4 Steps to SLAYING into the new year like a boss
Walking through the stairs of 365 days without missing steps, go beyond making new year resolutions. Taking each day as a step on the stairs of this new phase (2018), we would realize that as days crawl into weeks and weeks run into months in the course of the year, the will to thrive beyond all odds may begin to dwindle. As a result of this, hopes will definitely fall whenever we miss our steps in the course of this journey. To this end, it is important for us to note that It’s not enough to make new year resolutions. It’s more paramount for us to become them. Yes! Become those resolutions! Consequentially, this connotes that each day counts! In other words, those tiny seconds, little minutes and few hours in each day matters a lot. In order not to get the same result at the end of this new year, we must change our approach to life in general. It’s high time we realized that: Change isn’t just a theoretical phenomenon Change isn’t a part of life Change is life itself So, it’s either we live it or it leaves us behind. Start Now! Start Right Sometimes, we never discover the beginning until the end. This is why many are left stuck in heaps of regrets towards the end of the year. But hey, this is another phase, another beginning to determine the end. There’s no better time to execute those beautiful plans in your head than now. “A good plan vigorously executed right now is far better than a perfect plan executed next week”.- General George Patton Start Right It’s never wrong to start right, but the big question is- HOW DO WE START RIGHT? The first step to starting right begins with the mind. Most times, life may leave our minds clogged up with so many negatives that we tend to close our hearts to the opportunities that come knocking. Goals and dreams seem to be far fetched, especially when one is surrounded by people who are ready to give 101 reasons to be content with failure. Here, it is required that you go not just steps away, but miles far from these negativities. No wonder Gandhi said- “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feets”. Bill Newman also asserted that “minds certainly are like parachutes, they only function when they are open”. Indeed, an open mind is most sensitive to even the faintest footprint of opportunities, rather than lingering within the confine of self-pity. Live Ready! How ready are we, for the opportunities we crave for? The truth is, opportunities are right there on each step of the stairs. As we build on our abilities, we lay a stronger foundation for our capabilities. Learn something new each day! “In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exist”. -Eric Hoffer “The illiterates of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”-Alvin Toffler Carry people along Imagine a life where you have the whole world to yourself, just you with nobody else. No one to share the wealth with, or the joy, peace, and love – if there will even be any… As we go through the steps on these stairs of 2018, let’s remember that we all need each other, regardless of the ‘buts’. Therefore, we need not get too serious with life that we forget to put a smile on a face each day in this new phase. We need not push ourselves off the stairs, for everyone has a pace, a lane and a destination which is the beauty of life. [bctt tweet=”It’s not how high you climb, but how many people you are prepared to take with you” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] As you go through this stairs, remember, taking the wrong steps will never get you the right result. Just Live the change you desire! Start now! Start right! Live ready! You may not have silver to deliver, but you sure do have love and care to share. Cheers! To this new dawn If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Dear millennial: Your Twenties are the “Creation Stage” don’t be afraid to experiment
Time is fleeting, January was just but yesterday and December is already here. 2017 was supposed to be your year, yet when you look back through the year you can’t put a finger on your achievements. [bctt tweet=” Count your losses but do not concentrate on them, use them as lessons” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] You cleared campus last year and your dream job has been real evasive, so you settled for an internship in some company that people barely know of instead of one of the big four companies in your field. Or, you are this Interior design graduate that decided to go the entrepreneurship way. You were of the opinion that you were just what the market needed. Your twenty-something self got into the market and reality hits you. You realized you need to create a niche for yourself, do multiple gigs to earn respect and trust from your clients before you become the big name that everyone relates to. This means you need to invest time and money. You have time, but not so much money. What should you do to keep going and to make this building stage of your career is fun and successful? [bctt tweet=”Not planning is planning to fail” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Planning Planning is key to get you either to the top of your career or to make you the go-to person in your chosen business