Samuel Kasumu

It is important as it allows people to gain the most important gift someone could ever give; knowledge. Information that one could obtain via networking in the right can be more valuable in the long term than obtaining finance.

My best connection was with my official sponsors (Barclays Capital). Connecting with them and them believing my vision has helped me to propel it by at least two years.

Do not be deceived into thinking that networking is all about you. True networking is all about the other person. When you meet someone do not try to sell yourself unless asked. Instead gain incite and understand where the other person is, and seek to find that common ground. The word communication originates from the Latin word that means… common!

My favourite tool is my Blackberry (even though it currently doesn’t work). I then have a large supply of business cards that I give when needed. Emails for me are a must, but I have realised that I should only spend dedicated time on the computer, as apposed to live on it all day. This could dampen productivity. I use the phone a lot, but find that emails can be more productive, and helps to cut conversation time. I also have a lot of very long meetings, but I prefer to have meetings as an ends rather than a means to a decision or conversation.