How do I build a good network of contacts in an entirely new space (read: country, business, industry) in the shortest possible time (like 1 month)?

-- Ved Sen (Veds@planetasia.com), November 15, 2000

Answers

Ved, tighten up your brand profile, brainstorm where you think the target population are and like to hang out and discuss stuff, polish your 60 second spiel and invade and mingle. If you really want an outlandish response, watch the first movie of "Crocodile Dundee", it is a movie about people in a new space. Otherwise take a leaf out Robert DiNiro and begin to study the role and the parts required for this new space and then simply go out there and show your confidence and your enthusiasm to be what you want to be.

-- Mark Zorro (zorromark@consultant.com), November 16, 2000.

Not sure how useful these resources might be, but they might be helpful.

Competitive Intelligence - Get Smart! http://www.fastcompany.com/online/14/intelligence.html

Come Together http://www.fastcompany.com/feature/florida/03.html

The Conference-Commando Field Manual http://www.fastcompany.com/online/21/commando.html

Will That Be a Table for One? http://www.fastcompany.com/online/24/roadwarrior.html

City Guides http://www.fastcompany.com/online/17/cityguides.html

I guess my short answer is "Go to where the people are." What are the local organizations and associations that attract the kinds of folks you want to know? Is there a high-tech or new economy networking group? A Company of Friends cell? Where do these people frequent?

Heath

-- Heath Row (heath@fastcompany.com), November 28, 2000.