field. Not planning is planning to fail. If you just got into the business field, this means there is so much to learn at once, you are in unfamiliar territory, unchartered waters. So for you to make progress you need to have specific goals and a timeline for when you want to achieve them. This keeps you on track and you can constantly monitor how much more you need to put in financially and time-wise to get your dream off the ground. Consistency At the start of something new even though we may have clear goals, we tend to waiver or get distracted by the new things in the field we are setting out to conquer. In the spirit of familiarising ourselves with our area of interest new ideas cross our path. At this point consistency, you can’t be close-minded, because our current world is a technological one and things change too fast but you need to be consistent in terms of exactly what goal you would like to achieve. Set your mind on a given area and then see it to the end. You will get disappointed, things won’t exactly follow your already written script, but girl consistency means you don’t stop putting in the work. [bctt tweet=”Set your mind on a given area and then see it to the end” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Most younglings get into the market with a lot of energy but after a few setbacks they wear out and begin to give up on their own dreams. No, do not take your eyes off your vision. To become a motherland mogul, you have to develop a thick skin, learn from your detractors and use failure as a stepping stone to get you up the success ladder. As the year comes to a close, count your losses but do not concentrate on them use them as lessons. Pick out what worked and build your new year goals around this. This is how one gets to be an expert in any field. Choose a mentor to work with you towards your success Mentorship is key for beginners. You are brilliant but having someone to hold your hand as you walk the journey towards your success makes your dream more realizable. A mentor acts as a check and balancing tool. They will help you ensure you do not get too distracted or discouraged that you veer off your goals. They will be your extra eyes in the business arena or in your career. Choose someone you trust or someone whose success is something that has encouraged you to set out on your own. This way they journey can act as a guide to you. What steps are you taking to ensure that the next year is a better one for you?
Morolake Ogunbeku-Bello: I started selling shea butter locally before getting international buyers
Originally trained at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria as a physiotherapist, the foray of Morolake Ogunbeku-Bello into business was needless to say, a daunting task. Marrying her background in the medical profession with growing up in Nigeria, Morolake was well positioned to acknowledge the importance of Ori (African shea butter), a viable product used extensively in Nigeria. But she went further, after various works of research and training, to reinvent this product. She calls her brand the Ori-Ewa Shea butter In this exclusive interview, she talks about her journey so far and why every home should have Ori-Ewa shea. Her story is inspiring as much as it is challenging. Happy reading. Tell us briefly about your brand, Ori-Ewa shea butter. Ori-Ewa shea is an indispensable companion and every home must have one. This is because from our head (hair) to the toes (foot), shea butter is very useful. Apart from preventing hair breakage and promoting hair growth, it’s effect on joint pain and inflammation is magical. In addition, here are a few of its other benefits/uses: Good for rough/dry skin, skin rashes, and a peeling skin It helps to heal small skin wounds, sunburn; It can also remove blemishes and wrinkles. On the whole, Ori-Ewa shea makes the skin healthy, and can even prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. How did you start the Ori-Ewa brand? The business idea came when I was looking for something to do outside the medical field where I was originally trained. I have always wanted to be an exporter. So the search began and then I came across non-oil products and shea butter happens to be one of them. I did an extensive research on how to start, by training and joining an international association on shea butter. I also joined a cooperative here in Nigeria to know more about the product and for proper training because shea butter is more than what we see on the street and most especially when you’re looking at the export side of the business. After this, I went for the international conference of Global Shea Alliance (GSA) in the Benin Republic and several other conferences organized by USAID, NEXTT, NEPC etc. Indeed, the startup capital is not quite much, but the cost of training, as well as conferences, is quite high. Although some are free, becoming a member of the cooperative and international body is not. What inspired you to start it? Like I said earlier, I got into the business because I was looking for a source of extra income and export happened to be my target. I needed to start small. I was counseled to start selling locally before getting international offers and buyers. That was how I