In Nigeria, there’s a popular saying that often circulates in conversations about career success: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While skills and qualifications are undeniably crucial, this statement holds a powerful truth about the professional landscape across Africa. Your network is your net worth. The right connection can open doors that your CV alone cannot. It can provide the insider information, the crucial referral, or the mentorship that catapults your career forward.
But for many, the very idea of “networking” is terrifying. It conjures images of being pushy, transactional, and desperate, of awkwardly interrupting conversations at events or sending cringe-worthy messages on LinkedIn. There's a deep-seated fear of being that person, the one who is clearly just using others to get ahead. This fear is so paralyzing that many talented professionals choose to do nothing at all, relying solely on job portals and hoping for the best.
This guide is here to change that narrative.
Networking, when done correctly, is not about being annoying. It’s about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. It’s about curiosity, generosity, and professional friendship. In the Nigerian and African context, where community and relationships are the bedrock of society, this approach is not just effective, it’s essential.
This is your ultimate, in-depth playbook for learning how to network your way into a job with grace, confidence, and authenticity. We will break down the process step-by-step, providing culturally relevant strategies for both online and in-person interactions, so you can build a powerful professional circle that not only helps you land your next role but supports you for the rest of your career.
The Foundation
Shifting Your Mindset from “Taking” to “Giving”
Before you send a single LinkedIn message or attend any event, you must undergo a fundamental mindset shift. The biggest mistake people make is approaching networking with a “What can I get?” attitude. This energy is palpable and off-putting.
The most effective networkers operate from a place of generosity. Their primary question is, “What can I give?”
The Law of Reciprocity in the African Context
In many African cultures, the concept of community and mutual support is deeply ingrained. We help our neighbours, we support our “people.” This same principle applies to professional networking. Your goal is to build a reputation as a valuable, helpful, and resourceful person.
- Give Value First: Before you ever think of asking for something, find a way to offer value. This doesn't have to be something monumental. It could be:
- Sharing a relevant article or report.
- Connecting two people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other.
- Offering a genuine compliment on a recent achievement or project.
- Providing a helpful perspective or insight in a conversation.
- Play the Long Game: True networking is not a short-term sprint to get a job. It's a long-term strategy for building a career. The relationships you build today might not pay off for months or even years, but a strong network is an asset that appreciates over time.
- Be Genuinely Curious: Stop thinking about what to say and start focusing on what you can learn. Approach every conversation with a genuine curiosity about the other person's work, their challenges, and their industry. People love to talk about what they do, and your authentic interest is the fastest way to build rapport.
Digital Networking Mastery
Conquering LinkedIn Without Being a Pest
LinkedIn is the most powerful professional networking tool on the planet, but it's also where the most annoying networking happens. Here’s how to use it like a pro in the Nigerian context.
Step 1: Your Profile is Your Digital Handshake
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make. It must be professional, comprehensive, and optimized.
- Professional Photo: A clear, well-lit headshot where you are smiling and dressed professionally. No selfies, no group photos.
- The Headline is Your Pitch: Don't just put your job title. Use it to describe the value you bring.
- Instead of: “Accountant at XYZ Company”
- Try: “Chartered Accountant | Financial Reporting & Analysis | Helping Businesses Optimize Financial Performance”
- The “About” Section is Your Story: This is your chance to bring your CV to life. Write in the first person, tell a brief story about your professional journey, highlight your key skills, and state your career aspirations.
Step 2: The Art of the Connection Request
Never, ever send a connection request with the generic, default message. This is the digital equivalent of walking up to someone and just staring at them. Always personalize your request.
- The Golden Formula:
- Acknowledge Them: Start by mentioning something specific.
- State the Common Ground: Explain why you are connecting.
- Keep it Brief and Professional.
- Template for Someone You Admire:
“Dear Mrs. Adebayo, I was so impressed by your recent presentation on fintech trends at the Lagos Startup Week. Your insights on mobile payment adoption were particularly insightful. I am a young professional in the finance space and would be honoured to connect and follow your work. Best regards, Tunde.”
- Template for a Fellow Alumnus:
“Hello Mr. Okoro, I see we both graduated from the University of Ibadan! I'm a recent graduate from the Economics department and am exploring a career in management consulting. I would be grateful for the opportunity to connect with a fellow alumnus in the field. Thank you, Amina.”
Step 3: Engage Before You Ask
Once someone accepts your connection request, do not immediately slide into their DMs with your CV. This is the ultimate networking sin.
- Engage with Their Content: For the next few weeks, be a thoughtful presence. Like their posts. More importantly, leave insightful comments. A good comment adds to the conversation, asks a follow-up question, or shares a related perspective.
