A date with the planet, China's Venture Capital /Private Equity opportunities

I really cannot appreciate how dedicated all 'bloggers' are, I am already so swamped that I barely have time to sleep and do the normal things, let alone blogging!

However, not one to give up easily, I will give it a try for a whole year minimum to see how it goes. (well, this post I drafted in March... what month is this now!?)

I started to comment on A date with the planet in March after been to that lovely event organised by George Polk, but drafted and never managed to finish and publish it. Its probably my typical habit of trying to draft it right and double/triple check by people (for business journals or book chapters on my business sectors). Does it mean that the quality of blogger's writing could be affected as people try to 'publish' it sooner rather than later?

I guess its the idea that counts.

I have been to so many different sector's events and met with so many great people in the last few months that I still have tonnes of business cards to follow up, from renewable energy, VCs/PEs, gaming, government departments in UK, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Madrid etc. etc.

One thing is for sure, it is that people are continuously looking for good and likeable people to hope to stay in touch and see what real and substantial opportunities may lie and hope to position to capitalise on it.

Same rationale happens in the carbon trading (aim to control/minimise on carbon emission), to clean tech, and even ways of finding/checking/and investing in start-up and mid-market growth firms in China.

REAL question is if the market is keep changing, rules are being formed (nationally and internationally), does it mean that only limited number of people who has the overall view of the opportunities can win or be able to profit (at least for the long term). And if so, is it likely that those people that has the most amount of resources are more likely to win?

Not necessarily as we can see that even major firms, don't want to name names, quite a few major private banks in the last few months just re-merge their hedge fund operations back into their asset management operations.

Therefore it does not mean likes of The Climate capital or major Private Equity firms would do well in their sector given billions funds.

One of the key message from the China Venture capital and Private Equity forum, keynotes from Andrew Yan and Hugo Shong both mentioned that its not just money but insight, and adaptability to the local culture/opportunities. Thats why mostly the successes have been with those firms like Andrew and Hugos.

Same would apply for the carbon/clean tech and other emerging markets, however, some may argue that there might be some altruistic goals for certain sector, having found and run CXO, I can identify with that, but not sure how sustainable it is!

Until next time (hopefully not seven months!).

Networking for success, where to start?

Well, my first post to my blog focusing on networking, its business networking, not IT networking. This blog purely is for me to jot down my thought as I see it now from my point of view, so, it might be wrong from your point of view. People might not agree with my thinking, but I guess diversity brings opportunities. We might not admit to it, we are all continuously learning, especially me, so, welcome your feedback suggestions either here or via email (gareth[at]CXOEurope.org).

There is only one certainty, there is no right or wrong way to network. Well, one could argue that being controversial and sometimes rude should be a definite no-no, but we can just only look with Envy with the amount of money and success the 'shock jock' Howard stern is earning! OK, he is not doing that in the networking environment (does he? pls tell me if you have met him in private!), but he ids doing that in public!!

So, therefore, one may argue that like everything in life, each person just have to find the approach and style they are comfortable with. Probably start by asking themselves:

1.) what they aim to achieve out of it (business networking),
2.) their own capital (family background, good looks, talent, expertise, humour, wealth, or indeed whom they represent, or know?),
3.) whom they want to meet,
4.) what value they might bring to those people in the hope that the favour could be returned
and work it from there
5.) manage own expectation, as networking is for life, not when you 'need' it, as by then, its too late, and you don't and would not have the network to support you. Question is: would you have the time/energy/commitment? if not, do not start!

However, I firmly believe that finding and nurturing 'trusted' relationship is the crux of networking. Which means one would really need to know one self best before going out to network! As nothing is worst when people ask you what you do, and you start trying to make it up as you go along. or probably the worst answer of all: 'not sure'!

"Not sure" is an OK answer for good friends, but not whilst you network with people that you are not familiar with. Nor those that you want to keep in touch for the weeks/months/years to come.

Therefore, in order to network successfully, FIRST: one need to take stock of one's position, successes, failures, goals, assets (intellectual, looks, network or achievements in different sectors or quantifiable talents).

Next is to choose where to network! More later.