Networking 101 - Why, Who and Where

Why should you network?

Because it is important that you do. There is acute scarcity in Nigeria. With skilled labor, there is plentiful supply and inadequate demand. Regardless of what your favorite motivational speaker says, it is in fact correct to say that there are not enough jobs in Nigeria. The market is demanding more qualifications from us. We are learning more skills and getting more degrees.

Imagine that the entire workforce were qualified and employable, what would happen then? We would all get jobs? No. The goalpost would move and we would need even more qualifications. From a holistic view, scarcity is thoroughly frustrating. Therefore, advice on this subject is often individual – to help you create opportunities for yourself.

If we are equally qualified, what happens next? If we all have outstanding GPAs (a contradiction in terms perhaps) and glittering extracurricular, what will make the difference? Easy. Our sureties. In the end, who you know matters. Meritocracy is practiced everywhere but fierce competition laughs in its face. Creating a difference where there is none may often rely on familiarity.

It is also correct to say that your network equals your net worth. Last week, somebody said you want to discover your financial worth? Check how much you can raise from friends. If you do not know people who have money and are willing to lend you some, you are probably poor. Here, money is beyond actual currency. When you know (important) people, they can save you a lot of that by doing favors. You can use them as leverage to begin new relationships and access opportunities.

If in fact you have a network of endowed persons, consider the possibility that you are underachieving. How have you exploited the talents of others? How have you used them to reach new people and channels? Somebody said we are only six persons away from whoever we need. You can reach whoever if you know your way.

Don’t play yourself. There is always a caucus. Successful people know each other. Everywhere you go, there is a caucus of the most important people. You are not aware because you were not added. Dangote and Otedola are besties for good reason. Everywhere you go, if you are not on the table, you are in the menu. You cannot have a say in matters that affect you if you are not familiar with the decision makers. You are as powerful as your network.

You must remember that only the future matters. It barely matters where you come from. It does not matter how shabby your background is if you are great at polishing yourself. You must defeat impostor syndrome. When you meet people, remember that they usually know nothing about you and you are about to scribble on a clean slate. They are likely to believe whatever you tell them about yourself.

For most of us, networking is difficult. But it is necessary. Besides, there are no rewards for shyness and self-doubt. No, your hesitation is not cute, it is expensive. If you are afraid, consider reading my article on failure. The worst is “no” and it does not kill. Rejection is not a reflection of your self-worth. Move! Today’s market requires boldness and speed. There is so much competition, you have to stand out. Once you learn how to network, you may practice as you like. You can become much better at it.

Who should you network with?

People you consider successful. Networking is about mutual interest so you will have a smoother ride if you are truly keen. Our versions of successful are different. Perhaps you should be more interested in people on your career path. Instead of harassing celebrities for pictures, perhaps you should hold conversations with your industry leaders.

Consider networking with promising people. You must not ignore the potential around you. Become friends with those doing well in their space. Scott Galloway writes in the four that school is important because it exposes us to potential. Your mates are going to be successful and one day a person you joked with may bring the business that makes you partner.

Consider networking with people who share your values. If you will hold on to your good values or imbibe better values, you will need persons who overtly reflect them. If you admire these persons for other strong reasons, sticking to these values becomes easier. Remember that mentor-ship is less about achievements and more about direction and values.

Finally, consider networking with people who want the same things you want from life. Your network matters to your destination. Excellence is easily reinforced by friends. Mediocrity too.

When/where should you network?

Social media allows us to network as long as we are online. The apps and connections are yours for the using, I do not need to expatiate. Consider saying hello as soon as it strikes you. Do not procrastinate. This episode focuses on physical networking however, specifically the kind you do at events. In the following articles, I will share useful ideas on how you should network. Stay with me!