Become a #SheMeansBusiness Trainer!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column 0=””][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”28412,28414,28553,44474″ img_size=”275×250″ onclick=”img_link_large” custom_links_target=”_blank”][vc_column_text] How do you feel about dropping bombs of knowledge and helping empower your fellow #MotherlandMoguls? If this was your reaction, we’ve got a program for you to consider. In 2018, because this is the year we live our best lives, we’re continuing our digital marketing training with support from Facebook! We’re going to be delivering free training to 4000 women across six different cities in Nigeria. To do this we’ll be recruiting 24 rock stars who’ll become SLA certified – #SheMeansBusiness trainers who’ll work with us to deliver an exceptional training program. Interested? [/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_column_text]Here’s the process Send in your application – the link is at the bottom of this page If selected, you’ll be invited for an intensive 1-day training courtesy of She Leads Africa and Facebook on March 27. You’ll be trained on: – How to use Facebook products to grow a business – Finding your presentation style – Business strategy frameworks Now you’ll be ready to spread your knowledge and help people do amazing things. And we’re gonna put you straight to work helping us train 4000+ entrepreneurs and professionals. 4. The SLA team will organize most of the logistics behind the trainings. We’ll find the space, make sure there are chairs and pray the folks at NEPA come through. We’ll work with you to spread the word, make sure the training is well attended and have someone there on the day to help you set up. And then it’s over to you to wow the audiences with your expertise.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column 0=””][vc_row_inner 0=””][vc_column_inner 0=””][vc_column_text] Why would you do this? If some of the traits below sound like you, then apply now now. You’re interested in digital media and want to share your expertise and experience with entrepreneurs and professionals who are eager to learn You’ve always been interested in mentoring and helping people develop new skills You’d like to build your brand as a business strategy expert Money may not be your motivation but the extra pocket money of N20,000 per training you host would be a nice addition Any restrictions..? Unfortunately …. Yes. You need to have at least 2 preferably 5+ years of work experience to qualify You need to be based in one of these cities: Aba, Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan, Port Harcourt. You need to have the time to lead 1-3 trainings per month (6hrs per training). Training will most likely take place on Fridays and Saturdays. [/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”5″][vc_btn title=”Click here to apply now! ” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”turquoise” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fsheleadsafrica.typeform.com%2Fto%2FQQ2Mt1||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]FAQs Do I need to be a digital marketing expert to apply? No. We’ll be delivering business as well as digital marketing training so we’re excited to have trainers from a range of backgrounds. I don’t live in one of your target cities, can I still apply? Unfortunately not. We hope to expand to other cities and countries soon but for now you must reside in Aba, Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna or Port Harcourt City in Nigeria. I’m not a woman, can I still apply? Of course! This opportunity is open to everyone though the majority of people being trained will be women. What will my schedule look like? After we get you trained, you’ll work out a schedule with the SLA program coordinator. Trainings will run between the April 7th and Sept 29 (~6 months). You’ll be required to lead 1 – 4 trainings during this period. How many entrepreneurs will I train? Initially, you’ll lead a training with about 50 -100 entrepreneurs. Based on your performance and feedback from trainees, you’ll be called to lead follow on trainings. Will I be able to host training outside of the ones you organise for me? If you’d like to host trainings outside of this program, you’ll need to get permission from the SLA team if you’re using content from the program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_btn title=”Click here to apply now! ” shape=”square” color=”peacoc” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fsheleadsafrica.typeform.com%2Fto%2FQQ2Mt1|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Webinar with Samke Mhlongo-Ngwenya: Planning your personal finance and investments (Mar 23)
It doesn’t matter if you’re making a little or baller is your middle name, we all have to deal with important money matters such as investments and personal finance. If you’re climbing the corporate ladder, trying to launch your own business, or managing your family independently, join us on Thursday March 23rd as we discuss personal finance and investment options for young women. We’ll be chatting with Samke Mhlongo-Ngwenya, one of South Africa’s most recognized personal finance experts who offers one-on-one personal finance consultations through her company TNC Wealth. Samke obtained her expertise in debt management and wealth creation during her 7-year tenure as a private banker, now she engages in corporate speaking, panel moderation, career management and women’s issues as well. Register below to get the exclusive link to the webinar. Some of the topics we’ll cover: What you need to understand about investments 3 financial questions every woman should ask herself Planning a budget Top 3 things to look out for when selecting an investment advisor Identifying your investment goals (safety, income and growth) Webinar Details: Date: Thursday March 23rd, 2017 Time: 12:00pm Lagos // 1:00pm Johannesburg // 2:00pm Nairobi About Samke Referred to by CNBC Africa as a “personal finance goddess”, Samke Mhlongo-Ngwenya is not just a personal finance expert, but also the youngest board member of State-owned mineral technology research council MINTEK, and founder of The Next Chapter “TNC” (coming soon) – Wealth Partners. Samke is also a personal finance consultant, corporate speaker, thought leader, media commentator, and financial inclusion advocate. Armed with an Accounting degree from the University of Cape Town, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Wits Business School, and an MBA from the same college completed with a research report titled “Factors contributing to over-indebtedness in black South African females”, Samke aspires to continue developing content that educates, entertains and empowers her audience.
