Page 55 - SACCOStar Mag Vol 46 Press_txt.pdf

PERSONAL GROWTH

NETWORKING STRATEGY FOR THE
SUCCESS OF YOUR SACCO

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“Networking is an investment in your business. It takes time and when done correctly can
yield great results for years to come.” - Diane Helbig

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economy. Is your SACCO small or medium in terms of membership and asset base and new in the market, or struggling to
get noticed by the target membership? Is your budget too thin for an expensive advertisement in the mainstream media?
If your answer is yes, then Networking will be of immense assistance to you.

Business Networking is an entrepreneurial skill that entails who you know, and not what you know. It involves occasionally
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with target and potential clients and other businesses by telling them about your enterprise.

Networking 6CEVKEU

&GXKEGC/CR holding an occasional event to tackle a problem in the
locality. Whatever you can do to open your doors for
You need to do your research well to know where, and people, businesses and fellow SACCOs and entrepreneurs
when to act. Do not make impromptu decisions to attend to interact with you, do it creatively.
an event, just to be there, without a prior plan. Mapping
out before networking means preparing a budget as well 3. Attend Networking Events
as ensuring SACCO representatives are up to the task. This
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SG@SXNTVHKKKDUDQ@FDENQL@WHLTLADMD?SRVGHBGDM@AKDR one for the SACCO or whether you know anyone or any
realization of value for your invested resources. other business present. Remember to prepare yourself
with the following to such events; a commercial speech/
In a nutshell, plan prior, to avoid attending events or introduction majorly about your SACCO and less about
participating in any task or activity geared towards you, and your SACCO representatives’ business cards. You
networking without having a grip of the whole idea. You may also need to take a keen interest in knowing other SACCOs,
end up losing what you are striving to gain. Consult fellow people, and their businesses and focus on what you can
businesses and SACCOs for guidance and enlightenment if N?DQSGDL@MCMNSUHBDUDQR@

need be.
During the event, avoid spending much time with people
2. Start It Off you know, and instead meet new ones. When you are just
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As previously hinted, liaise with fellow SACCOs, businesses reach back by calling them or meeting them, and to state
and business people to know what sort of activities and the reason for the same.
events they involve themselves with.

This will play a key role in ensuring no guess-work in 5WUVCKP[QWTEQOOWPKECVKQP
choosing events and individuals with whom to network with.
Being connected to the right and like-minded individuals After such networking events, it doesn’t end there; get busy
and businesses will work to tighten your grip in the market, in your social media sites, Facebook, Twitter and so on.
strengthen your network, besides enhancing your visibility. Remember to keep a small tight circle of mutual partners,
and pay less attention to any business or entrepreneur
Regardless of your expansion goal, ensure that the SACCO who does not value your connection to them. Keep only
is there when the local community needs you. It could be the like-minded, not just SACCOs, people or businesses
a sponsorship scheme for needy students in the area, or that are similar to yours, but also outside your industry.

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