African Professional Network

- Save the date and plan to attend this remarkable event

Deola Sagoe () founder of Deola is the leading lady of African haute couture fashion from Ondo State in Nigeria. has been at the cutting edge of high fashion since 1989 and became the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome’s celebrated fashion week, back in 2004. Her globally appealing style has earned her an enviable clientèle that ranges from Africa's first ladies, to society girls like Lydia Hearst, top model Alek Wek, and famous personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith. Deola, a mother of three, studied at the University of Miami and University of Lagos and earned a Masters in Finance and Management. She was appointed Nigeria's representative to the United Nations World Food Program 'Catwalk the World: Fashion for Food' with the goal of raising money towards halving the number of hungry people in the world, particularly children, by 2015. Deola frequently exhibits her couture collection at Cape Town Fashion Week and has been an invited guest of New York Fashion Week in the past

Social networks present amazing opportunities for professionals to meet new people and build professional relationships. The internet is an equalizer. Anyone with something that people want can and will be found. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter give professionals access to millions of people with the click of a mouse.

How to Create Opportunities for Yourself By Blogging

Blogging improves your chances of being found by your target audience. If and when your target audience finds you, they can get to know you based on the personality of your writing, see that you are an expert in your field, and benefit from your advice. Being helpful, displaying your expertise, and being authentic are great ways to network, and blogging can help you do all three!

Blogging can lead to additional networking opportunities, such as being invited to speak at events, attend events, be interviewed, and more. You can also interview people on your blog which could enable you to meet some great people and help them out by publicizing their message.

How to Expand Your Network Using Social Media

Similar to in-person networking, some of the most critical strategies for networking online are be helpful and to be fun to be around. Different social media networks have different norms and etiquette. For example Twitter is more casual and friendly then, say, LinkedIn, which is more professional and formal. Engage with people in conversation in line with the norms and etiquette of the network. Be helpful by sharing your knowledge and promoting other people’s work.

How to Meet Your Idols Through Twitter

In many industries, “top players” are getting increasingly active on Twitter. Twitter is a public forum. When someone posts on Twitter, they are doing so to be heard and to engage with their followers. That’s an open invitation to engage with them! I can’t think of an easier way to be able to start a conversation with someone. Here are a few tactics you could use.
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