Tanaka Nombulelo Mandidi: My spirit is awakened with every opportunity to remind someone what their beautiful is
[bctt tweet=”From plaiting hair in high school to celebrating African beauty, Tanaka Nombulelo Mandidi” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Tanaka Nombulelo Mandidi is the creative mind behind the Cape Town-based Slay Studios, which is building its reputation in providing quality affordable products and service offerings that celebrate African beauty and heritage. She is driven by helping people take their dreams and turn them into business concepts. She is a makeup and hair enthusiast who loves to team her passions with social entrepreneurship. Tanaka considers wine her first love (apart from her husband), hates hiking and loves having a good laugh. What was the spark that led you to start Slay Studios Cape Town? I’ve always loved hair. I’ve been plaiting hair since high school and as time went on (through Youtube gurus) I taught myself more intricate styles and methods. In 2015, I had a near death experience that made me reflect on how I was spending my time. I had a successful career, was married to the love of my life and adulting was finally making sense. Yet something in the deepest depth of my core was missing. I felt a joy in my heart every time someone asked me about hair, makeup or self-awareness. And before I knew it, I had resigned from my job and stepped into what I believe God was calling me to. Society has taught us that different is not ok. That there’s a standard of beauty we should all aspire to. That #proAfro means #Antiweave. There are so many distorted truths that have been sold to women of colour and its time those truths are unravelled. That’s what Slay Studios is. A place where who you are is perfect. [bctt tweet=”Tanaka Nombuleleo Mandidi’s Slay Studios is a place where who you are is perfect” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What services do you offer your clients? At the Weave Bar, we specialise in all things lace -closures, frontals, wigs and customisation. We talk through exactly what the client wants so everyone walks away from the experience satisfied. Our premium virgin hair is sourced directly from India and undergoes a UV treatment before being retailed to our customers as Slay, our hairline. Currently, our services include bridal makeup or special event makeovers. Our Designer Accesories include our #eyecandy, #armcandy, #scentcandy and #clutchcandy collections. At the heart of what we do is the Slay Foundation. 10% of sales from our services and accessories go into the foundation. Sometimes we makeover young girls, or wash and care for a homeless mother’s hair. Our mission is to make a difference in one person’s life a day. Why Cape Town? It’s very hard to find a clean, modern space where African people can get their hair done without compromise. We’re so used to bad service that its normal to not like your hair when you leave. Cape Town has so much room for improvement in services provided to young, modern black women. [bctt tweet=”Tanaka Mandidi: Cape Town can improve in services provided to young, modern black women” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Our next target cities are Johannesburg and Harare in Zimbabwe -the latter being our attempt to staying close to home and bringing change in our home community. How has the journey been from when you decided to open up shop to now? Start up a business they said. It will be a walk in the park they said. THEY LIED. When you work for a company you’re hired to perform a specific task. With a start up, you are EVERYTHING to your business. You are the accountant, marketing director, lawyer, and stylist. Your business requires you to fulfill all those roles (or hire someone who will) for the cogs to move. And that’s where its so easy to drop the ball. It took about a year for me to figure out what I was doing and a good 5 months after resigning for me to open up the storefront. Some days are amazing. Some days aren’t. Those amazing days keep me going. Planning and vision are also very important. The details? – not so much. When the small stuff faces you, you make a quick decision and move on. The key word there is moving on. Where do you see Slay in the future? My dream is for Slay to grow, influencing fashion, beauty and having an impact on social issues. Our *top secret* in-house makeup line for women of colour is under construction. We plan to expand into the African accessories platform and exclusive virgin hair extensions line. My hopes are to interact with different women and inspire them to own their identity. [bctt tweet=”My hopes are to interact with different women and inspire them to own their identity” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] We’re hoping to grow our team and move into a bigger space to allow for content production, hosting makeup workshops and development classes. With growing sales, we’ll have more contributions to our social impact ventures and be able to bring beauty to more women in the Western Cape and one day, all over Africa. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Growing and marketing your brand via social media – The tale of 5 #MotherlandMoguls
