Dr Catherine Onyejiaka’s Post

Balancing stranger danger and networking Last week, I attended the Alumni UK event organised by the British Council in Abuja Nigeria wearing different shoes from the last. Last time, I went as a panelist and this time I was part of the British Council team led by Daniel Emenahor to deliver an outstanding event. What this meant was that I ended up being an observer who was more focused on whether everything was going according to plan. As I hung back at the entrance scanning the room during the networking session, I recalled how I would be sweating bullets if I found myself in such a room years ago😳😰. I would go for events and not have any new contact or any new contact I got would be because the person approached me and you could be sure that I would not follow up. The worst was when I went with or met people I already knew😅. Safety in the herd was my preferred approach. We would hog one cocktail table and together, create an impenetrable, invisible forcefield that repelled strangers😎 Now I know better... Networking brings opportunities to me. Yes, the feeling of vulnerability and fear of the unknown can be scary but you are already there. Tips - Dont hide in groups you already know. - Meet new people to know them, not just to market yourself. - Listen actively and respond. There's nothing worse than a person who is scanning the room to find the next 'victim' while you speak. - Don't find someone you like and then refuse to let them go network with others. Please share😄 - Exchange contacts with people you meet whether they seem relevant or not in that moment. You might need it later. - If interested, have a clear next step. It might be as simple as connecting on LinkedIn or meeting over coffee. As kids we are trained on stranger danger but as an adult... strangers might mean opportunities. Explore! What else? Of course I had to take a selfie!! #skillhubconsulting #networking #alumniuk #connecting

📌Networking Isn’t Something You Can Force. I attended an event last night and found myself hesitant to network because I didn’t want it to feel forced. Authentic networking is about building meaningful relationships, not just exchanging business cards. When connections happen naturally, they lead to stronger, more lasting relationships. If you try to push connections, they often come across as transactional rather than genuine. Successful networking happens when people feel comfortable and are able to engage naturally. At our events where there's a focus on open dialogue and shared interests, these connections are more likely to happen organically. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for at our upcoming Ghana Networking Evening in London. Join us with an open mind, and let the right conversations flow. I look forward to seeing you there! More info ➡️: bit.ly/ghlondoners #Networking #GhanaNetworkingEvening #AuthenticConnections

Beyond Conferences and Sales Pitches, elevate your network In the dynamic landscape of making money in Nigeria, the emphasis on "who you know" echoes loud. However, let's redefine networking – it's not about fleeting encounters at conferences or rapid-fire sales pitches. True networking is about cultivating relationships rooted in genuine shared interests and a commitment to mutual value addition. Building connections shouldn't be a one-sided affair; it's a collaborative dance of shared aspirations and reciprocal growth. Attempting to construct meaningful connections on fluffy conversations and extracting one-sided value is akin to building on a faulty foundation. Let's shift the narrative, focusing on relationships that stand the test of time. Together, we can elevate the essence of networking to foster lasting success. #NetworkingRevolution #MutualValueAddition #BuildingConnections

What does it take to build relationships that truly last? This is part of my reflections on an enlightening experience at the biggest Business Networking Event of 2024 in Tanzania, organized by the Connectors Club! One of the standout lessons I took away from Vusi Thembekwayo's session was on how to build relationships that last. Vusi emphasized the importance of meaningful connections and shared some invaluable tips: 1) Talk to someone who is relevant to what you want and aligns with what the other person wants. It's all about finding common ground and mutual interests. 2) Make it convenient. Approach conversations when the other person can genuinely listen. Timing is crucial in building effective communication and consequently, lasting relationships. 3) Be responsive. Vusi highlighted three key tips here: Listen, understand, and act. The emphasis was on truly listening, not just waiting to respond. It's about understanding the other person's perspective and taking thoughtful action. 4) Be reliable. If you are not immediately saying YES, it is a NO. This clarity helps in setting realistic expectations and builds trust. I look forward to applying these principles in both professional and personal settings. I would love to hear your experiences. How have you built lasting relationships in your career or personal life? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. #BusinessNetworking #VusiThembekwayo #RelationshipBuilding #ConnectorsClub #Tanzania #ProfessionalGrowth #Inspiration #Learning

