Hyjiah Mariam Conde: Low self-esteem is not given enough attention
I’m inspired by a girl who goes by the name, Hyjiah Mariam Conde, as young as she is, she has learnt the art of self love. She was bullied in school for her ethnic background, skin color & unique body image, but instead she decided to do empower herself. Hyjiah started her own nonprofit organization called SuperGirlzland. The purpose was for Hyjiah to be the voice to all the girls who have been emotionally and mentally bruised by being bullied. I had the opportunity to interview Hyjiah and this is what she had to share. [bctt tweet=”I want to shout so that the whole world may hear my vision and voice.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Hyjiah you are an inspiration, you have been bold enough to stand up and be the voice of the youth. Is there anything you are afraid of? Thank you so much for your kind words. I would have to say the only thing that I’m afraid of would be GOD, as I feel that’s the only one I need to fear. Is there a reason you chose South Africa in particular, to kick start your charity? I actually kick started my charity in the USA where I’m from and expanded to South Africa and now West Africa, Guinea. I chose South Africa because I have a few connections there who are a part of my charity. Most importantly, I noticed that girls there were not allowing their confidence to shine through. So Hyjiah you are all about making other girls happy and special. What makes you happy? What makes me happy is being of service to others through my charity work. Seeing others filled with joy makes me happy. I saw an interview of you and you were talking about how you have become popular. How has that popularity changed you as a person? I don’t really see myself as popular. As a leader I believe that popularity isn’t important. Leadership and being compassionate are very important. I never changed. I’m the same person from 4 years ago when I started my vision. Can you share with us how far you are with the other interests you want to pursue like choreography, singing and maybe writing. I’m still working on recording my single which I wrote with my big brother. My dancing I do that mainly on the weekends. I love to dance it helps me to express myself. As for my writing I love to write. My book is set to launch soon and I’m already working on book number two. Do you have a plan in place of how you are going to achieve all your goals? My plan is to take it step- by- step. I keep notes on what’s next for me. So much of what I want to do is stored in my brain, so I have to keep notes of it all and GOD will help me achieve it all. I am just stunned! Honestly, with all these activities going on you are also an Ambassador and a member of a couple of groups. How do you manage your time? I prioritize really well, so I never burn myself out. I love staying busy, I’m very energetic and love to participate in so many things. I do take time for myself because I am still a kid. My mother, who is my manager, helps me prioritize things. Can you give a brief pitch to potential sponsors telling them why they should assist Supergirlz Land. Low self-esteem is not given enough attention. It’s a disease like any other sickness, which needs direct attention & support. Low self-esteem can be caused by bullying, poverty and lack of education; which at times result in suicide. Help me help them as we help one another to save our young girls, one at a time. Fun question! Would you rather be able to whisper or only able to shout? Pick one. I want to shout so that the whole world may hear my vision and voice! Have you overcome a low self esteem? Share with us how you did it. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Jobs – SLAYbassador Intern
About the SLAYbassador Program The SLAYbassador program is designed for devoted SLA followers who want to help spread the SLA vision and dream of a world dominated by Motherland Moguls. A SLAYbassador becomes an SLA voice when SLA can’t be there. What SLAYbassadors do: Spread the word: Advertise and publicise SLA through conversation and interaction with our digital media. Act as a contact point between the SLA Team and our audience Give us feedback and new ideas. Connect with SLAYbassadors in their area and dominate their city About the SLAYbassador Intern Role The SLAYbassador Intern will take care of all things SLAYbassador! We need a team member who loves SLA, wants to share all of SLA’s inspiration and knowledge, grow our community and eventually help us take over the world! Your job would be to take complete ownership of the SLAYbassador program, this includes marketing the program, managing all new SLAYbassadors, ensuring they are getting what we promised and helping with any problems that may come the SLAYbassador way. Reporting Structure The SLAYbassador Intern will report directly to the Head of Community through a check-in and check-out process. Responsibilities Ensuring that the SLAYbassador program runs smoothly and the numbers of SLAYbassadors continue to increase Manage the new SLAYbassadors by onboarding them with their welcome e-mails and ensuring they are mentioned in the weekly SLA newsletter. Ensuring that the SLAYbassadors receive all the benefits to the program promised Continue to think of new and creative ways we can use the SLAYbassadors to help grow the SLA brand Continue to think of new and creative ways we can keep the SLAYbassadors happy and wanting to help us grow the SLA brand Help launch the SLAYbassador meetups in the cities with the largest number of SLAYbassadors Continue to think of ways to we can advertise and promote the SLAYbassador program Be the main point of contact between the partners of the program and SLA Dealing with all issues that arise from the SLAYbassador program (this includes technical issues) Requirements: Excellent communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Detail oriented Good knowledge of the use of IT tools (Ms.Office etc.) There are no location requirements for this role. Submit your application here: [typeform_embed type=”embed” url=”https://sheleadsafrica.typeform.com/to/FNvFRs”] Submit the application by Friday, September 22nd 2017. Please note only those successful will be contacted for interviews.
