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Networking isn’t always easy. There are so many different groups, events, and conversations to navigate around. Making the most out of these opportunities is a skill. At MSDUK, we bring people and businesses from different industries, backgrounds, and ethnicities into one place.  

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Whilst at MSDUK we open doors to new opportunities and contacts, the rest lies with you. You need to make the most of these invaluable opportunities through open-mindedness, patience, and networking. But it can be intimidating. So here are 5 tips on how to make the most out of your network:  

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1. Be a True Networker and Connector 

True networking is not just about meeting someone once and sending a Linkedin connection. It’s about building and maintaining authentic relationships over time that benefit one another.  

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Keep in touch and offer to help them. This can be through sharing each other’s opportunities; celebrating each other’s successes; attending events to show your support; and inviting them to events. Over time, these connections will build creating a stronger foundation for your relationship.  

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Also, if you can introduce people who can benefit from one another, you’ll build a stronger rapport with multiple people. And if the connection turned out to be beneficial, your act will be remembered. Help others when you can as your actions won’t go unnoticed.  

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On the programme, you’ll already be part of a diverse network of founders from different backgrounds and industries who you can connect with. Have a look at the businesses we’ve supported so far.

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2. Look Around You 

Whilst it’s good to meet new people and build a bigger network, we sometimes forget about the people we’ve already connected with. If you need a service or want an introduction, it’s good to look at the people around you first before using time to find it elsewhere.

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There may be someone who already has what you need. Reaching out and nurturing your current network creates a foundation where you can build authentic relationships and find business.  

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When you complete the programme, you’ll receive 1-year free MSDUK membership where you can attend our flagship events and make those connections. 

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3. Take advantage of events  

When attending an event, virtual or in-person, engage and participate as much as possible. Ask questions; make a comment; start a conversation during or after the event. 

As much as possible, attend events. Depending on the type of event, you can decide to exhibit or give a short talk. You’ll find people will come to you once you’ve made yourself known.  

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4. Diversify your network 

It’s tempting to interact with the same people within the same industry all the time. However, this can narrow down your opportunities and limit your options. As Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam has written, you need a balance of both “bonding capital” and “bridging capital” — i.e., relationships based respectively on your commonalities (bonding) and relationships built across differences (bridging). 

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Within MSDUK, we have businesses from a range of industries. Diversifying your network could lead to new ideas and concepts. You’ll never know when you’ll need someone to help you with IT and software; when you’ll need to arrange some corporate gifting; or when you’ll need a design agency. 

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5. Dive into Collaboration  

Offering to collaborate is an excellent way of building rapport; offering your services, and building relationships. This can be in the form of working on a project together or holding a joint event in the community.  

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On the MSDUK Accelerator, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to collaborate with other founders. You’re welcome to reach out to one another, swap ideas, and work together.  

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When you join MSDUK, it’s not just a network of EMBs and corporates wanting to secure contracts; you are joining a vast community of individuals who want to support one another. On the MSDUK Accelerator, we’re bringing together ethnic minority founders who support one another on the programme and share experiences. We also offer you a one-year free membership with MSDUK so you can continue building your network.  

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We’ll support you in navigating and making the most of your network. If you want to become part of an empowering tribe, apply to the MSDUK Accelerator today.