“In the years ahead, we are intending to position [the Western Cape] as a hub for business into Africa. In line with this, we will intensify our programmes aimed at making it easier to do business in the Western Cape. I trust this publication will be a valuable tool for businesses and potential investors to explore the economic opportunities of the Western Cape and assist in helping the region reach its full potential,” says Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities Western Cape.

The benefits of fast-track networking

Fast-track networking is like speed dating for professionals and it is a trend taking the corporate world by storm. It’s a unique, fast paced and structured initiative in which busy decision-makers meet briefly to introduce or promote their business, readily share contact information, generate publicity and find solutions to business road blocks.

This is a great platform for experienced networkers to extend their reach even further, but it is even better for nervous networkers as they are given the opportunity of creating contacts without the nerve-wracking task of approaching intimidating groups of businessmen they don’t know.

How to get the most out of it

The most important thing to remember about attending a fast-track networking event is that it is about making as many useful contacts and business leads as possible in the time frame. With this in mind it is vital to prepare an elevator speech before you arrive at the event.

An elevator speech is a short summary about 30 seconds of the key elements of the work you do and the experience you have. The idea is that you can deliver it in the space of a trip up an elevator.

Finally, make sure you take at 50 business cards and have a container of some sort to store all the ones you will receive. It is likely your wallet might burst if you try to keep them all in there.

For more information about the event or the Western Cape Top 300 publication, please contact Coleen Tapson at coleen.tapson@topco.co.za or 086 000 95 90