started shea butter formulations and packaging; packing them in small plastic containers based on the training I have had. [bctt tweet=” I got into the business because I was looking for a source of extra income ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What and what obstacles stood in your way when you started and how did you overcome them? As for me, I don’t see obstacles. Rather, I see them as challenges and those things I need to work on. However, a major issue remains the quality and pricing; most people compare the price of Ori-Ewa shea butter to the shea butter they sell on the streets as well as in the local markets. Little do they know that the local ones are usually exposed to direct sunlight and dust making them dirty, thereby lowering their quality. Having said that, it’s important to emphasize that Ori-Ewa Shea is pure, clean and packed under good hygienic conditions. As a result, you will surely get value for your money on any pack of Ori-Ewa shea butter bought. [bctt tweet=” I don’t see obstacles, rather, I see them as challenges” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What makes your brand stand out in the market The Quality of our shea butter is top notch. Ori-Ewa Shea is unique just because the quality is not what you can find in any market in Nigeria today. It is Grade A, with an export quality that has all the healing properties intact. When it comes to our brand, quality takes the front seat. And that’s the major reason why our customers keep coming back. Compared to when you started, how large is your market right now and how do you hope to scale it? To the glory of God, I started in a very small way with 1kg, then 5kg, then 7kg and so on. At the moment I have buyers in different parts of the country and with God’s help, I have some of my products in the USA already, Texas to be precise. Right now, I’m seriously on the lookout for partnerships with international companies that make use of shea butter. Looking back, what are those two key qualities you think any budding entrepreneur must have? The two key words are; One, take that step (as in START). Two, DON’T GIVE UP (once you’ve taken that bold step, the next bolder step doesn’t quit, don’t stop, don’t give up, just keep moving). The reason is that life is all about risk taking and it’s better to fail as a brave woman and not as a coward who hasn’t tried anything. People would say “she actually tried even though she failed; she didn’t give up“. Remember the popular saying, quitters never win and winners never quit. Even the Bible says it that no one has put his hands on the plow and look back is fit for the kingdom of God. Just keep going, don’t stop. In addition to taking the bold step and being resilient, what other qualities do you think a budding entrepreneur must have? Share your thoughts here
Stop being busy achieving nothing
When I was much younger, I had the expert brain of never forgetting to do anything, numbers in my phonebook and even birthdays…but now…oh well!!! You can almost not get past a day without forgetting you had to return a call or deliver an extra work that didn’t make it to your to-do list. I know it’s not your fault, there’s just so much on the plate, and that’s why I’ve come to help you with cheat codes you can engage to help you be more productive with work time. Some home-made remedies like setting a reminder and creating/ticking off your to-do list, however, you can try these as well: Just do it NOW So, you see, most times our biggest problem is, we see that we have to do something, but we ignorantly shove it aside, forgetting that we are likely to forget. One of the best ways to avoid forgetting a task is to just do it immediately. If possible, do it in bits, especially if it would take just a few seconds. Always have a notepad around Whether as a hardcopy or soft one, always have something you can journal with. If your mind has a way of always magnetizing ideas from here and there, you need to always have something to scribble on. You ask me why? Because you might just get an idea that would take your business through the roof and if you miss it…well, you’ll never even know unless you tried it. Now pick up your notepad. Learn to say NO Some of us have a default answer for taking on new tasks…YES!!! However, often times, we don’t really have to do everything because we can, we should just say no, rather than feel disappointed in ourselves when we forget just after saying yes to that extra task. Want to avoid forgetting that favor that you promised? If and only if you are overloaded with your own work, don’t agree to take on more. Have a Human Reminder We all have that one person we can call an alarm clock. They just seem to remind us what we ask them to. So, don’t be shy, a great accountability partner might just be what you need to nail the day’s tasks. Ask for help, and be sure to humbly receive the push that comes with it. You’ll feel better about achieving your goals.Forgetting things is not so bad in itself, but when you do nothing about it, it could take a huge toll on your productivity level. The goal is to be an ACHIEVER, not to be BAN (Busy Achieving Nothing). Do you have a story you’d like to share with us? Share your story with us here.
