In China, there a multitude of different organizations and events that are incredibly beneficial for foreigners. Some organizations offer free events, others are on a pay as you go basis, and others offer membership and cheaper entrance fees and benefits to members.
As an Expat, now living in China, what organizations should I join?
1. Chamber of Commerce - A Chamber of Commerce is a commercial based organization that is affiliated to a particular country and promotes closer relations between China and the foreign country through guest speakers, events, socializing functions etc.
For example:
Australian Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai - offer regular, almost daily events, including talks, seminars, drinks and socializing, training, New China policies talk, Christmas function.
Benefits of joining AustCham are:
"AustCham Shanghai membership provides access to support, education, advocacy and business services, as well as countless events and networking opportunities.
The key point of difference for AustCham Shanghai is that business membership gives you access to a dedicated individual in our team at the Secretariat, a Relationship Manager, who will work with you to further your business interests.
AustCham Shanghai's Membership Team provides introductions, business referrals, and advice on a range of topics. Daily our team gives advice and fields questions across issues including market entry, business set up structure, suitable partner and provider identification, marketing and branding opportunities, to general advice that helps organizations understand the shifting business landscape that is mainland China."
Note that you don't have to be an Australian citizen to join the Australian Chamber of Commerce nor do you have to be an American citizen to join the American chamber of Commerce - most of the events appeal to Expats and local Chinese for that matter, and are in the English language, non specific events and informative events that are very inclusive and open to people of all races, backgrounds and nationalities.
2. Meetup - this is a wonderful online avenue to tap into an enormous talent of rich and diverse Expat professionals, in a social and relaxed environment, just through searching for a group of your choice, in your city in China. Many of these events include: Walking groups, Singles events, Dining, Expats, Cooking, Basic Chinese communication, French speakers event, Museum and Arts groups, in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and other locations. At these events, you can exchange business cards and build your network fast, in a non-pressured atmosphere.
3. Expat Groups - hold regular networking and informal drinks events for Expats living in China. For example: Internations:
"With InterNations you can interact with a knowledgeable and experienced community of expats that have lived and worked in China. Don't feel you need to learn everything on your own, call on the InterNations community to help you get to grips with your new life abroad with a click of a button. Moving to China is a big step, and you may have a lot of questions you want answered such as, “how much does it cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Beijing?”
4. Volunteer Organizations - for example, Rotary, which is focused on business professionals attending lunch/dinner events with a guest speaker, networking and supporting other members and helping with Student exchange programs globally and other community and volunteer programs:
There’s something that all Rotary club members have in common: We take action. As community volunteers, we reach out to neighbors in need. We build, support, and organize. We save lives. We work locally and globally.
"Around the world and around the corner, the 1.2 million men and women of Rotary
- Get involved in their communities
- Connect with other professionals
- Share their time and experience with young people
- Support global causes, such as eradicating polio
- Use their skills to help others"
5. Business Network International China (BNI) - joining a particular Chapter or branch of BNI enables you to present information about your company services to other professionals, usually over a breakfast. The group comprises about 20 people of all different occupations and it is not permitted for there to be more than 1 member of the same occupation, so as to avoid competition and enhance your chances of getting exclusive referrals:
"Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you...
...because all of them carry several copies of your business cards around with them. When they meet someone who could use your products or services, they take out your card and recommend you. It's as simple as that! If I give you business you'll give me business and we'll both benefit as a result."
"Last year alone, members of BNI passed 6.6 million referrals...
...which generated over $8.6 billion dollars' (U.S.) worth of business for its members! BNI is a business and professional networking organization that allows only one person per professional classification or specialty to join a chapter."
6. China Business Network - method of promoting your business to local Chinese citizens and getting business consulting advice, and localization help for a fee:
"China Business Network (CBN) is a consortium of entities focusing on outwards investment, outbound travel from China as well as facilitating trade both import and export fitting our slogan " Bring the World to China - Taking Chinese to the World" by providing business consultancy and facilitating services for large numbers of Chinese and foreign authorities, businesses as well as other organizations."
7. Female Networking Groups - which have a wide array of events, talks, walks, and mentor programs. For example, Viva Beijing Professional Women Network:
"At Viva we enable professional women in Beijing to increase their impact and enjoyment of working life by providing a network where they can
- share knowledge and enhance their professional skills
- make meaningful business connections and friendships
- meet like-minded people, be inspired and have fun!"
8. Linked In - this is an internet based opportunity for you to self-promote yourself through uploading your Photo and CV/Resume, qualifications education and work experience and then adding professionals to your network for business co-operation and to be informed about their events, seminars etc.
9. Chinese Online Networking Groups - useful for building a network of Chinese followers and promoting your products/services, in Mandarin. These networks enable both businesses and individuals to create an online profile and join groups of interest. They can be useful for self-promotion, recruitment and making new contacts in your field. For example, Wechat, QQ, Tianji, Dajie, Binzhi or Ushi.
10. Expat Magazines - reading regular issues of Expat magazines is a great way to find out what's going on, in your city, keep updated about news, and view advertisements in English from other Expats looking for jobs or advertising jobs, and classifieds. For example, in Beijing, there are the following excellent magazines:
The Beijinger
Time Out Beijing
That's Magazine Beijing
City Weekend Beijing
11. Mandarin Study Course - studying Mandarin in China gives you numerous advantages: learning Mandarin to be able to have basic or advanced conversation with Chinese clients and not needing a translator ever again, opportunities to network and make friends for fellow expat classmates, learn about Chinese history, culture and participate in Group Tours of a Chinese city.
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