Cultivating Tomorrow’s Innovators
Desire Joshua, founder of Kiddie Techville, is a visionary tech educator dedicated to bridging the digital divide in rural areas where access to quality education is limited.
How to treat yourself on a budget
“If you’re a fan of recent hits like ‘Stranger Things,’ you’ve likely seen characters taking breaks from facing monsters to enjoy some downtime. It’s akin to their version of a ‘treat yo’ self’ day, where they indulge in fun activities just for themselves! Following their lead, we all deserve a break sometimes. Here’s how you can plan your own ‘treat yo’ self’ day without breaking the bank.” 1. You still have to save for it If you could escape saving, I bet you would. But saving is the surest way to avoid over-spending and feeling horrible about those $300 shoes for the whole year. Putting a little aside won’t hurt your bank whilst still setting a tangible goal for something you have been meaning to get yourself. 2. Have fun at home Sometimes going out with friends might leave you feeling all kinds of regret in the morning. Consider alternating your going out to staying home having a games night, cooking dinner and having that be a group activity. You get to enjoy an awesome night in and away from the pesky ATMs and swipe machines. 3. Did someone say flea market? Flea markets and thrift stores are awesome places to find cool looking clothes and items without breaking the budget. You get the benefit of unique, usually quality clothing at way, way less and you can get a whole lot more than you would at a conventional store. Not only that you get a chance to support small entrepreneurs in your locality as well. 4. Try and look for a deal I mean, who does not love a good deal? Most places if you are looking are always offering to get alternative ways to give you value for your money. It could be half priced movies, two for the price of one deals or even service providers who give you packaged deals at cheaper rates for your business. Always try to ask and find out if there are deals around to help you save that extra money. There are also sites that give you comparisons so you can make a more informed choice. 5. Go at it in a group You haven’t been in vacation in awhile, or you want to attend an upcoming conference, well many operators give packaged deals for groups which will most likely cheapen your costs. There is power in bulk buying and so if you can’t do it alone, try find some awesome people to do it with. This way everyone gets the benefit of saving their money for something worthwhile. Now go ahead and TREAT. YO. SELF
6 Tips on How to Attract Investor Interest via Email
Entrepreneurs should always be on the lookout for investors. With Google at your fingertips, finding the contact details of a prospective investor has never been easier. That said, simply reaching out to them is not enough as there are several others like you, seeking their attention. Follow the tips below, and you’ll soon be on your to snagging and keeping an investor. The prep 1. Hun, are you even ready? Before reaching out to investors, ascertain if you require external funding as meeting investors too early may undervalue your company. Also, you would need a business plan to demonstrate the viability and profitability of your business idea. Remember, investors are no fairy godmothers. They’re putting their money in to get money out. 2. Make a list of who you want to meet Finding an investor goes beyond them cutting you a cheque. You need to research potential investors, how much money they typically invest in new businesses, the kind of ventures they’ve supported in the past, and the sort of industry knowledge they can provide you. For instance, if you’re starting an e-commerce company, it’s a good idea to reach out to e-commerce gurus. 3. Engage with them on social media. This ties into the previous step. Follow the top dogs on Twitter, read and comment on their blogs, watch their speeches for advice. If you know what makes them tick, would inform you on how to approach them. Here’s a tip within in tip: In your email to them, reference a remark they made that gave you an aha moment. They’ll appreciate it, and you’d have gotten edge over your competitors. #Motherland Mogul Tip: Refrain from sending invitations on Facebook or LinkedIn, because people tend to swerve on the randoms. 4. If you have connections, use them! As competition is stiff, use every tools at your disposal. If someone in your circle, knows someone who knows an investor, tell them to ask their friend for an email introduction on our behalf. Email introductions increase your chances of getting a response. But first, be sure to send your pitch to your friend to ensure your message doesn’t get lost in translation. The Email 1. Identify yourself Start by telling them who you are, what you do, and how you found out about them. If you were connected through a mutual acquaintance, mention it. And remember: use the tip within the tip mentioned above to separate you from the pack. 2. Get straight to the point. Mention the name of your business, it’s aims and objectives. Then summarize your business plan and the stage of your startup. At this point, an investor will decide if your idea is worth pursuing or not, so be sure to be as clear and interesting as possible. 3. Provide additional info Include a link to your business website or attach a pitch deck or essay that elaborates the service or product your business provides. Also, state how your company is solving a teething problem and what sets it apart from its competitors. 4. Why them? Investors want to know why they’re a good match for you and your business. Consider what your business requires to reach the next growth phase, and use it to sell your point. Also, peruse the prep steps above for help. And of course, we’re not done… 5. Get the ball rolling Round up your email by mentioning you’d love to discuss in person, and provide three suitable dates. Also if you have product samples, offer to show them at the meeting. 6. Pique their curiosity a little Finally,if you’ve already met or are meeting a influential person, mention it! This would give you more credibility and make them pay attention to you. But be slick about it because name-dropping is oh tacky. Have you used any of these tips to reach out to investors? Did they help? Have you used others that have been helpful?