[bctt tweet=”When used right, digital media can be harnessed to make a direct impact in the society” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] It is not often that one catches five aspiring women in the same spot. Well, maybe it’s often, but what are the chances of finding them engaged in a fashion project to raise awareness and funds for charity? These five #MotherlandMoguls are part of the ongoing Romperade Campaign, an online fashion charity event to raise funds for Living for the Needy Foundation. SLA contributor Emma Kwenu Smith caught up with the five who have successfully grown their brands online, to ask them quick questions about the impact of social media marketing on their businesses. What’s the role of social media in charity organizations and specifically for your brand? How has social media given you exposure as a brand/charity foundation? Caritas Aryee, Founder, Tatas and Friends Foundation. You would notice that, largely, Ghanaian charity foundations have always run on traditional media. It’s easier to hear a radio ad calling for donations for the Osu Children’s home etc. rather than a social media campaign for funds. This is the exact reason why Tatas and Friends Foundation has been a game changer in the industry. We started with social media and still the story has not changed. It has been a huge boost for us, and we encourage others to do same. First off, our publicity is done via social media. It is easy to get Kenkey for the Needy, (which is our major fundraising project) trending on platforms such as twitter and IG. Since we are a charity organization, we are unable to invest in traditional media for publicity. However, through social media, we receive access to grant interviews on TV and radio. In doing so, we have been profiled alongside other solid brands on platforms such as Starr Woman Project, TedX campus, Reach for Change and many others. And to think this publicity is free! We just had to capitalize. The second bit of using social media is that we are able to reach out to people both locally and internationally to raise money. People we do not even know, reach out to us so that they can donate to the cause. It is amazing! Social media is a powerful tool, it has shaped the Living for the Needy brand and has given us a lot of exposure. How do influencers promote a brand and how rewarding is it to include them when building your brand online? Jessica Naa Adjeley Konney, Fashion Blogger, Trends&Blendsgh. Influencers have become the new voices of brands —they are already largely recognized on social media for carving a niche. At this point, they have grown an audience that is interested in every content they churn out which is great for people who would like to patronize their services. [bctt tweet=”If you’d like to speed up the process of advertising a new brand, influencers are the way to go” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Being an influencer myself and having featured influencers as well, I can say that the exposure they give to a brand is immense. Featuring an influencer takes many forms —you can have them use and review your products and put up posts on social media. They can also be included in events and can feature in huge campaigns so that it gains traction. How do you know which digital audience to engage with for your brand and how do you decide which social media platform to use? Constance Efua Mensah, Creative Director, EfuaStanzz Fashion. It starts with knowing the general audience target for my brand. We are more skewed towards women’s clothing but basically, all our marketing is geared towards the confident woman. In that light, it is important that we build an identity that resonates with our targeted audience. [bctt tweet=”Choosing one social media platform starts with knowing & understanding your audience” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Images are essential for my fashion brand —it helps clients (both potential and existing) know what my brand is capable of providing. After all, to be comfortable enough to purchase a dress, you need to see it and assess it from all angles. As such, I mostly use Instagram and Facebook as a means of communicating to my audience. Facebook has a wider reach, meaning more people see our posts and it also allows for effective picture/video sharing. Instagram also has a beautiful and simple approach to marketing. Content, particularly on Instagram, is simply more shareable, easier to understand, and far more universal than other types of content. Also, it is full of people eager to connect with a brand on a more intimate and tangible level. Does social media directly affect your client base? Lamisi, MakeUp Artist, Lamisi Artistry. Truth is, I do get over 80% of my clients via social media. The rest is through word of mouth. [bctt tweet=”MUAs need social media, people need to see your work before trusting you with their faces” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] I leverage heavily on Instagram particularly so that people see the images —it is an excellent platform for sharing all my