Some folks have the wrong expectations when it comes to “networking” and “connections” and the role they play in business.

I don’t think most people realistically anticipate the level of self promotion that comes along with being self employed or starting your own venture.

These people still have an entitled air of “magic” around these topics and that’s possibly the main reason why things aren’t “taking off” for them.

I was once with a beauty entrepreneur who insisted the main reason why she hadn’t taken action yet was because she didn’t have “the connection” to start.

It makes sense that for some endeavors you need a certain network of individuals or maybe some benefactors or mentors before you can gain traction... but people overestimate how important your “connections” are at the beginning of the enterprise.

The connections are not responsible for you “taking off” or launching the business.

The “connections” are what arise when you start gaining some traction on your own.

Progress attracts a lot of friends and benefactors. Progress also attracts some hangers-on as well.

Another thing is, if the network and “connections” are a vital part of the project, then why sit and wait for connections?

Why not be proactive and come up with a plan for biulding those alliances as step one of your execution?

We should be careful the excuses we tell ourselves!

She never started the endeavor.

The “connections” never came.

It’s been almost three years.

Don’t wait for connections before you begin.

Start where you can with what you have.

Connections will follow once you start marking progress. Benefactors will show up because everyone loves to support young men and women who are in the hustle.

If the network is an absolute necessity, then come up with a plan today for who you need to talk to and how.

Start having those conversations today so that you can launch your ideas tomorrow.

Yes “connections” might be the magic ingredient in the Nigerian business and political environment, but connections aren’t going to come and meet you in your living room.