The elephant in the room: Year-end bonus
[bctt tweet=”You need to have a financial safety net for when companies can’t pay bonus cheques” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Cash Roulette Many of us dream of the plans we will carry out with our year end bonus. We have already lined up a string of events which we are going to splurge on, and have soon- to-be-bought outfits picked out mentally. In addition to that we have, the vacation plans, the children’s school apparel and school stationary for the next year. We basically plan out an entire budget (read: splurge) from our upcoming bonus. The elusive 13th cheque It may happen that one is so accustomed to receiving their bonus cheque every year-end that it ends up being a customary thing; where no consultation is had and there is an expectation that this will definitely come to pass. However, most companies give 13th cheques based on the performance of the company in a particular financial year. Other companies offer a bonus on the premise of whether an individual has performed their duties exceptionally or not. As such, it is always important to never just assume that you will receive a bonus. It is important to inquire with human resources, the company accounts division or your immediate supervisor. This will assist in managing expectations from friends, family and yourself about what you can or cannot spend on. [bctt tweet=”Most companies give a 13th cheque based on the performance of the company in the financial year” via=”no”] Money makes the world go round… Or does it? There are a myriad of things that money can help us achieve. But, is it the be all and end all of our lives? Oftentimes companies are not able to pay out bonus cheques in a particular year. In this case, it is advisable to have a financial safety net which will assist with the year end and early year costs which come after festive shenanigans. In order to ensure that you are not caught between a rock and a hard place; the first step to building a healthy financial lifestyle would be to save a portion of your monthly income. A little bit every week or month (depending on your remuneration structure) will definitely will go a long way. The myth about ‘goals’ In the 21st century everything either qualifies as or is a goal. An aesthetic, something to live up to. Everyone is in a perpetual and often self-inflicted rat race. We want to be better, own more, drive the best and live in an affluent neighborhood. Even if all of this at an often high cost to the self. Alleviate this pressure by being certain of your finances before making commitments. No is a complete sentence We need to learn the art of saying no to situations which do not grow us or expand our territory. The aim is to lead a life that will not be drastically altered whether you receive your bonus or not. It is possible for one to lead the ideal life without having to break the bank to get there. It requires self-discipline and a huge dose of honesty. [bctt tweet=”You should lead a life that will not be drastically altered whether you receive your bonus or not” via=”no”] Bonus or no bonus? The aim at all times should be to ultimately lead a life of financial freedom. If this means having a side business/job on the side, then so be it. Truth is that for most of us, one source of income is not enough. Some are fortunate to have partners who balance things out in the home because of a dual income. However, it is possible to live your best life and stay out of debt at the same time. Financial freedom should be the new cool, the ultimate aesthetic. Do you have any financial tips on budgeting for the festive season? If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
6 steps to quit your current job for your dream job
[bctt tweet=”“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] A little while ago, I got a text from a good friend to ask for my advice. She wanted to quit her current job to go pursue something she was passionate about. But, she was having trouble mapping out a plan. Thinking through how I’ve handled similar situations in the past. Here is a summary of the advice I gave to my friend on how to quit her job in 6 steps. Pick a date and plan your exit strategy It all starts with having a plan. Decide for yourself what is the absolute last day you can see yourself being in your current job. It can be 3, 6 or 12 months from now. Write it down somewhere you can easily refer back and be reminded of the commitment that you’ve set. Once you’ve picked an “I’m outta here by X” date, then you need to come up with a specific and detailed plan of all the things you need to do in that time-frame. This plan will map out priorities which will enable you to leave conveniently and support your transition into your dream job. Know exactly where you want to go What is your dream job? What are the profiles of people in the positions you aspire to? Identify 5 of these scenarios. How do you stack up against the competition? Are there any common threads across these profiles and are these things that you see in your own profile? If yes, great, if not, then you have to get serious about acquiring those skills, attributes, qualifications. Focus on building your brand In this age of social media, it’s all about perception. Sometimes you get that next job not because you’ve been the best at your current job, but because you’ve learnt how to get better at promoting yourself and your work. These days, its not enough to just “stay in your own lane”. You have to find a way to strategically be seen and heard, while remaining authentic and true to yourself. Think about your long-term goals and ask yourself whether the things you’re doing now are in line with that vision. Network, network, network Like it or not, you have to put yourself out there, be it virtually or in person. Attend more events where the people who have the job you aspire to, will be present. Challenge