Nelson Grillz - Nelson Ogun #Inthespiritofenterprise - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

It's Tuesday already. The first Tuesday in October too!! Plus it's our 53rd independence anniversary in Nigeria. Happy anniversary? Yes, Non? We can choose to rant and rave about the state of the nation, but truth of the matter is, ranting and raving won't change anything. We have to choose to do something, no matter how little. Only we can be the change we seek. So while we are at it..... HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIANS!

That said, I am moving on swiftly.....

Time is ticking away. I have had such a busy week; so bad that I couldn't do my Thursday nor Friday posts. You've got to forgive me people! Blogging is not a piece of cake. Anyway I am here now, so let's make up and be friends again, shall we? Thank you.

My first son is a very picky eater, most times I have to threaten him or give him and incentive to eat his food. So whenever he finds something he likes and doesn't complain about, it's somewhat an event. On our way back from a play date a few Saturdays back, we drove by Otedola Estate in Ojodu and I saw that Nelson (you'll get to know him in a bit) had started a barbeque grill right there, I was impressed and decided to try out some. Lo and behold, uncle Ibukun finished almost a whole one and was going, "oh mummy, this is awesome"! Na lie! Needless to say, every time we find ourselves in the neighborhood, barbeque turkey must happen, except on those days when he knows he shouldn't just try me. You know naa...

I found this move to start a barbeque grill impressive because unlike many of his peers, Nelson has decided not to wait for this "government" that many of us expect way too much from, or "the Nigerian god" that is sort of a magician (pray and do nothing and all things fall into place, bam!).

This is why I asked if he would like to be featured in my #inthespiritofenterprise series and I was glad that he said yes!

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Nelson Ogun, I am from the Owan-West Local government area of Edo State. I was born into a family of five on the 3rd of February. I studied Political science and Public administration at the University of Benin, Benin City.

Tell us about your business

The brand name of the business is Nelson Grillz. We sell Barbeque chicken/turkey and chips as well and have plans to include fish soon. 

The business is still very young as it only became fully operational on July 20th 2013. 

What Inspired you to do this?

The first time the idea came to my mind was summer of 2008 during the ASUU strike (Hint Hint to all the current ASUU victims, hehe) that lasted for about 4 months. I was tired of staying at home doing the same routine everyday so I thought up a way I could make money while the strike lasted. At that time I had no Capital and little or no idea about the business (like production of the grilled chicken, managing the business etc). Back then though, I got a little discouragement from friends and family because they thought it wouldn't be a lucrative one considering the location I chose inside my estate(a small suburb). For a couple of years the idea was locked up in my head, but I was doing some grilling for family cookouts and hangouts, which is where I got my main experience from.

During my NYSC year I decided to save up some reasonable amount of money, which is what I used as capital to fund the business and eventually Nelson Grillz was born.

What has the experience been so far?

Well there have been the very good days and those days you feel or ask yourself  "am I making the right decision?". Truth is I love what I am doing and I'm very passionate about it so I don't see my self giving up or backing down. Someone once told me "the most successful people in the world are very stubborn" these are the words I live by.

The reception from Family and Friends since Nelson Grillz commenced has been HUGE! In fact the first few weeks into it, they were my main customers, all thanks to them though for their support.

Now that the business is approximately 2 months old, residents of the estate patronize me a lot and give me their support as well. I shared fliers one time and that has also helped in bringing customers from other places while some people come based on recommendation.

What are the major challenges you face?

The biggest challenge thus far has been buying my stock (the chicken/turkey) because its very scarce. Also electricity to store is a problem. This sometimes cripples me because I can't buy my stock in large quantities as I'd love to.

To place your orders for parties and merriment (hehe)

Call - 08162042676, 07089944367

Mail - nelsonsearching365@yahoo.com

BB Pin - 2754bf5d

If you would like to be featured on our Tuesday segment, please mail mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com.

The #Unveiled Young Entrepreneurs Awards

Hi guys. I apologize for being MIA. I was in transit and was neck deep in work. I'll tell you about it but first I need to share this. Please support by re-sharing, re-posting and spreading the word any way you can.

Entrepreneurs rock!!

The #Unveiled Young Entrepreneurs Awards

We all know the ravaging effect of corruption, unemployment and poverty on our great country Nigeria. We also know the very good benefits that come with entrepreneurship, its ability to create jobs, wealth and a better society for us all. The #Unveiled Young Entrepreneurs Awards debuting in December is an annual awards ceremony organised to recognize and celebrate outstanding and consistent young Nigerian entrepreneurs under the age of 35, who have distinguished themselves positively within the business circle, creating jobs, impacting people and generating wealth.Let’s join hands in recognizing and celebrating these outstanding young entrepreneurs and business owners.

