Networking

6th June 2013

As an aspiring entrepreneur i have learnt the importance of using the networks that you have in order to be successful. In speaking to a family friend who is  an entrepreneur I managed to get ideas from her and discuss possible ideas for careers to venture into next year after graduating from this diploma.  In having my conversation with her i realised that she had a lot of knowledge to share and a lot of advice in how to chose the right career path.

Our conversation was very informal as it was held in my apartment and it was not a planned meeting. We started talking about what my my plans were when i venture into the world as an entrepreneur next year, and she started telling me about her career as an entrepreneur and how it was that she got to where she was today. She owns a successful clothing factory in Zimbabwe that she started 23years ago and is still managing and finding ways to improve all the time.

From my time spent with my family friend i realised that networking as an entrepreneur should not only occur during scheduled meetings. Networking can occur any time in any place with the people you least expect in some cases. Networks may not be able to directly help you in becoming a successful entrepreneur, but they are able to link you to people they may know in the industry you would like to venture into or are in. The key lesson i learnt from today is don't be afraid to speak to people in the business industry and ask for advice and ask about how they got to were they are. In doing so you learn a lot that can assist you and they add to the 80% spike that contributes to your 20% spike.

Till tomorrow

Tarisai xx