Botswana's own CEO club to catalyse economy

| Monday November 8, 2010 00:00

It is known as the Elite Business Leaders Club. The founders of the new concept, the first ever in Botswana, say the idea is to begin a dialogue among the CEO/MD and business executives in Botswana, and offer them a platform to network and exchange ideas on how to take business in the country. The Elite club chiefs, who will mount the first interactive workshop on November 19 at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, say they  aim to host a variety of face-to-face networking sessions targeted at specific business areas. 'Each group will offer members the opportunity to network with their peers and share leads, contacts, ideas, and other valuable resources,' they explain.

Accomplished speakers will always be brought in to address topics of interest and  the inaugural interactive workshop will see economic consultant Dr Keith Jefferis giving a keynote address on 'Economic Overview: Business Beyond the Recession'.

The Elite club aims to create networking platforms to explore synergies and business alignment for business executives.

'Our monthly sessions will provide our members with an opportunity to build alliances. We aim to provide a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business through well-researched and planned events wherein, business owners and decision-makers meet and do business. Our mission is to bring professionals together, and facilitate the development of mutually beneficial 'win-win' relationships,' says the Event Manager, Ipeleng Akanyang, of Ontym. The originators of the club describe it as a business forum designed to provide a platform for executives to network and create strategic, lasting and mutually beneficial relationships, adding that the goal of the club is to generate ideas, clarity, and solutions on the executive level. 'Elite provides a sophisticated, cultured social interaction where busy professionals and entrepreneurs meet other like-minded people through an event and membership-based process. Networking is literally one of the main keys to spreading the word about your business

. We do so by providing an environment under which you develop personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals,' said Akanyang.  The business club founders say that by establishing this 'formal' relationship with other people, business leaders will have the opportunity to substantially increase their business through peer-to-peer networking with like-minded business executives, information on new business and networking opportunities, motivation and learning through various expert speakers at sessions.

'Our goal is to be the premier business leaders club that offers the most valuable networking platform for our members, and to be plugged into practically every industry, from construction to tourism, from investment and agriculture to mining and manufacturing, from import and export to marketing and advertising, even special events,' Akanyang says.

She explains that  members meet monthly, and the programme highlights for the meetings include a presentation by an accomplished business speaker, peer networking, and facilitated table discussions.

'We bring professionals together for an informal gathering of fun, engaging conversation, and networking.  As a member, one will share their  interests with like-minded members. These can range from exclusive breakfasts, whisky tasting, cigar lounges, and golf events,' Akanyang further says. With a membership that  includes many of Botswana's highest achieving CEOs and executives, Elite  club chiefs say they lead opportunities for learning and development through group meetings led by experienced leaders, focused one-on-one meetings, and various key learning events throughout the year.(Sila Press Agency)