Nominate someone today into one of the following categories:

Best Young Entrepreneur in Agriculture
Best Entrepreneur in Beauty
Best Young Entrepreneur in Advertising, Branding and Design
Best Young Retail Entrepreneur
Best Young Entrepreneur in Education
Best Young Entrepreneur in Entertainment
Best Young Entrepreneur in Event Management and Solutions
Best Young Entrepreneur in Fashion
Best Young Entrepreneur in Food and Drink
Best Young Entrepreneur in Health and Fitness
Best Young Entrepreneur in Hospitality and travel
Best Young Entrepreneur in Housing and Real Estate
Best Young IT Entrepreneur
Best Young Entrepreneur in New/Social Media
Best Young Entrepreneur in Media and publishing
Best Young Entrepreneur in in Arts andPhotography
Best Young Entrepreneur in Philanthropy
Best Young Entrepreneur in Printing
Young Writer of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year

How to Nominate

Fill in the nomination form by following the link below

http://unveiledprojectng.wordpress.com/unveiled-yea-nominations-form/

You can also like and nominate through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unveildprojectng

Note: Individuals are only allowed to nominate once per category.

Nominees must meet the following requirements:

The individual must be a Nigerian

The individual must not be more than 35years old by December 2013

The business must be fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission

The business must have been in existence for at least one (1) year.

#Unveiled Young Entrepreneurs Awards is initiated and organised by AnoksEmma Concepts in conjunction with Walkthruwalls Media This edition would take place during the #Unveiled Fashion Show this December in lekki, Lagos State

Visit www.unveiledprojectng.wordpress.com for more details




FOR ENQUIRES

BB pins: 28C92A57,25D3447C, 328B5D3, 220be7cdTwitter: @unv_projectngFacebook: unveiledprojectngGoogle+: unveiledprojectngYouTube:unveiledprojectngEmail: unveiledprojectng@gmail.comwww.unveiledprojectng.wordpress.com

SOME MONEY IN MY PURSE. INDEPENDENCE ON MY MIND. #guestpost #Ojaara

So another Independence day is coming up. Yawn. I guess it will be fraught with mixed feelings across the country. In spite of all that’s happening, I have every cause to be thankful. First because October is the boo’s birth-month and more importantly because October brings in an air of freshness, the freedom that comes with wisdom and true friendships.

As a tradition, I outline a list of favourite relaxation spots for each month. And topping my list for October is Oja Ara amongst other fun places. Oja Ara has almost become a culture for me.

I never fail to be thrilled every time I go there. Fun, check. Entertainment, check… And most importantly, bargains, double check.

I got my fab scarf I flaunt around from Oja Ara; actually, I had little appreciation for the scarf considering I purchased it at a whopping discount; but several hundreds of comments later, I conveniently sport it on almost anything. Honestly, those nice, unusual and one-of-a-kind pieces abound there.

I love open air markets, street markets, mobile markets, farmers markets, etc. Anywhere I find myself in the world, attending one of these events is one of my favourite activities and Oja Ara seems the best of places to explore this interest. There’s always a fresh touch to keep you wanting more.

The bargains are second to none, nothing beats them.

Forgive all the talk about this place but I’m a sworn evangelist of Oja Ara, I can’t keep this to myself. I bought my girlfriends over and hanging out at Oja Ara proves time and again to be a fun place for us.

I gather the next edition will be on the 5th and 6th October; yours truly will make it a date and you don’t want to miss out on this

Infant and Toddlers Corner - Olufunke Oluyemi #Inthespiritofenterprise

Hello Fam! As promised, I am starting my entrepreneur showcase today #inthespiritofenterprise. I had a Skype chat with the Director of infant and Toddlers corner. I hope this inspires someone. Keep the faith!

Enjoy....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Olufunke Oluyemi, MD infant and toddlers corner. I have a B.Eng in information and communications technology from Covenant university and an M.Sc in information systems from the university of Portsmouth. I am currently studying for a diploma in early childhood education with Montessori center international, UK. I am a member of the national association for the education of young children in the US. I am happily married with two lovely boys.

Tell us about your business

Infant and toddlers corner is an education resource provider in Nigeria that focuses on the developmental needs of children in the early years.

We offer;
- Convenient online shopping
- Guidance and training on use of resources
- We partner with schools and organization to provide resources at events
- Special orders from schools from schools and organisations
- Value for money (discounted prices and guaranteed quality on all our products)

What Inspired you to do this?

The idea was inspired by my love for children. After I had my first son, the observations I made and the results I got from the interaction and time spent with him led me to realize that there was so much a child could learn during their early years. I taught him to clap at 7 months, it was amazing to see how fast he picked things up.

