Networking-example 3

1. Networking-example 3 Working professional:(shakes hands) Ms. Foster, I’m Ping Peng. In July, I’ll receive my IMBA from Renmin University and, after doing so, hope to parlay my HP work experience at a management consulting firm. Other person: I’m glad to meet you, Ping. But please call me Jackie. As you can see, I don’t work for a management consulting firm but, instead, work in California for Cisco’s sales and marketing department. But last year Cisco hired Bain to do a study on how to improve our sales and marketing function. So I know several people at Bain. Working professional: That’s interesting, Jackie. Welcome to Bejing. I hope you’re enjoying your stay. How long have you been at Cisco? I see that you’re currently the Vice President of Cisco’s Sales and Marketing Department. Other person: That’s right, Ping. I’ve been with Cisco for eight years. I started as a trainee in Sales and Marketing and have worked my way up the ladder.

2. Networking-example 3-con’t. Working professional: That’s quite an accomplishment, especially given Cisco’s size and scope. Other person: Thanks for the compliment. You said that you used to work at HP. Do you know Mark Peterson? Working professional: Yes, I know Mark quite well. We worked closely together to land a new client for HP. Small world, isn’t it? Other person: It certainly is. What did you do at HP? Working professional: In my second year at HP, I led the Outsourcing Solutions Division. In that role, I led a team in developing and implementing a client-focused approach to our business. Other person: Oh, so, in a sense, you were like a management consultant within your company. Working professional: That’s right. That’s why I’d like to use this experience and my MBA to work for a management consulting firm.

3. Networking-example 3-con’t. Other person: Well, Ping, I can certainly introduce you to Bill Preston, who’s the Partner in charge of Bain’s Technology Practice in California. In turn, he can refer you to his colleagues here in China. Working professional: I’d really appreciate that introduction, Jackie. Other person: Here’s my card. Send me an email, and when I reply, I’ll send you Bill’s contact information. Then when you write, tell him I’ve referred you. That should help you get your foot in the door. Working professional: I’ll email you right after this reception, I really appreciate the entrée. While you’re in China, if you have time, let’s get together for lunch or dinner. Other person: I’d like that a lot. When I email you, I’ll let you know which day would work best for me. Working professional: That would be great. Thanks again for introducing me to your Bain contact. See you soon.