yourself to talk to these people, ask them questions, get their contact details and be proactive about following up with them. Approach people, not with the intention of showing off, but rather to find out what they are interested in and see how your interests align with theirs. Be purposeful and intentional about networking and watch it pay off. Put in work behind the scenes At the end of the day, when the right offer comes your way, you’re still going to have to back it up with experience. So whether you need to go back to school; take a course online; spend more time at your local bookstore; or schedule coffee dates with your mentors; the reality is that you are going to have to put in work. Turn the job hunt process into a fun experience. Give your CV a makeover and add new certifications to your LinkedIn profile. Talk to people you look up to and realize that all of your goals are within your reach. You must be willing to work hard for the life you want! Be your biggest cheerleader Finally, learn to be your biggest cheerleader. But also surround yourself with a tribe of people that are committed to your success, both personally and professionally. Keep working towards your goals. Know that when you cross that line, all the people who love and care about you will be right there cheering you on. Have you ever left a job for your dream job? What steps did you take? Let us know more about you and your story here.
Nancy Gacheri: I have always had a passion for coming up with a business that would leave a mark in the Kenyan industry
Nancy Gacheri is the 25 year old director of Best Shoes Kenya (BSK), and a Bachelor of Business Information Technology graduate. Currently she is working as a Sales and Marketing Manager for Sunstar Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Nancy is passionate about entrepreneurship and strives to leave a legacy of positive change in everything she does. She currently blogs for Life after campus (http://whatelseaftercampus.co.ke/news/) and finds satisfaction in helping others. [bctt tweet=”The customer is the most important person in my business” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Who is Nancy? I am a God fearing, industrious, outgoing and well rounded young lady. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and motivated by the need to bring the change I want to see in the world. What is Best Shoes Kenya? Best Shoes Kenya was established in May 2016. It is a footwear manufacturing startup company which uses locally sourced materials. We manufacture men casual and official leather shoes, as well as school wear. Our mission is to attain sustainable growth in business through the production of quality, affordable and classy shoes. We are a wholesale and retail shoe company situated at Membley estate Ruiru. How did you find a gap in the market for your business? The shoe industry in Kenya has seen most of its products coming from foreign countries. This pushed me to channel my entrepreneurship skills into shoe production. The need to produce quality and lasting Kenyan shoes is the motivation behind BSK. What are three key business lessons you have learnt since running BSK? I had to learn to separate business cash flow from my personal savings, by having a separate bank account. This means also setting it up legal through registration. The customer is the most important person in my business, they can either grow it or bring it down. Plan first, then act. A business plan is a key stepping stone to a successful venture, without one you just are planning to fail. How has the market responded to Best Shoes Kenya? At first it was really difficult because the local market perception is that Kenyan products cannot be of good quality. But with time, we have been able to gain a loyal client base. Most of which are repeat customers or referral customers. How do you balance your full time Sales and Marketing job and running the BSK business? This has been my greatest challenge up to date. My full time job is from 8 am to 5 pm and from work I head home where my workshop is, to see the day’s production. It has taken so much personal discipline and sacrifice, and it has cost me a social life. I dedicate most weekends to Best Shoes Kenya and to responding to various customer queries and follow ups. I am looking forward to running the business full-time, after raising a significant amount of cash to purchase the necessary machinery for production enhancement. What are two challenges you have faced and overcome at BSK? Market penetration was the greatest challenge due to poor product perception. The myth that locally made products are not good quality. But through the production of high quality products, which meet customer satisfaction, we were able to establish a loyal client base. Balancing between my full time job and running a business used to drain my energy significantly. But with time I have been able to strike a balance. What keeps you inspired to run your business each day? I am my own motivator, and I desire to become a change agent. The dream is to see BSK on the next level, as I explore my entrepreneurial spirit and positively impact lives. What is your three year growth plan for BSK? The three year plan for BSK is to be a front-runner of locally manufactured shoes in Kenya and the greater African market . To grow to have a ternary for leather, soles and all needed for the production of shoes. To begin a HUB which will promote the entrepreneurial spirit among Kenyans, and hopefully inspire the youth to realize their goals. In one sentence, how would you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered as someone who pursued her dreams and did not just get comfortable with living, until she brought about the change she wanted to see. Instagram: @gitsherry Facebook: bestshoeskenya Twitter: NancySheri Are you in the shoe manufacturing industry? Let us know more about you and your story here.
