#MillionaireBossin15seconds – Win 1 Million Naira for your Legit Hustle from Charles Okpaleke

Stumbled on this yesterday and thought to share. Many more people are coming up with innovative ways to support young entrepreneurs. Everyday, there is one new opportunity or the other, don't let any opportunity pass over you. Rehearse your pitch and make sure the main points are captured within 15seconds, then upload to instagram, you're always there playing anyway! lol. The full step by step information on what you need to do is below. 

All the best!

They say, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step“. My name is Charles Okpaleke, and I’m here to inspire a young entrepreneur by providing him/her means to take that ‘first step’ in starting and growing a successful business.

By God’s grace, I’m an entrepreneur today. I am one of the directors of  +Play Entertainment Network  and its subsidiaries.

I am aware that raising start-up funds is one of the most challenging aspects of starting a new business. I am here to strengthen your motivation and desire to succeed by offering 1,000,000 naira business grant to a young entrepreneur with the best business idea. All you need to do is pitch it to a team of judges in 15 seconds. Yes, 15 seconds.

You must not necessarily have a grand proposal with an intricate business plan; a small lucrative idea that addresses a real and demonstrated public need is what I am looking for. We all hustle to get to the next level. “Realizing that anyone can do it is the first step. The next step is figuring out how you’re going to do it”.

How to Enter:

• Follow @playnetworknigeria on instagram
• Make a 15seconds instagram video summarizing your business plan
• Post the video on your own instagram page with the hash tag#millionairebossin15seconds and tag @playnetworknigeria
• Your video will be reposted on @playnetworknigeria instagram page and you will be tagged
• If your video (business summary) makes the top 5 videos with the highest number of likes (not paid likes), you will be invited to Abuja to meet with the judges
• If you’re invited to Abuja you will be given the opportunity to explain in detail your business plan, and if yours is the best you’re taking the 1,000,000 naira home

Contest begins TODAY and ends on October 31st! (Well, it began yesterday actually)

Source: Bellanaija.com

NASME Lagos Quarterly Business Launcheon - 3rd Edition

Don't miss the NASME event this thursday holding at SheratonHotel and Towers, Lagos from 9:30 to 3:30pm. The details are as follows;

To register, send a mail to nasmelagos@gmail.com

It's 5,000 naira for registered members of the association and 8,000 naira for non registered members. For updates and information about the body like the facebook page here.

THEME: 

Challenges of High Micro Credit Interest Rates: Implication for MSME development in Nigeria.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Dr. Mudashiru Olaitan, Director,
Development Finance, Central Bank Of Nigeria.

DATE:

Thursday, July 9th, 2015

TIME:

9:30 - 3:30pm

VENUE:

Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way
Ikeja, Lagos.

See you there!!

#inthespiritofenterprise...... 2014 line up

It's been an amazing year and we had more entrepreneurs featured on this platform from the upper year. I appreciate all those making the effort to build their dream, those defying the odds and striving to succeed at it.

Cheers to all my 2014 entrepreneur showcases..... To many more Great things this year!

Source:http://www.fuelrunning.com

1. FAB Store - Babajide Familusi
2. Melting Moments  - Tolulope Samaiye
3. Body Language Studio  - Chibuzor Ikonta
4. 30 meters Resources - Bibiire Salihu
5. Beni American University  - Gossy Ukanwoke
6. Find your voice with Ige - Modupe Ige Kachi
7. Reelfruit - Affiong Williams
8. Asantee Soaps - Kehinde Abejoye
9. Naturebuddie Concepts - Akintola Fade-Aluko
10. Budgit - Seun Onigbinde
11. Sesewa - Adekunbi Adeoye
12. Bambiano - Aderonke Abiona
13. Mide's Fun World - Funmilayo Opanubi Alasholuyi
14. HGE Capital Nigeria - Mofe Tonweh
15. Cares Unend - Omotanwa Sulaiman
16. Pine Events - Adeboye Segun
17. Iya-eko  - Tola Oredope
18. Hydrateq - Eniola Raji

2013..... Line up

#inthespiritofenterprise .....2013 line up

Before we resume with our entrepreneur showcases for the year, I thought it might be nice to do a recap of all the ones we featured last year.

More grease to their elbows!

The beginning - How it all began.

1. Infant and toddlers corner - Olufunke Oluyemi
2. Nelson grillz - Nelson Ogun
3. Ion Jewelry - Ibironke Nihma Oduniyi
4. Smids animation studios - Damilola Sobowale
5. Mybizhubstore - Chibuike Wogu
6. Anq-ara - Kennedy Ifedolapo Adetayo
7. Revamp Definition - Chinenye Obi Okoye
8. Chic carpenter - Padebi Ojomo
9. The land is green - Kehinde Olagbenjo (Co-founder)
10. Sora tulip - Hilda Shangotola
11. Tootsy interiors and more - Oluwafunbi Fatore
12. Ninekay stitches - Nkemdilim Adeniran
13. Omoalata - Kashope Badaru

OmoAlata - Kasope Badaru #Inthespiritofenterprise

Hi guys! Hope you are having a fantastic holiday. Nanny Mcphee took off on the 23rd, smack in the middle of all my hamper deliveries! I have a friend who insists keeping a nanny and one smallie is the key to sanity, I bet he'll laugh at me if he reads this.  Anyways, I am a survivor and yes, the worst is over. Bless Jesus!!

