CXO Network Europe, Blog on networking, senior executive events across industries/markets

comments re Goldman Sachs vs. Chinese Banks

2009-09-12T08:23:00.000+00:00

Some may argue that there is no right or wrong answers, western world has previously a 'proven model' but since credit crunch, we may have observed that the model might be broken in various ways. China is so unique that it might be a perfect ground to have a 'new banking/trading model' devised. may we live in interesting time. @GarethWong

My comments re If a charity spends less than half its funds on its programs, does that mean it's ineffective? - By Sandy Stonesifer - Slate Magazine

2009-09-11T00:02:00.000+00:00

If a charity spends less than half its funds on its programs, does that mean it's ineffective? - By Sandy Stonesifer - Slate Magazine

We at CXO Europe/Asia would like to tackle this in conjunction with other top charity organisation like ACEVO and others to get to the bottom of this.

It would be rather interesting indeed.

Alternative Fuels Expansion With Hydrocarbons – Future of Biofuels - Popular Mechanics

2009-09-10T23:23:00.000+00:00

Alternative Fuels Expansion With Hydrocarbons – Future of Biofuels - Popular Mechanics

How soon can these technology be commercialised!?

it has been more than a year since this article published.

who knows..

Apple in gaming? So where are the deals? (Dealscape - Technology)

2009-09-10T22:54:00.000+00:00

Apple in gaming? So where are the deals? (Dealscape - Technology)

Hardware is only part of the jigsaw. Apple has now got both cult/avant-garde AND mass market following at higher price tag. Given the success of app store (pseudo-micro pricing + developer community), it is some would argue that it has the perfect platform to be leveraged to launch some proper community gaming with or without competing with consoles (as we know it). Despite not an apple user, I am looking forward to now (hopefully fully recovered) new Steve Jobs. @GarethWong

My comment re Apple's big challenge is not Spotify but China | Opinion | New Media Age

2009-09-10T09:24:00.000+00:00

Apple's big challenge is not Spotify but China | Opinion | New Media Age

Indeed, it is general view that 'he who wins over china, will win the world'.

yes, it is a big market, but China has and play to its own rules, rightly or wrongly. Knowing its own market size, and iron grip on regulations and hence can dictate and has enough market to have its own variants of standard(s), why play to the western tunes when China can have its own 'instrument'?

in this instance, China should be considered as a different market and no doubt a new rules/market leader will be formed, on business model/value chain and maybe we can also observe different consumer behaviour.

however, whether or not these would also be translated to rest of the world? time will tell.

@GarethWong

Internet Industry Trends 6sept09 (for E/MBA club)

2009-09-07T23:05:00.001+00:00

Check out David Kelly's (Co-Founder, CEO MyDeco.com) SlideShare Presentation : Industry Trends 6sept09 http://slidesha.re/8zW6z

Industry Trends 6sept09

View more presentations from Gareth Wong.

My comments on Strategy is the key / we are social

2009-08-14T16:49:00.001+00:00

Strategy is the key / we are social

good post thanks.

I do go to spain (Madrid/barcelona) few times a year for mostly non Web2.0 business (finance/insurance/remote gaming/& networking with top CXOs)

my limited observation is that the 'culture' is very different.

there are still limited number of people walking around with ipod yet, and people are still enjoying chats at the jamon bar/pubs

and most importantly, they READ on the train, in shades (where ever you can find) etc. proof: http://flic.kr/p/6FDSUx

I don't spend enough time there to know what people in private lives in front of the computer, but I also know another fact that they are in fact not technophobic, as a lot of non spainish don't know, spain and portugal is one of the most advanced EU country which people transact not on pc/mobile/tv but via bank's ATM.

So, in short, adapt to the local culture/habits, Web2.0 will still be applicable but maybe not as we know it in rest of europe or even the world.

@GarethWong

My comments re Scobleizer — Tech geek blogger � Blog Archive Are bloggers & social networks killing the big shows? �

2008-12-19T18:24:00.001+00:00

Scobleizer — Tech geek blogger � Blog Archive Are bloggers & social networks killing the big shows? �

Big trade shows focus on bringing hundreds of thousands of people together and maximise profit for the tradeshow founder/host (can't blame them).