works. However, the industry is very competitive, as such, it is important to make sure that your images are of good quality. Else, how will you stand out and win potential clients over? For brands like Coca Cola, Vodafone etc. there may not be a very direct correlation between the sales you make and your social media investment. However, for us in the beauty industry, it’s very plain. [bctt tweet=”Social media dictates our potential client base and ultimately, it is where we get our clients” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] The more posts on your social media pages, the better? Why? Maud Mensah, CEO, WigClub That statement is indisputable. The more you post and engage your audience, the more visible you are. However, you do not want to share too much information that it suffocates them and drives them away, and you also don’t want to share so little that they become disinterested. It is important to find the right balance for your brand. As
Toyosi Ogunmekan: The warrior #MotherlandMogul
[bctt tweet=”Toyosi Ogunemeka is a Sickle Cell warrior whose start-up answers shortcomings in the healthcare system” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Toyosi Ogunmekan is a “warrior”! Yes, she is a Sickle Cell warrior who got involved in business because she noticed shortcomings in the healthcare system. Instead of getting beaten by the system, Toyosi decided to roll up her sleeves and make an impact. She started a business in medical technology, Toyo Medical Techs where she provides a range of healthcare products used to diagnose, monitor or treat a disease or medical condition. It includes medical devices, information technology, biotechnology, and healthcare services. SLA contributor Ugochi Obidiegwu caught up with her recently to understand her drive. What led you to start your business? After my post graduate in biomedical engineering, I fell in love with the idea of applying engineering principles to medicine. As a regular hospital visitor, being SS, I was very dissatisfied with our Nigerian healthcare system. I felt we needed to do a lot more technologically to meet up with foreign standards. Hence, the birth of Toyo Medical Techs. What has been your experience as a woman and SS in your line of business? Every business, especially at the start-up stage is very stressful and challenging. In my business, I have to do a lot of running around and drive long distances. There are days I feel overwhelmed and break down, there are also days I get comments like “I love what you do, keep it up” and that just makes my day. It’s been a bitter-sweet experience so far and I’m excited for what is to come. [bctt tweet=”Nigeria needs to do a lot more technologically to meet up with foreign standards – Toyosi Ogunmekan” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What is the impact of your business activities on your health? Doctors advise their sickle cell patients to avoid all forms of stress, but I don’t know. Maybe it’s an “SS-thing” we tend to be very stubborn and still act like we can do it all. Maybe we are trying to prove we’re not as weak as people think we are. Well there are days I suffer the aftermath of over stretching myself. I also thank God for family and friends who tend to “scold” me when I’m over doing it. Some 2/3 years ago I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the hip (it’s a common complication in sickle cell patients). My doctor recommended I do a lot of physiotherapy, avoid standing and sitting for too long, etc. But you know Lagos and all the traffic, sometimes I sit in traffic for hours! And when I get home, the pain I usually experience from that hip! OMG! It’s unexplainable. Still I’ve been able to understand my body and figure out how to balance my health and work. What’s your advice to others with your health challenge? My advice to other warriors is for them to be religious with their medications, avoid as much stress as possible, stay hydrated, understand their bodies; know when to slow down and join support groups. I run an awareness page on Instagram @thewarriorstoryng where I share tips and stories of other warriors to inspire others. I’m also a member of the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF). From your entrepreneurship experience, what would you advice someone about to start? Be passionate about your dreams and don’t let anyone make you feel like you can’t do it. When one client says no, it doesn’t mean you should be discouraged, move on. And most importantly, pray. [bctt tweet=”A lot of people are ignorant and think sickle cell warriors don’t live long – Toyosi Ogunmekan” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What myths about Sickle Cell disorder annoy you? A lot of people are still ignorant about the disorder and think warriors don’t live long. There are a lot of warriors that live up to 90+ What are your plans for 2017? Hmmm… to stay healthy, get that beach body, I pray. I want to keep creating awareness on sickle cell disorder and keep pushing my business forward. Want to see women you know featured on SLA? Tell us what amazing things women are doing in your communities here.