For the first time ever, I shipped the boys off day before yesterday to spend some time with my sister in law (she's a life saver). Funny thing is, I miss all their "wahala" and can't wait to pick them up, lol!! Imagine. But while they're away, let me share the very last #inthespiritofenterprise story for the year! Sounds unbelievable that the year is over already. It's been a great year and it can only get better. Yes!

Let's meet Kasope Badaru, Omoalata herself.

Enjoy.....

1. Tell us about yourself

My name is Kasope Badaru, I am an IT person by profession. I graduated in 2006 and I worked on an 8 - 5 but quit my job 2 years ago to venture into entrepreneurship.

2. Tell us about your business

Omoalata as the name implies is "the child/son of a pepper seller or a pepper seller". What our business does for now is to package blended peppers. We plan to do other products later on, all centered around pepper, soups and stews. Basically we blend tomatoes, onions, tatase and rodo into a puree or paste, boil and pack and sell to end users or supermarkets.

3. How did you get the name Omoalata and how do people receive it?

To be honest, I can't really remember exactly how the name omoalata came about. I just remember it was a name that my partner and I just had in mind for a very long time, even though it wasn't really clear what we wanted to do with the name, we just knew it was food related. Over the years, travelling, going around, we got some exposure and saw the need for some partial processing of pepper to make food easy and faster to cook, considering that most Nigerians use pepper in some form or the other during their cooking. We wanted a way to make cooking easier since we are in a world where things are faster and easier.



We get mixed reactions to the name "omoalata". Some people are wowed by it, while others ridicule the name and make fun of it. But because we are confident in it and proud of our heritage we are not moved. I am sure if we translated it in some other language for instance, people would think it cool, but because it's in our native Yoruba language that some people take the name for granted.

4. What will you say is unique about omoalata?

One of the main things about our product is that we are trying to replicate the exact thing that you do in your house. We are not trying to do a processed tomato paste, we are simply trying to cut your cooking time and make the process easier. We want to do exactly what you would have done yourself if you went to the market to buy your tomato and pepper. So because of that we decided from day one never to add any form of preservatives. We keep getting suggestions and pressure from people about preservatives e.g. "why don't you just add preservatives so you can sell in stores that have no freezers?". Especially because we are a growing business, we are expected to want to jump on these recommendations. However, we know that's not who we are nor is that what we are offering. Ours is an organic product and we intend to stay that way.

5. What are the main challenges you face and how have you overcome them.

The number one challenge is what everyone complains about in this country, POWER! Our business relies a lot on electricity supply. We grind, we boil and then we freeze. The freezing process is a lot of power and it means that we always have to have constant electricity. It also means that our grinding machines have to be run on petrol. Which is a lot more expensive than if we had constant power.

Another challenge we have is manpower. The casuals who work in the factory; ensuring they come at the right time, ensuring they follow laid down procedures. Especially for small, growing businesses like us who can't afford to employ them full-time yet, getting the right commitment is not easy. It's really been difficult but I know that as we go along though, it will get better and we will be able to balance it.

Acceptance from people is also one of the challenges we face. It's a new type of product and Nigerians are generally slow to adapt to change. So we have to do a lot of marketing and convincing, but the good thing about it is that for the people who have used it, their referrals go a long way. We are still in the process of getting all our certifications, so we have not done a lot of advertisements. I would say that we are gradually conquering that challenge of getting the word out there and convincing people to try the product. People are still stuck with the tradition of "oh I go to the market myself and I blend my own pepper mix myself", "how are you sure it is fresh, not too spicy or not spicy enough?" We know that over time we will get more and more loyal customers as they try it out.

6. How will you summarize your journey so far?

The journey so far has been interesting, tedious, frustrating, Lol!. But I am sure that is normal for any small start-up business anywhere in the world. I mean, we have the peculiarities of running a business in Nigeria, but when you remove the challenges of Infrastructure like electricity, I am sure that every other small business anywhere in the world goes through the struggles the frustrations and all that. But to be honest, it's been interesting.

There are days when you think oh I have made a mistake and there are days when you are so excited, especially when you get just one positive feedback. This makes you feel that it's all worth it because you are making someone's life easier somewhere. The feedback just gives you a lot of joy that someone somewhere needs what you're offering.

7. Given another chance, will you do this again?

Oh yes definitely, I mean without a question. I don't regret in anyway, going into this. If I were to rewind time, I would definitely go into it again!

Want to know where to find Mcpeppers? Well here's a list below, plus you can follow them on twitter, like their facebook page and follow their blog.

Rennies Supermarket
VGC Shopping Complex,
VGC Lekki Epe Expressway Ajah,
Lagos.

Rennies Supermarket
32A, Admiralty Way (near Tantalizers)
Lekki Phase 1 Lekki, Lagos

Petadis Place

0-5C, Close 7A, Opp. NICON Hotel

VGC Lekki Ajah,

Lagos.

Gravitas Supermarket

17, Emma Abimbola Cole street,

Off Fola Osibo Lekki Phase 1 Lekki,

Lagos.

Best Choice Mart

Shop K111, Road 5,

Ikota Shopping Complex,

Ajah Lagos.

Nazareth Supermarket

Babatunde street, Off Ogunlana Drive,

Surulere, Lagos.

Spendless Mart 

2, Association Avenue (right turn before magodo estate)

Magodo, Lagos.

