Turns out, wrapping your hair with a cloth is less of a cute touch and more of a survival tactic when you live in Kampala. The sun doesn’t play, and neither does the dust — I have to protect the blonde at all costs. We’re aiming for golden goddess, not blonde-with-brown-tips realness.
Last Friday, I was on a “jaj” heading to TBWA offices for a networking evening. It was organised by Uganda Advertising Association and the guest speaker was the current Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC), Tony Otoa aka comradeotoa.
I stumbled on the advert on the UAA Instagram page as I aimlessly scrolled through my timeline. I checked my calendar and my Friday was free. Seeking out sector expertise on a Friday evening wouldn’t be a bad idea. If I am building my brand, why not go and listen to what a big brand has to share? And to top it all off, get a chance to network with new people. You see, sometimes you become isolated while out of office. Maybe you get too comfortable staying home rather than moving out. But how do you expect to thrive in society when you choose a life of solitude? This was an automatic MUST ATTEND.
The event was set to commence at 5PM, as the flyer indicated. Unfortunately, I arrived 20 minutes past time. My hand dove into my bag to quickly pull out a new 10,000 Uganda shillings note that covered my transport fare. I could have told him to keep the change if I were in a better financial position. But maybe next time. I dusted my African themed blazer (which happened to be the same a the UAA theme) — I promise I did not plan this at all but it was an interesting odd. I widened my stride, trying to reduce the small distance left, as fast as possible. But one thing became apparent as I made it to the compound where the event was to happen. Ugandan events always operate on Ugandan time. I walked up straight to the cocktail table where Tony Otoa stood, alongside the president of UAA and GM of OMG Saladin Media UG, Rommel Jasi, and Grindstone’s MD Peter Igaga. I don’t think I’m the only one who gets nervous when thrown into a situation where you don’t know how to articulate yourself where most need be. “Should I walk past them or should I greet them? what do I say after greeting them?” So many thoughts swirling in my mind, and yet such a short gap left to fill before my feet halt at the table.
“Hello, good evening.”
“Good evening, you are welcome.”
“Thank you.” smiles
They smile
Before the awkwardness settles in any further, I excuse myself to go join my friend, Suzan who was already waiting in the tent. Why is talking to new people such a challenge? It really is a “cat got your tongue” moment. I do not like it when this happens. I am not implying that I should have pulled out all my networking cards on entrance, but atleast I could have talked about the weather 😅😅
But, after the “pep talk” with Otoa, I left a different person (hyperbole employed).
However, before I dive into that, the event commenced with a self-introduction session and God did I hate being put on the spot like that. More so, when the introduction includes your place of work yet you are unemployed at the moment. If only the ground could swallow me for a moment. The microphone moved from hand to hand, and in no time, it was my turn to speak.
One tip from me to you, Fake confidence until it kicks in. Do not, for one moment, exude timidness. Command the room when you walk in, and when you speak.
“Good evening everyone. I am Joyce Nalubega, a communications practitioner. I am a content creator, writer, and I have a podcast, conversations with J.
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That wasn’t hard as I thought it would be. Matter of fact, it wasn’t hard at all. So why am I telling you this? At the start of Tony’s speech, he pointed out the importance of branding and being remembered for what you do. He singled me out as an example because of my introduction.
“People can remember you from what you say about yourself, about how you present yourself. I shall remember that there is someone who does this particular thing and connect them to someone who is looking for those services.”
Tonight, I realized one thing. You can only succeed when you choose that it’s the only option you have. We now call it “locking In” and that’s the most authentic thing you can do for yourself. Whenever I hear stories of people who are succeeding at this life thing, there are common underlying factors. Unique, but common. Factors like discipline, personal branding (which was the gist of the talk), authenticity, boldness, tenacity, and a willingness to learn. And it is always such a humbling revelation — these people who I look up to are normal people like me. They have a story just like I do. Not all were born into the life they live now. They made it happen. They turned their story around. Using a special talent given to each and everyone of us. But the ones who choose to study it, tap into it, and use it to succeed, are the ones at the top. And to be fair, this is exactly how it has always been since ages past.
One day, when my vision meets my reality, I shall also have my story. Another chapter added to the book of History’s greatest. That one day starts with today and every other day after. Every time I show up. Every time I choose my desire to succeed over my comfort.
Lessons, Laughter, wealth, and connection were shared in those few minutes of chatting. I do believe everyone present got something out of his speech.
It would have been a shame if I didn’t implement what I had just learnt. But to cut the long story short, I left the event with three new contacts, one belonging to a 3D artist (like how cool can people be)?
The last thing on the list when it comes to such networking sessions is trying to “see how you can get a job through them.” That’s boring, and frankly speaking, tacky. Don’t worry, no judgement, I have been there too.
But the more I attend such events, the more I learn the core purpose of why I am in such a space. That Friday evening, I acquired more knowledge, I made new connections that shall introduce me to a new stories, widen my perspective of life, and make genuine relationships in whatever direction it might take.
The night concluded ceremoniously with cake cutting and the Cafe Javas black forest cake did not disappoint. What a fruitful Friday evening.
I wish you all a lovely weekend and a successful April. Let us LOCK IN!
