How to develop your professional network in Jakarta
Attend professional meetings in Jakarta
If you are planning to expand your professional network, you should meet new people during networking events in Jakarta. These meetings are particularly interesting for people who are just starting to extend their professional networks.
When you attend these meetings, keep your objective in mind, which is to create connections with other people without necessarily frantically handing out business cards. Don't force or rush conversations. Take the time to get acquainted, as you want to make sure to leave a good impression while taking the temperature.
Other events in Jakarta
Outside networking events, you can go to club nights, public lectures, fundraisers, and other interesting events in the city. For a strong and comprehensive network, don't just include professionals!
These events are an opportunity to meet people in a more relaxed setting, which will facilitate verbal exchanges and business cards. The Covid-19 epidemic in Indonesia has obviously had a strong impact on socio-professional events in Jakarta, but life is slowly returning to normal in the Indonesian capital.
Attending chambers of commerce meetings in Jakarta
Indonesia has many foreign chambers of commerce whose main role is to ease the transition of their members to the Indonesian business scene, including helping them build a strong professional network. To this end, most chambers of commerce host regular meetings and events, which are attended by many expatriates but also by locals who regularly deal with foreign companies.
Coworking spaces in Jakarta
Why not take out a subscription to a local coworking space? Jakarta has many such spaces, convenient for freelancers, small startups and neo-entrepreneurs. What's more, you will be rubbing shoulders with other ambitious and competent profiles (freelancers, software engineers, local entrepreneurs, consultants, etc.).
However, you should be aware that many coworking spaces have closed their doors since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia, and some of them permanently. The threat seems to be under control for the moment, and the coworking spaces that still exist are slowly reopening their doors. Find out online about the status of the space you are interested in.
Social media in Jakarta
Don't underestimate the power of social media and its impact on your career. During this digital era, having an online presence is just as important as having one in real life. Enhance your LinkedIn profile and make it more appealing. Don't forget to connect with professionals on LinkedIn, especially after you attend a networking event. This way, you will enrich your professional network in Jakarta.
You might also be surprised to find that professionals in Jakarta don't just use LinkedIn to build their professional networks. Social networks are very important, so much so that younger professionals use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to create an appealing profile. Some even have multiple accounts to separate their personal and professional lives.
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