AS inscribed by multi-award winning internationally accredited writer and speaker Porter Gale, your network is your net worth, the relationships and connections that we cultivate have a significant impact on our financial and professional success, acting as valuable assets.
Conceptually “whom you know, how and from where” plays a pivotal role in our daily progressions.
A lot of people in business, particularly start-ups, struggle to navigate through the hurdles and tides of the business climates imply because they do not have the requisite references.
Turning to the scriptures, in the book of Matthew, Jesus reiterates that those who acknowledge him before others, he will acknowledge and vouch for before his father in heaven.
“Scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours,” a very intriguing notion that implies a reciprocal exchange of favours and assists that are not only mutually beneficial, but are also fundamentally born out of social capital networking.
Although there has not been an actual quantification of the impact of social capital networks as a precise percentage, industrial psychologists affirm that they have a significant bearing and often boost business outcomes as they propel strong senses of belonging, engagement, trustworthiness and ultimately familiarity.
Writing hypothetically, imagine each time you pitch a proposal or send in your curriculum vitae, you are always in a room full of strangers, moreso you have little to no references versus the opposite of that scenario, where you are familiar with some faces present or least you have solid references.
Which one of the two situations serves you better?
I know for sure I prefer the latter to the former.
A very good friend of mine Dr Tatenda Muchenje, who is a staunch fitness enthusiast, often jokingly equates life to the game of boxing.
His conviction is that so many a time we take the hard punches, stumble, fall just to get things going and amid all the thunder, we need the right colleagues in our corner for motivation, strategy and tactical guidance.
After all, no man is an island.
Naturally, everyone devises ideological trajectories of how they wish their lives and investments to advance.
However, there are always extrinsic factors that govern the realistic outcomes, one of which is the power of association.
While there is a general belief that excellent social capital frameworks start off on a high note, for example, through personal or business relationships with highly esteemed individual, write of your Nigel Chanakiras, Trevor Ncubes, Shingi Munyezas, Strive Masiyiwas, it is actually not true.
What most people do not comprehend at elementary level is that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Just like any other venture, it kickstarts at grassroot level by simply associating oneself with like-minded individuals, then over time, the ideas are shaped, nurtured and transformed into something much more formidable.
Some of the basic workable ways of building networks involve connecting with existing people within our immediate spheres of livelihood.
It can be through reaching out to former colleagues, friends and even family.
Since there already exists an element of familiarity among potential participants, it is easier to manoeuvre.
Another profound way is to be aggressive enough to seek introductions to the people whom you would like to expand your reach to.
Look for their contacts online and if need be, visit their physical addresses (develop a fighting spirit within yourself).
Thirdly, be strategic, identify individuals who can assist you in bringing your goals to fruition and also strive to offer mutual benefit.
Most importantly, maintain contact, “tomorrow never dies”, one day those contacts will prove useful.
There’s so much more that can be done.
Our time is now. The clock is ticking.
Let’s create connections and give long-lasting solutions to our problems, afterall is written and done we are the change that we want to see.
As I conclude, I highlight that there is a very thin line between a social capital connection and corruption.
It is imperative to maintain values of integrity, honesty and lawful conduct as we engage in various business activities and fellowships.