4 reasons you should be proud of what you do
I have had some weird conversations and some downright crazy ones but the ones that strike me the most are business conversations. Be it my business or other’s. I have heard people say, “They are selling a packaged lie”, about an amazing idea. I just smile and concur but deep inside I just say to myself, “You can’t fool me” The drive behind that talk is usually just pure surprise that you managed to pull that one off. Now here are some reasons you shouldn’t let haters or literally anyone talk smack about your gig and why you should be damn proud of what you do. 1. It is YOUR idea. Whether it’s an original idea or a modification of an already existing one. It is YOUR idea. You probably sat down for hours or days building on that initial eureka or tinkering out a solution to a problem. This is your brainchild! I have had sleepless nights restructuring an idea and I spend days, zoning out, calculating, researching, trying to find the problem to which I have the solution. Motherland Moguls with start up businesses know this phase. It’s the Eureka phase. Even when you drew the idea from something already existing; you spent so much time turning it this way and that way, doubting the whole thing, coming back to it and doing it all over again. Frankly even before you invest a dime into it, you have invested your brain power. That costs a lot. This alone is more than enough reason for you to take a step back and appreciate what you have built with your hands and your mind. 2. So they call it packaging… Honey, so you know it’s called BRANDING! When people accuse you of overpricing your goods or ‘feeling’ yourself just smile and say; “This is a brand and we are unlimited”… Or say something polite but true. Every business man or woman knows that what sells is your packaging. So if competitors criticise your packaging, don’t worry. As long as your customers love it, you are on the right track. Don’t be afraid to do things your way. Your product/service just has to be worth it and your brand has to be attractive. Let your packaging sell something awesome that people will fall in love with . 3. You took the step Give yourself a pat on the back love. A lot of people would have been successful today if they weren’t too scared to take the first step. You did. That fear of potential losses, bad reaction from target market, lack of support or funds or whatever issues you had, you still took the risk and you conquered. That alone is good enough reason for you to be proud of yourself. Ain’t nobody gonna tell you otherwise. And when you look back (hopefully, your business is doing good. Amen), you will probably laugh at all the hysterical and hilarious moves you pulled at the beginning! You did good. 4. You are still there And not going anywhere. Yea? So what we broke even this month or didn’t even get to? We are going forward. Take a huge gulp of coffee and pedal on. Honey you are already on the bike, a lot of people haven’t even climbed on and some have stepped off. Yet you are there, pedalling, eating up miles and going forward. Each day brings a new challenge and for the record you’re not just surviving. No ways, girl you are thriving! Going strong. Look up at your name in gold letters. Be proud of you. 5. Attitude? What is that? I only speak BOSSlese (the Boss Lady Language). I laugh when people want to smear strong, hard working Motherland Moguls out there by saying they have “attitude”. Frankly, they are scared you are getting too big, and they can’t get to the level you are going to. they want you earth bound like them so they throw shade! Let it go baby! Dust it off. Check yourself, then go on. Your slayage watt should pop every time you check it. A lot of people will try to put you down when they see you climbing up, doing things and breaking grounds. Turn that shade to BOSSlese, why? Because you are the boss and nothing is changing that! This is my go to mindset. I am proud of what I do. I have my hands in so many pies. I strive each day to get my brand right. So even when it is not going as planned, hold your head up, be proud of what you have achieved so far. Bask in the euphoria of your success. “I am a Motherland Mogul , and I am damn proud”.