It's a good gig if you got history/scale, as not many people(competitor) would dare to start one, unless they can find a different niche/focus (E3, CeBit, CES) This is the same for B2B conferences in various industries/sectors (e.g. Telecoms: IIR, IBC, Informa, Finance: euromoney, FT, economists) however, one thing is for sure, most so so organisers (especially the market leaders) tend to become blinkered and develop narrow field vision, namely, they focus too much on sponsors need (rather than paying attendees or even key stake holders' requirements)

Therefore, in the end, we see things like these MacWorld saga (not knowing the background/real story, the organiser may have asked apple to how best to appease them, it might be too late or they might not have even asked because they thing they have scale!? Anyone knows?)

Key however is that trade show/conferences alike, need to be focused, and as mentioned the internet/video/blogging change that, but mostly so far within the FMCG market, let's so on B2B, they are still quite niche & sometimes internally focused. E.g. Challenges of rating, not easily understood derivatives/"structured products" (or zero cost products, CDO, CDS) are already well known in the finance sector.

One thing is for sure, pulling a few (or even big number) of key senior industry guys together is not difficult, IF you already has built up the trusted relationships. Many conference organisers may have lost sight of key Focus/benefits are clearly relationship buildings..

Cost vs benefits for attendees/sponsors quite frequently don't add up. Therefore, finding the balance or win-win is KEY!

I personally prefer 4-10 people maximum lunch/evening functions of senior people are most effective!

@garethwong

My comments on Why I Love Twitter - O'Reilly Radar

2008-12-12T10:01:00.001+00:00

Why I Love Twitter - O'Reilly Radar

Great post Tim,

one of the few best ones I have come across in the past two weeks of reactivating my twitter account after 1.5years absence.

can't write better than you

Key Question is that this seems to be the accepted 'normal' usage of twitter, one of the reason I never blogged was due to wanting to keep my personal information private. Power of twitter as I see it is 'concise micro-blogging', which saves me time as I don't have time to wade through all the Blogs and comments of the multiple sectors that I follow.

But twitter enables me to follow people's updates/news stories in a condensed timeframe (am still trying to find what is optimal). and can delve into it when there is time. However, what you have not touched on is how/whether for people like me that would like to extend my business relationships/friendships but in a managable scale, as I generally focus on B2B, therefore, keeping up relationships with multiple contacts with key organisations across multiple sectors is already too much let alone another few thousands if not multiple tens of thousands of contacts.

If Twitter or the derivation of it could cater for people like me, it would be brilliant, one key aspects would be how I keep my feed private and yet can elect certain posts to be public. this should be achievable!? then, and most likely only then, would a good percentage of the mass market would signup and contribute in a 'perceived safer and more private environment'..

Just my thoughts at the moment.

Gareth

@garethwong

My thoughts of Pros & Cons of 10 Ways Personal Branding Can Save You From Getting Fired

2008-12-10T21:37:00.002+00:00

10 Ways Personal Branding Can Save You From Getting Fired

I network quite extensively, and in fact prefer to be private person. However, as an entrepreneur, one will have to get ourselves out there.

Another view point I might add if its ok is also the 'balance', one need to be VERY careful of how much you 'want to give', I have come to a point where my database is now 15,000+, close to 2000+ contacts on linkedIn (mostly senior people) plus I am still meeting more people..

challenge now is how can I stay polite and tell people that want to/are meeting me that I really don't have enough capacity (frequently) to give them the time that they deserve without sounding rude?

Also, another challenge is that I would prefer my life to be private, as its fine being recognised, and all, but I don't want average joe also know about my life and come up & know everything about me!?

And also, the ship is now sailed and challenge is how to keep it sailing with the right purpose to get enough value to help ourselves and our cause(s).

Good article but approach with care and should develop a 'STRATEGIC Plan' of how to manage the growth, as no doubt NOT everyone want to be a Robert Scoble.

Reverse of that is also true, namely, outside of Tech media, Robert might not be that famous, because in Telecom B2C, Finance, Insurance, Gaming gambling, he is NOT known (in my circle anyway), so, its brilliant that when I started using twitter finally in the last two weeks, I only then realise what the fuss was about when his account was closed on FaceBook.. didn't have time then nor now to look up the reasons but that illustrate another point. your strategy above mostly work within the Tech/media/PR sector (B2C??) that are linked by bloggers etc.

Therefore, one should look at what are the influencer/networks compare to what they want to achieve in the short/medium/long term. I have not checked the grammar etc. above, hope this make sense.