CCD Superstores 

116, Ogudu-Ojota Road (Near GTBank)

Ogudu, Lagos

Royalmart Limited

Carlton-Gate Estate

Chevron drive, Lagos

Royalmart Limited

Crown Estate Shopping Mall,

Crown Estate, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Egole Shopping Mall 

http://www.egoleshopping.com/

Cheers guys! Their other details are below, do the needful....

http://www.omoalata.com/
http://omoalata.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OmoAlata
https://twitter.com/omoalata

+234 (0) 802 8736 502, 01-8544436

Ninekay Stitches - Nkemdilim Adeniran-Adedokun #inthespiritofenterprise

So we met Madam Tootsy, now let's meet Ninekay sticthes.

Are you preggies, listen up.....

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

I am Nkemdilim Adeniran-Adedokun. I am by the grace of God the Founder and Creative Director of Ninekay Stitches, a Lagos based fashion designing concern with a lot of emphasis on the need of pregnant mothers and their newborns. Before I started this business in 2010, I was in the banking industry for six years during which I worked towards setting up a structure for what is my dream. I resigned in 2010 and went straight into this business. 

I gained a degree in Mathematics Education from the Delta State University Abraka and a Masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Lagos, Akoka. I have also done a few courses in Fashion Designing, Fashion Management and Entreprenurship home and abroad. I am an Alumnus of the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan African University and a Goldman Sachs Scholar. I am currently on a one year Fellowship with Vital Voices VVGrow program to support my goals as an entrepreneur and leader of a small and growing business.I am married and God has blessed us with children

Tell us about your business

At Ninekay Stitches, We specialise in the design and manufacture of maternity clothing as well as the complementary accessories such as pre-packed hospital bags and nursing covers for expecting and nursing mothers respectively. We produce custom fitted maternity wear for special occasions (made to order) and ready to wear clothing( office and casual maternity clothing ) .

Our pre-packed hospital bags have been carefully packed for mom and baby, containing basically all the items an expectant mom would need for delivery. All packed in a bag suitable for travel even after delivery. We have our made in Nigeria nursing cover,suitable for our weather. I am an advocate of exclusive breast feeding and with our nursing cover you have no excuse. Lol. Our products are readily available and can be delivered to your door step.We also offer other services such as maternity photography, personal shopper and other tailored services our clients might need.It's our ultimate goal to make our target customers stylish ,comfortable and free of stress before and after delivery.

How did you get into this line of business

It was the choice I made out of a couple of other things that I thought I would like to be as a child. I always knew that I would be working for myself at some point and so when I started getting the exhaustion vibes from Banking, I began to consider which of those things I would love to do. 

One of the things I thought about growing up was Wedding Planning and then Fashion. At the end of the day, I chose fashion designing. I thought of the need to do something really different and then the experience that I had getting affordable and comfortable clothing during pregnancy inspired me into starting a maternity line, which we have continued to grow since 2010

What inspired you

I pray to and trust God a lot to give me directions about what to do and so I would say that this relationship with God led me into the actualization of this particular dream that I am living. I also noticed that each time I was pregnant as a bank staff, I needed to rely on clothes that came from outside the shores of Nigeria to feel comfortable, I felt this was totally unacceptable and thought that, God helping us, we could make a difference. It is the same reason why we have introduced the accessories, just to make life easier for professional ladies who do not have all the time to go shopping by themselves.

What are the main challenges you face and how have you overcome them

I will share one or two of those with you. A major challenge is that fact that the business environment in Nigeria is so unfriendly. Apart from the demands of setting up your business, you have to deal with so many other issues that should be the responsibility of government. For instance, you need electricity, you need water and all that. Running after these on your own increases your overheads.

Funding is also one major challenge that one has faced. There are no long term financing options with reasonable interests in this country so you have to sort it out yourself. Another challenge is the quality of workmanship. Many of our tailors do not just have the right work ethic and so we struggle with that. However time is teaching us deal with that and God’s wisdom and favour is helping out on the two other fronts.

How will you summarise your journey so far

It has been a learning curve in which God has really been there for us. We see the future as very bright and promising.

Given another chance, will you do this again

I most definitely will do this again. We are here to fulfil a purpose and I am very happy with the way that God has continued to deal with us and help us, it is a venture in which I have found a lot of joy and satisfaction and so there is even no debate.

You know what to do, contact;

8 Sura Mogaji Street,off coker road,Ilupeju,Lagos
08023211428,08063180647
ninekaymaternity@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/ninekaymaternity
Twitter:@NinekayPreggie
www.ninekaymaternity.com.ng

Tootsy Interiors and more - Oluwafunbi Fatore #inthespiritofenterprise

Hello fam! Again today I have two entrepreneurs to showcase, both ladies are "onise owos" crafts women in simple english. They turn fabric into useful products. We'll start with the interior designer cum events planner.

Let her introduce herself and share her story - straight from the horses' mouth!

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Oluwafunbi Tokunbo Fatore. I am an Insurer by day, interior decorator and events manager by night.

I am happily married with 2 adorable children. My personality is that of a quiet and private person but I am a fun loving person, enjoy shopping a lot and I am a go-getter.

I am the chief responsibility officer of Tootsy Interiors and more services.

Tell us about your business

Tootsy Interiors and more services is an interior decorating and events management outfit. We have been in existence for quite a while now. For our interior decoration arm, we make fitted bedspreads, duvets, throws, furnishings and curtains to various customers’ specifications especially using color preferences.

