Hello my name is Donna-Ray Campbell and I write the “Event Update” column on behalf of Stimulus for The Entrepreneurial Report, Firstly I Would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year and I look forward to us growing together through Stimulus in 2012. Ordinarily Stimulus Speed Networking Events occur on the first Monday of every month. These sessions have two main aims;
1. To introduce the theme for the month to come and to allow us as a group to plan ahead
2. To provide an opportunity where we can develop networking skills in a ‘safe’ place, actively network, share ideas and find opportunities to do business together.
These sessions typically have one speaker who gives the group a taste of what we can expect to learn as we continue to participate in networking events with Stimulus.
We kick started the year last night with a ‘Back to Basics’ Speed Networking event. The session was facilitated by our founder Miss Rudo Nyangulu who challenged the group to network effectively. We had a Speed Networking exercise; this is when two people have a minute to introduce themselves and their businesses or ‘pitch’ their ‘elevator speech’ with the aim of making a last impression. The group initially did the exercise with no direction then Miss Nyangulu gave us pointers on the key elements of effective networking in any environment ‘without coming across as a sales person’.
Points to remember when networking are; you must have good posture and remember that 80% of communication is non-verbal so we need to be “body aware’. Maintain eye contact; always have something tangible to give the person be it a business card or a flyer. Be clear and do not beat about the bush, introduce yourself and your business, practice ‘active listening’ so that you will be able to find something that will aid you in making a personal connection that will leave a ‘lasting impression’. This can be done by commenting on their appearance or asking a question about their family, hobbies or picking something about their business that they share with you. This was a great exercise and everyone welcomed it with open arms.
A few of our ‘regular network attendees were then called upon to give testimonials about the impact Stimulus has had in their business development and personal development so far s. I had an opportunity to share my ‘Stimulus journey’ too as well as explain the function of Stimulus and the way we plan to help all entrepreneurs. Miss Nyangulu explained how Stimulus was founded and what prompted her to begin the organisation the motivation and vision behind it.
Finally we were shown the benefits of becoming a Stimulus member and the opportunities of becoming a ‘Stimulator’. We also had the Stimulus website revealed to us, www.stimulusonline.org which was launched last night and we welcome as much feedback as you are willing to give so that it can continually improve. We were given a brief out lay of Stimulus membership requirements and why it’s in the best interests of an entrepreneur to become a member and all the exclusive benefits you will enjoy by being a part of an organisation that is actively and successfully inspiring and developing entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. If you need more information regarding Stimulus membership and any other questions visit our website or email us; membership@stimulusonline.org and we will gladly assist you.
Photography provided by E:thos Photography
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| Miss Nyangulu our facilitator for the meeting last night. |
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| Everyone in attendace listened attentively to the valuable information given out by Miss Nyangulu |
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| Mr James Goto giving his testimonial on the changes in his business since discovering Stimulus |
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| Mr Tinashe Hwindingwi giving his testimonial on how Stimulus impacted his business. |
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| Mr Itai Manyere sharing how he was drawn to Stimulus on the internet and hasn't looked back! |
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