7 tips to build a successful social media strategy for your brand
[bctt tweet=”Creating a social media strategy just got easier with these tips from @Wildfusion” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] We’ve put seven tips to help you put together a winning social media plan of action for your business. Just the way an architect always has a well-drawn out plan for a house before it is built, putting together a “strategy” before getting on social media should be top on the list for any brand/business. Start with a good strategy Every brand or individual who decides to use the social media platform as a tool for either personal branding or brand management must have a “good strategy” on how they intend to play in that space. The first step is to think through what you intend to achieve and how you intend to go about it. Clear and engaging content Having clear and engaging content will provide brand awareness & daily consumer interaction with your brand. Find content that resonates with your target group. For instance; if your target group is young people, research and discover what most young people are doing online. Then craft your strategy to provide content they would be interested in whether it is music, football, videos, games, etc. Two-way communication Social media is a two-way communication. If your audience/consumers take out time to visit your social media page and interact with your content either by commenting, liking or sharing, please respond to them. No matter how flimsy or irrelevant their suggestions may be, the least you can say is “Thank you for your comment”. You would be amazed how much trust you would gain from your audience. Ask for feedback Always ask your audience/consumers for feedback on your products. This would help the brand position itself in the right direction. Social media gives you the opportunity to reach as many people as possible, through one medium, all at the same time! Find your tone of voice If your brand has a “serious tone of voice” offline and you decide to get on social media, find a “social media tone of voice” to increase your online presence & engagement. Use high-quality images On social media, sometimes images speak louder than words! Use images that are sharp, clear and attractive to the user. Your brand logo must always accompany your images as well. Images would serve as an advertising vehicle for your brand. Always be sincere No matter what you do, be sincere. Sincerity equals believable and credibility for your brand.she
From the Streets of Ojuelegba to a Celebrated Storyteller
Reading this book is a delight and reassures you on your journey and whatever it may look like now.
5 Reasons Why Your Budget Is Not Working
Sis, let’s be real. Since you created that budget, you probably haven’t used it more than once or twice. If you are like me, you sat down when you were extra broke and created that “wonderful” budget that accounted for every single thing- including chewing gum. Once you got a little money, you forgot all about it. I know it is tempting to spend. Most of us have the spending bug somewhere in our systems but we must learn to control it. Here are 5 budget mistakes and tips on how you can fix them. You made it too generic So, remember how you went online to download xyz’s budgeting template and never bothered to make it suit your own spending habits? Yeah, this is a common budget mistake. On a general level, we may have the same basic needs- food, housing, transport- but Akosua from Ghana’s expenses can never be the same as Sheryl’s from Houston. You have to modify your budget according to your location, lifestyle, and personal needs. Should you be budgeting for a gym membership when you work out at home right now? You do not have your day planned “What is the connection between planning my day and budgeting my expenses?” You may be wondering. Planning your day helps you recall those activities that will eventually require you to spend. Create a daily plan around work, chores, cooking, and transport and see if that impacts your budgeting. Your budget is set in stone Ah, this one. I’ve been guilty of this too many times to count. I would piously create the most frugal budget known to man and then wonder why I was so miserable after. See babe, budgeting like every other planning endeavour, ought to make your life simpler. Create a realistic budget that factors in enjoyment. That aspect of your life is hella essential too! The danger of creating a frugal budget is that at 2 AM one day, you may snap and treat yourself to natural hair products you don’t even need. At the beginning of each month, add a treat to your budget- a book you want to read, fancy skincare stuff, bralettes, etc. Pick one thing and treat yo self! You have not adjusted your budget in forever You still have the same budget since last year and you wonder why it is not working for you. If you work from home or you are bored in the house, bored in the house, bored, I am guessing that certain expenses are on pause while others (like grocery expenses) are being incurred. If this is true for you, then you obviously should not budget the same amount that you did for transportation last year. Evaluate your budget at the beginning of each month to see if it is realistic to your current lifestyle. You have barely used it since you created it This is another common budget mistake you could be making. What is the use of having a budget if you won’t use it? If you barely use the budget after creating it, consider setting a good ol’ reminder for checking your budget. And girl, when that alarm goes off, make sure you check, okay? Join our community of young, ambitious African women to step up your budgeting AND money game!
