29/09/2026
CREAM OPPORTUNITIES 2026 | DAY 3: Relationships Are More Than Connections. They Are About People. 🤝
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from Cream Opportunities 2026 in Bafoussam was from Dr. Ashu, who spoke on Building and Sustaining Meaningful Relationships.
His central message was simple but profound: The keyword in relationships is PEOPLE.
In a world where networking is often reduced to exchanging contacts and collecting connections, his session reminded me that meaningful relationships require intentionality, preparation, mutual value, and consistency.
He highlighted five important steps:
1️⃣ Identify the people you need. Understand your goals and next steps. Knowing where you are going helps you recognize the people whose experience, knowledge, or support may be valuable at different stages of your journey.
2️⃣ Prepare and position yourself. Your CV, background, professionalism, and personal development all contribute to how you present yourself.
3️⃣ Create relationships. Take the initiative to connect, engage, and build genuine interactions.
4️⃣ Build rapport. Relationships should not be one-sided. Ask yourself: What value can I offer, and what can we mutually gain from this connection?
5️⃣ Sustain relationships. Building a connection is only the beginning. Maintaining it requires communication, consistency, and genuine interest.
My biggest takeaway?
Don’t approach relationships merely by asking, “Who can help me?” Instead, consider, “How can we create value together?”
Because meaningful relationships are not just about who you know, but how you nurture those connections and the value you bring into them.
Thank you, Dr. Ashu, for this insightful session, and to the organizers of Cream Opportunities 2026 for creating such a valuable learning experience.
Day 3 of my reflections from Cream Opportunities 2026. More lessons coming! 🚀