Hanna Ali: Through my short stories, I hope that Somalis will connect to feelings of uprootedness
Hanna Ali is a writer, poet, teaching fellow and so much more. She is the first contemporary author to publish her collection of short stories in Somali. Through her book “Sheekadii noloshayada”(The Story of us), she never shies away from controversial topics, while she proves that where there is pain, there is beauty. She explores the themes of home and (un)belonging in her creative works, and captures the unspoken tensions and hopes of displaced people, therefore, it’s only apt that her work is accessible to the entirety of the Somali diaspora and beyond. Having shared her insights on how to stay relevant as a creative writer during an SLA Facebook Live, Hanna talks extensively about her writing and her decision to publish in Somali instead of English language. Why is it important for you to publish in Somali? I think it’s powerful to say that I am a Somali author who has been translated to Somali. Buying my short stories is much bigger than myself and it’s about supporting this incredibly amazing movement of bringing modern stories in indigenous African languages. Market FiftyFour has given me an incredible platform to publish in Somali and I was attracted to the notion that African stories in African languages matter. They matter because we exist, and we not only deserve but demand brand new, contemporary stories in the indigenous languages. Your work covers themes of displacement, fracture, uprootedness. Why are these important themes for you? These are important themes for me because I was a child refugee, and the experiences that I have had of course affect my work. I also think that a great deal of Africans and of course others in the West do feel a sense of displacement as part of the diaspora experience and the notion that you don’t quite fit in anywhere. Through my short stories, I hope that people (Somalis in particular), will connect to feelings of uprootedness and to know that they’re not alone in their life experiences. There is a poetic ring to your prose, and you consider yourself first and foremost a poet. What is it that draws you to poetry? Poetry, for me, is very raw and it’s a genre that always sticks with me; poems have a way of hitting you hard in that pit in the bottom of your stomach and unearthing all the tense feelings that we carry. My short stories were created out of my poetry and the intent is for my stories to read like poetry in the sense that I want it to be raw and vulnerable and full of meanings that hopefully anyone can relate to and draw from. Do you have a routine to get into writing? What space do you get into for you to be creative? I find that I write at the most random time, whether it’s convenient or not! Sometimes it’s waking up from a dream at 3 am and making notes on my phone, other times it’s whilst working on something else. I wish that I could say that sitting down with a big cup of tea and soft music at home is the magic trick that wills my mind into writing but mostly you just take what you can get. Having said that, most of my best writing has come from sitting outside on a warm day or night so maybe that’s my secret after all; fresh air and warmth. Since storytelling is very important in Somali culture, how do you draw inspiration from your Somali roots in your stories? I draw inspiration from my Somali roots simply because I am a Somali who was born in Somalia and who speaks Somali. I grew up in Europe and therefore my culture is all around me, I’d say it’s hard to not draw inspiration from it! A lot of the topics you tackle are contentious, how important was it for you to veer away from conventional and safe topics? Nothing about me has ever been “safe” or “conventional” and so, of course, my writings have no place being in that sort of category. I wouldn’t necessarily claim that I went out of my way to write contentious topics, but I do think it’s important for any writer to speak their truth and to let their creative imagination take them to where it needs to go to organically by not having an agenda per se but an idea. Also, safe and conventional just oozes out boredom and I hope that my writing is anything but boring. How do you make sure that your writing skills improve? I think that it’s very important for writers to be well-read and to take themselves outside of the bubble of writing by reading different genres and writing styles. Sometimes when you’re in a writing phase, you tend to lose yourself inside of an imaginary world so reading lots and taking time out to focus solely on my doctoral studies helps me to then come back to my creative work with a new perspective. I also find that there are always going to be bad first drafts and accepting that is an important way to improve. What is your advice to young African female writers on getting published? My advice is put yourself forward and apply to as many writing competitions as possible alongside online magazines and other creative platforms that are continually looking for submissions. It’s important to know that rejection is an essential part of any creative work and that you should never let that steer you from your goal. Ultimately, you must be the greatest believer in yourself and your work and eventually, the world will catch up as well. Just do it! DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE WITH US? SHARE YOUR STORY HERE.
