By S M Imran
Chairman Middle East, Pakistan and Africa (MEPA) Region, EO
The networking opportunity at the platform of Entrepreneur’s Organization fosters the exchange of information and ideas among individuals and groups that share common interests. This is a unique opportunity available to its members across the globe. It further manifests that EO is not a lobbying forum like other sector-specific associations and chambers of commerce and industry.
No matter what profession you’re in, networking at the platform of EO is the fuel that accelerates success. Not only is it useful for learning directly from individuals you meet, but the benefits of association and growing your own authority are just as powerful. Shining entrepreneurs with multicultural backgrounds and experiences turns into one community at EO. A blend of idea sharing and exchange of information results into an exponential growth of respective members.
Gone are the days when answer to the question that why are some entrepreneurs so much more successful than others in starting new ventures was attributed to either on the personality traits or susceptibility to various cognitive errors of individual entrepreneurs or on such external factors as the number of competing businesses. But entrepreneurs’ social skills—specific competencies that help them interact effectively with others—may also play a role in their success. A high level of social capital, built on a favorable reputation, relevant previous experience, and direct personal contacts, often assists entrepreneurs in gaining access to venture capitalists, potential customers, and others. Once such access is gained, the nature of the entrepreneurs’ face-to-face interactions can strongly influence their success. Specific social skills, such as the ability to read others accurately, make favorable first impressions, adapt to a wide range of social situations, and be persuasive, can influence the quality of these interactions. Moreover, by helping entrepreneurs expand their personal networks, social skills may also contribute to their social capital. Because social skills can readily be enhanced through appropriate training, entrepreneurs who take advantage of such opportunities may reap important benefits.
Relationships matter. They provide us social context, allow us to transfer trust, and create opportunity. Relationships also, not surprisingly, fuel more relationships. But how do you start building your network? The short answer is through organizations. Besides a curated network of relationships, organizations also provide excellent opportunities to give back, mentor others, and find resources to help businesses succeed.
EO is the world’s only peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs. Founded in 1987, EO enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.
Since 1987, the Entrepreneurs Organization has been transforming the lives of the entrepreneurs who transform the world. As the global thought leader on entrepreneurship, SO plays an integral role in business, industries and the lives of leading entrepreneurs everywhere.
Being the Chairman MEPA Region, I’m pursuing my mission statement of ‘building bridges’ and a regional event ‘EO Grow’ will be organized in UAE in May 2018. Leading professors from Harvard University will be the key-note on the occasion They will hold learning sessions to enhance skills of MEPA members. This is also called ‘Executive Education Program’.
A regional council meeting will take place in Cape Town. MEPA will hold a session of Global leadership academy, titled as ‘Nelson Mandela Session’ in the jail at Cape Town, South Africa, where Nelson was imprisoned for his political struggle.
In the end of January, presidents of EO will hold meeting in Kenya to evaluate and train new entrants to the organization.
EO Resonate will take place in Tanzania by mid-February to promote and support women entrepreneurs.
By the end of February, Jordan university learning, socializing meeting.
EO members from Kenya and Dubai are planning to visit each other next year as well.
Meanwhile, the Muslim members from MEPA region will perform Umrah from 16th to 19th November. They will also visit exclusively to Riaz-ul-Jannah.
