More +

📍Lagos, Nigeria

If you are in Lagos and trying to build your network, you don't need to attend the stuffy, overpriced hotel events everyone talks about. The real networking happens at the corners you already know.

Let me save you the trial and error. I have been going to these spots for the past year and here is what actually works.

1. The Alara Concept Store on Joel Ogunaike Street in Ikoyi. It is not just for shopping. They hold monthly creative mixers on Friday evenings. You walk in, grab a small plate of jollof rice and plantain from their cafe, and find yourself talking to fashion designers, tech founders, and artists. It is relaxed. No one is handing out business cards like it is a job fair. The last one I attended, I met someone who connected me to a Lagos startup accelerator. Bring a nice outfit but keep it comfortable.

2. The Civic Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island. Their rooftop bar is where the serious business people go to unwind. Tuesday and Thursday evenings are best. You can stand by the rail looking at the lagoon, and within ten minutes someone will ask you what you do. The key is not to force it. Just order a Chapman or a small drink and listen. I have seen lawyers, bankers, and even government officials there. Just be ready to have a conversation that is not about the weather.

3. Workstation MG on Adeola Hopewell Street, also in VI. This is a co-working space but their open networking nights are gold. They have a rooftop area called "The Deck" where freelancers and creatives gather every first Thursday of the month. Bring your laptop if you want, but the real value is in the conversations by the snack table. I picked up a graphic design client there just because I asked someone about their laptop sticker.

4. Terra Kulture on Tiamiyu Savage Street in Victoria Island. Their Sunday brunches and art exhibition openings are networking gold for anyone in media, writing, or marketing. The crowd is artsy but serious. You can sit at the long tables and someone will start talking about a new publishing house or a film project. Last month, I met a scriptwriter who needed a sound engineer. I connected him to my cousin. Now they are working on a series.

5. For the tech crowd, do not sleep on CcHub on Herbert Macaulay Way in Yaba. They have a regular "Community Connect" event every last Wednesday of the month. It is free. You just show up. The people there are building apps, running startups, or looking for co-founders. Bring a notepad. The wifi is fast if you need to show something on your phone.

One tip: do not just pitch yourself. Ask people what they are struggling with in Lagos. Traffic? Finding a reliable driver? Hiring good staff? That is how real connections start. People remember you when you solve a small problem for them.

The best part is most of these are free or cheap. You just need to show up consistently and be genuine.

#Neighbors #Lagos #LocalGuide #NetworkingInLagos #Ikoyi #VictoriaIsland #Yaba #CreativeLagos #LagosLife #modelingonnircle #trendsonnircle #nircletopics #nircleneighbour