Three Things To Tell Your 20 Year Old Self Before Hitting The Dredged 30
I turned 30 recently, and truth be told, it’s all been very anticlimactic. I don’t actually feel different, but there is a constant awareness that I am older and I should feel different. A big part of this is because I spent my 29th birthday having a pity party in anticipation of turning 30. Silly, I know, especially considering the fact that tomorrow is not guaranteed, much less another year. My closest friends couldn’t understand why I was having a premature break-down, but 29 reminded me of all the things I promised my younger self that I would do by the old age of 30. In my mind, I had one year to get married, buy a house with a white picket fence, start a business, have 2.5 children, and get a doctoral degree. I’m all for miracles, but the realization that I was still so far from some of these things left me immobilized and in bed for most of my 29th birthday. In the months and days leading up to my 30th birthday, I expected much of the same. Thankfully, no matter how much I willed myself into a funk, my heart and mind just would not let me get there. Somewhere in the days between my 29th and 30th birthday, I’d finally accepted the following truths about life. [bctt tweet=”The tough lessons in my 20’s allowed me to know better – @Andrena_Sawyer” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Ditch the Plan No one’s life ever goes as they planned. That truth alone should bring a sense of relief to everyone, especially if you’re a planner like me. Since my teenage years, I’ve had a 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year plan. Each plan has inevitably been met with opposition. Some plans, like my goal of becoming an internationally-known civil rights attorney, I’ve had to forego completely. One of the most difficult lessons life has taught me is that if despite my best efforts, something is not working out, it may be time to step back and assess the other opportunities that are coming my way. I’m not talking about quitting, but rather using wisdom. I spent three years in my mid-twenties in a place I was miserable in because I wanted one career path to work out so desperately. When I finally let that plan go, and opened my eyes and heart to new possibilities, I discovered hidden talents and a career that I thought I could only dream of. When I ditched the plan, I became free to try new things, meet new people, and gained the boldness to grow beyond my expectations. [bctt tweet=”The only way that aging can become a bad thing is if you are not fully living in the moment now- @Andrena_Sawyer” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] You are Getting Older. Embrace It. If no one else will admit it, I will. One of the reasons that 30 is scary, especially for some women, is because it seems…old. Culture has done a great job of getting us to believe that lie. As you approach 30, the time seems to go by much faster, and you become keenly aware that you cannot get away with the antics you used to get away with. Society now holds you responsible, and so does your body and your bills. Overall, you’re expected to have a level of stability that’s unprecedented in your life. I dreaded it. I didn’t so much mind looking older (some people still think I’m 23), but I dreaded having to relinquish my youthful fervor for the doom and gloom that I thought was coming my way. There’s good news, then bad news, then good news again. The good news is that I was wrong about the doom and gloom part. If you’re like I was, and you’re dreading what 30 represents, then you can breathe a sigh of relief. 30 is not old. In fact, I feel more calm and confident than I’ve ever felt before. A defeated attitude is your choice. However, it’s not a choice based on reality, and as with anything, your attitude will determine your actions. The bad news is that you are getting older. For those of us who take the lyrics to “Forever Young” literally, it’s an inescapable reality. We have to get over it, and continue to live in the moment…each moment. The only way that aging can become a bad thing is if you are not fully living in the moment now. I look back at my 20s, and I had a blast and formed relationships with people that are now more like family than friends, I started a business, I visited new places, and even wrote a couple of books. However, amidst the great things were some tough lessons, which brings me to the other good news. There’s Freedom of Responsibility There’s an old saying that when you know better, you do better. The tough lessons in my 20s allowed me to know better, which will hopefully allow me to do better. There are certain situations that, if we adjust our perspective, can become our practice field for a game-time opportunity. I was reckless with my finances in my twenties, ate poorly and devalued relationships that should have had more value and gave way too much attention to people and things that should not have had any of my time. That realization comes with heartache. However, with heartache comes an opportunity to respond and adjust. While the recklessness and forever young attitude was great, there’s no greater peace and freedom than knowing that healthier decisions now mean less stress and more security. The Roaring 20’s is more than just a term to describe a decade in history. For many of us, it’s a decade in our individual lives that determines, more so than any other decade, the course of the rest of our lives. Use it wisely. Reject comparison, because circumstances are fleeting. Focus on your own journey, and you’ll be amazed by how much you accomplish.
10 ways to end a business year
In the course of the year, entrepreneurs can get consumed with loads of activities that it becomes difficult to keep track of all that’s happening. The end of the year is the time when most business activities wind down, therefore, it’s a good time to pause, take stock, plan and take a position for the year ahead. Here are 10 things to do to make that happen: 1. Review your financial statements (balance sheet, cash flow, income statement) and prepare tax returns. You need to know: If your business is profitable How profitable your business is Where all the money that passed through your business in the year was spent How much the business owns How much the business owes Exemptions you can get on taxes 2. Review business expenses. Its important business expenses are directly linked to the bottom line of the business. 3. Compare financials from the year before to that of the current year. Pay attention to any rise or drop in figures, investigate reasons for them. 4. If you have made a very good profit for the year, this would be a good time to consider buying or replacing any equipment that will directly result in increased revenue. 5. Reconcile your goals for the year with your achievements; take note of goals you could not achieve. Also, be careful not to discard these goals instead try to find out why you were unable to, and devise new ways to go about achieving them. 6. List and celebrate major accomplishments, you can share with your staff, this should motivate them and make them emotionally invested in your business. 7. Reward your employees and customers, it does not have to be much, could be in form of bonuses, gifts, personal notes… Also get in touch with your vendors/suppliers and inform them of any change in the business that might affect them. 8. Pay attention to your numbers; identify your metrics, this varies from business to business – website analytics, the source of customers, customer growth rate, customer return rate/retention, subscriber list, downloads, number of monthly orders e.t.c. Identify patterns of growth in such areas, trace down these patterns to identify much bigger opportunities and devise ways to multiply effects of these patterns. 9. Review your systems, operations, and processes. This is a good time to review and update (if required) contracts, license agreements, and technology, Identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses. 10. Create a vision for the coming year, based on this vision, set goals, write down your action plan and ways you intend to implement these plans. Hope these tips help you end the year with sufficient knowledge of your business even as you prepare and position yourself for growth and opportunities in the coming year. How are you wrapping up the business year? Share your ideas with us here.