Our expertise falls in the expanse of rendering consultancy services for clients in assisting to organize their events, manage and coordinate them.


How did you get into this line of business

It all started when a certain wealthy aunt was having a birthday party and we all couldn’t think of something really nice to give her that she doesn’t already have (You for call Trezorlandia naa). It was a great task ahead of us, but later on that day in my room, it just occurred to me that we could give her a bedspread. Not just an ordinary one but a customized bedspread, different from what she could be used to.

Then, we thought of a pattern, and went off to the market, picked a nice fabric, got laces, ribbons and elastic, and then got a tailor to get the exact design we had in mind. On the d-day, we wrapped it beautifully and presented it. Unfortunately, we forgot to put our name on the wrapper.

A week later, when my mum saw her, she asked if she liked the bedspread, and she was like ‘wow’ she liked it, and even laid it on her bed immediately she opened it, but couldn’t find the name of the giver. She asked to know where we bought it from and could bet it cost quite a lot, but proudly my mum made her realize we made it specially for her. She then requested for another one, but that this time, she was willing to pay for it.

Subsequently, for the next set of functions we have had, we made and gave out different sets of bedspreads, and the responses we got were always the same. One day, God just gave me this idea, that we could actually make money out of this concept and that was how we started the interior decoration business.

For the events management and consultancy arm of the outfit, it has always been there right from youth. You see, my mum is a master planner, she has always had her hands full; she was either planning for someone’s engagement, or wedding or birthday or graduation just name it; that was when I picked up the interest. I guess the saying an apple never falls far from the tree is true.

After school, some of my close friends and I decided to form an events company, and I went for training and certification in event management. We planned a couple of events before we all went our separate ways.

Later on naturally, when it was time for my sister’s introduction, I took it as an opportunity to start off. So I was the event planner for the ceremony. I also coordinated my own wedding, which saved me cost and gave me more experience which I used in planning my sisters’ wedding.

What inspires you

My inspiration comes from what I hear, what I can see, my past works, and my intuitions.

When my clients appreciate what we do for them, I am inspired to do more.

What are the main challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them

Unfortunately in the past, we have had clients who could not pay for our services on the onset of the job and still refused to balance off afterwards, this has led to unbalanced books and a lot of debt which has affected our stock and purchase orders. Due to this, we have made decisions to only give credit to those who have been faithful or credit worthy.

Another challenge we faced was delivering by hand through public transport, this brought about a lot of stress until we were able to purchase a utility vehicle for this purpose.

We also faced the challenge of creating awareness for our products and services, but we are currently looking for ways to position ourselves in better ways through mediums like; print media advertising , though we did a couple of that, but we had to stop because it was not bringing in the much expected clients.

Funding to expand is also a challenge. We intend to have our own fabric factory where we can make our own designs and give our clients the opportunity to come in and choose what they want for their homes or offices.

How do you balance your business with your day job

It’s a passion, so after my routine work, when I get home I work sometimes till late to get some things done. When I get urgent orders, I just pass it on to my partner and things get moving, in which of course decisions are coordinated.

Also; I attend to my family needs, and do some work before finally retiring for the day. I also work on the weekends, as they are my main free days and I ensure things are moving on as expected and properly coordinated.

How will you summarise your journey so far

Hmmm, surprisingly tasking because I thought it would be easier at first; but I find it enjoyable as nothing is more fulfilling than going after your passion.

Given another chance, will you do this again

Over and over and over again.

You know you need to change those sheets! Contact Tootsy Interiors;

Call - 08026589268 , 08099000854 

Add - 7B01F026

FB - Tootsy Interiors

Sora Tulip - Hilda Shangotola #inthespiritofenterprise

Market women can lie ehn!! It takes all the patience in the world to deal with them and keep your sanity. The hamper season is here and I am trying to dot my Is and cross my Ts. I haven't started importing these things myself yet because my current volume will not justify the headache and expense - Have you ever tried to deal with our customs or agents here?! Whew, I know a few sour stories. Naa men!

Anyway, so I go to this supplier, identify the bag I need and negotiate a price with her, then I go back to raise the money because when I asked, madam do you have up to 100, she goes aah, o po! O wa ni store. Isokay! I return with the money expecting to pick up my bags in batches, alas! Madam could not even gather 10. What da hell. These things frustrate me. This is why at yesterday's GEW event, I had to disagree with a facilitator who said we should never say no to our customers! Sometimes it is better to say no I don't have or I can't do it than string your customer along only to dash their hopes in the end. It's just plain wrong. Period.

Enough with my ranting. Its #inthespiritofenterprise day!! Whoop whoop! The entrepreneur I am showcasing today has her day job still. I am happy to share this because it'll bring another perspective to entrepreneurship. There is no rigid way or approach to business, while some take the plunge and swim immediately (or sink too), some joggle the ball for as long they need to. Our circumstances differ and we should respect that.

Hilda is a fresh London returnee (i just had to throw that in, and don't ask me why, I don't know, okay). During my chat with her, I was like fresher and she said "you can take the girl out of Naija, but you can't take Naija out of the girl" hahaha. Apparently, she is still very in touch with her base. I know many returnees who had to spend a whole year debriefing and adjusting! I can't blame them. Hilda on the other hand has hit the ground running.

Let's meet her shall we;

Tell us about yourself

My name is Hilda Shangotola and I'm 26 years old. I have a degree in Information Technology from Greenwich London College and I moved back to Nigeria in January 2013 (see what I mean! Less than a year).

