The UAE is among the world’s most popular countries for starting a business, and it is easy to see why. Thanks to its strategic location, innovative government initiatives and world-class infrastructure, our nation is the perfect environment for starting and scaling up a business. In fact, it has been ranked the number one country in which to start and operate a new business for the third consecutive year by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024, achieving the highest score ever recorded in the report.
Although the Emirates is a haven for budding businesses, becoming a fully fledged entrepreneur requires more than vision, passion and tenacity. This is why it is crucial to develop your personal skills to ensure you can network effectively and efficiently. After all, in a dynamic market like the UAE, networking is one of the cornerstones of success for all business owners.
Here are my top networking tips for UAE entrepreneurs.
Allow yourself to be seen
If you want to forge new connections, you need to show up. Although attending industry events seems like an obvious suggestion, it is also one of the most effective ways to meet fellow professionals and develop important business relationships. Thankfully, in the UAE, there are myriad opportunities for business owners (aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders) to collaborate and make important connections.
To ensure you are prepared to network effectively, practise your public speaking and presenting skills. You could try roleplaying with a friend or loved one to help perfect your patter. What is your business plan? What are you hoping to achieve over the next few years? What is your unique selling point? And so on. I would also recommend preparing different variations of what you want to say, such as a longer, more detailed elevator pitch and a shorter one. The UAE is home to a wide range of networking events, many of which are free to attend, so sign up and get yourself out there.
Have a strong digital presence
Virtual networking on sites such as LinkedIn is invaluable for small business owners and entrepreneurs. There are over one billion users on LinkedIn across 200 countries, which means more than one billion potential connections ready and waiting for you. This is the ideal platform for you to share your business-related activities and thoughts about recent industry news, strike up conversations and build relationships with other professionals.
To maximise your success in this sphere, ensure your profile is slick and clear, detailing the product or service your company provides – or intends to provide. Ensure your personal branding is consistent, and avoid exaggerating your skills and experience, as you risk damaging your credibility. Bear in mind, however, that LinkedIn users with a complete profile are 40 times more likely to receive work-related opportunities. Once your profile looks the part, it’s time for you to start connecting with others.
Be strategic
Being an entrepreneur is all about using your time wisely. Making meaningful connections, for example, is far more important than interacting with anyone willing to listen. So, to maximise your efficiency and success rates, try to focus on networking with those operating in your chosen industry. Utilising the experiences of successful business owners can help guide you through the potential pitfalls of running a fledgling organisation.
Another helpful strategy is to keep looking forward, focusing on the future of your business and your long-term goals. Meeting one hundred people who never contact you again is far less effective than connecting with a handful of people with whom you foster lasting relationships, for example.
Networking is crucial for entrepreneurs, but it is not always a walk in the park (unless it is a net-walking event). Thankfully, if you live in the UAE, there are many initiatives that aim to ease the process of starting your own business, making the journey seem far less challenging. But no matter where you are, anyone can become a seasoned networker with the right skills, confidence and practice.
Remember, as entrepreneurs, we are adept at overcoming challenges and driven by our passion for what we do. So, my last tip is to always be kind to yourself and never be afraid to make mistakes.
Good luck on your journey.
