Connectnigeria Articles

At the CEO’s Network in September, 2013, I met Mr. Peter Mbama. He is an alumnus of the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management Cambridge-USA (MBA, SF) and is the CEO of Regcharles Finance and Capital Limited (RFCNG). This was a physical meeting with a handshake, business cards exchanges and ice-breaking, witty banter attempts. He went on to give a great speech about how to access finance in Nigeria. I met other members of his team, thanked them all for attending, and we kept in touch after the networking event. About a month later, the RFCNG team encouraged me to join a programme run by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women called ‘Mentoring Women in Business Programme‘ as a mentee. I did, by registering online. In November, 2013, I was introduced to my mentor, Dr. Carrie Pemberton Ford. She holds a Ph.D from the University of Cambridge. This was a virtual meeting via Skype. No handshake, business cards exchanges and very little ice-breaking, witty banter attempts. We went straight to business. We have met virtually for bi-weekly mentoring sessions since. Not only have I received amazing direction and advice for my business, I am thoroughly enjoying the mentoring experience. Four months in, and I like to think we have a good virtual rapport on Skype. In December, on a two-day trip to the UK, I attempted a physical meeting, but our schedules did not permit. In March, 2014, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women invited mentees around the world to a virtual ‘Q&A with Cherie Blair’ via www.anymeeting.com. I met Cherie Blair on the 6th of March, 2014. This was a virtual meeting. To be able to interact in real time with Mrs. Blair and ask her virtually (pun intended) any question was remarkable. To do so from almost anywhere in the world even more so. To know that Mrs. Blair could see our comments and join in was fascinating. She graciously answered most questions and shared her deep knowledge and passion for women entrepreneurs. A truly enlightening experience. The power and value of quality networking cannot be underestimated. At this rate, I could meet the Queen. Virtual? Physical? So what have I gained from these meetings? One year of business advice and mentoring from a highly trained and experienced mentor in the UK worth thousands of pounds…for free! Start your networking success process. Attend the next CEO’s Networking event on the 29th of March, 2014. You do not want to miss it! THE CEO’s NETWORK Date: Saturday, March 29, 2014 Venue: Sofitel, The Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos. Time: 1 – 6 pm (Includes refreshments and Mega Coupon) Registration Fee: *N25,000. CONNECT NIGERIA readers get 20% Off = N20,000 Theme: Business Lessons From 2013 & 2014 Q1 Review 5 Outstanding CEOs to Speak at The CEO’s Network: Mr. Raphael Afaedor, Co-Founder and former MD of www.jumia.com.ng Mr. Bankole Oluwafemi, Founder of www.techcabal.com Mr. Frank Oyorhigho, CEO, www.primexbackgroundcheck.com To attend this event and expand your business, simply fill out the form here You could be a speaker… To be a Speaker at the CEO’s Network, please send your name and Company’s name to speakers@solva.com.ng Some of our esteemed past Speakers include: 1. Mr Lanre Olusola, CEO. (www.olusolalanre.com) 2. Ms. Funmi Oyatogun, CEO. (www.bailiffafrica.org) 3. Mrs. Erejuwa Gbadebo, CEO. (www.broll.com.ng) 4. Ms. Enuka Umeike, Director. (www.emoire.co.uk) 5. Mr Uzo Nduka, CEO. (www.dominoinformation.net) 6. Mr. Peter Damian Mbama, CEO. (www.rfcng.com) 7. Mrs. Izehi Anuge Thompson, CEO. (www.eleanorthompsonsupport.com) *Payment must be made into the GTBank current account for Solva Global Enterprises – 0123886520. (Branch: Ademola Adetokunbo, Sort Code: 058152146 for online transfers)