In Nigeria’s business world, who you know matters just as much as what you know. But knowing the right people starts with making the right impression — and that window is smaller than you think. Research suggests you have roughly seven seconds before someone forms a first impression of you.
Here are five ways to make those seconds count at your next networking event.
1. Prepare your introduction before you walk in
The biggest mistake people make at networking events is winging their introduction. Know your one-sentence answer to “what do you do?” before you arrive. It should be specific, clear, and interesting. Not “I work in finance” — but “I help mid-sized Nigerian businesses access funding from international investors.” Specificity is memorable.
2. Lead with curiosity, not your CV
The best networkers ask great questions. Instead of launching into what you do, ask about the other person first. What brought them to the event? What are they working on? People remember those who made them feel heard, not those who talked the most.
3. Dress for the room — and then some
Nigerians take appearance seriously, and for good reason. How you present yourself signals how seriously you take your work. Whether it’s a sharp agbada, a well-fitted suit, or smart business casual — dress intentionally. You want people to notice you before you’ve said a word.
4. Follow up within 24 hours
The fortune is in the follow-up. Most connections made at events fade within 48 hours if nothing follows. Send a WhatsApp message or email the next morning referencing something specific from your conversation. It shows you were paying attention and that you take the relationship seriously.
5. Make sharing your contact details effortless
This is where most professionals lose momentum. Fumbling for a paper card, spelling out your email address, or asking someone to type your number into their phone all slow things down and break the energy of a good conversation.
A Movotag NFC card solves this instantly. One tap and your full profile — including your phone, email, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and website — opens directly on their phone. No app, no typing, no friction. They can save your details in seconds and you stay connected without the hassle.
Get your Movotag NFC card at app.movotag.com/order and make your next networking event your best one yet.