Mentoring for - Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants

DO...
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING
“Being interactive is one of the basic requirements for an accountant engaged
in advisory services, like myself,” says Eugene Ha, a partner at Grant
Thornton and a Hong Kong Institute of CPAs member. “Making connections
with clients, intermediaries and the wider business community is part of what
I do every day. It’s fortunate that I am quite a natural talker as well, with an
outgoing personality. Networking is in fact an enjoyable role to me.”
Here are a networking natural’s top tips for making new connections.
Be a good listener: Always listen
to what people say, and then
find the right time to join in the
conversation.
Maintain eye contact: This helps
show your respect for the person
that you are talking to and is also a
sign of self-confidence.
Always follow up: Continue to
engage with the people you have
met and avoid having only one-off
meetings.
Some research: Learn about the
potential connections you are
meeting through an Internet search.
Information about their experiences
and interests can help facilitate
good conversation.
DON’T...
Act shy: Try your best to sit
with people you don’t know
and maximize your networking
opportunities.
Be impatient: Networking is about
building a strong and long-lasting
relationship. Never interrupt
others’ conversations and always
stay alert with your tone and facial
expression.
Make a sales pitch at a networking
event: Always remember that it is for
relationship-building, or you could
turn people off.
Be extreme or get too personal:
Never criticize others’ views,
especially on cultural or religious
issues, or discuss your own personal
problems. People might remember
you for the wrong reason.
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