You just cannot blame any Nigerian who is extra security conscious nowadays, it’s rough out there. Being security conscious has gone beyond avoiding late night trips and reporting strange movements around you, it now involves taking better care of your hard-earned money.
These days, even a harmless “Hi, i’ll like to introduce a business idea to you” is enough to make you seem like a Yahoo Boy looking for more lives to ruin.
However, amid all of the greed and scams out there, we still have people seeking genuine connections and constantly looking for ways to build the right network without coming off as a swindler or scammer.
It does not matter if you are searching for a job, looking to link up with influencers, or just trying to have more friends; let’s break down how to network seamlessly in Nigeria and still look legit.
1. Avoid Using Scammer Slangs:
This is the first rule you must follow to be taken seriously. People pay close attention to your language when they meet you for the first time, and unless you want to be ignored, suspected or dismissed, you must watch the phrases you use.
Statements like “I was led to you by God” or “I have a once in a lifetime opportunity, can you spare some minutes?” will only get you blacklisted.
While your intention might be legit and genuine, if your language doesn’t appear genuine as well, you’ll be snubbed. In summary, stay away from street slangs and always keep the conversation formal.
2. Build The Bridge Before Anything Else:
People who instantly jump from “Hello” to “Can you assist me?” when they start typing will only drive people away. Even the most generous Nigerian out there will avoid messages that can easily turn out to be disturbances.
Therefore, if you really want to build legit connections, you must resist the urge to ask for help immediately. If you are looking for assistance, you must build the bridge first.
People will only help if you’ve familiarized yourself with them or engaged their social media posts beforehand.
3. Use Events To Your Advantage:
It is common knowledge that you need to know people to succeed in Nigeria. However, who knows you might even be more important.
People will be more likely to trust whatever you say if they see you relating to someone they know or trust. Therefore, before you meet up with anyone you are looking up to, try to meet and familiarize yourself with their friends or someone they have faith in first.
This can be easily achieved by attending industry events, joining active WhatsApp/Telegram groups in your field or asking for introductions.
4. Be Online:
Before anyone replies to your message online, best believe they will check your profile first. Therefore, you have to ensure your social media is as professional as possible if you want to link up with professionals.
Look sharp in your profile picture and avoid wearing anything that will lead to unhealthy stereotypes. You should also make sure your spelling is apt on social media while staying away from street slang.
People take note of everything going on online and it goes a long way towards influencing how they view or respond to you.
