Networking: A Key to Success in Business... in Japan

Introduction to Networking

Networking is recognized as a pivotal tool in the business world. It enhances your access to resources, information, and opportunities, thereby increasing your capacity to influence and achieve your goals. Social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) are founded on the idea that better connectivity leads to more opportunities.

Networking in Japan

Networking in Japan goes beyond mere business connections; it is a fundamental aspect of the local business culture. Building and nurturing relationships is crucial for both foreigners and locals, as it paves the way for career advancement and personal development. This emphasis on relational dynamics underscores the importance of networking as a strategic tool for success in the Japanese professional environment.

How can we help each other?

Why Do We Network?

• Personal Gain: The primary reason individuals network is to achieve personal or professional objectives and to strengthen their personal brand.
• Mutual Benefit: Others network for the same reasons, seeking to gain something beneficial from the relationship. Successful networking involves understanding both your needs and those of others, creating a reciprocal dynamic.
• How can we help each other? Many Networking books and articles suggest asking people "How can I help you?". Sometimes at least, I suggest you open things authentically where they are from the beginning - Is there some synergy in what we both do?

Strategies for Effective Networking

1. Add Value: Don’t just lurk, don't just 'participate'; make your presence felt. Offer insights, share your experiences, and contribute actively to discussions. People appreciate others taking the lead, sharing, driving conversation and more.
2. Engage on Social Media: Use social platforms like LinkedIn not just to echo content but to voice your opinions and share unique perspectives. This activity helps in branding yourself distinctively in your sector. 'Engage' with people = just communicate, genuinely with GoodPeople!
3. Generosity of Knowledge: Share your expertise freely. This not only helps others but also establishes you as someone at least somewhat knowledgeable, or with an interesting perspective in your field, adding to your personal brand and perhaps helping you establish authority in your areas of strength and interest.
4. Introduce and Recommend: When you connect with people who could benefit from knowing each other, make introductions. This not only helps them but also reinforces your role as a connector in your network. Believe me, when you have introduced your third or fourth 'Good person' to someone, most people are now thinking 'it's my turn'!
5. Continuous Learning and Sharing: The world is always seeking new ideas. If you have innovative thoughts or solutions, especially injected with your unique perspective, share them.
6. Be Attractive as a Network Partner: Your value in a network increases if you are known for expertise or creative solutions, connected to other influential people, and in a position to make things happen within your network, industry or area.

And remember, you don't have to be immediately 'good at' these things. You learn and improve by doing.

Building and maintaining Strong Relationships

• Deep, trusting relationships are the backbone of effective networking. These relationships are typically built over time through consistent, meaningful interactions where mutual trust and respect are developed.
• While social networks can initiate these connections - and indeed help you manage and keep in contact with far more people that you would be able to before the 'Social Web' existed, sustained, personal engagement is necessary for true depth.
• Events - Big Events, Trade Events, seeking out and attending New Events, niche small events ('Micro-Networking' anyone?), Collaborative Events or just meeting 1-2 people for coffee or a drink. Events still play an important part in building, strengthening and maintaining your Network and relationships. Of course this ideally includes meeting in person whenever possible, but I'd COVID (& Clubhouse?) taught us anything, remote may not be as good, but it still works very well indeed.

Are we connected? Have we spoken recently?

Networking isn't just about collecting meishi (Business Cards) or just expanding your contacts list; it's about cultivating relationships that are mutually beneficial. As someone who has recently shifted countries, I emphasize the importance of networking now more than ever. If you see potential for collaboration, I encourage you to reach out. Let's explore how we can achieve mutual benefits through networking.

What do you think? What tips work for you when building relationships in and related to Japan?