Abdul Samad Rabiu: Tips for Networking and Growing Your Business

Nigerian billionaire and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu has a remarkable track record in business that provides tips for young entrepreneurs looking to network and grow their businesses. As the founder of BUA Group, Rabiu has cultivated a vast network of strategic partnerships that has propelled his business to new heights.

Worthy of note is Rabiu’s relationship with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, a friendship that enhanced business relations between Nigeria and France.  Abdulsamad who recently handed over as president of the France-Nigeria Business Council presents essential tips and strategies for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their professional connections and foster sustainable growth. Let’s briefly examine some of these tips. 

Attend industry events

As President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Rabiu was privileged to attend the Choose France International Summit. The summit which had industry leaders like Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and Mike Adenuga in attendance was organised by President Macron. 

The summit hosted dozens of the world’s most powerful business executives at the Gilded Palace of Versailles as Macron pitched the economic attractiveness of France to international companies. By attending industry events, entrepreneurs will be privileged to rub minds with like-minded people which in turn expands their network and grows their business.

Be interested in other businesses

Networking to grow your business involves being interested in other people’s businesses. During Rabiu’s tenure, he initiated partnerships and personal relationships with a few French businesses, including Axens. An offshoot of those partnerships is BUA’s 200,000 barrels per day refinery in Akwa Ibom. 

The Nigeria business magnate also recently spent N200 million purchasing copies of two books on the President, Muhammadu Buhari. The two books unveiled by the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, were ‘State of Repair: How Muhammadu Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria for Good’ written by Antony Goldman and ‘The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’ written by Senator Abu Ibrahim. This and many other instances reflect Rabiu’s interest in other people. 

Investing in other people’s businesses is a way to expand your network and grow your business. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to utilise this tip to broaden the scope of their network.

Join professional organisations

Joining professional organisations can increase your visibility and credibility, grant you access to new opportunities, and introduce you to mentorship opportunities.  Abdulsamad belongs to the France-Nigeria business council, a council that brings top businesses in Nigeria and France together to improve business relations while ensuring routine cooperation on immense economic benefits for both countries.

If you desire business growth, you must be willing to attend events and meetings, get involved in committees and projects, and share your knowledge and expertise with others. 

Build an authentic name

Over the years, Abdulsamad has built a solid business name with his BUA Group. This is in line with one of his quotes which read, “Focus on making your product or service awesome. I see a lot of guys go into business with a ‘how can I make money approach’. But if you go in there saying ‘how can I make something awesome’, the money will follow.” 

Rabiu’s focus on building an authentic product massively aided the business growth he currently enjoys. This tip is also very important in networking.

Leverage social media

Abdul Samad Rabiu’s company, BUA Group, has utilized social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube to engage with stakeholders, share updates about the company’s activities, and promote its initiatives. This allows the company to maintain transparency and connect with its audience in real time. Leveraging social media platforms helps you enhance your personal brand, share insights and connect with industry peers.