It is important to take advantage of the networking opportunities that are available in Phnom Penh, as they can help you make valuable connections, gain insights, and access resources that can benefit your business.
There are various types of networking opportunities that you can explore in Phnom Penh, depending on your goals, interests, and industry. Some of the most common and effective ones are:
- Business associations and chambers of commerce: These are organizations that represent the interests and concerns of businesses in a specific sector or country. They provide various services and benefits to their members, such as advocacy, information, training, events, and networking. Some of the most active business associations and chambers of commerce in Phnom Penh are BritCham Cambodia, AmCham Cambodia, the Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC), and EuroCham Cambodia. They hold regular networking events that are easy to get an invitation to. You can reach out to them to find out when the next event is and see if you are able to attend.
- Online platforms and social media: These are digital tools that allow you to connect with other businesses and professionals online. They can help you expand your network, promote your brand, generate leads, and find opportunities. Some of the most popular online platforms and social media for business networking in Phnom Penh are B2BeeMatch, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. You can create your business profile, join groups or communities, participate in discussions, share content, and send messages to potential contacts.
- Entrepreneurial hubs and coworking spaces: These are physical spaces that offer a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and creatives to work, collaborate, learn, and network. They provide various facilities and amenities, such as desks, internet, meeting rooms, equipment, events, workshops, mentors, and investors. Some of the most popular entrepreneurial hubs and coworking spaces in Phnom Penh are Factory Phnom Penh, Raintree Cambodia, Making It Easy Co., Ltd, WS1 by Factory Phnom Penh, and Impact Hub Phnom Penh. You can visit these spaces to work on your projects, meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, and join activities.
- Cultural events and festivals: These are occasions that celebrate the culture, history, art, music, food, or religion of Cambodia or other countries. They provide an opportunity to learn about the local culture and context, as well as to interact with people from different backgrounds and interests. Some of the most popular cultural events and festivals in Phnom Penh are Water Festival, Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben Festival, International Women’s Day, French Film Festival, Japanese Film Festival, Cambodian International Film Festival, Chaktomuk Short Film Festival, Cambodian Living Arts Festival, Our City Festival, Bonn Om Touk Festival ,and Bonn Kathen Festival . You can attend these events to enjoy the performances, exhibitions, food stalls, or games, as well as to mingle with locals and foreigners.
These are some of the networking opportunities that you can explore in Phnom Penh to grow your business. By attending these events or joining these platforms or spaces, you can build relationships
with potential customers, partners, suppliers, mentors, or investors. You can also gain insights into the market trends, customer preferences, challenges, and opportunities in Phnom Penh. You can also showcase your products or services, and get feedback or referrals from other businesses or professionals.
However, to make the most out of these networking opportunities, you should also follow some basic etiquette rules to make a good impression and build trust with your contacts.
Here are some of them:
- Be prepared: Before attending an event or joining a platform or space, do some research on the organizers, the participants, the agenda, and the objectives. Prepare your business cards, your elevator pitch, your questions, and your goals.
- Be respectful: When meeting someone for the first time, greet them with a sampeah (placing your palms together at chest level and bowing slightly) or a handshake (only after they initiate it). Use their full name and title, unless they invite you to use their first name. Avoid touching or pointing at someone’s head, as it is considered sacred in Buddhism. Avoid pointing your feet at someone or stepping over them, as it is considered rude and disrespectful.
- Be polite: When conversing with someone, listen attentively, show interest, and ask open-ended questions. Avoid interrupting or contradicting them. Avoid topics that may be sensitive or controversial, such as politics, religion, or the Khmer Rouge regime. Use indirect or subtle ways to express your opinions or feelings, as Cambodians tend to avoid confrontation and direct criticism.
- Be patient: When negotiating or closing a deal with someone, be prepared to invest time and effort to build rapport and trust before getting into serious discussions. Be flexible and willing to compromise, as Cambodians value harmony and cooperation over competition and confrontation. Be aware of the cultural nuances that may affect your communication, such as the use of “maybe”, “we will see”, or “it is difficult” to indicate disagreement or refusal, the use of “yes” to everything to avoid offending you or losing face, and the use of smile or laughter to hide their feelings or discomfort.
- Be follow-up: After meeting someone, thank them for their time and attention, and exchange business cards with them. Send them an email or a phone call to confirm the next steps or actions. Keep in touch with them until you achieve your desired outcome.
By following these etiquette rules, you can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and create a positive and lasting impression.
List of References:
: [BritCham Cambodia]
: [AmCham Cambodia]
: [The Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC)]
: [EuroCham Cambodia]
: [B2BeeMatch]
: [LinkedIn]
: [Facebook]
: [Twitter]
: [Factory Phnom Penh]
: [Raintree Cambodia]
: [Making It Easy Co., Ltd]
: [WS1 by Factory Phnom Penh]
: [Impact Hub Phnom Penh]
: [Water Festival]
: [Khmer New Year]
: [Pchum Ben Festival]
: [International Women’s Day]
: [French Film Festival]
: [Japanese Film Festival]
: [Cambodian International Film Festival]
: Chaktomuk Short Film Festival
:[Cambodian Living Arts Festival] (22)
:[Our City Festival] (23)
:[Bonn Om Touk Festival] (24)
:[Bonn Kathen Festival] (25)
