Networking stirs mixed feelings. Some thrive on it, others avoid it. Still, whether you notice or not, you’re always part of networks—the real difference is in how you grow them. You don’t want to come off like Ananse, the African folklore hero who’s always scheming.
Networking works best when you’re genuine. People can sense honesty right away, and that’s what makes them open up—sometimes as quickly as biculturals bonding over a good meal.
From Lone Traveller to Networker
I moved from Ghana as a Masters student. Before that, I was well known on different campuses because of the student leadership roles I held, but I was anti-social. I did my job, but I did not make many friends.
Over time, I grew less quiet, less reserved. Baby steps. On visiting one of my primary school teachers after a few years, he asked me in jest, “Do you talk now?” My answer, a confident “absolutely”, surprised him. Still, deep down I wanted more. I wanted to walk into a room and feel at ease connecting with anyone there. So when I moved alone to the Netherlands, I actively tried to meet many people and built several relationships on and off campus.
As serendipity would have it, I joined Omek because of one of these off-campus connections. That’s how connecting became a habit; I found myself doing it everywhere, on and off campus, without even planning it.
I’ve come to see three kinds of networks shape both belonging and my professional life as a freelancer and a 9-to-5er.
1. Personal & Development Networks
The easiest relationships to build fall here — friends, family, and acquaintances. These are your personal networks, but conversations within them often blend career growth with personal development.
Through Omek, I’ve spoken with peers, graduates entering the job market, and directors at major companies. These relationships have grown over time—and yes, food played its part. Sharing a meal has a way of turning simple connections into real bonds.
Don’t sleep on the power of food, my people. Finger foods or a coffee are always great the first few times. But afterwards, and when you need to show gratitude, you can opt for an actual meal.
A constant presence in my own network has been Kobi Ampoma. I first connected with him in 2020. He loves to help people, so I did not need food at all. Since then, he’s helped refine my CV and even given tips for salary negotiations.
Over coffee this year (not food, but still…), he told me, “If a superior asks for information, offer it before the deadline because they need time to review it.” That advice paid off when a director reached out to me for a project. She had a few follow-up questions. But at that level time is everything, and by sending what she needed earlier than expected, I saved her some valuable time.
2. Operational Networks
Forget food for a moment. You need an intricate web of connections that help you deliver at work. These networks often form naturally, but being intentional makes them stronger. Direct reports, internal stakeholders, peers, and even customers — you need them all to succeed.
At one of the companies I joined, my manager would walk around 3 or 4 different departments, like nurses rounds. She’d check in with them, “How was your weekend?” or “How’s that project you’re working on?”. These conversations built trust and made working with others smoother.
Kes gave me advice I still use: say hello to everyone so they get to know you. Small conversations — “How was your weekend?” or “How’s that project you’re working on?” — built trust. What looked random at first made me a go-to for cross-functional collaboration.
The trick is knowing when to keep it short so you can still do your job.
3. Strategic Networks
Strategic networks take patience. They’re not the kind you stumble on, you build them with intention. These are the people who can open doors, connect you to opportunities, and help you see what’s coming next in your field. Harvard Business Review refers to these as your outposts.
Since Covid, the world has only become more unpredictable. That’s why you need strategic networks. The rewards here are not immediate. However, your outposts get to know who you are and what your interests are.
My first job in the Netherlands came through a Nigerian friend I met in school. My second was flagged to me by someone I now call a sister. At first, these conversations were just about connecting. Months or even years later, they turned into opportunities.
In 2021, I had an introductory call with an agency owner; she is a friend of a friend. We couldn’t work together then, but we stayed in touch. Over a year later, she reached out with a gig that was the perfect fit.
Kemo always says, connect with at least five people before you leave the room. And it works.
Bringing It All Together
These three networks overlap; together, they form your community. But remember, don’t only reach out to people when you need something. Build relationships, strengthen your connections.
At best, you gain friendships. At worst, you receive advice or opportunities. Done right, networking is fun and authentic.
Strategic, operational, and personal networks may play different roles, but they all thrive on trust, consistency, and genuine curiousity. And if you’re ever unsure where to start? Just say hello. If even that is too hard, offer them some Ghanaian jollof — nobody says no to that.
A writer and community builder exploring the connection between stories in our society and how they influence our personal and professional lives. Benjamin's goal is to provide practical advice and build a community, figuring it out together.