Amanda Kulati: Consider Skills Development for your career, it makes good business and personal sense
Amanda is a Social Scientist and a business woman with a passion for leadership development. Amanda believes that leadership is not confined to the highest level in the organogram- but leadership fostered from bottom up is good for sustainability. When an Enterprise Development Organisation that she was working for, as the National Training Manager, undertook to retrench all staff in 2012, she was affected. Curious about change development and what makes an organization more effective, she ventured into business and registered LOCD. Leverage Organisation and Change Development (Pty) LTD is a 100% Black Female owned Consulting and Skills Development Firm. [bctt tweet=”Fostering an attitude of appreciation for lifelong learning is the key to workplace success” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Tell us about LOCD. Leverage Organisation and Change Development (Pty) LTD is a 100% black female owned Consulting and Skills Development firm. LOCD offers Organization Effectiveness and Skills Development solutions including: Business Transformation Planning and Execution; Change Management; Enterprise/Supplier Development as well as pure skills training facilitation to both the public and private sector, (across the African continent). LOCD also offers Leadership, Self Mastery Coaching and Mentoring services, Instructional Design according to SAQA standards, Conference Speaking/Panel discussions and MC service’s. What inspired you to create this business? Skills development means developing competencies and skill sets to add value in your organization and for your own career development. Fostering an attitude of entrepreneurship and leadership for lifelong learning is the key to workplace success. As such, I am an accredited facilitator/moderator and assessor. LOCD collaborates with SETA accredited partners on a need-to basis. Why does skills development make good business and personal sense? History and research tell us that we have high levels of illiteracy. This not only refers to basic reading and writing but, also competencies to build and sustain governments/ministries and businesses. A skilled workforce is a motivated workforce and a motivated workforce produces quality end products/services. Good talented people naturally want to advance, and appreciate meaningful support in the process. Ambitious young employees want training, mentoring and coaching. They want to gain skills, relevant skills, fast. They want to become more versatile and valuable to an organization so they can quickly advance their careers Increased employment opportunities: Without a doubt training provides increased employment opportunities. Today, even entry level roles in many industries require base level qualifications. By completing a training course, your employment opportunities become wider. Another reason for adding to your skill set is to be able to win new types of work, which may be more interesting or lucrative. Increased career development opportunities: Developing a career in a chosen field is something many of us aspire to. Experience alone, in many cases, does not suffice when employers are seeking to promote their staff. By undertaking further training, the opportunity to develop your career is enhanced. Personal growth. Training not only provides you with the skills in a particular area. By undertaking further training you build your networking, time management, communication and negotiation skills. Increased knowledge and understanding of your local industry: Interskills trainers are experts in their fields – they are closely connected within their industry. This provides you with local industry knowledge to supplement your growing skills. You’re the driver! It’s worth remembering you are your own mentor, HR department and boss. Nobody else is going to be looking after your career development except you. Therefore, you need to be the instigator of change. Ensure that you are moving forward to ensure you don’t get stuck in a rut. Play catch-up and stay knowledgeable: Many professions require you to keep on top of new developments, which may be moving rapidly. For instance if there is a new software release, or a dynamic new design trend, you may need to have that knowledge under your belt, so that you’re better equipped to compete on your next job interview. Stand out from the crowd by combining skills: Over the next few years the world of contract work is undoubtedly going to get more competitive. You many need something extra to really stand out. Sometimes unusual combinations of skills can result in you having a unique selling point. Merge your talent and your passions to find creative combinations that make you more marketable. Reap the personal rewards: The most important part of learning a new skill or undergoing training is the sense of achievement you will feel when you move forward. Moreover, the whole process of learning is rewarding and interesting, and you can gain insights into your own capabilities and character. Who are any 3 African women or mentors that inspire you and why? Belinda Knight: Director at Duke Corporate Education and my previous manager. I used to hate it when she would say- when I was an office administrator- I must chair meetings where I was the only ‘junior support staff member’. But, I learnt over the years that she was developing a well rounded leader and forced me to step up.Not only that, she kept on involving me in her role. I owe who I am today, to her. Daisy Malele: Founder and Director of Dees Training. She is resilient and humble. I admire her from a distance. Through her training company she gave me tools to launch my career – Facilitator/Assessor and Moderator training, as well as my first registration with the SETA. I owe my knowledge of the SETAs and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to her. My mother of course: she instilled a sense of responsibility, humility and putting others first. I used to observe her generosity. Leadership is about having a cause that is beyond you and your immediate family. Through LOCD I believe I am living my purpose. Some people are looking to start up their own businesses, not necessarily in the skills and development sector, but other industries as well. What advice would you give them? BE HUMBLE… learn from those who walked the path before you- ask for help. Partner- up when required to do so- sharing is caring. The whole is better recognized than its