What is Sora Tulip about

My business is focused on fruit displays. Fruit displays add color and glamour to an event plus its an edible and a healthy option for guests. Clients can also order fruit displays for loved ones, perhaps to say "I love you","Thank you" and "Congratulations" (That'll be so cute!! or marry me maybe). Fruit displays include fruit bouquet, fruit table, watermelon carving,chocolate covered strawberries, fruit kebabs and the list goes on.

What inspired you to go into this

The name represents my inspiration for the business. The S and O are my late father's initials, while the R and A are my late sister's initials. Tulip is a flower that comes in variety of colors just like fruits!

I am also inspired by the need to stay healthy. We eat too much artificial and processed food (canned etc) and these kind of food have been known to be a contributing factor to cancer and other illnesses due to chemicals used as preservatives. We can never eat too much fruits and vegetables. Infact we should binge on them more often (hmm, wahala dey o).

How has the journey been so far

The journey has been good, just baby steps for now and I have had lots of positive responses and enquiries about what I do and the business has a lot of potential. One or two people have even shown interest in investing in the business.

How do you balance Sora Tulip with your Job

My job comes first, once my work day ends, I resume Sora Tulip. My weekends are also dedicated to the business.

What are the challenges you face

The main challenge is electricity. The use of refrigerators is vital in this line of business and since we live in a country where we have no stable light, it becomes a problem. But I have alternatives on how to get things going regardless.

Where do you see the business in the future

My vision for the business is for it to grow rapidly and become a household name as the to go place for healthy fruit displays and be part of people's memories for many years to come.

Tell me how you can look at this and not give Hild a ring! Quit binging on all those things that make you have to hit the gym desperately, call Sora Tulip;

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/soratulip

Twitter - @soratulip

email - soratulip@gmail.com

BBpin - 7B63e616

The Land Is Green - Kehinde Olagbenjo(co-founder) #inthespiritofenterprise

Our entrepreneur today is more like a "Multi-preneur". You'll understand why I call him this when you read his interview. Kehinde is an octopus. Lol. He also has a lot of experience working with entrepreneurs and so I took the liberty of picking his brain to get some tips for us! So get your notepad and pen and take notes! Hehe.

Enjoy.....

http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ - Another cool site for entrepreneurs and I love this picture!

Tell us about yourself

I am kehinde Olagbenjo co- founder The land is green limited. Associate consultant SME Business Platform and the CEO of 3m Global Resources Limited, an IT and media services firm set up to offer IT and Media services to businesses and individuals with the goal of helping them increase their customer base and sales through cost effective Bulk SMS messaging (www.smsmak.com), Website Design and development ,e-Commerce business www.alaba-intl.com and (www.madeinnaija.com.ng)

We also train SMEs (small, medium enterprise) and We have organised several seminars that have changed businesses positively and published over 20,000 business bulletins.

As a writer I have co-authored the best selling Book -The Land is green for Entrepreneurs. And finally we run a weekly radio program for SMEs (SME Business Platform) on inspiration 92.3Fm every wednesday by 3.30pm.

Last year I won 2 awards by Nigerian Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards As the most outstanding website designer of the year for alabaonline www.alaba-intl.com) and 2012 S.D.E.A (Success Digest Enterprise Award) young entrepreneur of the year.

How did you get into business?

I have been nurturing the dream of owning a business since when I was young. My mother ran a couple of businesses and I also I sold one or two things when I was young and when I got into school to study mass communication I fell in love with a course,  Entrepreneurship development program. Today I am on my own and I have been helping people to run their businesses also.

How did you finance your businesses?

Apart from having my own businesses I am a multi-talented person, I play and direct music productions and from this I was able to raise about N60k for my first book. In 2008 and I raised another N150k through my savings as well as a loan from a friend to register my first business name and start my sms business in 2010

Starting a business is not expensive if you have the right knowledge and relationship.

Having worked with a lot of entrepreneurs, what would you say is their greatest challenge doing business in Nigeria?

From my experience over the years as an SME consultant I have come to understand that money is not the reason many have not launched their business idea, but the lack of determination and skill.
For you to succeed in life you have to start with what you have not with what you don't have. To get anywhere in life, you have to start from somewhere or else you will get to nowhere.

There is always something you can start with in life. The issue with SMEs is that we tend to focus on what we don't have and neglect what we have.

There are many free things around you that you can use to start your business but the question is, how have you been able to identify what you have? Can you use what you have to the advantage of your business? People are afraid to invest in new business ideas so there is a level you have to push your business to before you can begin to attract investors.

Another thing is, lack of quality information and wrong mindset. The way an entrepreneur thinks is different from the way an employee thinks. It will be impossible for you to become an entrepreneur with your employee mindset. You have to think like an entrepreneur. Being a successful banker, manager does not guarantee you that you will succeed as an entrepreneur because most employee think about salary increment, security, strike, public holiday, thank God is Friday and you can’t control a successful business with such mentality.

You have to start thinking as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs think about ideas, risk, opportunity, freedom, expansion and so on. For you to succeed as an entrepreneur you need to get information on entrepreneurship. 

