‘Networking with entrepreneurs and experts’, a live session organised by Bangladesh Open Source Network- BdOSN on the occasion of Girls Innovation and Entrepreneurship Boot Camp- iii with the women in the tech industry. The main motive of the session is to learn and understand the importance of Networking in the modern world of business. 

The session was both a closed door session and a live session. The session took place on the 24th of June, 2021.

The session was hosted and moderated by the founder of Wreetu, Sharmin Kabir and the guests were, Nasima Akter Nisha, President, Women and e-Commerce forum (​WE) and Joint Secretary, e-CAB; Rezwana Khan, Directors & CEO of Star Computer Systems Limited; Taslima Miji, Founding Managing Director, Leatherina Pvt Ltd; Esrat Jahan Chowdhury, Owner of TULIKA and the owner of Kushum Koli Shoe, Nazma Khatun.

In the current age of digital technology, Networking/ digital networking is one of the most important key factors to establish a business. Business is not only about selling the product, it is about making a network that will allow entrepreneurs to grow their business. 

Sharmin Kabir introduced the guests to the participants and asked Nasima Akter Nisha to share her thoughts on the importance of Networking. Nasima Akter Nisha said that networking is very essential to grow and run a business properly. The first phase of networking is tough but after getting to a certain level, the network expands very easily. She also said that cross networking such as promoting each other can be a great way to both help and get help to grow the network and she advised every female entrepreneur not to forget to take care of their health in the journey of being self-established. “If you stay fit, then we will be able to contribute in the betterment of both our business and country”, said Nasima Akter Nisha.

Sharmin Kabir asked Taslima Miji the Founding and Managing Director ofLeatherina Pvt Ltd., to say her thoughts on the importance of networking. On this Ms. Taslima Miji said that the importance of networking cannot be described in words. “In the age of social media networking has become quite easy for us. We can create a network with anyone very easily. But I think it is important to first understand if the person I am trying to connect with is useful for my work or not.” said Taslima Miji.

Then Sharmin Kabir asked Esrat Jahan Chowdhury to share her side of the journey. Esrat Jahan Chowdhury said that there will be many problems when someone tries to start a business or tries to do something new. Especially females who face such problems the most. She said that her current position is the result of many problems that she had to overcome. “Sometimes, your own family will not support your passion/ work. At that time do not lose hope, just try to give your best” said Esrat Jahan Chowdhury. She also added that people want quick success but one should always remember that success needs time to achieve.

Then Rezwana Khan, the Directors & CEO of Star Computer Systems Limited took the floor and said in terms of doing business or advertising, we have to standardize the presentation too. “Aesthetic maintenance and presentation in social media is really important” said Rezwana Khan. “One should take note of the fonts they use, grammar, writing style or even tagging should be valid when it comes to business”, advised Rezwana Khan.

Sharmin Kabir agreed to the points and said that to create a network, one should maintain the standard to create a good impression. Then she invited Nazma Khatun, the Owner of Kusum Koli Shoe. Nazma Khatun said that her business requires a lot of networking as she has to maintain a large number of suppliers. She said, “Our business was a face to face dealing business but the current covid situation has made us to make it a blend of online and offline business”. She also added that keeping relationships with both suppliers and customers is really important to run a business. Networking is a really worthy part of a business to invest time in. 

Sharmin Kabir agreed to the points Ms. Nazma Khatun said and added that “One should always keep their eyes open to grab the opportunity and should start focusing on the term Networking” 

Ms. Sharmin Kabir closed the session by thanking everyone for time.