The Real Talk About Connections Wey Matter
Forget the idea say networking na just for parties or shaking hands. For small business owners and entrepreneurs wey dey hustle for Nigeria, your network na your lifeline. E no be about collecting business cards wey you go forget later. E be about building real relationships, the kind wey go open doors, give you advice when you don tire, and even connect you to customers or investors wey fit change your game. Many people dey focus only on product or service, but dem forget say people na di heart of business. If you sabi the right people, and dem sabi you and trust you, plenty opportunities wey you no fit see on your own go just appear like magic.
Wey You Go Start This Networking Thing?
Many entrepreneurs think say networking na something you do when you need something. But the real secret? You must build your network before you need am. Start small. Who be your mentors? Who be your colleagues for industry? Even your customer wey dey always buy from you fit become valuable connection if you treat dem well. E no need to be big, big boss. Start with people wey dey around you. Attend industry events, workshops, and even online webinars. Don’t just go, listen. Ask good questions. Share your own ideas. The goal na to be remembered for good reasons.
From Connection to Real Business – How E Take Happen?
Okay, so you don collect some contacts. Wetin next? Na here many people dey fail. Collecting numbers na just the first step. True connection na about follow-up. After you meet somebody, send a message on WhatsApp or LinkedIn – something wey remind dem who you are and say you enjoyed talking. Share an interesting article related to una discussion. If you see opportunity wey you think fit help dem, tell dem. Small gestures like this show say you care, and you no just see dem as a way to get something. For Nigeria, especially, trust and relationships na paramount. People go prefer do business with person wey dem feel comfortable with and trust. So, invest time to nurture these connections. Attend their events if possible, celebrate their wins, and offer support when dem face challenges. This loyalty na wetin go make your network strong.
Building Different Types of Networks Wey Go Help You
Your network no suppose to be one-sided. You need different types of connections to grow your business properly. Think of am like building a balanced portfolio. You need different players for different roles.
Di Mentorship Network: Your Business GPS
This one na for the wise elders wey don pass road wey you dey go. Mentors fit give you advice wey go save you plenty wahala. Dem don make mistakes before, so dem fit guide you. Find people wey dey successful for your industry or business generally. Dem no need to be your friend, but dem must be willing to share their knowledge. For instance, if you dey run a small catering business, find a caterer wey don build a big brand. Ask dem for advice on pricing, operations, or how dem handle difficult clients. Many experienced business owners for Nigeria dey willing to help upcoming entrepreneurs if dem see genuine interest and respect.
Di Peer Network: Your Fellow Hustlers
These na your mates, the other entrepreneurs wey dey face similar challenges. Dem understand the daily grind, the stress of managing staff, the competition, and the economic ups and downs wey we dey face for Naija. Connect with dem for co-working spaces, business associations, or even online forums. You fit share ideas, vent your frustrations, and even collaborate on projects. Imagine two small businesses for Lagos, one dey sell handcrafted bags and another dey sell unique Ankara fabrics. Dem fit partner to create a special collection, sharing marketing efforts and customer base. This kind of support system na priceless.
Di Industry Network: Di Experts and Influencers
This group na di people wey dey know di ins and outs of your specific industry. E fit be suppliers, distributors, potential partners, or even regulators. Building relationships here na vital for staying updated on trends, understanding market shifts, and even getting access to better deals. For example, if you dey in the tech space, knowing people for NCC or NIRA fit help you navigate regulatory requirements or understand upcoming policies wey fit affect your business. Attend industry conferences and expos – these na fertile ground for meeting these key players.
How to Make Your Network Work for You (and Them Too!)
Networking no be one-way street. For your connections to be strong and lasting, you must also provide value. Think about wetin you fit offer. Are you good at social media marketing? Can you offer insights on a particular niche? Do you have a contact wey dem need?
Be a Giver, Not Just a Taker
The best networkers na those wey dey always look for ways to help others. If you hear say somebody dey look for a particular service wey you know somebody wey offer am, make that introduction. If you get good idea wey fit help another entrepreneur, share am. When you dey give value freely, people go naturally want to help you back. For Nigeria, this spirit of “the more, the merrier” and community support na very important. Many successful businesses don dey grow from referrals and word-of-mouth, and that na all thanks to a strong, supportive network.
Leverage Technology for Wider Reach
Nowadays, internet and social media don dey make networking easier than before. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals globally and locally. Join relevant Facebook or WhatsApp groups where discussions about your industry dey happen. But remember, online connections still need to be nurtured with real interaction. Try to meet people you connect with online in person when possible. A quick coffee chat or a short meeting for a business event can solidify an online relationship.
Measure Your Network’s ROI (Return on Investment)
Yes, you fit measure how your network dey benefit your business! No be only about money, though. How many new clients una get from referrals? How many partnerships una form? How much useful advice una receive wey save una money or time? Keep track of these things. If you notice say your networking efforts no dey yield results, then review your strategy. Are you connecting with the right people? Are you following up effectively? Are you providing value? Be intentional about your networking. E no suppose to be random; e suppose to be strategic.
Common Mistakes Wey Entrepreneurs Make Wey Dem No Suppose Do
Even with the best intentions, entrepreneurs dey make mistakes when it comes to networking. Avoid these traps:
- Being too transactional: Going into every conversation with the mindset of “Wet E Go Give Me?” instead of focusing on building a genuine connection.
- Not following up: Meeting someone important and then never contacting them again. That connection na dead on arrival.
- Only talking about yourself: Networking na conversation, not a monologue. Learn to listen and ask questions about the other person.
- Being afraid to ask for help: If you need advice or an introduction, and you’ve built a strong relationship, don’t be afraid to ask politely.
- Neglecting your existing network: Don’t forget the people who helped you in the beginning. Nurture those relationships too.
Building a strong network na marathon, not a sprint. E require consistency, sincerity, and a genuine desire to connect and help. For Nigerian entrepreneurs, this approach to networking fit be di secret sauce wey go make your business not just survive, but truly thrive in this dynamic market.