The journey

On completion of my M.Sc, I returned to Nigeria to look for a job. While looking for a job I volunteered with a start-up company and this exposed me to the benefits of building your own business. I enjoyed the experience and the freedom to create, think, innovate and stand up to challenges. I took time off to take care of my first son. When he was weaned, I resumed my job-hunt. I got two offers, one from a bank and the other from Mansard Insurance. I chose the latter because I believed I would achieve a better work life balance with them.

Training school in Mansard lasted for about three months. During this time, I realized I was in the wrong place, not because of the company itself but because it did not align with what I wanted out of life. In one of the training classes, we were asked to write and share where we saw ourselves in the future. I said I saw myself as an early childhood Education consultant. The facilitator took one look at me and asked "then what are you doing here"? It was at this point that I made up my mind to start working on my dream. I had always known deep down what I wanted to do, but the mindset of going to school and getting a job kept me from making a move.

Before the end of the training school with Mansard, I started the company registration process then enrolled in a part-time course in early childhood education. This was the beginning of my journey. By January, training school was over and I had to resume full time at Mansard. However, I continued to work on building my dream without relenting. At some point, the work pressure got to me and I had to defer my course. Around this time too, I got pregnant for my second son and took some time off work. My time off helped me put things in perspective and think about what I really wanted to do. I decided to turn in my resignation later once the baby came. Of course this wasn't easy, I kept postponing because of fear. I finally made up my mind a few days before I resumed from my maternity leave and I turned in my letter on resumption.

Building my business full time has not come without it's own challenges; for one I am yet to start receiving a salary. However, the benefits for me are far more than the challenges, which I believe are temporary. I have control over my time, I have more time for my kids, I feel a lot more fulfilled.


Visit our website - www.infantandtoddlerscorner.com
For consulting services contact info@infantandtoddlerscorner.com; 08103232749

Creativity

If you would like to be featured on our Tuesday segment, please mail mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com.

Ironic ........Alanis Morissette #90smusic

I promised to share my birthday cake, so this is me fulfilling that promise with new technology;

- Switch on you smart phone

- Go to mofolusades.blogspot.com on the device

- Click on the picture below to enlarge it

- Click save picture

Please note, your blue tooth must be switched on for the next stage;

- Open your mouth wide

- Receive file in your mouth by touching your cheek (equivalent of "receive file")

Enjoy!!! Hehehe.

*okbye* *Dodges bullets*

I was meant to post this yesterday, but the internet service was so slow last night, it had me close to tears. Plus I was trying to respond to all the facebook messages I got; I always feel, if someone takes out time to drop me a line, least I can do is respond. It wasn't easy at all though! But I think I read every single message and responded, especially for those that composed epistles! Thanks a lot people!

Let's pretend it's Friday then, can we? *winks* TGIF. I got the inspiration for my #90smusic song choice today from the movie "The internship". It was the song Vince Vaughn played in the car before they got the shocker that their company was closing down, Owen hated the song and wanted him to put it off, hehe!

I like the song though, to pieces (I like many 90s songs to pieces actually, especially the ones with guitars in the background). Alanis got a lot of criticism on her understanding of the word "ironic" because of this song! See yabs left right and center. Some people even got together to re-write the lyrics of the song to make it truly ironic;

We fixed it for you Alanis, you're welcome!

They have a point though, because come to think about it, what is ironic about rain on your wedding day? Or good advice that you can't take? *scratches head*. However, I feel she got the concept of "Irony" with some of the examples. To help analyse this, I looked up the definition of "Irony" and found this;

*Culled from http://dictionary.reference.com/

i·ro·ny [ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-]  

noun, plural i·ro·nies.

1.  the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.

2. Literature.

a. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.

b. (especially in contemporary writing) a manner of organizing a work so as to give full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc., especially as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion.

3. Socratic irony.

4. dramatic irony.

5. an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

Going by the fifth point, I don't think she did too badly. Listen and let me know what you think. Which ones are actually ironic or not?

It must be tough to be in the limelight, the media can be brutal at times. It is even worse these days with social media! Everything you say or do will be dissected and analysed by everybody and anybody. E no concain me sha, I loved the song and still love it, even learned the lyrics back to back.

Enjoy..

Ironic - Alanis Morissette

Follow this link for the video if you can't view the one above

An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face

A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think
A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out

Birthday Praise! @Florocka, #Inthespiritofenterprise

The D-day is finally here. I am officially in my mid-thirties. Jez like that meeen. Before I know it, I'll be having my 40th birthday Old school gig! It was just yesterday that I was wearing NYSC uniform, scaling iyana ipaja fence to escape camp  so I could make my night shift at Tara systems hehe *covers face*.

