GETTING STRONG SIGNALS FOR YOUR NETWORK

Few persons get the idea of networking wrong. For some, it’s all about taking photos with celebrities, influencers and VVIPs at events and picking their contacts to later text them with the hope of a friendship or a proof to others that such dignitaries pick their calls or respond to their texts. Sadly, such groups get disappointed. In some cases, same groups end up condemning and damning these ‘celebrity’ contacts for not returning their networking efforts.

While anyone may share in the self-imposed pity of such persons, it is important to counsel that the idea of networking be primarily engaged from a ‘need-value’ perspective at all times. What is that value or virtue you can easily offer to help that individual? How useful can you be to them? Why should they engage you?

“Hello, Dr./Lawyer/Madam/Sir, I could assist you with graphic designs, photography, editorials, hairdressing (et cetera) any day you are in need of such services. I trust you may need such assistance soon…”

Something like this helps. You are the one in need of that dignitary or celebrated person’s recognition. Sell yourself – and I must add, quickly, that networking takes time. It may even take four or five meetings, in-person or virtual, for a celebrated person to recognize your capacity. It’s periodic or seasonal. It does not matter if you receive no response from that contact you’re hoping to connect with.

The best is the ‘need-value’ statement you have communicated. You stay focused on building your portfolio with all passion and, certainly, when that season or period arrives for them to make use of your value in fulfillment of their needs, you should be called. Aristotle talks about this in his ‘Friendship of Utility’ theory. It’s existed before we got here. In our current ‘internet-ed’ civilization where relationship is now a huge currency, networking efforts should be approached with all intention and patience.

My senior brother, Dr. Redeemer Buatsi, mentioned something to me and three others in 2020. He said that if you’re in a circle and it’s all about fooling and messing around with no recognition for what unique value you can offer, then there is a problem. That counsel stayed with me.

If you’re however looking forward to some fantasies and other unthinkable stuff with celebrated persons, other than healthy networking, then this opinion is certainly not for you. The world we’re journeying is already occupied with many challenges and distractions. In widening your nets, you must seek to be someone’s solution at one point in time. It’s all an exchange of needs and value.

#ResettingGhana #networking