Nigeria’s landscape for small businesses is starting to change thanks to young African entrepreneurs who are taking the steps to secure their future with a business of their own.
In 2014 alone the number of businesses registered in Nigeria grew rapidly with thousands of startups listed by the end of 2015. This has a lot to do with increased access to the Internet, as online and digital businesses are rapidly becoming the sector of choice for young Nigerians to step into.
When starting a business as a young entrepreneur there are often difficulties when seeking a mentor or securing funding. Launching your business is often just the first step, as marketing and gaining the guidance you need is often a daunting task. Networking events in Nigeria can often help bridge that gap by introducing and exposing you to a crowd of industry experts.
Not only does this offer you a chance to put your business in front of the people that matter, but it also enables you to make strong connections with other companies and professionals that you may be able to collaborate with.
Be Confident:
Networking in Nigeria can certainly be an intimidating arena, especially if you’re not overly confident. But remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and this is just the first step in helping you to develop your passion into a real successful business.
You don’t need to be outrageous, but coming across as a confident and competent person will set a good impression, and potential mentors or business associates will be eager to learn more about you and your business.
I know from personal experience when attending one of my first business events, I felt extremely overwhelmed by the successful entrepreneurs I was surrounded by, but being confident in my business and the purpose of the project motivated me to talk to people, and from this I gained the television interview on Pulse TV.
Without making myself confident, I may never have got to share our project to the young people of Nigeria.
Know Your Business:
You’re going to be asked lots of questions about your personal views as well as details about your business. You should already know your business inside out anyway, as you’ll be living and breathing it to make it a success. Ensure this passion and dedication comes across when you’re talking about your start-up. Reasons why you started the business and an idea of where you see it going in the future will be the amongst the most common questions you will be asked, and it’s important that you are prepared.
When I’m scheduled to talk at our YAP&E seminars for professionals, I always ensure that I not only practice questions but also do as much research as I can on the industry and people attending as this enables me to come across as an industry expert, and leaves a lasting impression.
Research Everyone:
If it’s possible to see who will be attending, make it your priority to try and understand what they do and any common interests they have before you go. This will not only put you at ease when meeting them face-to-face for the first time, but will also give you a direction for conversation. A personal touch such as this will work well in your favour, and enable you to make deeper connections.
People prefer to work with people they like, so be the person who everyone wants to talk to, because you listen to their comments and show a genuine interest in them and their business.
Dress for the Part:
Dressing for a networking event in Nigeria should be treated the same as dressing for an interview.
You should represent your business in the most professional manner possible, and show that you take your business seriously. If you go about your business professionally, people will treat you professionally, and you will be given the respect that you deserve.
Even for your own mind set, dressing appropriately will make you instantly feel in control of the situation and give you a confidence boost when you need it the most.
No matter whether I’m doing a workshop, exhibition or seminar I always dress to show that I’m serious about my business, and it truly shows.
Be Prepared:
Business cards are an essential tool for you to gain the support you need after the networking event.
Have plenty of them to hand and easily accessible so that you can offer them out once you have finished talking.
With many fancy designs now available for business cards, try not to distract them from the important information on the card. Your name and all of your contact details should be easy to read. Try not to hand them out like sweets. Instead only offer them when requested or at the end of a conversation. The most important aspect of your networking is not how many business cards you hand out, but how many deep connections you have made that will help you to grow your business and become established.
Don’t be afraid that because you’re a young entrepreneur that you won’t be taken seriously.
Many experienced businessmen and women all started at a young age, and your motivation for success will only make you more willing to learn and be the best at what you do. Use these tips to further your business and make connection that are going to help you grow your company as well as yourself.
Socialise, collaborate and create positive changes.
