Your Network starts with the formation of the first link on one memorable day

November 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

We often work with Lionesses who have come up against the usual funding brick walls (no need to repeat, regular readers will know what we are talking about. New readers? Do we have a treat for you - see here one of our many articles highlighting the iniquities of finance!), and who need a helping hand.

7 Networking tips for amazing opportunities

July 10, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Naike Moshi

Are you focusing on growing your network?

Networking can be an effective tool to build your professional career or provide you with amazing opportunities. They say " Your network is your net worth.” The stronger your network, the more valuable you are to your business, and other individuals. Over time, your network will enable you to orchestrate major business deals, refer business to associates, help a friend land her next job, or even introduce future couples.

Using Networking to Market Your Business

January 16, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Zodidi Gaseb

How important is networking to small businesses? Ask a small service business where they get most of their customers, and they are likely to indicate some form of word-of-mouth marketing.

A story about a Mozambican Pride

December 12, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Mayra Pereira

My name is Mayra Pereira and I am a Lioness since September 2019. I keep going back to the date I was preparing my presentation for the Lioness Lean In event in Maputo. For so long, I kept pushing out the date because I was afraid of public speaking, and still very hormonal from having my little Mia, just 4 four months before.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mellisa Mazingi / Build a tribe

September 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Build a tribe!…

“Build a tribe - there is nothing more powerful and valuable than a group of friends in business for whom you are each other's personal cheerleaders, motivators and reference-givers.”

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Quote of the Day by Priscilla Addison

July 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Never underestimate the importance of having a conversation and networking. Everyone is important, from the President of the country or organization, and the taxi driver.”

Priscilla Addison, co-founder, ’57 Chocolate (Ghana)

Quote of the Day by Keren Pybus

April 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Network, network, network. People want to help others and there are so many people that have done part of your journey, so learn from them”

Keren Pybus, co-founder and ceo of Ethical Apparel Africa, Ghana

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Networking really can help you

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder & CEO of Java Foods, Zambia — **Monica Musonda**, founder & CEO of Java Foods, Zambia

Networking is vital....

“It can get you through all the right doors. You need to learn to make new connections all the time. They can help a new business in one way or the other. Be careful of people coming into your inner circle just trying to bring you down. Know who your friends are. Take advice from the right people too.”

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mellisa Mazinga - Enjoy the journey

November 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Don't forget to enjoy your entrepreneurial journey....

"Build a support network so you can seek advice when needed, and be meticulous about planning and execution. But most importantly, enjoy the journey."

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Entrepreneur Advice from Tiisetso Skosana - You need to make the right connections

July 30, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Tiisetso Skosana, founder of Lotjhani Branding (South Africa) — **Tiisetso Skosana**, founder of Lotjhani Branding (South Africa)

Strategic networking and making the right connections is essential....

"One thing we have learned so far is that is necessary to be highly strategic in our approach, doing our homework on the people, companies and organisations we wish to contact, attending the right events, and then using every platform and avenue available to us to make the right connections."

- Tiisetso Skosana is the founder of Lotjhani Investments, a South African company specialising in brand strategy, copywriting and design. Tiisetso achieved her degree in Communications Management specialising in Creative Brand Communications and a postgrad in Business Administration. She has experience in a variety of creative disciplines: as a copywriter and brand strategist in advertising agencies to magazine and online writing as well as digital and public relations management.