InForm Conversations: Building stronger business relationships in 2025.

New year, new establishment, and a new speaker - that's how the first InForm Conversations event of 2025 kickstarted, hosted at Engeli Enterprise Development’s new premises in Walmer Industrial. It was an engaging and enlightening session for business leaders and owners in Gqeberha. This highly anticipated collaborative event between Pagdens Attorneys and Engeli Enterprise Development is known for empowering business leaders with fresh insights and practical tools for success.

John Rankin, as an opening speaker, began by emphasizing the importance of cultivating authentic connections. His advice was simple but powerful: “Walk out from a networking event with at least one new contact.” He further gave tips on dos and don'ts in networking spaces, highlighting how body language plays a critical role in creating openness and approachability. In networking spaces, it often signals whether others feel comfortable approaching you. He also introduced the Three R’s - Reliability, Referral, and Reputation - reminding attendees that in small towns like Gqeberha, word of mouth is everything. Delivering consistent, high-quality work is key to building a trustworthy reputation that encourages valuable referrals.

During his talk, John mentioned that building and maintaining relationships is an essential skill in business, especially in a closely-knit business community like Gqeberha. Networking and relationship building are at the core of business success, and InForm Conversations continuously provides a unique platform for leaders to connect and exchange ideas that resonate with their professional journeys.

This month’s event featured Coach Colin from The Alternative Board, who began by highlighting that making significant life choices can be difficult, and it's okay not to have everything figured out, especially for younger individuals. He then reflected on his own experiences, noting that some of the best decisions he made were later in his life. His discussion emphasized the importance of dreaming big and being ambitious at the beginning of the year.

Carmody took a more personal approach, introducing the concept of the Personal Balance Wheel - a tool designed to help business leaders find harmony between their professional and personal lives. He encouraged attendees to focus on maintaining balance, reminding them that personal well-being directly impacts their professional success.

InForm Conversations continues to evolve as a vital space for business leaders to stay informed about new ways of doing business and remaining relevant in an ever-changing market. It’s more than just a networking event, it’s a space for growth, collaboration, and shared learning.

As the business community in Gqeberha grows stronger, platforms like InForm Conversations are crucial for nurturing relationships that drive sustainable success. The next session in March promises to deliver even more invaluable insights, and business leaders are encouraged to join and take advantage of this remarkable initiative.

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