My Understanding of Business Networking in Australia
Networking, for me, is about forming meaningful connections, exchanging ideas, learning from each other and creating mutual value. Having lived and worked in India, Poland, the UK, and now Australia, I’ve seen how the culture of networking shifts across borders. Among these, Australia stands out, and not just because of its laid-back vibe.
“I noticed that the most valuable opportunities such as jobs, projects, collaborations, weren’t found through formal channels. They came through people.”
What strikes me here is how personal networking feels. It’s a people-first culture, where relationships are central and trust is everything. Most jobs and business opportunities don’t emerge from online ads or cold outreach. They are formed from conversations, introductions, and quiet recommendations made by people who know and vouch for each other.
One early experience taught me just how layered this dynamic can be. I met someone at a professional event, and after a brief chat about career transitions, she offered to have a follow-up conversation. Within 24 hours, she asked me for a testimonial for her new business even though we’d barely spoken. That felt off. It was a good reminder that while connections are important, authentic relationships take time to build.
My first steps into local networking started with IABC NSW and the ANZ India Business Chamber. I met professionals from communication, education, and business backgrounds. The conversations were insightful. But I also noticed that the most valuable opportunities such as jobs, projects, collaborations, weren’t found through formal channels. They came through people. Trusted referrals mattered more than curated resumes.
That said, not every space felt welcoming. At times, I was the only Asian in the room, and the unspoken sense of ‘you’re not from around here’ was hard to ignore. People tended to stick to their familiar circles, which made it tough for newcomers to break in. That closed-loop dynamic limits what these networks can really offer.
However, when networking works, it works brilliantly.
One of my best experiences has been with a Sydney based professional connection whom I met through a common friend in Denmark. He demonstrated the immense power of authentic engagement and networking by making strong recommendations, co-creating thought leadership opportunities, sharing feedback, coaching me on the local nuances, providing guidance on social media interactions and pointing me to influential people who could open doors.
When hosts play an active role in bringing people together based on shared interests or goals, the results are immediate. I’ve co-authored articles, spoken at webinars, and met collaborators, all because someone made the effort to introduce us properly. Recently, I was at a small gathering in Sydney, where a mix of students, technologists, entrepreneurs, and academics were matched intentionally by the host. That made all the difference. Tools like LinkedIn’s QR scanner helped, and simple touches like name tags at events made it easier to connect and remember people.
But what I’d love to see more of is intentional design for networking, especially at larger conferences and summits. Organisers often overlook the chance to help attendees find each other. Apps, facilitated introductions, and networking scores (based on feedback) could make it easier to see where value really lies.
At the end of the day, networking to me is about who feels seen, heard, and included. And when that happens, real value is created for everyone.
Author:
Dr. Aniisu K. Verghese is a globally recognised expert in employee experience and inclusive workplaces based in Sydney. A Prosci® Certified Change Management Practitioner and LinkedIn Top Voice in Internal Communications and Personal Branding, he moved to Australia in 2023 through the country’s global talent program. With over 20 years of experience across India, Poland, and the UK, Aniisu has held leadership roles in multinational firms spanning finance, technology, retail, consulting, and banking. Awarded IABC APAC Communicator of the Year (2022), he empowers organisations and leaders through effective change and communication strategies. A speaker, mentor, and author of Internal Communications - Insights, Practices and Models (2012), Get Intentional (2021) and Inclusive Internal Communications (2023), Aniisu shares his insights via his blog www.aniisu.com. He can be contacted via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniisu/