What will advise would you give to anyone looking to start a business

They need the following;

1. Business idea- and you must understand that there is difference between business idea and business opportunity. It is not every business idea that will lead to business opportunity.
For you to call your business idea a business opportunity you must ask yourself the following questions

A. Will my business idea solve a problem for people?

B. Are people desperate or willing to have my business idea or is my business idea relevant to their needs?

C. Is there a market for my business idea or people willing to buy my solution?

D. Do my target audience have the resources to pay for my business idea?
You need to answer these questions correctly to know if your business idea can be translated into business opportunity.

2. Develop a business plan for your business idea. Organise it in a way that it will be attractive to investors. Nobody will invest in you without a business plan.

3. Start with what you have. Before you will convince people to invest in you they want to see that you have put in something yourself. Use free resources around to promote your business.

4. Develop strong relationship. I have achieved many things in life and business due to quality relationships. There are lot of things you will get for free or at a reduced price if you build strong relationships.

As an entrepreneur you must not only discover, recognise or perceive business ideas, it goes beyond that. As an entrepreneur you are a leader and you must be able to manage what I called six Ms of management in order to run a successful business.

1.Man - (e.g staff, customers, partners etc)
People are key to the success of your business and you must learn how to manage people if you must succeed in life. Even if you have few resources and you know how to manage people you will succeed

2.Machine - depending on your line of business as an entrepreneur you must learn how to manage your equipment very well for you business success.

3.Money- capital for investment. As an entrepreneur you must learn how to manage your fund very well. Lack of money management is one major reason many entrepreneurs fail.

4.Market- this refers to your potential customers, your target audience, your niche market. Your product/service is not for everybody, identify your market and draw a plan on how to get to them.

5.Management –leadership- no business will grow beyond the owner. Show me your leader and I can predict the future of your business. When you grow as a leader your business will grow as well.

6.Method – your style of leadership and your method of running your business.

Kehinde John Olagbenjo
@KOlagbenjo @smebizplatform
www.smebusinessplatformng.com
www.thelandisgreen.com

Chic Carpenter - Padebi Ojomo #inthespiritofenterprise

And we are back with our #inthespiritofenterprise post. Better late than never. Make sure you read this to the very end. Padebi has something for you.

Padebi studied Computer Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, she also has a diploma from the Sheffield School of Interior Designing. Might I add that she was one of the people that inspired me to start wearing my hair natural! #teamnatural, whoop whoop.

The first time I met her and she introduced herself as "chic carpenter" (oh yes, she is a chic, in the actual sense of it), I had to find out more, like what, how, ....? She is one of those lucky ones that knew for sure what they wanted to do upon graduation and had the courage to go for it. We had a chat then, but here's the one we did for your reading pleasure.

Enjoy........

Tell us about yourself

See what I said about her being a chic?!

My name is Padebi Ojomo, I'm first a wife, then a mother. Also an interior designer and a seasoned Carpenter, I've been doing this more or less for about 10 years

Tell us about your business

Chic Carpenter is a firm that specialises in affordable furniture pieces for the low and medium scale income earners. We know that there will always be a need for beautiful furniture pieces in every home. From sofa to beds, to bunks. Wardrobes kitchen storage solutions and even baby beds. Hence we stock a variety of designs of all of the above. And the prices are so affordable, you will not believe it. You could actually get products as low as 5,000 naira in our store.

How did u get into this line of business?

I have a diploma in interior design, and as you may well know furniture making is a key part in interior designing and decorations. I decided to set up a mini furniture factory in 2010, after I realised that 70% of my profit was going back into furniture production. Prior to that time, I usually outsourced all furniture orders to some woodwork specialist, or carpenters.

I also was not in total control of the factors of production and it became increasingly frustrating to keep telling my customers endless tales. So I had to take the bull by the horn, and started out in my own small way. 3 years down the line, its been an awesome experience. Of course there are challenges, but we try to meet them, learn from them, and move on with production and delivery.

How has the experience been working in a male dominated industry?

So far, So good. I usually get this look from people when I tell them "I am a carpenter" I'm very used to that now tho. LOL. As for the gender thing, it has never really been an issue for me or my customers, as far as they're concerned, all they care about is that you deliver. So whether you are male or female doesn't even come into question.

I will love to see more female carpenters in the future though, because women are naturally more creative than men, hence we do have an edge when it comes to furniture design. (I see the men rolling their eyes here, lol)

We are starting out end of year sales shortly and we will be giving 15% discount to readers of this blog!! Yaaay!! See why it pays to be here...

......use this code  SADE10

See you on the other side ;) ;)

Padebi Ojomo

Let's connect
Twitter,IG,Facebook
@chiccarpenta
08092020644,08052020644

What can I say, you've read it, go on check out pictures of Padebi's work on social media and place your orders, with the code of course!!

Revamp Definition - Chinenye Obi-Okoye #inthespiritofenterprise

Hello again. I took time off to relish my new celebrity status, hehe. Enough already yeah? Okay. Still I must state how I appreciate you for taking time out to watch. Especially since there was a match going on. Muchos Gracias my people! Now I gatz to focus on how to translate all those views to money!!

I am giving a shout out on here to Ezim Osai @ezimosai (follow him, it'll be worth your while), he has encouraged me to start a movement. We had this discussion about the mismatch between careers and passion, many who are born to teach are in school studying medicine, those born to be care givers are there studying Business Administration. Not that these cases are lost causes, but we believe Nigeria would be a much better place if people's course of study and activities were aligned with their passion.

