A Hack to Building a Meaningful Network
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “How do I build a strong, meaningful network?” Many people assume that attending events and conferences is the key to building connections, but there’s something much deeper that truly unlocks access to impactful networks. I have one simple recommendation that has worked for me, and it is this: Do something exceptionally great.
Now, when I say do something exceptionally great, I’m not suggesting you need to do something out of this world or groundbreaking on a global scale. It could be something as simple as starting a business and landing your first paying clients—that alone can be your "great." It could be something extra, something uncommon. People will remember you better after networking with them if they know you’ve done something that stands out. The key is to do something that isn’t typical, something that leaves an impression.
For example, I recently spoke with a young lady who had gone to serve in Katsina, a state in northern Nigeria and the hometown of a former Nigerian president. During our conversation, she made a request, though there was no initial offer on the table for her. However, she mentioned something great she had done: she managed to raise funds and renovate a lab for a local school in Katsina—a place where she didn’t even speak the language. She shared how challenging it was, especially in a region not always supportive of education. Yet, she pulled through, setting up the lab and earning a state award from Katsina, with hopes of a national award in the future.
That was her exceptionally great thing. Hearing about this accomplishment told me that she was someone worth working with. It wasn’t just her skill set that impressed me; it was the courage and tenacity she showed by doing something exceptional. As a result, I realized we could make her an offer. If she could achieve something like that, I knew she had the drive to do more exceptional things. That’s the point—do something uncommon, something remarkable, and people will take notice.
At the early stages of my journey, I didn’t have access to prominent people or international organizations like Google, the European Union, or GIZ (German Corporation). It wasn’t until we achieved something extraordinary that doors began to open. Our hard work and dedication to creating impactful solutions attracted the attention of these organizations, both locally and globally. We didn’t just attend events and hope for the best; we focused on creating something meaningful and exceptional. That’s when the game changed.
A few months ago, I was invited by the Nigerian Presidency to Aso Villa for doing something exceptionally great. This invitation wasn’t just a random occurrence; it was a direct result of doing something great. People often ask, “What’s the secret to building a strong network?” My answer remains the same: Focus on creating something exceptional, and the right people will want to connect with you.
You see, it’s not just about showing up to events or collecting business cards at conferences. Many people go to these gatherings, meet others, and still find themselves with weak or superficial networks. Why? Because they haven’t done something that sets them apart. When you dedicate yourself to doing something great, people will naturally gravitate towards you. It creates a foundation of respect and admiration that goes beyond small talk or casual interactions.
Let’s look at the story of Hilda Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. During her cooking marathon, she gained attention from influential figures, including the Lagos State Government and even Nigeria’s Vice President, who visited her while she was doing something exceptional. That achievement turned her into a global influencer and unlocked numerous opportunities for her, both nationally and internationally. This shows that doing something great can propel you into networks that might otherwise have seemed unreachable.
So, my advice to you is this: Don’t just focus on networking for the sake of it. Spend time perfecting your craft, build something meaningful, and let that be the foundation of your connections. When you do something truly great, you won’t have to chase after meaningful networks—they will come to you. From local influencers to global organizations, people will want to be part of your journey.
This is the hack I offer you today: Do something exceptionally great. It will naturally lead to the development of a strong, meaningful network. Events and conferences are helpful, but greatness is what truly opens doors.
