Representatives from the Zhengdao Chinese Language Association attended the Breaking Down the Silos networking event on November 20, 2025, held at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. This quarterly gathering brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and service providers from across the region to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event drew a diverse mix of founders and community leaders, each with their own story of persistence, innovation, and growth. As our representatives moved through the space, one message became clear: every business begins with a conversation, and every successful venture starts with a meaningful connection. The person standing next to you—someone you’ve never met before—may become your next collaborator, partner, or mentor.

Yet research shows that many entrepreneurs underestimate the power of these opportunities. Studies from Columbia University and the Rotman School of Management have found that people tend to speak only to those they already know at networking events, missing out on valuable new connections. As Rotman professor Stefan Dimitriadis notes, “People don’t really mix at mixers… If these contacts are so valuable, why aren’t they making more of them?”

A recent Management Science study by Dimitriadis and Harvard Business School professor Rembrand Koning offers insight: the barrier often lies in communication skills. Their research examined entrepreneurs in Togo who received a short, two-hour training session on social and communication skills. The results were striking.

Entrepreneurs who learned how to ask questions, offer advice clearly, and build collaborative relationships formed 50 percent more business connections, established higher-quality partnerships, and increased their profits by 20 percent within one year. These findings reinforce a simple truth: good communication is good business.

At the Koffman Incubator event, this principle played out in real time. Zhengdao representatives engaged with founders across industries, exchanging ideas on education, cultural outreach, technology, and local economic development. The conversations highlighted how diverse voices contribute to a stronger and more inclusive business community.

As an organization dedicated to language education and cultural connection, the Zhengdao Chinese Language Association is committed to bridging communities—both linguistically and professionally. By participating in regional entrepreneurial events, Zhengdao aims to support local business owners, help emerging entrepreneurs expand their networks, and encourage cross-cultural collaboration.

In a world where opportunity often begins with a simple introduction, Zhengdao believes that communication is not just a skill—it is a catalyst for innovation, partnership, and shared success.