- Share Valuable Content: Post your own content. Share interesting articles, write about a project you're working on, or offer your perspective on an industry trend. This positions you as a knowledgeable professional, not just a job seeker.
The Art of In-Person Networking
Navigating Events in Lagos and Beyond
Professional events, conferences, and seminars are goldmines for networking. But they can also be intimidating.
Before the Event
Do Your Homework
- Know Who Will Be There: Check the event's website or app for a list of speakers and attendees. Identify 3-5 key people you would like to meet.
- Prepare Your “One-Liner”: When someone asks, “So, what do you do?” you need a concise, interesting answer. It should be a 30-second version of your LinkedIn headline and summary.
- Set a Realistic Goal: Don't aim to meet everyone. Aim to have 2-3 quality conversations. It's about depth, not breadth.
During the Event
The Rules of Engagement
- The “Oga at the Top” Etiquette: In Nigeria, there's a natural deference to seniority. If you want to speak to a high-profile speaker or CEO, be patient and respectful. Don't interrupt their conversation. Wait for a natural opening.
- Listen More Than You Talk: The easiest way to have a great conversation is to ask great questions.
- “What was your biggest takeaway from that last session?”
- “What's the most exciting project you're working on right now?”
- “What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our industry?”
- The Graceful Exit: Know how to end a conversation politely. After a few minutes, you can say:
“It's been an absolute pleasure speaking with you, Mr. Silva. I know you have many people to connect with, so I won't hold you up. I would love to connect on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.”
After the Event
The Crucial Follow-Up
This is where 90% of people fail. A great conversation is useless if you don't follow up.
- Follow Up Within 24 Hours: Send a personalized LinkedIn connection request or a brief email.
- The Follow-Up Template:
“Dear [Name], It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the [Event Name]. I particularly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed]. As promised, here is the link to the [article/resource you mentioned]. I look forward to staying connected. Best regards, [Your Name].”
The “Informational Interview”
The Secret Weapon for Smart Networkers
An informational interview is a brief, informal conversation with someone in a field or company that interests you. The golden rule is: you are asking for information and advice, NOT a job.
This is the single best way to network without being annoying because you are positioning them as the expert and you as the student.
How to Request an Informational Interview
- Leverage Your Network: Find someone through your alumni network, a mutual connection on LinkedIn, or your personal circle.
- The Email/LinkedIn Message Template:
Subject: UBA Alumnus Seeking Career Advice
Dear Ms. Dangote,
My name is Ibrahim, and I'm a final-year Finance student at the University of Benin. I found your profile on LinkedIn and was incredibly inspired by your career path from UBA's graduate program to your current role as Head of Strategy.
I am deeply interested in a career in corporate strategy and would be immensely grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experience. Would you be open to a brief 15-20 minute virtual coffee chat in the coming weeks to share some advice for someone just starting out?
I understand you have a very busy schedule, so I completely understand if this is not possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Ibrahim Bello
During the Informational Interview
- Be Prepared: Have a list of thoughtful questions ready.
- Respect Their Time: Stick to the agreed-upon time limit.
- End with the Magic Question: “Based on our conversation, is there anyone else you would recommend I speak to?” This is how you expand your network.
Making the “Ask”
How to Request a Referral Gracefully
After you have built a rapport with someone over time, you may be in a position to ask for a referral. This must be done delicately.
- Make it Easy for Them: Do all the work.
- The Referral Request Template:
“Dear Mr. Emeka, I hope you are having a great week.
I am writing to you today because I saw an opening for a [Job Title] position at [Their Company] that I believe is a strong match for my skills and experience.
I have attached my tailored CV and a brief paragraph on why I believe I am a good fit for the role. Would you be comfortable forwarding my application to the hiring manager or submitting a referral on my behalf?
I completely understand if you are not in a position to do so. Either way, I am very grateful for your support and the advice you've shared with me.
Best regards, Chioma”
Networking is an Act of Professional Kindness
To network your way into a job is not to be a user or a pest. It is to be a builder, a builder of bridges, a builder of trust, and a builder of professional community. In the Nigerian and African context, where our strength lies in our connections, this is a skill that will serve you far beyond your next job search.
Shift your mindset from taking to giving. Be genuinely curious. Respect the culture. Follow up thoughtfully. And remember that every person you meet is an opportunity to learn and to help. Do this consistently, and you won't have to worry about being annoying. You will be known as a valuable connection, and when the right opportunity arises, you will be the first person they think of.
Your network is waiting. Go build it.