Webinar with Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola: Building a business in health & wellness (Dec. 6)
Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola, founder of Radiant Health Magazine, is a staunch advocate for living a healthy lifestyle and has been involved in public health for most of her adult life. Join us for a webinar with her on Dec. 6th, as she shares her health and entrepreneurship. Health and wellness is an important part of any Motherland Mogul’s lifestyle. You can’t expect to run your empire while running yourself into the ground. Exercise and eating well aren’t always emphasized in African communities, particularly exercise for African women. So where do you turn to for information on living a healthy life? How about those that love health and wellness and want to create a business focused around that industry? How do you make sure there is a market for what you are selling or providing? Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola has thought about all these problems and more and, she is ready to share her knowledge with us. From pharmaceuticals to the World Health Organization and now to being the founder and editor-in-chief of Africa’s #1 Health Magazine, Radiant Health Mag, Nnenna is passionate about helping Africans and others live their healthiest lives. Join us for a 30-minute webinar with Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola on December 6th, 2016. We’ll be discussing what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle as an entrepreneur and tips for starting a business in the health and wellness industry. Register below to get the exclusive link to the webinar. Some of the topics we’ll cover: How to make time for your health What it means to eat healthy How to start a business in the health industry How Radiant Health Mag became the #1 Health Magazine in Africa & the diaspora Webinar Details: Date: Tuesday December 6, 2016 Time: 7:00am NYC // 1:00pm Lagos // 3:00pm Nairobi Watch this webinar: Don’t miss another inspiring webinar! Join our community today! Click here. About Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Radiant Health Magazine, Africa’s leading health magazine. Radiant Health began as Nigeria’s first women’s magazine and has grown globally to reach African women on the continent and throughout the Diaspora. Nnenna’s lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for Africans began with her work as a pharmacist. Wanting to make a larger impact, she transitioned to the public health sector starting as an intern at the World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva where she helped to develop data for the WHO Global Infobase, a country-level database of non-communicable disease risk factors. Nnenna served as a Global Health Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she spent a year in Tanzania working to strengthen the laboratory system for HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment monitoring. She continued her public health work at CDC Atlanta and later as a consultant for the D.C. based Advocates for Youth before going on to launch Radiant Health Magazine. Nnenna completed one year of study in Pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, prior to moving to the U.S. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Texas Tech University and her Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University. Nnenna has been featured in How We Made It in Africa, Voices of America, YNaija’s Leading Ladies Africa, She Leads Africa and was recently named one of 41 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Putting the Country on the Global Business Map by Lionesses of Africa.
Spicing up your hustle if your passion has grown cold
[bctt tweet=”A lot us have moments in our career/business where there just seems to be no inspiration” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Let’s be honest, you have probably hit a moment in your hustle where you think; If only I could just live in my bed for the rest of my life. Well, rest assured you are in good company, because of a lot us have a moment in our career, business or social project where there just seems to be no inspiration. Well, if you happen to be going through that, here are some tips that might help 1. Take a break Its most likely that the work you are currently doing has either become so routine or overwhelming that you have not had a moment to step back and evaluate or just break from your labour. It is absolutely necessary to take some time off. If you can manage it, email and phone less to refocus on the priorities of the work you do and gain well needed energy to do it better. When constantly engaged in the small details of how you work, you miss the opportunity to step back and have a bird’s eye approach to give you a sense of clarity and purpose to what you do. If you can’t manage a vacation, try to allocate some time to doing less engaging activities “after hustle hours” to re-energize and recuperate so you can apply yourself better tomorrow. [bctt tweet=”If you can’t manage a vacation, try to find time for less engaging activities after hustle hours” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 2. Get some online inspiration Other than watching Solange’s videos on repeat, there are amazing videos that can help bring some passion into your life. There are avenues like TED talks from amazing African people doing incredible work. Since you might not be able to attend an expensive conference or have the time for it, the internet offers many lit resources too when looking for exceptional people to learn from. 3. Hang with the squad Having a solid established friendship circle on dial can really help when you are having a rough time. You do not need to talk about the issues you might be having, however it helps to be in a more relaxed environment and focus of the lack of passion you might be feeling. Meeting people who might be passionate about other activities around you could ignite it in you and leave you feeling inspired. Even if you don’t leave feeling woke, you had an awesome time out and a good laugh which always helps. [bctt tweet=”Meeting people who might be passionate about other activities around you could ignite” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 4. Volunteer No, its not about your CV. Looking for causes that you truly care about help you remove attention from the grind. These causes are always passion initiators. Humans do well when we feel we are contributing to our community. It might not be necessarily anything monumental, however causes related to your area of expertise or interest can push you to think outside of yourself and needs and focus on others. This will bring a new found purpose to anything you do —even the mundane job. Volunteering can also help you gain new skills to break the routine of your daily work. 5. Talk about your passion Focusing on the things that excite versus the things that don’t, helps you move attention from the negative vibes. Falling into the trap of constant complaints won’t help break the wall you might be facing. Try to think about the things that thrill you. Doing this may inspire you to find ways to do those things; like reaching a new income target or getting new clients. You’ll likely to see the silver lining more than everything else that makes you feel uninterested. [bctt tweet=”Constantly complaining won’t bring inspiration your way but these 6 steps will” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 6. Take up a class Most of the time we look for hardcore courses, however that probably don’t bring the motivation you might be looking for it. It will also look a lot like your current job. I challenge you to do something that might not benefit you in terms of the work you are involved in, like a dance/zumba or a language class. If you really can’t help it because you are a boss lady, go for a leadership course or communications class, something that will open up your mind and bring some diversity into your routine. These will help get you into the right kind of mindset for the work you are doing plus you get to meet new people and learn a new thing. Challenge yourself to do new things. So next time, don’t let the lack of passion get you down, you have many great avenues to start it going again. Keep on SLAying!