6 low-cost ways to thank your customers this festive season
What better time to thank your customers than the festive season. After all, they’re the ones keeping your business up and running. Children wait in anticipation for Christmas ‘cos they know candy is coming their way. For parents, it’s family time. Customers, on the other hand, look forward to getting something as a reward for their loyalty and service. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone thank you for your patronage? Imagine you go to refuel your tank and just before you leave, you’re handed a hamper or a ‘thank you’ card. How would you feel? I bet you’ll want to come back again. Why? They recognize and appreciate you. After all, isn’t that what we all want? Now you get the picture, imagine the excitement and love your customers will feel when you thank them. Remember, little acts of kindness goes a long way. [bctt tweet=”Your customers are the lifeblood of your business” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Happy customers equal loyal customers.Your customers are your central focus, and without them, you wouldn’t exist! Simply put, your customers are the lifeblood of your business. It’s important you take care of them. Whether you operate a large business, an SME, or a start-up business, there’re ways you can still thank your customers. In this article, I’ll share with you ways you can thank your customers even with a tight budget. The festive season is all about giving and receiving. Here are some ways you can thank your customers this festive season: Thank You Note Contrary to the belief that ‘thank you’ notes are old-fashioned and out-dated, it’s still as effective as ever. It adds some personal touch. This Christmas, go out of your way and write a thank you note to a customer. A simple note like: Dear Chris, The entire team of She Leads Africa would like to thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the year. We look forward to a great and awesome time next year. Sincerely, She Leads Africa. Points to remember when writing a ‘thank you’ note: Include personal greetings along with the customer’s name Be clear about why you’re thanking them (loyal service, purchase of a product or simply referring a friend to you) Leave your business card out, remember, it’s about them and not you This isn’t the time to talk about special promotions; focus on thanking the customer for his business. Help Scout offers tips on how to write a killer customer thank-you note. Give them a treat Who doesn’t like a holiday treat? Looking for a way to thank your customers without having to empty your bank account? Give them a treat. I don’t mean a fancy treat though. You could bake some homemade cookies or get some ‘small chops’ for them. Everyone likes freebies, and the holiday season is all about giving and receiving. Send them freebies like their favorite playlist, a ticket to see a movie, coupons, their favorite bottle of wine, customized mug, hamper, shirt or notebook, or offer a free month of service the following year. It’s the thought that matters. After all, customers want to feel loved and appreciated. Help customers learn something new Christmas is a wonderful time to hold events, especially if you want to attract prospects and loyal customers to your business. Customers need to feel that you care about them, that you’re interested in them acquiring more knowledge about your product. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate event. Are you a makeup artist? You can hold regular events or organize free training for your customers. Invite an expert to talk about ‘how to contour your face’ or how to draw your eyebrows. Do you bake? You could host a training session where you teach them baking tips to spice up their Christmas celebration. Are you a content marketer? Offer free coaching services on writing killer contents. You could also host a free webinar or create an eBook, something to boost their knowledge and add to their skill. The more educated they become, the more they’ll appreciate your product. Give your customers a special feature A little spotlight wouldn’t hurt. This Christmas, go out of your way and thank your loyal customers. The idea is to make them feel valued and special and to feel a sense of pride in doing business with you. So yes, put them in the spotlight. You could decide to write a blog post dedicated to the customer, or include a shout out to them in your email newsletter or on social media. Post their picture on your page, write a bio or a case study. [bctt tweet=”Surprise a highly engaged customer with a free product and just watch their reaction” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] “Wow” one customer Didn’t see that coming? I know. Want to say ‘thank you’? Pick one customer that really stands out – one who’s purchased several of your products and give a delightful customer service experience. The idea is to surprise a highly engaged customer with a free product just to watch their reaction. Host a Customer appreciation day While this might not be part of your plan this Christmas, you can opt to host a customer appreciation day. We all know what it feels like to be appreciated. It makes us feel valued, to think that the other person noticed your good work. It’s the same for your customers. While they may not make it clear to you, they want to feel like you see all they do to promote your brand. Depending on your budget you could decide a dine at a banquet hall, a fancy restaurant, at the park or even your house. Get your customers trooping in! They’ll remember your hospitality and generosity. Remember, it’s the thought that counts. Having your customers in mind and going out of your way to show it speaks volumes. It improves customer satisfaction, plus, people get to know about your company through word
