Business Networking Tips from Africa

Just this week I came back from Accra, Ghana, where I was asked to speak at the African Business Leaders Forum. It was an amazing experience, not just from a cultural perspective, but from a business and networking one, as well.

As I thought about what I might share with you from this experience, four tips for successful business networking came to mind. In this brief video, I’ll share four things I did that you can use to improve your own networking and connecting skills.

 

Action Steps:

1. Watch this video and ask yourself: “On a scale of 0-10, how well am I doing with building long-term professional connections with people?”
2. The next time you go to a networking event, have an attitude of “how can I give” instead of “what can I get.”
3. The next time you meet someone new, practice using their name, and use it often.
4. When you’re talking with someone, focus on them by maintaining eye contact and listening to them.
5. Maintain long-term contact with new connections via social networks and possibly through a value-driven newsletter.
6. Share your questions or comments on this page.

Principles to Learn:

1. Connection is one of the factors that determines your marketplace value.
2. When you come with an attitude of “give first”, you will build trust much faster than anything else you could say or do.
3. The most beautiful sound in the world is the sound of your own name.
4. When you give the person 100% of your attention, you’re communicating to them that they’re important. And when you do that, they will view you as more important.
5. Long-term professional connections often have greater benefit that just a one-time meeting.

 

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