Networking allows entrepreneurs to tap into the power of relationships. For African entrepreneurs, who you know is often just as important as what you know. There are often governmental and societal barriers that prevent businesses from growing the way they’d like. Having friends in high places can help to grease the wheels of commerce and surmount these challenges.

Beyond that, having a well-established network will allow you access to capital, resources, and qualified employment candidates that you may be excluded from otherwise. Relationships are king, and the more people you know, the more people you’ll have access to. That’s because the people you know well can introduce you to the people that they know well. The greater your starting base, the faster this geometric progression can work in your favor. Here are just a few of the ways that building a network can help you grow your business.