The struggle is real: Keeping it together in the growing phase of business
[bctt tweet=”Take a deep breath and find at least one thing in your business to be grateful for” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] It has been said a million times already, starting a business is not easy. Worse still is the tendency of the initial thrill to fade away in the face of early-day challenges. Most times, your entire life is focused on your business and you have no time for something else. The early days are hard, so here are some tips to tide you through the them. 1. Remember why you started A daily reminder will do and if not everyday, often. Every successful Motherland Mogul has stories to tell about early days. Each person’s experience is different from the next but one thing is common. The struggle to keep up during the first few months and the importance of keeping their eyes on the goal. [bctt tweet=”Be enthusiastic, think ‘I’ve got work to do! Time to pray and SLAy’” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] When you wake up in the morning, the slight (or heavy) trepidation and anxiety should be replaced with curiosity and excitement. Wake up with, “I am doing it! This is my dream!” rather than “Here we go again”. Be enthusiastic, think “I’ve got work to do! Time to pray and SLAy”. When you think back on all the planning, the first eureka moment, the excitement when you were laying down the plans, you realize that this is it. You are right where you want or need to be (or maybe not, but you are on the right track). 2. Seeds will grow if well planted Once you’ve set a solid foundation, all you have to do is wait. Waiting is harrrd, yes. But just as feeling of fulfilment washes over you when you eat freshly cooked corn harvested from your garden with your hands (gardening or farming folks will get this), so it feels when all the patience and hard work starts to pay off. You literally eat the fruit of your labour but you have to go through the waiting period first. You have to wait for the seeds to first sprout, then grow and become ready to produce fruits. That is a very long but worthwhile wait. So here is a virtual truckload of patience because it is highly needed at this stage. 3. Water and nuture I know, enough with the fruit analogies but, that is the closest situation to what you are going through. While you are waiting for your business to grow —which should be the natural course of things, you have to prune it, pamper it, water it, sometimes cajole it and nurture it to grow. I totally just gave your business a personality. Yes it has one. If it doesn’t, it should and I will call it ‘she’. And like a woman, you have to pay attention daily to the details of your business. While you watch it grow, a business mani-pedi is always needed. [bctt tweet=”I totally just gave your business a personality and I will call it she” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] You will constantly have to make changes, remove old things that no longer deliver, stick with tried and trusted routines. Wait, that is basic skin care! Well. As I said SHE needs the attention. You have to keep your hands on the pulse of the business and watch your down-line. Don’t worry we are getting there. 4. Faith Belief in your dream, in the big picture, in your self and in God is the seasoning in the dish. Remembering why you got into this business, pulling yourself up each morning, working late into the night, skipping lunch and having more microwaved dinners than is healthy for you…all these are peppered by faith in what you are doing. When I have a dream and I somehow get stuck, my first thoughts are full of doubt. I question the idea, the goal, the direction. But God doesn’t let me fool myself for long. The idea is reinforced and I snap out and push. That is what faith in your dream will do for you. Especially when no one seems to get your idea or you don’t have the support you need. You need to hold on strongly to your dream and to your God. You are going to need it for what I call the, “Oh what am I doing? Am I sure this is it?” days. [bctt tweet=”You need to hold on strongly to your dream and to your God.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 5. Count your blessings If you don’t who will? I mean, I know you are not there yet, but girl you did it! You started. And as Rona Wigs said the first step is to start! You have give yourself a pat on the back. Try hard (really hard) not to dwell on what isn’t. Dwell on what is, plan for what isn’t and most times, take a chill pill. Make only healthy comparisons only if you have to. [bctt tweet=”Dwell on what is, plan for what isn’t and most times, take a chill pill.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Be your number 1 fan and blow your trumpet when needed. Girl I am proud of you, you have made it this far and you are going to go higher. So, each day, especially on the days you want to rip into something, take a deep breath and find at least one thing in your business to be grateful for.
