Resolution 2018: Global Relationship Goals

As mentioned in previous posts, I run a communications and events company called AB2020. And each year I summarise where we’ve been for the past 12 months, and what our focus will be going forward.

2017 was our most active, eye-opening and inspiring year by far.

In February we hosted our first flagship event, the Tech in Ghana Conference in London. We held the second event in Accra, Ghana, nine months later in November.

In May 2017 we delivered our second annual Ghana Business Mission.

In June, we provided event management for the Africa Technology Business Forum.

By July, we were back in Accra to help stage the four-day Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit.

And September saw us spending a week in Busan, South Korea coordinating a national pavilion during ITU Telecom World.

Throughout the year, we published articles promoting West African entrepreneurs; and met some phenomenal women in the tech space including Uber’s Chief Branding Officer Bozoma Saint John, and Claudette Irere, Director General for Rwanda’s Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (MiTEC).

Since launching AB2020 in 2015, I’ve interacted with some truly great people and have been privileged to spend time with many them in a capacity that extends beyond their status or job title.

And what I have come to learn?

Hosting events and facilitating business is all well and good, but what underlies it all and what actually matters most, is people. How you relate to people, and how you treat people, will inevitably impact the way you work with people in the near and long-term future.

Relationships are forever. And long-term relationships are built off of integrity and trust.

As we head in to 2018 with some exciting plans, we’ll facilitate and encourage more relationship building both on the continent, and even more so globally.

It’s often said that it’s best to be on the ground when investing in Africa.

Well, to have success in business, it’s best to have genuine relationships with your potential partners or customers well before making a commitment.

That way, when it comes to doing the real work your foundation is already set in stone.

Wishing you all the best with your business and relationship goals!