Mmabatho Mokgadi: I want to see Colorsofthearth among the list of top tea brands across Africa
Mmabatho Mokgadi from Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Is the founder of Colorsofthearth. An organic loose leaf tea company specializing in herbal and fruit blends. Currently she is also a full- time student at the University of South Africa, completing her second year towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Science and Social Services. Mmabatho loves yoga and is passionate about tea, particularly the medicinal components of herbal plants. When she is not reading on community psychology and the functioning of public services in South Africa, she is running her business from home. [bctt tweet=”I have a good support system from friends and family who encourage me” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Who is Mmabatho? I am the founder and tea tailor of Colorsofthearth. Currently I’m studying full-time at the University of South Africa, doing my second year towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Science and Social Services. I’m passionate about tea, particularly the medicinal components of herbal plants. My current read is on Prof Maurice M. Iwu’s “handbook of African medicinal plants”. I enjoy yoga, great food and I’m always up for an adventure. What is Colorsofthearth? Colorsofthearth is an organic loose leaf tea company, with teas sourced locally and internationally. I specialise in handcrafted fruit tea blends (using spices, herbs and dried fruits) and herbal tea. How did you find a gap in the market for your business? When I established Colorsofthearth in 2015, all I knew was that I loved tea. As a result I had lost weight drinking yerba mate, white tea and green tea and my skin was looking healthier. I wanted to share this insight with people. I have extensive knowledge of the product because I used to work for one of South Africa’s leading tea franchises, The Tea Merchant. During this time I grew to learn that tea repairs and builds from the inside out. Even after I left The Tea Merchant the love for the tradition of tea continued. Soon I began making my own blends, playing around with herbs and dried fruits. When friends came over I would serve them the tea I made and they liked it a lot. A close friend of mine encouraged me to start my own business, saying that I’m “the tea person” because there’s nothing I didn’t know about tea. The tea industry is growing rapidly and I want to see Colorsofthearth among the list of top tea brands across Africa. How has the market responded to Colorsofthearth? In February 2017 I took Colorsofthearth to the South African Broadcasting Company canteen and the response was positive, there was a lot of interest and support. I have also exhibited at Market Esque in Soweto, but this crowd was different because most people were not interested in tea. I’m aware that people still have a certain stereotype about tea, which is: it is boring and should be consumed only if you are sick. But, I can say though that the response has been more positive than it has been negative and there is ample room for improvement and growth. What are three key business lessons you have learnt since running Colorsofthearth? Persistence How to manage finances The importance of market research. How do you balance your studies and running Colorsofthearth? I write out weekly and daily schedules which help me distribute time evenly. Although at times I give more attention to school work when I have assignments due or i’m preparing for exams. In addition to that, I use resources on SLA’s website regarding balancing studies and running a business. Overall I have a good support system from friends and family who encourage me and keep up to date with my progress. What are two challenges you have faced and overcome as Colorsofthearth? In 2016 I lost all hope and drive to keep Colorsofthearth running after my contract ended as a sales assistant at a kids clothing store. This happened a few months after I established Colorsofthearth. I could not afford the apartment I was staying in and had to move back home. The move did not make it easy. I was back home, no call backs for interviews and a failing business. It was challenging financially to keep Colorsofthearth running. But, In January of 2017 I decided to step out of my “hopelessness” mode and took it upon myself to finish the things I had started. Firstly, complete my undergraduate; I registered with UNISA and applied for funding, which was approved. I remember the excitement that came with the prospect of finally getting my degree! Secondly, I needed to pick my business up again. I had to go back to the drawing board and determine why I registered my business in the first place. I soon realised it was because of my passion for tea and the desire to create and provide a product that is healthy, sourced locally and refreshing. Communities like She Leads Africa helped me gain my self confidence and purpose again. [bctt tweet=”Feel the fear and do it anyway”, a mantra I live by daily. It’s also the title of Susan Jeffers’ book” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What keeps you inspired to run your business each day? My mother, my vision board and prayer. What is your three year growth plan for Colorsofthearth? My plan in the next three years is to supply hotels, restaurants and delis around Johannesburg and across South Africa. Either employ one person or find a partner that I can work with in running the business. Have an iced tea range. Build an online store with worldwide shipping. Travel and form relationships with tea plantation farmers in Africa: Kericho Kenya, Satemwa Malawi and Tanzania. In one sentence, how will you like to be remembered? A holistic wellness brand. Instagram: @colorsofthearth Facebook: colorsofthearth Twitter: @colorsofthearth Are you in the tea business or aspire to be? Let us know more about you and your story here.