4 Simple Things You Can Do Every Day To Upgrade Your Leadership Skills
Leadership is one of those concepts that everyone loves to talk about but can’t quite define. You know what it is when you see it. As a young woman entering the workforce, you will have opportunities to lead over the course of your career. When that time comes, we want you to be ready. Here are four tips that will help you to become an effective leader. 1. Listen to others’ ideas Great listeners make outstanding leaders. Listening will help you understand the pains and opportunities in your company. The people that you work with are there for a reason. They have expertise and talents that are valuable. Listen to and value their perspectives. Having open conversations with them will spark invaluable ideas and teach you a thing or two. Don’t be too quick to dismiss their recommendations. Yes, you are the boss, but that doesn’t mean you have a monopoly on positive contributions. Listen to advice from other leaders even if they are not in the same industry that you are in. This Forbes read provides even more insight on effective listening and leadership. 2. Hold yourself accountable As a leader, you are accountable not just to yourself but to your team and client base. The decisions you make have consequences that don’t just affect you. If you fail to communicate effectively with your team, for example, business operations are negatively impacted. When you stop being accountable, inefficiencies arise. This will greatly hinder the fulfillment of the company’s vision. 3. Respect those who work with you This is a basic concept that we all learned as children. Treat others exactly how you would want to be treated. Talk to your team members like the smart adults that they are. There is absolutely no need to be condescending, dismissive and rude to them. Trust me, being an aggressive leader doesn’t scare employees into respecting you. It certainly doesn’t do their morale any favours. If you want them to do their best work, then you simply have to respect them. Remember that arrogance has never looked attractive on anyone. It only prevents people from helping you. This read on How to Earn Respect as a Leader provides more insight. 4. Get your hands dirty Working with your team is important. You can’t build a brand by eating, sleeping, and breathing delegation. Monitor the company’s social media channels. Respond to inquiries. Do the work that your team typically does on a daily basis. This will provide you with an opportunity to experience firsthand the challenges that they deal with. Understanding this will give you valuable insight and inform your strategic decisions. It will also show your team that you are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get the work done. Try these 5 Tips For New Team Leaders. Your personal leadership style will undoubtedly evolve over time. However, having strong principles and knowing the type of leader you’d like to be can help get you started on the right path.
The Smart Entrepreneur’s Guide to Cutting Startup Costs
Smart entrepreneur’s guide to discover cost-effective strategies to launch and grow your startup even on a tight budget.
Resilient Innovators
Unveiling the Transformative Entrepreneurial Odyssey of Gabriella and Christiana In the vivid tapestry of entrepreneurial ambition, Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius and Christiana Sorunke shine as beacons of determination and growth. Their journeys, interwoven with resilience, find resonance in the transformative chapters scripted within the SLA High Growth Program. As we embark on their stories, their remarkable feats redefine female entrepreneurship, showcasing a blend of innovation and perseverance that transcends boundaries and reimagines success in the business landscape. Unveiling Entrepreneurial Prowess Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius Gabriella’s journey as an entrepreneur blossomed from her family’s business background and a deep passion for culinary artistry. Raised in an environment where entrepreneurship was ingrained, her love for cooking alongside her mother fueled the inception of the African Pasta Hub (APH). This innovative venture, born during the pandemic, uniquely infuses African flavors into Italian pasta dishes, symbolizing her fervor for blending cultures through food. Christiana Sorunke Christiana embarked on entrepreneurship seeking expansion for her business. Encountering roadblocks in scaling her enterprise, she sought guidance through the SLA High Growth Program (HGCP). Her pursuit of mentorship became a transformative phase in her quest for knowledge, driving her towards achieving greater heights for her company. Nurturing Essential Entrepreneurial Traits Gabriella’s Vision Gabriella underscores the significance of problem-solving, resilience, and adept salesmanship. These qualities empower her to innovate, navigate challenges, and foster robust relationships pivotal to APH’s growth. Christiana’s Tenacity Christiana champions a growth mindset, grit, and resilience in her entrepreneurial journey. These traits fortify her against setbacks, enabling her to learn from failures and remain resolute in achieving her business aspirations. Wisdom and Coping Strategies Gabriella’s Insights Gabriella advocates valuing relationships, seizing opportunities, and embracing flexibility. She encourages sharing uniqueness while staying open to learning and adaptation, integral in the entrepreneurial realm. Christiana’s Coping Mechanisms Christiana’s strategy revolves around self-care, emphasizing rest and seeking support during challenging times. Acknowledging the importance of sharing struggles and maintaining distinct business finances, she navigates hurdles with resilience. Pride in Trailblazing Achievements Gabriella’s Trail of Success Gabriella takes pride in her team’s efforts and the joy they bring to customers. Strong relationships fostered through APH have led to serving clients and catering events, paving the way for new connections and opportunities. Christiana’s Global Milestone Christiana celebrates securing international clients, symbolizing the global reach of her business. This achievement showcases her company’s growth potential and its ability to transcend boundaries. The Transformative Journey with HGCP Gabriella’s HGCP Experience Gabriella expresses gratitude