Kimber described The Guanxi Network's last event as "more international in its makeup of attendees." Some other groups, he noted, seemed more oriented toward overseas returning Chinese.
The Guanxi Network in Shanghai held its first event in February 2012. Minyen said that events in the city are held usually once per month and often attract more than 200 attendees.
"As we began in Shanghai and have been active here for longer, our events in Shanghai generally have more people attending than some other cities in Asia," he said.
Although now based in Hong Kong, Minyen lived in Shanghai for almost seven years and is still fond of the city. "I love Shanghai," he told the Global Times. "…it still feels like home every time I return. Shanghai never stops growing and changing. There is always a hot new restaurant, bar or club to check out. I also love getting away from the city center and going out to explore nature or one of the many little villages nearby."
As for the future, Minyen said The Guanxi Network will soon expand to cover more than 20 cities in Asia. Without mentioning specifics, Minyen went on to mention that the organization was in the midst of developing a new product and a new series of events that would make The Guanxi Network an even more valuable resource for its members.
The Guanxi Network organizes professional and industry-focused networking events for expats and local professionals in 12 major cities across Asia, such as Hong Kong, Shanghai Jakarta and Taipei. These events provide executives and business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region opportunities to build professional bridges and exchange ideas. There are about 75,000 active members now in the network.
The Guanxi Network was launched in Shanghai back in December 2011 by Chris Minyen as a side project, one that could help him and others grow their personal networks. Since then, Minyen, who is now the CEO of The Guanxi Network, told the Global Times that his project has far exceeded its original objectives. Today, The Guanxi Network is based in Hong Kong with team members and offices in Singapore.
Joachim Kjaersgaard, technical manager at lighting company Monda International Ltd, attended his first networking event with the group in January and has since joined in four such events in total. He said he heard about the network through a recruiter whom he had been in contact with prior to his arrival in Shanghai in December. The recruiter, Kjaersgaard explained, spoke positively about the group's networking events and the mix of people from a wide variety of industries who are typically in attendance.
"I see the networking events as being good occasions for meeting new contacts in Shanghai," Kjaersgaard, who hails from Denmark, told the Global Times. "As it is quite expat-oriented, the type of people joining most likely will have some common areas of interest."
Discussing specific events, Kjaersgaard said he enjoyed the group's previous event, held at KEE Club last month. "The people who attend naturally shape these events and the last event had a great mixture of familiar faces and new interesting people that I enjoyed great conversations with," he said.
Richard Kimber, managing partner at law firm RHK Legal, has also attended several of these networking events over the past two years. Compared with events organized by some of Shanghai's other networking groups, Kimber described The Guanxi Network's last event as "more international in its makeup of attendees." Some other groups, he noted, seemed more oriented toward overseas returning Chinese.
The Guanxi Network in Shanghai held its first event in February 2012. Minyen said that events in the city are held usually once per month and often attract more than 200 attendees.
"As we began in Shanghai and have been active here for longer, our events in Shanghai generally have more people attending than some other cities in Asia," he said.
Although now based in Hong Kong, Minyen lived in Shanghai for almost seven years and is still fond of the city. "I love Shanghai," he told the Global Times. "…it still feels like home every time I return. Shanghai never stops growing and changing. There is always a hot new restaurant, bar or club to check out. I also love getting away from the city center and going out to explore nature or one of the many little villages nearby."
As for the future, Minyen said The Guanxi Network will soon expand to cover more than 20 cities in Asia. Without mentioning specifics, Minyen went on to mention that the organization was in the midst of developing a new product and a new series of events that would make The Guanxi Network an even more valuable resource for its members.
The Guanxi Network CEO Chris Minyen (middle) with guests at a Shanghai networking event at M1NT in June
Members and guests at a Shanghai networking event at M1NT in June organized by The Guanxi Network
Members and guests at a Shanghai networking event at M1NT in June organized by The Guanxi Network
Members and guests at a Shanghai networking event at M1NT in June organized by The Guanxi Network
Photos: Courtesy of The Guanxi Network
Posted in: Society, Metro Shanghai