We must first build strong relationships in order to prosper in business

By Bobby Bogonko 

Many people confuse business networking with socializing and end up getting very frustrated because they go out expecting instant results; either business or getting someone who will connect them to opportunities.

Business networking is a process and it takes time for people to trust you. lt's therefore 

necessary that we start creating and building mutual relationships. What this means is that we have to be intentional in genuinely being interested in others. People will not open their doors of opportunities for you until they know you well. Offering to give before you receive is the rule of networking.

It is more of “what is in it for you “versus “what is in it for me”. Having worked in the NGO world for 5 years and 7 years in different governmental institutions, I place a big emphasis on giving more than receiving. That is why his philosophy of “Givers 

Gain” should be applied to the letter. Imagine if we all did this for one another how easy life would be!

This culture is practiced more by the Jews, Asians and the Somali community. We should borrow a lot from them. Bending our backs over to help others get what they want is a lot of sacrifice. We solve prevailing challenges when we offer solutions hence making the world a better place to live in.

Our networks work on our behalf when we are not aware or even when we are asleep!

This is why networking is work as we “work” within the “net” of the people who we know, like and trust.

The network that we have jelled with becomes a great resource. We have to “carry” our 

friends with us wherever we go so that when we spot any opportunity we connect them 

instantly.

Though business networking and socializing may be applicable at the same time in certain situations, one needs to know the difference. We can still have fun and network. Socializing makes people feel good and it brings a sense of belonging to the merry goers.

Their goal is to have fun and not to network while networking is the art of creating connections, developing them into strong and meaningful relationships, cultivating and maintaining them.

To showcase our brand - We have to get out of our comfort zones and go outdoors, advertise, go online, do videos, talk about ourselves and our services/products placing emphasis on what differentiates you from the rest in your industry.

It helps to strengthen business and personal relationships. “Make other people’s business your business and you will be in business”says top sociologist Bobby Bogonko

To Enhance our credibility and visibility - The more you build a good reputation around 

yourself, the more people will trust you. “People buy people”. They go flat out to talk good things about you in your absence.

To give and receive referrals - Businesses that thrive are those that have grown through referrals. When people share their experiences after having an interaction with you and your products or services, they market you through and through both online and offline.

To gain new skills and ideas - The more you meet different people the more you are open to learn from them. Through sharing their experiences and stories you pick their thoughts and ideas or very vital information that will lead to great changes in your life.

Getting to associate with people who have walked a journey versus those who have not places you in a better space. Sometimes you learn more when you meet people than when you learn on your own and the other advantage is saving on time and other resources.

The writer is a sociologist