Nelson Mandela Bay business chamber hosts speed networking session

In days gone by, the most important aspect of a business transaction was the sale — well not any more.

Relationships have become the new currency and failing to effectively network and market can hamstring a business before it gets going.

That is according to business coach Pascal Pau, who facilitated a speed networking session hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber on Friday.

“It is important to network through sessions like these and maybe further have a cup of coffee with those people you feel you can have a strategic alliance with.

“Those who can benefit from you or them from you,” Pau said.

He said forming strategic alliances was crucial for the growth of businesses.

Pau delivered a series of coaching briefs between the four-minute sessions in which  participants had to introduce themselves and their business to a potential partner while waiting for the bell to ring time.

The event was hosted on the Kelston Motors Group’s Jeep showroom floor.

“One of the most important things in business is following up.

“Many people will just meet a potential client once and never follow up on that lead,” Pau said.

The participants varied from small start-ups to established businesses.

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator’s Xola Speelman said the sessions were a good opportunity to move potential employers to its platform.

Harambee is a not-for-profit employment agency that connects jobseekers with potential employers. 

“We are assisting young people to get close to their potential employers.

“Before the pandemic we used to run psychometric assessments, taking them to interviews and assisting them.

“Because of the pandemic, we no longer do that face-to-face but are managing a platform from the presidential office called the SA Youth.

“We have moved all the content to that platform and now young people can access job interviews, entrepreneurial content and also education support,” Speelman said.

The business chamber’s events co-ordinator, Lungisile Mtshutshwana, said the sessions offered great engagement opportunities and brand awareness for businesses 

“We have reignited our speed networking sessions this year.

“The purpose of the event is for chamber members to network and generate potential business leads.

“The platform offers a great engagement opportunity as businesses do elevator pitches at the event, thereby creating extensive brand awareness.

“The event is held quarterly to allow members to directly present their services or products, and network among members,” Mtshutshwana said.