Why research in business should be a daily routine
One of the very first lessons I learnt about entrepreneurship, is that if I don’t do it, someone else will and that once you do it, everyone else will. Let me break it down. The first lesson is probably much easier —someone will, eventually, spot the gap in the market and attempt to fill it. The latter is the lesson a lot of start-up entrepreneurs don’t want to think about. That once you decide to fill that gap, soon everyone else (and trust me, some of them have been sitting on the idea waiting for someone to do it first) will. This is because you are their case study and now they know the idea does in fact work. A typical first response is usually, “that’s my idea!”, when in fact, we should be thinking about the opportunity that it presents. The good news is, if you’re already thinking ‘competition’ and ‘unique selling point’ then you are halfway there. The answer is research, constant research. From my early high school days, I was obsessed with research, particularly on the Internet. It started with me always wanting to have the answers, because I hate not knowing. Gradually, it became a very educational and growth-fuelling hobby. Research, although mostly associated with reading, isn’t limited to that. Depending on the industry and sector you want to operate in, it could include you physically getting out of bed and attending seminars or, chilling by the Mall of Africa, watching how people walk, talk, laugh or studying what they are wearing, which shops they visit first and how they arrived there or, stalking interesting people on Twitter. The business environment is ever-changing and to get with the times, you need to research. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established one already, there is always room for growth and improvement. Research in theory You may not know it, but there are many forms in which research takes shape outside of Google and Yahoo, and these are three of the absolute favourites right now: Social media Yes, it’s not just about the number of likes on your latest pic. Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram can be a huge source of information. It allows you to tap into your (potential) ultimate client/customer’s mind. You will know what they are thinking and what they want —all of this is embedded in everything they complain about, decode it. It can also be a very good way to see how your closest competitors have positioned their products and services and learn from that. Trends grow on social media, if I see someone with a 10k followers wearing yellow jeans, I want to buy them. Keep an eye on people with huge followership and influence on societal behaviour, these are people commonly known as ‘twelebs’ and ‘felebs’. Blogs The beautiful thing about blogs is, the research is actually done for you (but be sure to verify, remember, if it’s my blog, I can put up anything I want). Bloggers usually bring the newest trends onto their blogs for their readers, if you comb through their content, you will find that they are communicating to you the gaps that are opening up in the market. Video driven sites like YouTube Although most people would instantly associate YouTube with music videos, there is a lot more to it. Tutorial videos and even more serious documentaries are put up there, it is a great source of information for when you’re looking to do something like write a book or even start a blog on a related subject. Research in practice Lerato wants to start an online channel but she doesn’t understand how it could be financially sustainable for her. Also, she has no idea what kind of content she wants to put up on her website/channel. What can Lerato do to help solve her dilemma? Correct, research! 1. Use the resources you have Lerato has a Facebook account, but now that she knows she has to research, she doesn’t know how Facebook can be used to do that. Easy, the answer is trends. First, she needs to zero in on a subject. Does she want it to be a health site, lifestyle, entertainment or news site for example? For that she can visit sites that already exist to see which she feels is more for her. Let’s say she chooses a self-help/DIY type of site. 2. Ask and answer the right questions That’s where social media comes in, what do people need help with? Lerato will now study the questions people post on Facebook or tweet on Twitter. She will also check how many of them get the answer they are looking for and how long it takes them to. Not only is this research in terms of content, but it also allows her to see if there really is a market for the site and if it will be more effective and efficient for the user to go to her site instead of asking for help from his/her friends on Facebook. Once she is done with her decision, she goes to Google and types in “start an online DIY site”. Voila, a link to an article about how to make money from such sites comes up. Of course she clicks on the link, now she knows where her revenues will come from. 3. Don’t stop researching A few months later, Lerato’s site, From Your Toolbox, is ready for action. It is an instant hit with her friends and followers, with amazing readership ratings. Soon she starts receiving requests for advertising space, nothing can stop Lerato now. One day, on her timeline however, she learns that her friend has started an entertainment news site and instantly she is shaken. What do you think Lerato does to deal with this development? Lerato doesn’t like fighting, so no. Instead, she uses the resources that are available at her disposal. And that is how she gets into the culture of research, following new trends and