Networking to Boost Women in Business confidence

VARANISESE NASILASILA
SUVA
Women lack the confidence of walking the floor in introducing themselves or their business.
This was highlighted by Women in Business executive member, Jinita Prasad, during a Networking Cocktail for the organisation in Suva on Thursday.
“One strong message that has come out time and again is women lacking that confidence of walking the floor and trying to get to know people and introducing themselves or promoting their business,” she said.
Women in Business has carried out various workshops and has assessed the feedbacks from the participants.
“We have looked at negotiation skills and that might be the next one, we have to get speakers from outside to talk about that as well,” Ms Prasad said.
Participants were taught on how to network effectively receiving tips from Lenora Qereqeretabua, a public relations consultants, about confidence and being comfortable around people.
“If you want to gain contacts one thing you must have in handy is your business card, or exchange numbers or emails because they will be useful to you,” Ms Qereqeretabua said.
“What you then do after the function is you could email the person and just introduce yourself and just live it at that, don’t monopolise people’s time,” she said.
Ms Qereqeretabua also had a piece of advice from the male business world. “It was important to give a firm handshake.”
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