Ezim has set the ball rolling in Delta, taking on about 10 schools where he held some sessions. I am still here dragging my feet and thinking about what schools to approach and who to invite to my team. Scatter brain girl that I am. Anyways, I could use some help with this. If you are passionate about making a difference, contact me, let's do this. Please note though, it is not a money making sumtin o, so if you are looking for money, maybe we can partner on other stuff, not this.

Ezim, doing his thing! By the way, he's still a student in UI o! Imagine. 

In other news, my girls, Kike and Rukky are having another  fashion and lifestyle fair, tagged year-end bargain fever! It's this Sunday, November 3rd. I have put the flyer below so you can view and save the date.

Things are looking up. I am getting mails and meeting interesting people everyday now. Yaaay!!

I have a mini dilemma today though. I am going to have to do two posts for the first time. I just met two interesting people, one male and the other female. They both create the most amazing things with ankara fabrics mainly.

Their paths and stories differ, but they are both passionate about what they do. I'll introduce the lady first, hehe (power to the women). So #inthespiritofenterprise let me present to you, Chinenye. She is super funny and she opened up with no forming. I laughed through the interview.

Let me get on with it.

Enjoy......

Tell us about yourself

♏y name is Chinenye Obi-Okoye. I'm graduate of Economics from the University of Nsukka Nigeria. I worked with Fin bank (now known as FCMB) for 4 years before I was kicked out last year. It pained me sha, hehe! Following the acquisition of Fin bank by FCMB, staff were asked to resign and I was among the 1st batch

Money matters! hehe

While working, I didn't have any plans B nor C. So it was a rude shock to be out just like that. I never saw myself doing business, didn't have the energy for all that. (That's what she thought, look at her now! lol)

So I quickly started applying for jobs. When it wasn't forthcoming, I had to arrange ♏y life :)

Tell us about the business

At Revamp Definition, we take our time and lovingly create products using Ankara and other fabric to thrill our customers. The colors are refreshing and you would definitely want to own some of them. We operate an online store and deliver anywhere.

We also run a one-day intensive training session, where we introduce interested people to the rudiments of jewelry and accessories making with ankara.

How did you get into this line of business?
I had always loved fashion (just like most girls, *smiles*). I say that I "stumbled" into what I'm doing now, but better put, God led me into it (I'm now going spiritual on you, lol)

I was walking into the market wen ♏y footwear cut and I asked around for a cobbler. I was directed to one. I shuffled to the man to mend my slippers and saw he was wrapping old shoes using Ankara fabrics. I literally did a "WOW. This was say June last year.

I mended ♏y shoes, watched him wrap some shoes, asked the man questions and told him I would return.

I quickly got home and gisted ♏y sister about it. I think it was two days later that I went back with ♏y old work shoe, ♏y sisters flats and some fabric. That was basically how the business started.

It started with wrapping old shoes. I later enrolled somewhere else and learnt to make the Ankara jewelries and accessories.

The journey so far
The journey has been interesting, very challenging and fun all at the same time! Sometimes though, I just want to quit, but I tell myself that successful businesses didn't make it instantly.

I read a lot and other success stories have encouraged me. ♏y friends and siblings also have been amazing.

It's so challenging to get people to believe in your brand especially when it's "made in naija" but we're slowly getting there. It's gradually getting beta. People are getting more comfortable and confident in us.

Don't let all of this talk be in vain, let's support our own, in the spirit of enterprise!

Call, like, follow, visit and most importantly, BUY!!!!!

08035481200

https://www.facebook.com/RevampDefinition

@che_revamp

Remember, if you would like to be featured in this segment, just mail me at mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. Cheers guys!

AnQ-àrá - Kennedy Ifedolapo Adetayo #inthespiritofenterprise

So, this is the first time I am showcasing two entrepreneurs on the same day. Couldn't resist. They have both inspired me, I hope they inspire you too.

We've met Chinenye (Er..., so I went and published this one first!! Sorry), next up is Kennedy.

When you speak to Kennedy, you would immediately know that "boys are not smiling" lol!! He means business. More importantly, he enjoys what he does. Plus, just like Chinenye, he too has a sense of humor. I am beginning to think, for you to survive the business terrain in Nigeria, you do need a sense of humor.

I had to ask about his brand name, because it's really different  with a bit of vava-voom (whatever that means, lol) and he had a whole epistle to roll out about it! Lol.

Let's meet Kennedy.

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

Been asked this question too many times in interviews, anyways my names are Kennedy Ifedolapo Adetayo, a graduate of the federal university of agriculture, abeokuta. I'm a native of Ogun state, first of three children and I love fashion like I love food(I do love good food a lot) - Men! *rolling eyes*

How did you get into this?

I'm used to hearing people say "I started from the bottom,now I'm here",well for me it started as a hobby back then in school, ruined all the good clothes my uncle and aunt abroad sent to me all in the name of 'customizing' it, then I got better and others could trust me with their clothes and by the time I was in final year, I was getting jobs from various departments to make their polos.

After school and during NYSC(which I served in ibadan, Oyo State), I lived close to the famous gbagi market and I was wondering how I could incorporate ankara and other african attires into my clothing line, I spoke with few friends and they immediately ruled out the possibility...just what I needed to hear to try it out! And that was how AnQ-àrá was born.

What does the name mean?

Despite its synonimity with the fabric ankara, AnQ-àrá's name did not come from it,well imbibed in the name is the word 'ara' which means different things in different languages, here are some;

Ara-Body (yoruba)
AnQ-àrá's objective is to find,make and/or manufacture fashion ideas and clothing for all body sizes.

