In business, people always talk about networking like it is some secret formula. For me, I never saw it as chasing contacts or collecting numbers at events. The truth is that things move in Zimbabwe because someone knows you or remembers you for something real you did. Thats networking for growth to me.
When I started out, I believed that adverts and a website would be enough. However, my first clients came from people I met at church or at a wedding or even while walking in the street. They did not care about my logo or profile. They remembered a conversation or they saw how I worked with my hands when nobody was watching. That is what opened doors for me. Most deals come through people who see your work or hear about you from someone they trust.
Many people think that if they work hard alone, they will succeed, but the reality is different. Sometimes your breakthrough will come from an unexpected place or from someone you met a long time ago. In Zimbabwe, people are always talking about someone who “knows someone” and this is how business moves in most places. Even when you feel that your business is not getting attention, people are watching. They notice the small things, the way you treat others, the effort you put in, and the stories people share about you.
You will notice that it is not always smooth. Some people promise the world and then disappear. Others connect you with nothing but stories. Some will keep asking for favours and never return them. As time passed, I learned to see who was serious and who was just talking. Some people let you down even after you call them friends. I have lost business because someone I trusted turned their back on me or went behind me to take my client. That hurts but I do not dwell on it. I focus on the ones who actually show up.
When things go wrong, you feel disappointed, but you must learn to move on. Not every relationship will bring value. Sometimes you meet people who take and never give, who promise big things and never follow through. This is part of the journey, and you need to keep your eyes open. In business, the true network is made up of people who keep their word, who support you even when things are not going well, and who are willing to walk with you during tough times.
What works stays simple. I do what I say I will do and I protect my name. Most business comes from someone saying, “Try Simba, he can help you.” This happens when you stay consistent and reliable. You also need to be clear about what you deliver. Sometimes you just check in with someone or show up for a friend’s launch or send a quick message to congratulate a fellow business owner. These small things keep your network alive.
Consistency is important because it builds trust over time. When people see that you do what you promise, they learn to trust you. They talk about you when you are not there and they recommend you to others. That is how I got clients who never saw my adverts or my website but heard from someone they trust that I could deliver. Many times, business grows because you have built a reputation for being dependable.
I made mistakes along the way. Sometimes I chased “big connections” that led nowhere. I trusted people who disappointed me. Some people only remember you when they need something. You must say no sometimes and protect your time. I learned not to take every bad experience personally. There is politics in every industry but you do not have to get lost in it. You should do good work and keep your word. Focus on the relationships that actually matter.
Looking back, some of my biggest mistakes came from ignoring my gut feeling. When you meet someone and something feels off, listen to that instinct. Not every connection is good for your business. At times, you must protect your time and your energy. This does not mean you close yourself off from others, but you learn to focus on relationships that add value both ways.
Every now and then I benefit from helping someone else, even a competitor. Sometimes I am too busy and I refer a client to another business. Later, the favour comes back in ways I did not expect. It is not about keeping score. It is about building a name that stands for something.
There are times when helping someone with no expectation of return has opened unexpected doors. I have found that business can be a cycle. The person you help today might be the same person who brings you business tomorrow. This happens more often than you think. In Zimbabwe, word of mouth is stronger than any poster or online advert. People believe stories from those they trust, and your actions speak louder than your words.
At the end of the day, you cannot force relationships. You cannot fake them. You build them by being honest, present, and dependable. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win. Your reputation is what keeps your business alive. For me, networking never meant being everywhere or knowing everyone. It means being remembered for something real.
As your business grows, you learn that your network is not just a list of contacts, but a group of people who know your values and your work ethic. The more genuine you are, the more your name spreads in the right way. So, keep showing up, keep doing your best work, and keep building relationships that matter. That is how business moves here. There is no magic. You need people, time, and the strength of your own name.