Gareth

@garethwong (my twitter feed is private & twitter need 2 improve on privacy protection on the system).

Business school networking

2008-12-09T19:17:00.002+00:00

The target audience of this post is for fellow MBAs of City/Cass Business School.

Not having been an entrepreneur that long (only since 2002), but I have learnt many lessons, and one key one is to 'network' and build up a trusted network of contacts. It's corny but it is really "who" you know, in times more important than 'what' you know.

Speaking from experience, I have founded a few initiatives for the senior executives cross sectors (CXO Europe/Asia), for the gaming gambling world (Gambit non profit special interest group, Gaming Money Summit at the London Stock Exchange) and also E/MBA club offline gatherings for City/Cass MBAs (+ online exclusive group where despite not being the 'official' community, we have now close to 800 people worldwide!)

It frustrates me when I see more top guys & girls that only join the network (on-line or offline) when they wanted the support of the network, but sadly I have to say, it is too late, when you are NOT the CEO/MD of a multi-national or major firm.

It is sadly the human nature, if you can't spare the time to sow seeds, it maybe difficult to harvest as no crops.

Therefore, please do it like other top guys, like those that already support and speak or attend top events at City/Cass or in more exclusive/private gatherings of E/MBA club. (e.g. CEO of SG Hambros, MD of AON, President of Shell SA, MD Taylor's Port etc.)

or just click through and join the private network on LinkedIn (the one I founded), and most importantly update your details on the City/cass website. It takes only seconds, well few minutes the most.

I can tell you, there are some pretty great offline gatherings I am putting together for 2009, from 'business of olympics' to "business of Internet", as we have done before, it will be best place to stimulate your mind, build new or renew existing trusted relationships!

Do The Green Thing

2008-11-27T01:56:00.000+00:00

Do The Green Thing

Brilliant initiative.. its big, ambitious, and need all the support it needs!

this might be a fantastic charity that all CXOs should support, not only with money which a lot of charity are only focus on raising, but management/business time, resources,

for example, why not one of our CXO that owns a channel just give a few minutes of airtime for this!?

We need to work together to save our planet, but most importantly for our kids and their kids' generations!

They have done the hard bit, we just need to work with them to create the 'fellowship' and 'reach'!

All the DAZE - Toddler Resources

2008-05-11T16:39:00.000+00:00

All the DAZE - Toddler Resources

This is one of the better resources that should come with our kids..

its rather interesting and should help.

http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

Longevity of success: CXO vs Artistic Talents

2008-05-11T00:25:00.000+00:00

Finally, I chose to rest and not work/plan things last night. Whilst I was watching a couple of old programs (from last year) produced by RTHK (Hong Kong's equivalent of BBC) on the undying longevity of singer/ song writers coming from the ex British territory like Danny Chan, Lead singer of Beyond etc.

Surprising fact is that their brilliance and talent is even more revered and recognised once they are gone (both died young!).. Although, when they were alive, the public did appreciate them but not nearly as much as when they are gone!

It dawned on me that its a bit reverse in the business world, when the "star" business man/enterpreneur are usually only respected and liked whilst they are STILL at the top.. rather than when they become an "ex-certain company", but of course, if they were "poached", then that would be very different! Of course, as a multi-millionaire ex-any company would also get much attention (both good & bad!)

Rarely do one have likes of Sage of ohmaha Warren Buffet or Steve Jobs/Bill Gates/ that seems to be constantly at the very top... They are like "Ironman" of the business world!

But still, in many ways, it also surprises me that there are quite a few top CEOs/Managing partners of major corporations and even VCs/PE funds, that I was in touch with seem to reckon that they are like the forementioned Ironman, and can do no wrong, and in many ways could verge on becoming cocky and sometimes too full of themselves (both internally & externally).

Its usually these people that would tell me later that that they would like to get involve with my CXO network (as they lost their job!) and sadly by then due to not qualify, and their previous personality, I could not let them in...
Although I would still do my best to make some introductions which may help their endeavour.

Of course, its different for those that were already part of our network as we have a special program called "senior officer in transition" that they can join and should help in some ways to get them placed again.

This maybe a bit different for the talented Artists, which we as consumers can see, where they rarely like madonna that could stay on top by keep on re-inventing herself...