The Aspire story: Showcasing the beauty of mentorship and power women in Sierra Leone
Africa has a growing population of girls who need constant support in terms of guidance and counseling. They need to be handed on the blueprint for leadership, confidence and self -esteem mostly through role modeling. Our societies need to share our stories of our successes and failures so that our girls would be challenged to lead better lives. We are looking at changing the narrative to create a scene were girls will seek to accomplish their goals and aspire to be like the leading women in Africa, this can only be achieved through mentorship. [bctt tweet=”The Aspire story showcases the beauty of mentorship and inspires women around the world to work together.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] In 2016/2017 a powerful collaboration between Power Women 232 and Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone was established. Power Women 232 is a network for women professionals in Sierra Leone. The network aims to bring professional women and entrepreneurs together to promote career advancement and development in all fields, through networking, leadership development, social events and community service On the other hand Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone nurtures and enhances the leadership skills of young girls to become effective advocates and social change agents in their communities. In August 2016, they launched ‘ASPIRE’ to mentor secondary school girls from various schools in Freetown. The program was in the form of large group workshops, small group mentorship and experiential field trips focusing on 3 C’s – Communication, Community Development, and Career Exploration. The aim was to directly impact the lives of 30 young Sierra Leonean girls by providing them with the skills, resources, and networks to become leaders and change agents in their communities. All 14 Power Women mentors were assigned to 3-4 girls each; they were matched by specialized questionnaires in hope to create best-fit relationships; each power woman played a big sister role spanning a yearlong of camaraderie. Field trips to tourist monuments, spending the day at office and centers that were their career of choice. Trips to the bank, the airport, hairdressing saloon and early learning centers. The girls had an opportunity to catch a glimpse of their real-life sheroes in their most vulnerable states behind closed doors, in the comfort of their homes and the rigidity of their corner offices. The women shared their daily life struggles such as multi-tasking, fighting to succeed in male-dominated careers, handling a full day’s job when on their period. The discussions ranged from discussing boys, dancing, cooking, to books and music. Most importantly the program allowed them the chance to learn new skills, ranging from topics such as: Utilizing journaling and writing as a means of telling our stories Utilizing resources to effect and change our future Budgeting & Fundraising Savings and investing for our future Conflict Resolution and effective communication Building and maintaining peer positive relationships The focus on teambuilding, communication, and self-esteem helped develop positive behavior within the group of girls that were mentored. Mentor mentee relationships encouraged some of the girls to aspire to remain dedicated to their academics as well as seek further mentor relationships due to some of the strong relationships that were cultivated. The partnership between Power Women232 and GESSL is a reminder of how powerful women are when they work together. This relationship has garnered more interest in girls and Power Women 232 has taken on education, health and empowerment for young girls as their community service project for 2017/2018. The project was launched with a donation of 200 power hygiene packs and hygiene information booklets to adolescent girls at The Beheshti Islamic Secondary School in Freetown. Their aim is to provide 500 more packs to young girls across Sierra Leone and introduce sustainable hygiene practices. The group did their first fundraiser hosted by Ms. Anita Erskine on Saturday 18th November 2017 during their 2nd Annual Networth Ball an event that attracted the movers and shakers in Sierra Leone’s business environment with a good media coverage which includes been featured on Bella Naija. One cannot deny that the Aspire story showcases the beauty of mentorship and inspire women around the world to work together. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here
Investment Opportunities in Nigeria: The Top 4 sectors
