Networking, Asian American Style

Are there networking techniques that are specific to Asian Pacific Americans? You bet!

Are there any networking techniques that are specific to Asian Pacific Americans (APA)? You bet.

One stereotype is that APAs are shy and introverted, and thus APAs dont network as much as other ethnicities. Fortunately, this simply isnt true for many of us. And even if you do fall into this stereotype, you have the capacity for change!

Networking with Other APAs

Being an APA makes it easier to connect with another APA. Even if youre in different professions and have different interests, we nearly always have at least a few other things in common: upbringing and parental behavior patterns, favorite items and hobbies (boba tea, anyone? Volleyball?), language, common experiences in school, work and family. Did you learn piano or violin while growing up? Have strangers been surprised that you spoke English? Did you have to worry about mixing Asian and Western traditions in a wedding? These are the common experiences and frames of reference that can help start or sustain a conversation.

APA Community Organizations

There are many local and national level APA service, cultural, professional and social organizations that cater to a wide range of needs and interests in the APA community. Since virtually all of these organizations are always seeking members and volunteers, theyre a place where you can gain quick acceptance and involvement in pre-existing networking circles even if youre new to networking.

APA Websites

Likewise, there are numerous APA websites (like this one!), chat rooms, e-groups and listservers where total strangers from around the world are able to meet and e-chat about everything under the sun, with an interest in all things APA being the only connection. Handled right, being active in APA websites and e-mail lists lives up to the notion of living in an online community. (Handled wrong, it lives down to the flame wars that occasionally engulf large areas of cyberspace. For whatever reason, some people that are civil in face to face situations devolve into brutes online. Please refrain from that.)

Dealing with Stereotypes

Its human nature for us to carry around a bag of pre-conceived notions about othersstereotypes--that weve picked up from peers, popular culture, the media or past experiences. Political correctness may have driven stereotypes underground, but even though people dont articulate them, they still carry them. The good news is that its getting better, as APAs continue to break stereotypes, and as media portrayal of APAs slowly improves over time.

That said, when networking with non-APAs (and even many APAs), keep in mind that stereotypes will to some degree serve as a filter for how they perceive you. Your goal then is to dispel the negative stereotypes while if possible reinforcing some of the positive stereotypes. (I know, all stereotypes are harmful to the community as a whole, but some of them may be useful to the individual J.)

For example, lets say that youd like to network with a company executive to get a promotion. The classic stereotype says that APAs are quiet and reserved, but intelligent and hard workers. Youll want to make an effort to be outgoing when talking to help counter the quiet stereotype, but hey, theres no need to disprove the notion that youre smart and hard working J.

Be aware of the stereotypes, but dont carry them around as a chip on your shoulder.

Its important to recognize and stand up to negative stereotypes and racism when you see it, but not everything needs to be openly attacked. Many well meaning people hold stereotypes mostly because they just dont know any better. Many stereotypes can disproven by personal example, or addressed with a gentle corrective comment. Remember, when networking, youre there to make friends, not discipline enemies. (Then again, if someones being a jerk, then you probably dont want them as a contact anyway, so attack away. Verbally, that is.)

Good APA Traits to Have

As an APA, youre influenced by Asian cultural values and behavior patterns to some degree. Some of these are great for networking: being a good listener, being respectful, seeking consensus and working as a team rather than as an individual. If you have these traits, use them to your advantage!

Asians Only Keep to Themselves

The mainstream often feels that ethnicities tend to only keep with themselves. Its understandable that people of the same ethnicity like to hang out with each other since they have many interests and situations in common. That said, its important to have diversity in your network. Make sure to break the stereotype by having non-APAs in your network too.

Next Time: An Aside: Six Degrees of Separation

AsianConnections Team columnist Dr. Jhemon Lee is a past Chairman of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), and remains an active officer. Dr. Lee is actively involved in many community organizations and is a practising radiologist in Southern California. He received his undergraduate degree at Harvard and his medical degree from the University of Maryland. To contact Jhemon, please send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..