If you are serious about business, you will not be foreign to many networking events that Jakarta has to offer. Jakarta Networkers Affairs (JBN) was created to give networkers a chance to make new contacts, new knowledge and, above all, new business referrals, which eventually turn into revenue. We talk to JBN Founder Jean-Philippe Beraud for more.
Can you tell us when JBN was founded and why?
There are years in Ireland, I attended, references focused on professional networking events. When I started my career in Jakarta, I was struggling to find a networking club that matched what I had lived in Ireland. I attended many different events for both locals and expatriates, which although nice, do not give much in the way of generating good business contacts and real value for participants. Many people stand around awkwardly at these events, talk to the same small group of friends, or do not know who to.
In September 2013, I decided to set up a structured networking club and professional to meet the needs of most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations. For this, I had to find a reliable partner I knew who shared the same values as me and bought into the idea.
In December 2013, the co-founder Nick Blake and I met a small group of eight professionals from different sectors around Jakarta to discuss attend a weekly event in the morning to focus on the return of businesses to other members of the group.
what kind of environment do yourself and co-founder Nick Blake?
I have a Masters in International Business and Marketing from a French Business School and I currently work as Deputy GM for the French welding institute, the welding institute and have been in Jakarta for the past six years.
Nick is someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, having started his first business at the age of 18 in the UK. He has done business internationally for many years and is an administrator for a business here training and development in Jakarta.
How JBN members today?
We currently have 40 companies that have committed to attend regularly, join our weekly sessions. More than 300 professionals attended sessions JBN far this year and increasing our LinkedIn group now has 375 members.
How many networking events do you organize each year?
Every week, we organize morning meetings in Kemang and the World Trade Center (WTC), Sudirman, which attract between 12 and 18 networkers. We also organize a quarterly major event, which brings between 40 and 60 networkers.
At your events, participants are encouraged to help others by sharing references. Can you explain the process and why it is so beneficial
This is true ?; many people go to events that are trying to sell their networking products and services. At JBN emphasis is much to give (to other members) and direct them to the people in their networks - rather than hard selling. The idea behind this is that through giving references, possibly other members will give back to you. "Givers Gain" is the philosophy and networkers really buy into this message; the sessions are very productive. We have a part of each session on references and help the group.
What types of professionals to assist your networking events? Who is your target audience?
We have a wide range of participants. Generally, the sessions attract business owners of SMEs, although we have a few multinationals that send their directors or senior managers. Anyone who seeks to generate business or expand their network and benefit from attending.
Can you tell us what makes your various networking events of others?
This session focuses on companies. At 7am, all networkers who attend are serious about generating referrals! Many other events are centered on the free-flow drinks after work hours; to JBN we want the sessions to be effective, productive and completely focused on the generation of business members and guests. Because we attract a high percentage of local business means that JBN is open to everyone.
Although many members attend and enjoy the event to the social aspect (we have a cooked breakfast and coffee together every week), members who benefit the most would say that it is because of how it has helped their business.
Alex Hawkes (International Sales Manager - Asia Infrastructure) said: "One of the first things I did when I arrived in Jakarta was to find a business networking club. JBN helped us find customers, partners, suppliers and employees. It is the best investment of my Thursday morning. "
what kind of demographics makes your members?
Although the sessions attract expatriates, which is far from a . group of expatriates only We have a good mix of local business people and expatriates Not all our participants live in Jakarta;. we had uS visitors, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe [
If I understand correctly, you usually have speakers at your events. How do you choose your speakers and what kind of presentations were given in the past?
Each week, one of the members share something about their industry with the rest of the group by means of a short presentation. this allows other members and guests to learn more about this business and industry in particular.
for our quarterly events, we ask our members to comment on who they would like to invite as guest speaker. For the last two events, we were fortunate to have the likes of PwC and Colliers speak on topics of real interest to our audience.
What is the vision for the future of JBN?
When the meeting room in our WTC event has become too small to accommodate the number of networkers who want to attend, we opened a second group to give networkers Kemang in south Jakarta the opportunity to attend more easily. We want to continue our growth, bringing real value to our members and keep them coming references. The vision involves really get networkers companies promoted online and ensure that it is a club that continues to attract a high caliber of participants. Once both the WTC bearing capacity and Kemang then it could be time to open a third. Watch this space.
Many companies are now in a network key part of their marketing plan. Tell us why you believe it is so important in the climate of business today.
Old school marketing strategies consist of "play the numbers game" and the belief is that by talking and as close as possible contacts, sales will increase. We believe that if your contacts can see your business to people they know, which acts as more of a rider and gives you credibility and a much better chance to convert this opportunity. Relationships are so important and you are much more likely to refer (or buy) the services of a person you meet each week, compared to a stranger.
How can readers find out more about your events? Should they join your LinkedIn page?
Yes, the group is called "Jakarta Business Networkers" and we post information every week on our last meetings.
Thank you, Jean-Philippe. To contact, please email: info@jbnetworkers.com