Networking in Africa: Building Strong Professional Relationships In Africa’s diverse and fast-growing business landscape, the power of networking cannot be overlooked. Building strong professional relationships is not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about creating meaningful connections that open doors to opportunities, foster collaboration, and inspire personal growth. Networking in Africa offers unique opportunities to leverage the continent’s rich cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. However, successful networking requires intentionality, authenticity, and a commitment to cultivating long-term relationships. Tips for Building Strong Professional Relationships in Africa: Be Authentic: Genuine relationships are built on trust. Approach networking with sincerity, aiming to establish meaningful connections rather than simply expanding your contact list. Leverage Cultural Understanding: Africa’s diverse cultures offer opportunities to learn and connect on a deeper level. Take time to understand the customs, languages, and traditions of the people you interact with to foster stronger connections. Give Before You Take: Networking is a two-way street. Offer value to others before asking for something in return. This could be through sharing knowledge, providing support, or connecting them to useful resources. Attend Industry Events: Engage in conferences, seminars, and networking events relevant to your industry. These platforms offer the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and broaden your network. Follow Up and Stay Connected: After initial meetings, make an effort to maintain and nurture the relationship. Regular communication and follow-ups are key to building long-term professional relationships. Examples of Networking Success in Africa: Tony Elumelu: As a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu has used his network to foster entrepreneurship across Africa through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, helping thousands of young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. Ibukun Awosika: As a former chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun’s success in corporate leadership is underpinned by strong professional relationships built over time, enabling her to influence change in various sectors. Networking in Africa is not just about expanding your connections; it’s about building relationships that lead to collective success and personal growth. Let’s create connections that strengthen Africa’s future, one relationship at a time. 🌱🤝 #Networking #Africa #ProfessionalRelationships #Collaboration #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship

📣 Establishing and leveraging your network🧑🧑🧒🧒 The phrase " your network is your net worth" mirrors our reality. In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, networking is more crucial than ever for personal and professional growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or a professional, your network can open doors to opportunities that may otherwise remain hidden. A well-connected network provides access to mentors, collaborators, resources, and insights that can propel your career or business forward. Attending this seminar on networking will equip you with the skills to build meaningful connections, create lasting relationships, and position yourself in a community that can support your long-term success. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your potential and broaden your horizons‼️

The more I network, the more organized, hence better I become. During my undergraduate years I was ineffective networker, because they don't teach it in the university. I did following mistakes: A. Try to meet as many people as possible B. No prior preparation: business card, 1 sentence self introduction C. No research on whom I need to meet and what is my value proposition D. After meeting right person, feedback was delayed Now I do it in a different way. Hence, I spend less energy to find right person at a right time. These are measures I take to optimize my networking: 1. Doing homework. Learning about conference/expo, who is coming and whom I need 2. I always have business card with me and pen. I hand sign each of them with some specific information about me. For example, if I'm abroad I write "that guy from Uzbekistan" 3. I'm not interested in one time meetings. Hence, I look for long-term relationships only. 4. When I meet new person, I try to reach that person via e-mail/messenger in 48 hours. This works the best to establish new relationship 5. If I need someone in the network of my friend/colleague. I reach my friend explaining why I need that person and ask for the feedback from my friend (whether it would be interesting to that person) I reach that person in the network, tell how I got his contact and what I need from him in several sentences. If contact was useful/not useful, I need to give feedback to my friend.

Following up after networking events is crucial for cementing the connections you've made. A personalized communication approach is recommended. Mention something specific you discussed or a mutual interest to establish rapport. For example, as a Membership Director at the Rotary Club of Nairobi Magharibi, you could reference a project or initiative discussed during the event in your follow-up message, making it more meaningful and memorable.

NETWORKING! WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? LETTER TO THE AVERAGE NIGERIAN BUSINESSMAN/WOMAN. Why Connections are King (and Queen) in Business Development in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and across the world. Forget the latest marketing trends for a sec. In the hustle and bustle of Nigerian business, sometimes the old ways are still the gold ways. That's right, we're talking about networking, the age-old art of building relationships that open doors and fuel success. Here in Naija, networking isn't just exchanging business cards at a fancy event (although those can be fun too!). It's about building genuine connections, fostering a spirit of "egunje" (reciprocity), and leveraging the power of your community. Think about it: ·     You meet a fellow entrepreneur at an industry gathering. You chat about challenges, share insights, and discover a potential partner for a future project. Bam! Collaboration unlocked. ·     Your aunty's friend's cousin twice removed works at a major company. You strike up a conversation, leave a good impression, and get your foot in the door. Boom! New business opportunity alert. ·     You participate in online groups or forums, offering helpful advice and engaging in discussions. Soon, you're recognized as an expert in your field. Pow! Increased brand awareness and credibility. So, how can you become a networking ninja? ·     Step out of your comfort zone: Attend industry events, join online communities, and strike up conversations with people you meet. ·     Be a good listener: People appreciate those who genuinely care about what they have to say. ·     Offer value: Share your expertise, connect people with resources, and be a source of support. ·     Follow up: Don't let connections fizzle out. Stay in touch and nurture your relationships. Remember: Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, be genuine, and watch your business flourish with the power of good networks! Demystifying the Essentials for Businesses (Week2) #Networking #BusinessDevelopment #Nigeria #Egunje #ConnectionsMatter #BestGreen

The Power of Networking https://lnkd.in/dggQTqqb According to Longman dictionary of contemporary English a network can be defined as a group of people that are connected or that work together. While it defines networking as the practice of meeting other people involved in the same kind of work, to share information and support each other. Three points are important in Networking as shown in the above definition, 1) The people must be involved in the same kind of work 2) They share information 3) They support each other... Click the link above to continue reading and explore the power of networking.