MAL55:23 | Page 60

For adventure and travel we domesticated the dogs , donkey , bulls and the horse among others . That in itself created room for trolleys , carts , sleys , chariots , coaches and carriages manufacturers . In their basic forms these solutions provided room for nails , screws , cushions , wheels , bells , locks and other accessories to enrich them . The business circle is forever roomy for those that sight gaps and weave solutions . Now with all the enhancements to these travel solutions then came the issue of “ recharge stations ” where travellers would stop for refreshments and add to their travel supplies . Security was required , cleaning services and the list goes on and on .

The bigger picture means that we have to wish all our neighbours well . Each one contributes to the well-being of the society . This means we need to be open when we network . Yes , it ’ s ok to caucus with players in your industry but I recommend that you take time and intentionally plan to network with as many people as possible .

There are many ways that we network . We have professional associations which are key and should be pursued . Then we have the unorthodox circles which may hold the key to sustained business and those hidden treasure opportunities . The church is a good start , the alumni associations is another , the golf or business club even you children ’ s ’ school meetings .

Be available , be deliberate and participate as a good human being . Embrace the ubuntu spirit of brotherhood . Have a way to plan and track this . Networking is a full-time occupation and as such there are five tips that get you going :

Plug-In

Get in the ring ! Be the first to greet people and that with a smile . Be presentable in your dressing and manners . Dressing well does not mean having expensive stuff but it generally entails having clean wellfitting and well taken care of apparel . This also covers what you use daily - clean desk , well maintained car and devices . Be a good steward . The effort you put in your stewardship spirals into your work and relationships . Read widely so that you can contribute scientifically , participate artistically and be good sport on social games . Remain fit - exercise for your life . This creates a discipline around your time , diet and spurs the athlete in everyone . Do not be easily offended when you reach out and get the snobs or side eyes . Take it in good stride and remain the good sport that you are .

Plugging in also includes joining professional associations , business clubs and sports clubs and social welfare groups . It involves plugging into the good cause drives and owning the space .

There are times you may fail to plug into events in person ; that then calls for being available online . Create a brand on social media and when it is possible plug into conversations virtually . Do not allow emails to pile up . Reply and respond accordingly . This may call for you to say no or have a difficult response to some but be brave enough to do just that .

Be Authentic

You are unique and that is a gift that will dazzle when you remain genuine . Sharpen your gifts and talents . Whichever space you find yourself please let your authentic presence be felt without you saying it . Leave pretentious availability stranded in traffic . Be you - smile genuinely , be courteous , be helpful , be open and beware !

Be Confidential

Treat everything you get to learn about people and their business confidential . Remember , how you treat their secrets and confidential data will translate to you .

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You do not have to get a commission for all the connections you bridge or mid-wife . Here you have to be careful to ensure you indemnify yourself by having bankable contacts . I have referred people I did not know well and that came back to haunt me when they failed .

Invest

Show up ! Contribute your professional bidding in causes , documentation and presentations in all social groups you find yourself in . Invest time to learn , be a part of great projects and genuinely care for those you find yourself with . Visit them when invited . Carry a gift and be in your best behaviour . Do not stay too long or neither should you be too inquisitive that you become a bother .

A healthy visit is long enough to prove trust and short enough to remain respectable . When they are going through difficult times then call at the earliest opportunity ; visit and walk with them through that tough mile . " You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want " ~ Zig Ziglar ( hubspot . com )

Log & Evaluate

Log into your memory the people you meet . Remember their names , titles and details about them . No one likes being referred to by a wrong name or attributed to a wrong profession or workplace . If you cannot remember then write the details down in your private notes .

Evaluate the levels you have been allowed into a circle . Once you know where you have been placed then deliver the best version of you in that space . I once got into a close-knit circle of businessmen and believe me they allowed me in so that they could spur their ideas of me . They valued my “ inexperienced and young ” view . They did not trust me immediately to start doing business with me but that step in the door of being welcomed in their circle was all I needed .

Review periodically the returns of your time and material investment into the networks you have .

Build Up & Outwards

Once you see the good in people and be the good for people then build up and outwards . Connect one to the other . Be the linkage even when you are not part of the business arithmetic . This will pour into your lap a hundred-fold . You do not have to get a commission for all the connections you bridge or mid-wife . Here you have to be careful to ensure you indemnify yourself by having bankable contacts . I have referred

60 MAL55 / 23 ISSUE