HOW TO HAVE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

 I don't have any contacts.

One of the trainees approached me during a professional hustling training session in Nigeria and said, "Sir, I am in the catering business, but all I need is connections, and that is what is holding her back."

"Don't worry," I responded with a smile, "the connections are always there; the difficulty is that we don't always reach out and let people know who we are." Gone are the days when you could connect from the comfort of your own home.

I advised her that in order to be connected, she needed to leave her house and comfort zone and meet new people and experience new places.

I agree that we all need connections and are connected in some way, but we must also recognize that we can develop those connections by reaching out to individuals on a regular basis and by participating in professional forums that allow us to mix with possible clients.

Many professionals have excellent skills but have isolated themselves to a small circle of acquaintances.

We are fortunate to have the internet today, as it simplifies our lives. Some people with restricted minds find negativity in everything they get, especially online. They constantly regard it as a swindle, therefore they refuse to take the hands yet are the first to complain about connections.

To be a connected professional, you must attend professional events, reach out to people you believe can help you or refer you, sell yourself to them, and join and participate in professional networks.

Other than interacting with the people that matter, there is no secret to having the connections you need.