So if you ask me, what is the most transformational step that I have taken in building up my business, it would really be to network with people in the corporate world in my courses are already talking about how this is tremendously helpful. If you want to develop yourself in building this, your network internally and externally, is essential in the corporate world also. But I'm telling you, when you go to the entrepreneurs world, it's another level. It has nothing to do with what I knew in corporate. So I'm talking about what I know maybe for you, it's different but really, for me, he took my networking game into a whole new level. And every time I push myself, he getting out there and joining events, exhibitions, dinners and meetings.

Each time I took something It's and I went home and think and thought, Hey, you know, I was not so keen to go. And now I realized that I'm coming back home and my whole paradigm has shifted. And my concept my understanding my, the depth of industry, sharpness of my vision has evolved to a new level. Well, I was each time amazed. And seriously, this almost happens every time. Also, probably because when I go and meet, I have the intent to learn something I don't just join and don't participate.

I put on my heart in Indian networking events I attend, and and I'm out there, you know, and I'm participating. And I think that's the best way to network is when you show who you are, and you participate, because, hey, people are in the same place and they're doing the same thing as you so help them to connect by being connected. If I if I can say. So let me show you a couple of ideas of what I do on a regular basis. And I still do it. I did it last night, for example.

And I will continue because this is essential when you're in you're in business. But also, when you're an entrepreneur, I talked about how sometimes it feels a bit lonely. So it's, it's really refreshing when you can join other people and exchange with them. So I mentioned already, but I think the main ones that were very, very helpful for me is, first of all, look for exhibitions. There are lots of free exhibitions on new fields. So look for your business field, whether it's property or insurance, or banking or travel or, or anything you do, whether it's digital or industry.

There are exhibitions for everything and about everywhere. So look for a big city near you and check the programs on exhibitions that are plans register. This will give you an opportunity to connect and learn about yourself. subjects, your, your field of business. But also, this was my opportunity to introduce myself to the big players. I remember when I first went to Paris, and there was this exhibition on foreign property investments.

And I met this the CEO of the biggest company, the biggest developer in Portugal. And and I knew him from from TV, because I was watching him and taking notes of what he was saying. And then I go to the exhibition with one go, I want to meet him. And needless to say, I found there the roof and I went there and I finally had the chance of being patient and trying to sneak in. I had the chance to meet him and I introduced myself and they said, Hey, we inspired by you took many notes on this talk. You did.

And I want to tell you, yeah, I'm starting my own business. This is my idea. I'm doing this. What do you think again? Remember, sharpen your business is perfect. Back from from the biggest in the industry.

And yeah, it was a really good experience and he remembered me on the day and he gave me a few tips and directions. And you know, what's beautiful about this is now every time we meet as I grew my business and now you know, I mean the game that he knows me and he's known me for from the beginning. And we started to build a relationship and you can do this too. And I did this with this particular person, but I did it with many other players and you know, met people in exhibitions who became my partners and then people we work with on a regular basis. So that was essential and and I insist because most of these events are free, you free to go and even if it cost you a plane ticket, hey, it's an opportunity to have some fun and and, and maybe you can take people with you and combine this with with leisure or on holiday.

And really learn at the same time. So also the advantage of exhibitions is that it will really boost you into your future. Because when you go there, your identity is that you're this business owner, you're building this business, your former life, your corporate job and everything is on the side. It doesn't exist anymore. We're talking now about your future. So when you when you leave this for a day, psychologically, you know you're starting to accept that that's who you are, you know, you're now starting to make it real for yourself and for others, and that is essential.

You're now making real steps because you have your business identity so people can go on your website, you hand them a business card. Since real easy for them. It's absolutely real. They have no doubt. Maybe for you, you know that there is still the corporate side and that your your side hustling at the moment is not 100% hate doesn't matter. Doesn't matter at all.

You there. You're participating. You can Next thing, that's an essential part. And I really encourage you to check out what's going on near you, and just be there. Okay, that's key. Then, of course, you will have the more smaller entrepreneurs networking events.

So I'm thinking here about meetup, for example, you know, this this company that organizes local events where you leave, where people just come to connect and share their experiences. You can find an opportunity in some meetups to pitch about your business, get some feedback, again, sharpen your business, but also it's really encouraging because you you exchange with people who are probably living the same thing as you, maybe you will meet people who are doing the same course. And you can exchange your opinions on this. Of course, you know, talking about the course on the platform, there is a forum there's a chat, if you write something, I will respond. This is my commitment. But there are many, many other people who are also attending this course.

And they also So probably want to exchange. So why not putting your pitch out there? Why not posting a question? Hey, this is what entrepreneurship is all about, we're here to help each other because, you know, we need each other to be successful. And those events really taught me this. In the beginning, of course, you can be a little bit intimidated and secure.

So you really don't want to open up and you know, nobody. But you know, over time you recognize this person, and you have the chance to exchange there and, and maybe you, you know, you will connect and like some people, and you become more more comfortable with this and you start enjoying those moments. So it takes a little bit of courage. I know and it's, you know, it's easy for nobody, but it's very doable, and those people are in the same place as you you may be a little bit further a little bit ahead. Doesn't matter, it's really not essential. what's essential is that you connect and that you make your new identity real and that's why I like to connect.

So Vision events, those are key networking opportunities. And then you know, just be creative. For example, there is an expat community in Lisbon of all the foreign French people leaving Lisbon. And I thought, hey, why not joining this, maybe, you know, there are some some potential clients, and then people who can share some ideas with me. And actually, from there, I got a lot of great business insights, new friends. And, you know, I'm still a member of that community.

And we have great time. And now it's less about business. Now, it's more about friendship, but you know, they really helped me at some point. And I can even tell you that the president of that organization is the person who really helped us to get on TV as in last year. So you see this happen without me knowing, because when you network, it's going to take you places that you can't imagine that you can't predict. That's the point of networking, it will surprise you.

So anytime there is a chance recommendation is say yes. Don't think don't give yourself excuses. This is so important. It's as important as improving your website or creating a new marketing brochure or video. The value when I start from from meeting with people and the inspiration and the ideas and, and the changes of concepts, especially where you don't expect it is incredible. Okay, so I'm really insisting that the value you get from networking is incredible.

And that's what this step is about. Now remember, on Step five, when I said it's all cyclical, the networking element, together with sharpening your business never ends. So this is something that will stay as a habit. I also attend the Chamber of Commerce talks. And there they talk about entrepreneurship in Portugal on a regular basis. Just another idea.

There are many new find them, I'm sure and if you lack of inspiration, just post them Questions. Hey guys, where do you network? Where do you connect with other people? I'm struggling. You will see there are many things you know, even online. Just just can't run out of ideas there on how to connect, but you need to want it and you need to just go to say yes