Ara-Thunder(yoruba)
AnQ-àrá is a force,one that must be reckoned with in the fashion business,not to be feared but respected across the world

Ara-People(yoruba)
AnQ-àrá is a community of vibrant youths who wants to make a difference,we imbibe former students of our training academy as well as artisans(e.g cobblers,tailors etc) all good at what they do.

Ara-Wonder(yoruba)
AnQ-àrá's designs wold never cease to amaze you with unique designs and blend of colour never before imagined.

This man can ankaralize anytin!

The Journey

To me, the journey has just started but so far I'd call it bitter-sweet (like that taste you get from half ripe agbalumo you have rubbed on the wall for about five minutes), besides a caring mum yelling that I get a real job to friends that want to invest in my business and control 70% stake to sitting down with cobblers and tailors so they won't ditch your work to delivering one sandal to agbara to female friends asking for freebies (hahahaha!!!) to people calling you gay for making female clothings but in all, I see noting but a new challenge to be conquered. Its been wonder-fun this far and I pray it will be better!

Where do you see AnQ-àrá in the future

Lining up models in fashion weeks in new york,tokyo,london and berlin, having a 6-acre factory set up somewhere in ogun state,being a household name in africa and beyond and partnering with multinationals to push boundaries.

Given another chance, what would you trade this for?

Oh yes, the only thing I'd trade AnQ-àrá for in another life is being at the pearly gates sorting out Nigerians whether they go to heaven or hell(but we both know that won't happen, hehe).

You know how we do! Go and follow, like, call and above all BUY!!

AnQ-àrá | African ethics.....World class designs
Email: anqara1@mtnnigeria.blackberry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/anqarabytharev
Instagram: @4Qhen #anqara
Twitter: @4Qhen @AnQ_ara

pin:27827DF2

#: 08059848080, 08020999288

Africanah Cool!

Remember, if you would like to be featured in this segment, just mail me at mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. Cheers guys!

MYBIZHUBSTORE - Chibuike Wogu #inthespiritofenterprise

Would you believe it if I told you not one single person has emailed me and followed through on getting featured in this entrepreneur showcase segment. No kidding!! At some point I was beginning to wonder "where is everybody"? Or maybe most are there thinking this blog is not yet prestigious enough to be featured on, who knows? When I think about it though, I realize that not many people get around to taking that first step. We all hear about some competition or an opportunity or platform like this and we make a mental note but never really follow up.

I told Chibuike I would celebrate him. His mail was a breath of fresh air. I had an "at least someone needs this" kind'a feeling. When I spotted the mail, I thought to myself, even if this is person running some mundane business (not like any business is mundane, even if u were selling sweets in front of someone's gate! It ain't a joke), I would feature him, just for making that move. Alas, he even has something all entrepreneurs and even company executives need!

Let's get to meet Chibuike Wogu.

Enjoy....

Tell us about yourself

I am Chinuike Wogu. I have a BSc in International Business Management, Poznan University College of Business, Poland and an MSc. in Strategic Marketing, London School of Business and Finance.

I worked with FBC Beverages as a Trade Marketing Representative, then with British American tobacco as a brand marketing executive and then with Saro Agrosciences as a Strategy and Business Development Executive. (Efiko! hehe)

During my time at Saro, I started entrepreneurial dreams and Mybizhubstore was founded

What is mybizhubstore about?

So we basically operate as an online store. With our flagship, iPLANMYBUSINESS, we aim to help businesses and business people accomplish more professionally in less time. ( I could use this meen, more in less time sounds good!)

iPLANMYBUSINESS is a compilation of professionally drafted business document templates that can help SMEs and Home business owners do a whole lot that include but not limited to strategic business and marketing planning, business and sales  proposal writing, marketing study and market trend analysis.

What was your inspiration?

I felt I could give more back to the society. I found out that in the corporate world there was little opportunity for me to express my full potential. I knew I had to quit paid employment if I was to achieve my objective of giving back to the society.

Until one ventures into entrepreneurship, one wouldn't have the opportunity to embrace a whole new world of openness and possibilities. Entrepreneurship for me is like a door that opens to many more doors of possibilities.

Also, many Nigerian and African entrepreneurs lack good knowledge and competence in drafting top notch business plans, marketing plans, etc to drive their business growth and sustenance,  that basically inspired mybizhubstore, so we can fill that gap by providing these entrepreneurs the necessary business tools to achieve their business goals and objectives.

How has the journey been so far?

So far, it has been rewarding and challenging. However, what keeps me going through all challenges is the assurance that success is inevitable for me as long as I remain consistent with what I'm doing.

It was a bold decision I had to make and Its paying off by God's grace

What's the cost of the "iplanmybuisness"?

iPLANMYBUSINESS is on offer at $39.99 which is the equivalent of 6,400 Naira.

We are currently giving a discount, so people can save $20 when they download till 1st January 2014.

After 1st January the cost will be $59.99 which is approximately 9,600 Naira.

Guys, hurry and take advantage of this offer. I know how many hours it takes me sometimes to put a professional proposal together or to do a financial report or marketing plan! Templates make life easy and this is one from one of us! No excuses please.

To download iPLANMYBUSINESS and stay up to date with mybizhubstore;

http://www.mybizhubstore.com

@mybizhubstore

https://www.facebook.com/iplanmybusiness

To be featured on our Tuesday segment. Send a mail to mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com