Key to success may seem to be different from the creative/artistic talents' perspective, as its about creating an artistic product(s), be it film, theatre, music or creating arts ... Which in many ways is under control of the artist themselves...

However, we have seen that the advent of technologies which accelerates globalisation and "reach" of product & services, means that previous "niches" or "indie" types has now geniunely somehow become less niche but mass market!

Combined with some business and street smart, artists could become business man (may need less 'hits') and move to production/business side.

And business man like steve jobs (or I would argue that he's more like an artist) can create something new using his vision and consequently create new markets and following...

Key however is the innovations and humbleness that we can and should try to adopt.

Let we all try to become the next generation of "artist businessman".

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

CNBC - The Business of Innovation

2007-11-18T23:26:00.000+00:00

CNBC - The Business of Innovation

This was one of the better business based programs I have seen in the last year or so. I still have another program to catchup on my sky+.

They do ask a lot of appropriate key questions (mostly for midium size to conglomerate firms) which should be important even without studying a MBA!

However, it is rather US centric, but to be frank, its 50-100 times better than our dragon's den in UK, which is too much about life-style business.. and entertainment..

we really need some higher quality business programs in UK/europe.. surely, RDF and others can do something about it!

All in all, CNBC, great job!

Re: Writing an article on traffic and LinkedIn for CAP magazine

2007-11-01T21:29:00.001+00:00

Ok Rasmus

How about:

Gareth Wong, founder of GamBond®, Gambit special interest group (www.TheGambit.info) and CXO Europe's thought on virtual networking.

I use various online social networks, from LinkedIn, Plaxo to facebook (only started a few months).

However, business wise, I use mostly LinkedIn due to the extensive number of senior executives across many business sectors and countries. As I network extensively both within and outside gaming gambling sectors (looking at Technology, media, entertainment, finance and governments), I thought the environment of linkedIn most appropriate (less complex, essentially linked CVs of different individuals). Although it has changed a bit and provide more messaging, questions & answers etc, I hope these would not scare off other senior executives.

However, a network is only as good as quality of people and the value they bring (rather than take!), therefore, I'm getting stricter by the day in terms of whom I would connect with. As I find too people who are "trying it on" and linking for linking sake or trying to contact my network for selfish reasons, so, I just cut them off. It may seem as drastic, but I want genuine & qualified requests to get the best response and don't want to waste anyone's time, especially my senior contacts!

In terms of Groups, in 2004, I chose also run the Executive MBA alumni group for my business school on linkedIn and in 06, I also founded the Gambit group there, for people that support and have previously been to Gambit events (as sponsors, speakers or those that bought our tickets) and buy into our ethos.

In terms of numbers, on my personal database, I have more than 12,000+ entries on my blackberry, and just over 1,400 people connected with me on LinkedIn, and 270+ on facebook.

Having founded and run CXO Europe, I find I have to be more selective now on whom I exchange cards with and whom I invite to join my networks, as I have so much lunch,telephone requests that are mostly requested on basis of meetings for meetings sake. I maybe writing too much already.

One thing is clear, networking is like farming, you cannot expect anything unless you spent time in cultivating & looking after the plants. Looking to start farming at time of a draught & femine is already too late!

Furthermore, meeting face to face cannot be replaced by how many people you know or connected virtually! The more senior people are, the less virtual network applies!! Therefore, CXO is focus primarily on our peer lunches & evening VIP invitation only gatherings.

Happy networking! (Virtual or otherwise)

From Gareth's BlackBerry

CXO (cross industries): Hope to welcome you to next CXO lunches in Nov. (for CEOs of £3m+ profit firms and CFO/CTO/CIOs of £30m+ profit firms and deal makers of £3m+ deals etc.), see www.CXO.org for more details

Gambit (gaming focused): or at the next Gambit on mobile & iTV developments £50/person only, on 7th Nov (6-9pm), it will be far reaching and thought provoking again, register for our newsletter to be informed, we are also giving away a free ticket at the Emerging market summit 3-4Dec, signup at www.TheGambit.info/re/ for a chance to win.

This email, together with any attachments, is for the exclusive and confidential use of the addressee(s) and may contain legally privileged information. Any other distribution, use or reproduction without the sender's prior consent is unauthorised and strictly prohibited.

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

2007-06-29T13:34:00.001+00:00

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?

2006-12-20T19:15:00.000+00:00

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.