Anindya Kusuma Putri, Indonesian model and beauty pageant title holder who was crowned Puteri Indonesia (Princess of Indonesia) 2015, shares her thoughts on networking and socializing and how talking to strangers gives an energy to our lives. 

VIDEO [Indonesian; Translation Support]

Coherent exposition of the speech

1. Anindya Putri introduces herself and the main topic of networking. She believes her success as Princess of Indonesia is largely due to the many people who have helped her along the way.

2, She begins by challenging the common perception that networking is only for formal business settings. She emphasizes that building and maintaining a network is a broader and more crucial skill.

3. To illustrate her point, Anindya shares the inspirational story of Merry Riana. Merry struggled abroad but helped a stranger without expecting anything in return, an act of kindness that was repaid years later, leading to her success.

4. The first lesson from this story is to never underestimate anyone you meet. The person you help today might be the one who helps you significantly in the future.

5. Anindya then shares a personal story about meeting her Japanese friend, Tomo, at a conference in Vietnam. She noticed he was sitting alone because he lacked confidence in his English skills.

6. The speaker took the initiative to approach Tomo and start a conversation. She highlights the importance of being proactive and empathetic, looking beyond someone’s initial shyness or perceived limitations.

7. This initial connection paid off beautifully two years later when she visited Japan. Tomo, who then worked for a Japanese company, remembered her and went to great lengths to host her and her friends, taking time off work.

8. The key takeaway from this experience is the importance of respecting people for who they are, not their “cover.” Anindya compares building relationships to planting a seed; you nurture it with kindness, and it will eventually bear fruit.

9. She reiterates the long-term, positive impact of networking. The people you meet today may become invaluable to your future, a reality she has personally experienced.

10. The speaker defines networking as building an “ongoing relationship.” A connection made today can lead to future collaboration or support in unexpected ways, like her attending an event as a guest for someone she met.

11. She creates a relatable analogy, comparing the process of networking to dating. The first stage is “forming,” where you are attracted to someone and want to get to know them, similar to seeking connections in an organizational context/b>.

12. The second stage in the analogy is the “getting to know” phase (PDKT), where you put in effort to build a closer connection. This is akin to maintaining an ongoing relationship with your contacts.

13. The final stage in the analogy is being in a committed relationship (“jadian”), which in networking terms translates to successful collaboration. This is the ultimate goal where ideas and projects come to fruition.

14. Anindya states a crucial principle: the most important thing in networking is not how many people you know, but how many people know you. This shifts the focus from collecting contacts to making a genuine/b> impression.

15. The speaker begins her practical tips for “building” a network. The first and most important thing is your attitude, as people remember you for either your kindness or your bad actions, and a good first impression is key.

16. Her second tip is to conduct research before a networking event. Being prepared with knowledge about the attendees allows you to have meaningful, unique conversations and stand out in a positive way.

17. The third tip for building your network is to minimize phone use. Networking time is precious, and being on your gadget wastes the opportunity to connect meaningfully with important people.

18. Anindya then provides tips on how to “maintain” a network. First, communicate well and sustain the relationship by keeping in touch, exchanging messages, and showing genuine interest.

19. Second, be a reliable and capable person. When you are trustworthy and people can depend on you, you will naturally gain their trust and more opportunities for collaboration.

20. Finally, actively collaborate and create things with your network. The ultimate result of networking is teamwork that produces outcomes. She concludes by encouraging everyone to enjoy networking, talk to each other, and find points for future cooperation.