The past year has been one of economic progress for Nigeria, with Africa’s largest economy managing to crawl back into growth territory in the second quarter of 2017. The Nigerian government has realized that they need to make the country as attractive and lucrative as possible for offshore investors to bring their capital, skills and business trade into the country. [bctt tweet=”The need to develop the Nigerian economy offers lucrative potential returns” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] One way is to provide tax holidays to “pioneer companies,” who are engaged in the production of export goods, establishing new industries, or expanding production in vital sectors of the economy. Pioneer companies that are eligible under the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act can enjoy an income “tax holiday” for a period of up to five years. In addition, pioneer companies enjoy other benefits such as the exemption from withholding tax on dividends paid out of pioneer profits. Here’s a look at investment opportunities to consider: MANUFACTURING Nigeria’s population is an estimated 186 million people. This population suggests a massive potential workforce as well as a consumer base. For a manufacturer this is an ideal scenario, not only do you have potential customers, but you also have potential employees. The Nigerian government is eager to expand the manufacturing capability in the country, and to that end, they are offering incentives for manufacturers that are able to locally source their raw materials, for example, agro-allied manufacturers processing foodstuffs such as fruit juices and vegetable oils. Any manufacturing industry that provides multiplier effect solutions for the economy is also looked upon favorably. An example of this would be machine tools, flat sheet metal, and spare parts manufacturing. Finally, any investment in research institutes, especially those that focus on adaptive research and commercialization of local inventions, is looked upon favorably by the Nigerian government. [bctt tweet=”An organization that has seen the potential in Nigeria is US-based software trainer @Andela” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Nigeria is one of the fastest growing internet users in the world. According to Statista, a global statistics company, there are approximately 76.2 million Nigerian internet users as of 2017. This is an increase of nearly 50 percent from the 2013 figure of 51.8 million. There are millions of Nigerians who are interested in involving themselves in Information Communications and Technology Services (ICTS). This new economy does not require someone to be in a specific location to provide the service needed, rather they can be located anywhere in the world. An organization that has seen the potential in Nigeria is US-based software trainer – Andela. The company offers learning programmes for young adults who are wanting to become computer programmers. [bctt tweet=”Nigeria is one of the fastest growing internet users in the world” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] The learning programme is a 2-year practical course where the learner interacts with companies around the world and assists them in building programmes, websites, and mobile applications. After the conclusion of the programme, the learner is able to provide remote programming support to companies that they have built a relationship with. By tapping into the underdeveloped skills of the Nigerian youth, there are countless opportunities for new economy companies to develop technology leaders of the future in Nigeria and in the rest of Africa. [bctt tweet=”The Nigerian government has set up incentives to help modernize and mechanize their agricultural industry” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] AGRICULTURE Nearly one-third of all employed Nigerians find themselves working in the agricultural sector, which is one of the country’s main foreign exchange earners. The Nigerian government has set up incentives to help modernize and mechanize their agricultural industry. Not only will locally grown foodstuffs be promoted on behalf of the investor, business and enabling companies may receive the pioneer company status and qualify for tax incentives. Subsidies on fertilizer and zero import duties on raw materials needed to manufacture livestock feed are some of the other incentives to attract investors to this sector. Another is the release of grants from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council for research and development that leads to the greater domestic use of Nigeria’s raw materials. PRIVATE EDUCATION The need for skilled tradespersons, computer programmers, and agricultural workers will only increase in demand as Nigeria transforms its economy and becomes an international economic power. At present, there is an opportunity for private education to offer specific programmes that are in demand in the country. Nigeria is a country with vast underemployment and by offering distance learning or night schools, there is potential for strong investment returns in for-profit education. As an example, one can look at the success of Curro in South Africa, which began as a private for-profit primary and secondary schools but now even has a post-secondary offering. If a Nigerian model were created that focused on skills development, the potential returns could be very lucrative. Nigeria is in the fortunate position to offer investment opportunities to both local and international persons and companies. The need to develop the Nigerian economy offers lucrative potential returns for those looking to invest in the above sectors, including manufacturing and private education. These areas are in some ways interconnected, and by increasing the investment and development in one area, there is tremendous potential for spillover into the other, sectors.