Networking is a socio-economic activity by which business people and entrepreneurs meet to form business relationships and to recognise, create or act upon business opportunities.They also share information and seek potential partners for ventures. International business networking and referral organisations are emerging for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are interested in starting or growing a business.
When Opy Onas, Founder/Group Managing Director, Proten International, a human capital development firm with head offices in the United Kingdom and Lagos was launching his organisation , improving his network was the first thing on his mind. While there were day-to-day issues to resolve, networking was critical because he needed individuals and businesses to recognise the resources and opportunities he was offering to grow their operations. Consequently, he began to build networks—creating a fabric of personal contacts who will provide support, feedback, insight, resources, and information.
The number and breadth of people involved were impressive,including superiors and peers and other players with the power to block or support a proposal or project. He did this to ensure he had cooperation among people to accomplish his goals. With a passion for youth development, Opy established the Passion To Profession Tour traversing universities, churches and different cities raising a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. He also founded the Business Start-Up Academy, a platform created to help individuals realise their entrepreneurial dreams and aspirations. Strategic networking was key to his success. Opas took steps to build a foundation for strategic networking.
He began accepting invitations to social gatherings in which the stakes are far higher. So far, the personal efforts and contacts he has created have been valuable to the height he has attained today.
For him, a good strategic network is critical as one can use such opportunities to gain information, support, and resources from one sector of a network to achieve results.
While strategic networking can be difficult for young entrepreneurs because it absorbs a significant amount of the time and energy one would devote to meeting their many operational demands, organisations have emerged that are providing entrepreneurs and business owners the opportunities they need to build network links and referrals for maximum leverage. They provide forums through which one can seek out personal contacts. It was in the bid to help businesses and professionals take advantage that networking presents that Sterling Business Network (SBN) Nigeria held a meeting in Lagos.
SBN Nigeria Group Managing Director, Christain Nwaigwe said the group is a thriving and exciting networking organisation headquatered in the United Kingdom.
Membership of the organisation, he noted, brings entrepreneurs in touch with industry experts and business owners that can help one’s business in many ways.
Over time, one gets new business and grows stronger and more profitable.
He said this was why SBN members have business breakfast meetings; passing on business referrals and business leads to members.
According to him, new businesses will come from networking contacts but one has to build a trust worthy relationship with fellow networkers for this to happen.
At SBN meeting, people are encouraged to talk with people and exchange business cards. Besides this, there are a variety of events to help one broaden his networking base; follow up with new contacts and learn all one can about their businesses.
He stated that each SBN branch adopts a charity each year and organises special activities to support these charities. Nwaigwe said SBN has opened new doors for businesses. Through mattendance at meetings,he added that some have rediscovered the love of public speaking.
Country Manager, SBN Nigeria, Mr Akin Matanmi said the network has established a youth academy and the target is to train as many young Nigerians to become business owners and self empowered.
