Recently, the Eight PR team attended a networking event jointly organised by the Mexican and Irish chambers of commerce to celebrate 50 years of trade between the two countries.
During this event, there was a conversation about how, when it comes to networking, there are very few places in the world that offer opportunity and connectivity like Hong Kong.
On any given day, there are dozens of paid-for and free events and meetups taking place covering mainstream and niche interests in function rooms, co-shared workplaces, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
With so many options, it’s important to be strategic; choose events that match with your goals to avoid spreading yourself too thin.
Hong Kong has a huge advantage over competitor cities one of which is a public transport system that's fast, efficient, and affordable.
Another is the urban design. Whether you’re heading from Central to Wan Chai or hopping between Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island’s public transport system ensures you’re always just minutes away from your next meetup. The city is very walkable and safe even late in the evening.
Another reason Hong Kong is at the centre of the networking universe is the mix of local and international businesses, enterprises, start-ups, all creating an environment where meeting people in your sphere of influence is exceptionally high.
Hong Kong as a Super Connector and Super Value-Adder
Positioned as a super connector and a super value-adder in the business world, Hong Kong with its “one country, two systems”, is the gateway to China providing access to the world’s second-largest economy.
Mainland enterprises use Hong Kong as their launchpad to go global, while overseas businesses leverage Hong Kong to enter the Chinese market.
Hong Kong’s financial and banking sector makes it an ideal location for raising funds, conducting IPOs, and managing wealth which in turn, attracts law firms, venture capital, hedge funds, rating agencies, investor relations, and more people all looking to network.
But How Do You Network in Hong Kong Effectively?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a start-up founder, or a seasoned business professional, understanding the unique opportunities and culture of networking in Hong Kong is the key to unlocking success.
If you’re considering starting a business, opening a branch office, or working in Hong Kong, here’s just a hint of the networking opportunities that exist:
- Source
Networking in Hong Kong can happen in the most unexpected places, including through sports. The city boasts numerous sports clubs catering to both individual and team activities, as well as walking clubs, offering unique opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals while staying active.
Eight PR Tips for Effective Networking in Hong Kon
- Be Selective
Attending too many events without focus can dilute impact and lead to networking fatigue. - Leverage Co-Working Spaces
Co-working spaces are target rich hubs for collaboration as these spaces often host workshops and informal meetups, making them ideal for expanding your professional circle. There are also regular community events for members. - Join Professional Associations and Chambers of Commerce
Organisations provide access to exclusive events and introductions to key players in your sector. Many of them also have committees representing various industry sectors so you can become a committee member within a group of highly influential people. - Networking is not a Follower Collecting Exercise
People don’t network to earn followers but for making new connections and building genuine relationships. It’s not about how many namecards (yes, we still use them) or connections you add on LinkedIn (we do that too). - Forget Elevator Pitching
Or, rather, forget making the same elevator pitch to every person you meet. Drum out variances of what you do. Refresh your pitch regularly and share recent achievements or new projects to keep conversations engaging. - Be a Networking Expert
We know a networker said to have collected 650,000 business cards. Watching him work a room is like witnessing a ballet; he spends just 5-10 minutes with each person, asks one key question, and moves on. Meaning networking is about building connections, not lingering. - Comfort Rezoning
Stepping outside your comfort zone and attending events you wouldn’t typically consider can be highly rewarding. Sticking to familiar groups may feel safe, but it limits your exposure to fresh ideas, new opportunities, and diverse perspectives. - Bring Business Cards
These are still widely used in Hong Kong. Like a website design, a business card serves to promote your brand. The colour and paper quality are just as important as the actual content on the card.
Quick Tips for Effective Networking in Hong Kong
- Set clear goals before attending events. For example, 'I want to meet and connect with 5-10 new people'.
- Research groups and associations that match with your interests.
- Bring business cards.
- Be open to networking in unexpected places; sports clubs, co-working spaces, and even coffee shops. We got talking to a fintech senior executive on the escalator at Central MTR once. Someone we had never met who saw our WikiFinance bag and struck up conversation.
- Always follow up and nurture your connections.
About Eight Public Relations
Eight PR is an innovative PR agency in Hong Kong, trusted by global brands like Palo Alto Networks, NETGEAR, DACHSER, Charles Russell Speechlys, Skipton International, Callsign, Elliptic and SteelSeries. We deliver Hong Kong public relations through impactful strategies that combine local insights with global reach, helping businesses connect with their audiences and amplify their presence.
Visit www.eightpr.com or email eight@eightpr.com to learn more.
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