Oluwaseyi Bank-Oni: Digital Marketing Is Taking Over Rapidly
[bctt tweet=”Everyone can afford to take advantage of digital marketing services.- Oluwaseyi Bank-Oni” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Oluwaseyi Bank-Oni is currently the Senior Account Manager at Nigeria’s foremost digital marketing agency, Webcoupers. She has successfully worked with several brands and has helped them achieve digital footprints on the web. In this interview, Oluwaseyi gives us exclusive insights into why small business owners need to incorporate digital marketing services into their sales strategy. Tell us a bit about yourself & your background I’m a 25 year old branding powerhouse! A slightly eccentric creative genius, obsessed with the color pink and a Nigerian woman on the rise. I spent my childhood and high school years in Nigeria after which I moved to the States for the first half of my undergrad. I then moved to Canada where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Economics as well as a certification in Business Analysis. Followed by a few years of work in the financial sector. Eventually I became quite jaded, packed my bags, and moved to France last year to attend Business School where I received my MBA with a specialization in Marketing & Brand Management. I just relocated to Nigeria a few months ago, and I am currently the Senior Account Manager at Nigeria’s foremost digital marketing agency, Webcoupers. Why did you decide to come back to Nigeria? I never wanted to leave in the first place! Nigeria has been experiencing a brain drain for a while now but all we do is complain. Those abroad refuse to return while those on the ground want to flee! So who is left? A lot of people don’t see the digital landscape in Africa as viable and I knew I had to play a role in changing that narrative in my own little way. You are either a part of the problem or a part of the solution. I decided it was time to become a part of the solution. That being said, having 24/7 access to pounded yam may or may not have played a role in my decision. Having worked on several marketing campaigns for major brands, what would you say to those who are yet to optimize digital marketing to grow their businesses? It’s 2017 and there is a 99.99% chance that your target market is online, what are you doing? From personal experience, I find a lot of key decision makers in Nigerian businesses are not as open minded as they would like to think. They would rather play it safe and splurge on traditional modes of advertising which don’t even produce trackable results, while neglecting the digital side. That’s not to downplay the importance of non-digital mediums but can you tell me how many people viewed a particular physical billboard yesterday? Probably not. But I can tell you how many people viewed an online ad banner, clicked on it and made a purchase after seeing it! That’s the power of digital. Businesses are literally stagnating their growth by refusing to key into digital marketing vehicles. [bctt tweet=”Digital Marketing is scalable to fit any budget. – Oluwaseyi Bank-Oni” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What are the various aspects of digital marketing services that small business owners can leverage on? The wonderful thing about digital marketing is that it is scalable to fit any budget. From the frugal university student selling jewelry on the side to earn extra income, to the massive multinational firm spending the big bucks to drive sales, everyone can afford to take advantage of digital marketing services. Social media Without getting too technical, I’ll discuss a few simple ways SMEs can utilize digital marketing to drive sales. It goes without saying that establishing a social media presence and providing engaging content is imperative. Word of mouth We all know of “Word of Mouth”, but what needs to be leveraged is “Word of Mouse”. This is essentially free advertising by connecting with and building a network of brand loyalists who will help spread the word about their products or services online. With over 70 million Nigerians using the internet, the click of a mouse on social media can get you in front of your target consumer faster than any mouth can. Targeted ad’s Another way is by running targeted ads on social media platforms. You don’t need a big budget or a formal education to get these up and running. Most social media platforms offer a lot of free learning resources to assist you in getting your campaigns up and running. Easy-to-use tools like canva can aid you on your creative journey where you can design colorful engaging ads to appeal to prospective clients. SEO Ensure your website is SEO optimized. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and what that means is you want to boost the visibility of your brand when words relating to it (keywords) are searched for. There’s a popular saying that the best place to hide a dead body is the 2nd page of Google. Seriously, no one checks there. It is estimated that 75% of users never scroll past first page results; The first page is where all the action is and this is where your business needs to be. This does not happen overnight and takes a bit of dedication. But, by using relevant keywords, consistently churning out pertinent content and also having links to your website shared on other sites, small businesses can boost their SEO ranking to drive traffic and sales. If you’re not too keen on trying these out yourself, enlist the services of a digital agency and get on it fast! Some people think digital marketing is expensive. What is the average amount that a small business owner needs to run a digital marketing campaign? There are so many myths surrounding digital marketing. I frequently ponder on where they emanate from. There is no “average” amount as strategies and requirements vary from business to business and campaign to campaign. For example, you can run online ads for various types of campaigns for less
