Networking 101: Connecting in the Capital

Beijing is a big city bustling with opportunity and new friends, but finding those that are right for you is truly an art form. Luckily, the capital is also stuffed to the brim with networking groups and sites that can make the task a lot less daunting. So whether you’re looking for people with similar professions and interests, new friends, or more, there is a networking group for you.

LinkedIn, the online professional networking tool of choice for many, has nearly 4,000 groups linked to China, and provides easy access to people in the same industry. International and easy to use, the site creates a network of people that you trust in business, which in turn can help with the job search, industry research, and can even help you check out a prospective partner or employee, not to mention mate.

If you’re fresh off the plane and just want to get to know some people, groups like the web-based InterNations are the way to go. InterNations is one of the largest international networking sites with hubs in more than 200 cities, and provides insider tips from other expats as well as offline get-togethers. It is invitation only, but if you’re an international person with charm, you’re a shoo-in.

International Newcomer’s Network (INN) also provides foreigners with information on living in Beijing, and also has monthly meetings where you can meet new friends. The meetings are open to all foreign passport holders on the last Monday of each month at the Capital Club Athletic Center. Be sure to check out their holiday bazaar later this month!

If you’re looking for something more industry-specific, Web Wednesdays (on LinkedIn) is a network of young professionals interested in intersections of creativity, technology and business. Events are free and held every third Wednesday of the month, and attendance will put you in the forefront of the digital revolution.

Everyone knows that China’s ecological future is less than bright, but the members of Green Drinks are looking to change that. Their monthly meetings join individuals interested in the environment, sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, and social and environmental justice issues. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month.

Feeling homesick? Need some business advice? Some of the best professional and social networking events are held by the various chambers of commerce stationed in Beijing, such as AmCham and BritCham. Events range from standard networking events to topical presentations on problems and opportunities in business.

If you’re all about business, the FC Club is for you. This headhunting-geared group sponsors frequent events and brings together business professionals and headhunters in their monthly meetings. Another international network of young professionals interested in Asian business opportunities and partnerships is Oriented, which holds events on the last Thursday of every month.

On the other hand, if you’re an entrepreneur who cringes as the thought of returning to cubicle land, then Entrepreneurs Organization Beijing is the place you want to be. This professional organization is highly organized, comes with a steep entrance fee, and creates a tightly woven network of entrepreneurs who rely on one another for advice on running their businesses. But doing business with fellow members is against the rules, so don’t even think about it!

If you’re a woman looking to connect professionally, Beijing hosts at least two excellent networking groups. Women in Business provides both a place for women to show off their achievements, to network with other accomplished women, and to meet and discuss current issues relevant to women at their monthly meetings. Viva Beijing offers professionally minded women in Beijing an inspiring and international career support network.

Less concerned about work than about food and wine? Beijng’s got that covered too, and you can meet lots of likeminded people at the monthly Beijing Foodies events. Another option, if you happen to be in possession of two X chromosomes, are the Women who Wine events held on the second Wednesday of every month.

Want more? This list only covers the tip of the iceberg. More networking groups can be found at thebeijinger.com.