What is networking? Why is it so important in business? It all boils down to the old adage that it's not what you know, it's who you know. People prefer to do business with people they know. They've had time to judge you and your business, and probably feel more comfortable giving you business than a stranger that comes cold-calling.

So how do you set these relationships in place? There are several formal networks (listed below), but you should get to know others in your industry by

• joining informal groups,
• regularly communicating with members of these groups,
• consciously cross-pollinate with them,
• actively keeping your list of contacts up to date and
• learn to give before you take.

Here's a start:

FABCOS - Foundation of African Business & Consumer Services
AHI - Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut
SACOB - South African Chamber of Business
BMF - Black Management Forum
NBI - National Business Initiative
NAFCOC
BUSA