NET WORKING EVENT ASSIGNMENT

Student name: Ky Phuoc Lam

ID: 658374764

Vancouver Island University

MBAA 524
Instructor: Dr. John Woychuk

January 8th, 2022

 I. Name of Event: Toronto’s Big Business, Tech & Entrepreneur Professional
Networking Soriee
1. Host of Event: Toronto Entrepreneurs, Startup & Business Coalition
2. Location of Event: Midtown Gastro Hub 1535 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1Z2
3. Date and time of event: August 31, 2021, 3:30 p.m. PDT
4. Approximate number of Attendees: The number of attendees is around 60 people. And the
meeting was on zoom.
5. Did you use your 30 second pitch or a variation of it? How was it received?
A 30 second pitch is very effective for first impressions, so I would like to use it to expand my
network. My pitch was: “My background is mechanical engineering and business, mainly in the
high-tech sector and currently, I am the manager of a large production facility. We are focused
on manufacturing electronic components. and the company is based in Vietnam. I love being in
the business environment, seeing everything being made and talking to consumers.
6. Describe your experience at this event?
This networking event is a good opportunity for me to expand my network with other
businessmen who have the same interests. There, I can show potential employers my abilities,
my skills or my personality for my future interview. And I can determine what relationship can
help me in my career. Although the event is virtual, I still could talk with managers in some
industries such as supply chain, technology and F&B. Needless to say that I gained a lot through
joining the event.
7. Did anything surprise you?
My most surprising thing is the manager 's attitude, they were very friendly and open. Whenever
I reached out and asked them a bunch of questions about their company, they provided my
answers in detail. They also gave me their email to keep in touch. I was eager to have an
internship with the manager of such a company.
8. Who did you meet at the event?
I had a chance to have a conversation with some founders of start-up companies. So I can
understand their economic problem as a start-up and discuss their future solutions.
9. What did you learn?
Networking is a favorable platform for me to express and share my knowledge. Ican discuss
business ideas you've been thinking about and ask for advice. The multi-dimensional perspective
from everyone will make it easier for me to grasp the problem and come up with specific
actionable solutions. Networking skills also play an active role in business opportunities. When I
have a connection with other individuals/organizations, I will receive more cooperation offers or
interesting invitations that are useful for my business, opening up business development
opportunities for me.
10. What is your plan to follow up based on the people you met?
To maintain relationships with others, I am willing to connect with them by LinkedIn or email. I
also ask for company information to do further research. For me, this event gave me a good
chance to expand my network as I can invite them to another meeting as soon as possible.
II. Name of Event: Surrey Business Networking – Promote your Business and
Build a Referral Team
1. Host of Event: Meshroad Marketing
2. Location of Event: Knight and Day Restaurant, 9677 King George Blvd.
3. Date and time of event: December 30, 2021, 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM PST
4. Approximate number of Attendees: The number of attendees is around 30 people. And the
meeting was on zoom.
5. Did you use your 30 second pitch or a variation of it? How was it received?
My elevator pitch was:” After two year working experience, I am pursuing MBA from
Vancouver Island University, I spent two years working with a warehouse specialist position.
My job is mainly to support the logistics team for one of the freight transport departments. I love
my job, but now I'm starting to think about bigger goals. I would like to run my own business; it
is my pleasure for me to be one of your partners.
6. Describe your experience at this event?
When I have a connection with other individuals/organizations, I will receive more cooperation
offers or interesting invitations that are useful for my business. It is important for my business to
undergo the start-up process but also to stay up to date with market trends. I could also
understand how to take advantage of events such as seminars, business networking seminars, etc.
to impress and establish a strong reputation for my business. From those events, I will attract
many investments or referrals.
7. Did anything surprise you?
I was surprised how effective networking events are. It not only gave me an opportunity to learn,
but also a good occasion to reinforce my career as I can do further internship research based on
information that I gathered from this event.
8. Who did you meet at the event?
I had a chance to have a conversation with John who is the founder of a F & B start-up. He gave
me a lot of crucial experience such as how to attract investment, using liabilities or equity to
leverage my business,etc. I also asked his Linkedin account to keep in touch. I also met other
businessmen who were willing to be my mentor.
9. What did you learn?
It's about knowing how to share. Network a two-way interaction. Instead of thinking “How do
they do it? How can they help me?” Then I should think, “How can I help them?”. No one will
care about me if I can't show how much I want to help them. Sincerity is the factor that helps me
maintain long-term relationships. If the other person realizes that I lied, they will never maintain
the same relationship with me.
10. What is your plan to follow up based on the people you met?
Just simple actions such as asking about their work and life situation, caring about their
surroundings. I expand my network with the other person and become much closer. I also asked
for their phone number and e-mail. The fact that you care deeply about the other person will
make you more impressive in their network.