Assil Diab: Being an Arab Muslim female painting the streets is not always applauded
Assil Diab, is a Sudanese visual artist, graphic designer and graffiti artist based in Doha, Qatar. She is the first female graffiti artist emerging from Qatar and Sudan. Assil graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphics Design. She also holds a diploma in Digital Marketing and a Diploma in Advanced Social Media Marketing & ORM. Known as ‘Sudalove’, today her work consists of mixed media and painting canvases using nothing but spray paint, “Graffiti on Canvas”. Assil’s first solo graffiti project was with SDI Marketing in Qatar where she was commissioned to paint at the Renaissance Hotel in Qatar for Cirque Eloize’s Press Conference. One of her great achievements was when she joined internationally known French-Tunisian artist El Seed in a Calligraffiti Project to paint one of the largest graffiti projects in the world in the Salwa Road Tunnels. Feature photograph by: Ahmed Shaheen  [bctt tweet=”I’m a very quite person in general but once I start talking, it’s through that can” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Photograph by: Tariq Mohammed Al-Fatieh When you are tagging you are basically speaking to the world through street art. From the responses you have had so far do people actually get the message? Being an Arab, Muslim female painting the streets is not always applauded. I’m a very quite person in general but once I start talking, it’s through that can.Graffiti is visually appealing because it is public art. It’s literally putting your art, thoughts, and feelings in people’s faces. Public art has the power to evoke thought and start dialogues. It is my way of communicating with society. Tell us about the very first time you decided to hit the walls. What was the first tag and how was it received? I started doing making art on paper and painting on t-shirts and shoes in my early teens. Then about three years ago, at the age of 25, I began taking it up as a profession. I used to see graffiti everywhere while riding the metro in New York- where I was doing my internship as a photographer & graphic designer in Brooklyn. I was fascinated by graffiti, with all its shapes and colors. I loved what I was seeing on the streets and I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve always liked challenging myself to see what I could do. So in 2013 I joined Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ and Qatar Museums Authority. I joined on a 4-month long internship to assist Tunisian-French calligraphist, El Seed, in painting the Salwa Road Tunnels; and that’s where I picked up a spray can for the first time. I have never put the spray can down since those intense 4 months of graffiti. My first exhibition was in VCU-Q Bookstore where I sold 9 paintings of 13 in just two days. The paintings were painted using nothing but spray paint aka “Graffiti on Canvas”. I later switched my signature from my original name assil.diab to SudaLove. Which is my way of expressing my love and represents my home country, Sudan. Photograph by: Ahmed Shaheen  There can be negative connotations associated with graffiti. What do you wish people knew? Graffiti is not just for men. It’s not all about hip-hop, or gang-related, and it doesn’t have to be illegal. Most people don’t take it seriously and fail to see it as a profession. In fact, most of my work is commissioned, so I do get paid for it. Also, often, people confuse mural art for graffiti or vice versa. There is a difference. There are no governing laws or rules to graffiti. Graffiti Is faster/quicker. But, there’s a lot of thought process & sketching when it comes to mural art, also, you don’t tend to use only spray paint when painting a mural. Do you ever collaborate? I’m working on a collaboration right now actually. I’m working with three local artists painting Aspire in Doha, Qatar. The first time I worked with these guys was in December 2016 painting in Katara. Besides these two collaborations I have only done exhibition collabs- where we all showcased our work on canvas in a particular hotel or gallery. Photograph by: Tariq Mohammed Al-Fatieh Approximately how much time do you devote to art? From the time I wake to whenever I need to go back to sleep. If I am not painting, I’m thinking about a sketch way before it needs to go up on a wall or canvas. My surroundings are full of art. I spend even more time looking at art, visiting museums, galleries, events, sketching and writing emails at least two hours a day talking about art. Or responding to emails that involve or commission artwork. [bctt tweet=”Even on the days when I don’t feel creative, I still have a consistent work ethic” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Are you still working on fashion as well? Yes, I get special, sometimes unusual requests for T-shirt designs. As a fashion designer, I do not specialize in one category of apparel- I hand paint T-shirts, shoes and hats. I’m also working on a collection of Sudanese women’s “teyabs” using contemporary designs for the younger generation. In 2010, I worked as an intern fashion photographer at Katya Moorman’s Style Defined NYC in Brooklyn, New York. I was also assisting with the design of the marketing materials for Better Than Kate, an award winning street style blog. In addition to taking various courses in fashion design, my graphic design degree provides the required skills for fashion. Photograph by: Tariq Mohammed Al-Fatieh What is your creative process is like? I practice a lot of sketching in my little black book. Sometimes I’ll scan a sketch and enhance it on illustrator or a similar program. Sketching helps me grow and develop. I get inspired by everything – religion, politics, travel, culture, earth, feelings and reading. When I’m interested in developing a new technique in graffiti, specifically, I go out and find a wall to practice on until it’s mastered. Even on the
