You will agree with me that one of the hallmarks of a successful entrepreneur is effective networking. That is – building relationships with others who can refer you once they’ve come to trust you, have confidence in you, and feel loyal to you.
I’m bold to say that I’m a testimony to this statement. This isn’t a matter of your faith or belief nor is it a get-rich-quick scheme. It just boils down to establishing credibility with your referral partners, – and this process takes time. But as a business owner, you should know that the lifeblood of your business is in making the right connections. Whether it is for potential business alliances, sales, marketing, or supply chain management, – making connections is vital for business growth.
That is why this edition takes us on a networking trip to Europe – to not only network with our partners and business associates but to also exclusively cover world’s most important trade fair for the packaging sector and its associated process industries – interpack 2014 in Düsseldorf, Germany (turn to pages 30 & 31 for more); the largest focused event for digital wide format print, signage and garment decoration – FESPA Digital 2014 in Munich, Germany (check out the exclusives from pages 2, 12, 18, 28 and 29); and turn to pages 20 & 21 and 38 & 40 for WHERE To Print SPECIAL REPORTS on both KBA’s “PACKAGING. COMPETENCE. NETWORK. 2014” event in KBA’s HQ in Dresden, Germany andXEIKON CAFÉ PACKAGING INNOVATIONS 2014 show held at Xeikon production site in Lier, Belgium. These are indeed highly valued and enriched events.
Need I say more? I do hope that (after reading this edition) you will agree with me that the art of networking is one with many rewards. Master this important skill set and new business doors will fly open for you. You will be enriched by the relationships you make as you help others to achieve their goals while meeting your own objectives.
Before I leave you to savour this edition, let me also invite you to our traditional columns such as SMEs MANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTING ACCORDING TO FEMI (page 28) and PRINTERS’ FOOD (page 32); culminating in our COVER STORY this edition that focuses on the educational programmes that are scheduled to take place at Africa’s largest wide format digital printing, signage, screen printing and garment decoration exhibition FESPA Africa from 2nd to 4th July at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg. BE INSPIRED BY THE FESPA AFRICA EDUCATION PROGRAMME is on page 24.
I don’t want to take much of your time, please just flip through and peruse yourself.
Until next edition, keep doing good!
Best regards
jojuadekanbi@yahoo.com
