Event Networking vs Children Events

Since I have changed my career path recently (from agency/media to financial services), I have been actively seeking for any networking opportunities in the new industry. In the past few months, I have been to quite many business events. Though I met some interesting people and had some great conversations, I found it very hard to seriously connect with people after the events. Comparatively, networking at children events is so much easier to initiate and maintain.

Just two weeks ago, I was in a chess tournament with my daughters. While the children were having fun in the games, the parents were “stuck” in a small waiting area. Some of them brought books and laptops, most were bored. It was the best time to make friends. Parents were so happy to find other adults to talk to. Throughout the game, I bumped into a Councilmember, an agency president, an owner of a trading firm, and many more. There were no agenda. Dialogs usually began with common interest – the children and the game, then the jobs and everything else. And guess what? These parents would meet again very soon.

Indeed, the next day after the chess tournament, I met the Councilmember again in a different set up – a TV program premier. What a small world!

Last week, I took my daughters to a new ballet school for trial classes. To kill time, I introduced myself to several mothers, including a psychiatrist and a textile saleswoman. We talked about ballet, culture, travel, outsourcing, depression, and many more topics. Amazing!

I do not mean conversations at business events are less electrifying. They are just different. But one thing for sure – at least for me – is that I am more relaxed talking to parents than to business associates. So, while I am still trying to find way to stay connected with the people I meet at those business events, let me enjoy my chats with all those interesting parents.

Sharon Stone's Karma Remarks

I wrote about Sharon Stone’s Karma Remarks on my other blog Asian Marketing. It was just a general summary of the event. I did add a note to marketers about being sensitive to their audience and damage control. I was shocked about the feedback I received. People wrote me back in both English and Chinese cursing the actress. So far, no one yelled at me. But I declined to publish most of feedbacks. From the strong language I received, I could really feel how upset Chinese are. I wouldn’t blame them. I understand.

It is just one word. It could revoke all the goodwill. It could turn a beloved angel to a bloody evil. So, mind your words. You may lose everything for just one word.