5 tips on how to talk your way into a promotion at work
Do you feel like you are stuck in a rut in your current position? Is the thrill of having a challenge long gone ? Are you having a hard time connecting the dots between how your current position will lead you to the position you aspire to be in some day? If you’re feeling any of the above, the obvious choice might be to move on from your current job, to “greener pastures”. However, there is another alternative. Maybe all you need is a “current job makeover”. I applied the 5 tips below when I found myself in a similar situation and the result was that I got a promotion, a significant salary increase and renewed passion and excitement for my job. [bctt tweet=”In the end, facts win over feelings when it comes to your professional life” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Make yourself indispensable From day 1 when I started my current job, I was eager to prove that I could do the job better than anyone else who had come before me. I came in early and left late. I often took work home in the evenings and on weekends (I had just moved to a new city in a new country so, in a way, work was also my solitude). I asked lots of questions. Read as much as I could to help me understand the new industry I was working in. When the opportunity to do tasks outside of my job description came up, I jumped at them immediately. Soon I started to see that my boss was getting more comfortable letting me do things that were technically above my pay grade. Work hard to make yourself indispensable. Figure out what you still have left to learn In the early days, I would sit in meetings with my boss and the higher ups, and realized that half of what they were saying was Greek to me. Granted, I was doing a kick ass job in my little corner, but there was so much about the work that I had no clue about. I made it my personal mission to learn from every member of the team, by offering to help them out with various assignments. The more I learned, the more I realized that the higher ups in my team started to pull me into the inner circle. Eventually, they even started asking for my opinion about things. Pitch a new position which reflects where you are trying to go Realizing that I could do so much more in this field was probably what brought on the itch to leave in the first place. Suddenly my role became too small and too confining. On one hand, I wanted to grow and take on even more responsibility. Bur on the other hand I knew that I did not have the over 10 years experience the colleague next in line had. What to do? I drew up a list of the things in my current job description that I wanted to keep doing; the things outside of my job description that I wanted to do more of; and the things that I wanted to learn to do. In doing this exercise I came up with a whole new job description. I pitched this idea to my boss. She took my proposition seriously and brought this to the attention of the higher ups. After some deliberation and modification; they agreed to create this new position for me. Back up your request with facts I didn’t just rock up into this meeting and demand to have them switch things up for me for no good reason. I took the time to document every single thing that I had done on the job, including the things that were outside my role. From the big things where I’d helped out with projects in other countries, to the little things like the new initiatives I’d spearheaded within our country team. For every new task and responsibility, I included in my new job description, I backed it up with examples that showed that I was up to the task. In the end, facts win over feelings when it comes to your professional life. No one is going to hand you something just because you ask for it. People are never going to pay you what you think you’re worth. You’re going to have to get in there and show yourself as worthy and then claim what is yours. Keep your cool and be prepared to walk I remember walking out of the meeting thinking “What if my boss takes this to the higher ups and they say no? Then what?” I knew that if it came to that then I would have to make a decision to leave. If you realize that you are in an environment that is not invested in your growth and is not helping you actualize your full potential, then I think that is always the best time to walk away. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to. A week later, they came back with an offer that was even better than I could have imagined. So I stayed, and I’m committed to growing but also contributing to the growth of my team; and doing my part to help them achieve their objectives. Have you been in a similar situation at work? Let us know your story here.