for the enriching HGCP experience. Despite occasional challenges, the stories and support from fellow entrepreneurs serve as an inspiring force, propelling her forward. Christiana’s HGCP Transformation Christiana’s resilience was tested, starting the program after childbirth. Despite hurdles, she values the program’s impact and credits her coach’s unwavering support for her growth. Envisioning a Bright Entrepreneurial Future Gabriella’s Vision Forward Gabriella envisions leveraging HGCP learnings for APH’s growth, foreseeing this phase as pivotal in the company’s transformative journey. Christiana’s Strategic Outlook Christiana plans to implement structured strategies and refine her pitch skills gained from the program. She sees these skills as instrumental for her business’s future expansion. Inspiring Pathways Forward Gabriella and Christiana’s intertwined narratives epitomize resilience, learning, and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Their experiences within the SLA High Growth Program illustrate the power of mentorship and perseverance in propelling women-led ventures towards success. As their journeys unfold, their stories stand as guiding lights for aspiring female entrepreneurs, showcasing that with determination, support, and strategic guidance, women can forge thriving entrepreneurial paths in any industry. Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius, founder of African Pasta Hub (APH) Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius, a chef and linguist, is the visionary founder of African Pasta Hub (APH). Prior to APH, she excelled as the Head of Operations at a family clinic, honing her customer success skills. Her entrepreneurial journey is fueled by a profound passion for reshaping the culinary landscape, particularly through pasta. Beyond work, she indulges in reading and immersing herself in K-drama series. Christiana Sorunke, Founder of Career Builder Consult Christiana Sorunke, a versatile figure, is celebrated for her dynamic expertise and passion for impact. Known for critical thinking and embracing innovation, she stands out across diverse fields. Her commitment to learning extends beyond her achievements, guiding her through an ever-evolving world. Engaging actively in philanthropy, she’s recognized for her compassion and social initiatives. Balancing work with hobbies like outdoor exploration and reading, Christiana prioritizes personal well-being. Her drive for growth ensures a lasting impact wherever she ventures.
Innovative Upcoming Icons
How Women Innovators are Reshaping Entrepreneurship Two exceptional women, Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius and Chioma Nnanna, are carving out unique paths and leaving an indelible mark on the country’s business landscape. Their remarkable journey from inception to success is a testament to the strength and innovation that characterize the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s delve into their extraordinary narratives, uncovering the triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons they’ve gained along the way. Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius: Mastering the Art of African Pasta The world of pasta takes on a vibrant African twist through the culinary prowess of Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius. Her brainchild, the African Pasta Hub, emerged during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, illuminating the culinary world with a unique fusion of African herbs and spices infused into the beloved Italian dish. Gabriella’s journey began with a childhood passion for cooking and evolved into a business venture that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria. Through her leadership, the African Pasta Hub continues to spread joy and delectable meals across the nation, embracing the essence of both Italian and African culinary traditions. Chioma Nnanna: Revolutionizing Fashion Production with Tech Chioma Nnanna’s foray into the fashion world was anything but conventional. Leveraging her innate entrepreneurial spirit, she transformed her early ventures into a groundbreaking digital production management platform for fashion businesses. Her brainchild offers an innovative solution that connects fashion brands directly to vetted tailors, revolutionizing the industry’s production landscape. Chioma’s resilient approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability have not only propelled her business forward but have also garnered international recognition, positioning her as a leading figure in the realm of sustainable fashion production. Nigerian Women Pioneering Change As Gabriella and Chioma continue to make strides in their respective industries, their stories stand as a testament to the limitless potential embedded within the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit. Their unwavering determination, coupled with their innovative approaches, serves as a source of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite the challenges. Nigeria’s business landscape is evolving, and these two trailblazers are at the forefront, shaping a future that is both transformational and empowering. Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius, Founder of African Pasta Hub Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius is a chef and linguist renowned for her culinary expertise. She is recognized as the visionary founder of African Pasta Hub (APH). Prior to her venture with APH, she garnered extensive experience as the Head of Operations at a family clinic, where she excelled in customer success. Guided by her entrepreneurial spirit, she now devotes herself fully to her passion for pasta, aiming to leave an indelible mark in the food industry. During her leisure time, she indulges in reading books and immersing herself in K-drama series. Instagram: African Pasta Hub Lagos ™️ (@africanpastahub) • Instagram photos and videos Chioma Nnanna, Founder of OMZN Apparel Ltd Chioma is an entrepreneur, writer, and advocate. Having concluded a five-year career in marketing communications, she dedicated her focus to transforming her side-hustle into a thriving enterprise. Her educational background includes a degree in Psychology from the University of Lagos, and she is currently pursuing a diploma in Sustainable Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.