Some people hear “networking” and immediately think of cold messages and business cards, but the people who succeed at growing their networks rarely approach it that way. They treat it as relationship-building, not as a way to use someone else to get a leg up in their careers.
We asked these Nigerians to share the networking tips that have actually worked for them. Here’s what they said.
“Your peers are more important than you think”— Esther*, 29, Lawyer
Everyone wants access to SANs, CEOs and directors, but ignores the peers on the same level and journey as them. It does you a great disservice. In the six years since I left school, the people I graduated with have gone on to do great things. Some are now team leads, founders, hiring managers and decision-makers.
Many of my opportunities have come from people who were at the same level as me a few years ago. So I invest just as much energy in friendships with peers as I do in networking upwards.
“Ask good questions” — David*, 28, Product Designer
Early in my career, every message I sent was basically, “Please, I can work. Hire me or help me get a job.” Most people ignored me. So I changed my strategy and started asking people questions about their work instead.
I’d message designers I admired on LinkedIn or X and ask how they moved from one role to another or how they handled a particular challenge. People love talking about their experiences. Some of those conversations turned into mentorships, referrals and freelance gigs. The opportunities came after building a cordial relationship. I think it’s one of the best ways to grow your network.
°Õ³ó±ðÌý is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria. Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together. .
“The follow-up is where the real networking happens” — Mide*, 34, Communications Manager
Most people collect contacts at events, send them a single message, then never speak to them again.
Within 48 hours of making a new connection, I send a friendly follow-up message reminding the person where we met and mentioning something we discussed. You’d be surprised by the opportunities this can open up to you. I’ve gotten speaking opportunities, consulting jobs and introductions from people I met for five minutes because I followed up when everyone else let the vibe die.
It’s also important that you don’t see every connection as a means to career progression. Sometimes you can stumble into the most beneficial and impactful friendships by reaching out to the right people.
“Be useful before you need something”— Chima*, 30, Entrepreneur
People remember helpful people. When people reach out to me for help with a job or for business advice, they hardly stop to think about whether they can bring anything of value to me. It’s unpleasant to come across someone who just wants to take and take. I don’t necessarily take every offer I get, but it’s refreshing when someone who needs something from me offers me something in return, no matter how little. It feels like a value exchange instead of an extraction.
If I see a job opening that fits someone, I send it to them. If I can make an introduction, I will. If I have information that might help someone, I share it. But I’m only happy to do this when there’s already goodwill in the relationship.
“Become a familiar face”— Kunle*, 35, Digital Marketer
Familiarity builds trust. I noticed that people started remembering me only after seeing me three or four times.
Now, instead of attending every event in Lagos, I focus on a few communities and keep showing up. The conversations become deeper because you’re no longer having to introduce yourself from scratch every time. That way, there’s room for exchanging valuable advice, opportunities and ideas.
Read Next: Nigerians Who Grew Up Poor Share The Luxuries They Refuse To Spend On