It's been a roller coaster, but I wouldn't trade my journey for any other. I am more than grateful for everything, the opportunities, the good times and the not so good times, God is truly awesome. @Florocka 's "Twale" describes my mode for the day!!! Happy birthday to me.

I so totally love this song. I have listened to it so many times, I should be barred from listening by now! The acoustics on it make too much sense!!

Click this Link for the song if you can't view the embedded youtube link

Find the lyrics to the song Here

Introducing #inthespiritofenterprise.......

Now to the #inthelineofduty post for the day. I am introducing a Tuesday segment to this blog. It will be tagged #inthespiritofenterprise, now that's pretty long I know, plus I stole (borrowed rather) the phrase "spirit of enterprise" from Gbubemi (you know him, I bet you do, because he knows everybody! Seriously), hehe. I might change the name if I get a better recommendation (need some help here), but for now, it stays.

The idea is to do a showcase or spotlight on an entrepreneur every Tuesday; to celebrate those who like me, have dared to venture into this area in Nigeria! Double twale. It's also a way to put word out, you know, the "we're here, we're here" kind'a thing. Yes, we all need that, even coke still shouts "we're here, we're here". If you would like to be featured, please mail me at mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. Entrepreneurs Rock!!

Trezorlandia's "Diva Day"

Meanwhile, I have always thought this a great gift to give someone who likes to play dress up and take pictures. I named it "Diva day". Here's the idea; engage a make up artist, a photographer and an image stylist and let some lucky person enjoy a day of fun with pictures to show for it, she even gets to select make up products and the outfit she loves the most at the end. What's not to love. @Trezorlandia can make this happen for you by the way #justsaying.

The pictures below are the result of my own attempt at this "Diva Day". Attempt, because for me, it was quite a bit of work! Kai. No wonder models get paid so much.

I appreciate the busy entrepreneurs who took out time to help me make this happen, may God bless your hustle;

 

Check out my natural hair afro and my wacko jacko type jacket!! 

Credits Roll

Make up/Gele by Giani Bridals
- 08033082711
- 24E6F0BF

Photography by @exquisitephotoz
- exquisitephotoz.blogspot.com
- 08023728479
- 2B0E97FC

Wardrobe by Pretty Fit
- No. 28 Bajulaiye rd, Shomolu; No 58, Old Yaba Road, off Herbert Macaulay
- 08033776569

Jewelry by @Oyegold (Brazillian Gold jeweler)
- 28A0464B
- 08058733587, 08178190801

These are some of our own very people! Young vibrant people, working to make an honest living. Call, follow, add and visit them where applicable. Let's help each other grow. God bless you.

As always, Mofolusade Loves ya!

P.S - I'll share my cake tomorrow (yes, they have found the technology for that!) Lol!! So stay tuned.

I know........Dionne Farris #90smusic

Something amazing happened to me today. I can't wait to spill the beans, but you'll have to wait a bit. Avez du patience s'il vous plait - trying to give my rusty french a shot here, hehe.

I went to dig this one out from the archives for today's #90smusic post! If you know it, you really did rock the 90s! I am referring to Dionne Farris, I know. She left Arrested Development (this group rocked!) and launched out on her own with this hit single which went straight to the top of the billboards. No surprise there, because this was a time when you could swing a hit song without taking your clothes off or trying to twerk with your tongue hanging out on stage - Miley style. All you needed was a great mind for deep lyrics and great accompaniments. Good old days!

The simplicity of the lyrics of this song, the acoustic arrangement and her voice are just some of the things I love about the song. Plus its a song about liberating women in a way...... "I know what you're doing and it's not going to work this time". Sometimes, you're stuck in this cycle, you know the drill, you know the lyrics, yet it gets you over and over again - Break yourself free from all forms of manipulation! Just say, no more!

I wonder what she's up to these days. She just came and disappeared or maybe not! Turns out she put out some new material in 2011 and even 2013! Those ones definitely passed me by.

Enjoy!

I know - Dionne Farris

Click here for a link to the video - I know - Dionne Farris

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

I know why you dialed my number

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

I know why you care

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

I know why you say you love me

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

And I don't think it's fair

I know why you dialed my number

I know why you say you're mine

I know what you're doing,

And it's not, gonna work, this time (2)

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

I can never sing in that key

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

And you're the one to blame

I know what you're doing yeah yeah

I know why you can't forgive me

I know why you're singing lost love

The lyrics haven't changed

1-I can recognize the symptoms

You should know I've changed my mind

I know what you're doing

And it's not, gonna work this time

Hey hey hey, said it's not gonna work this time...

I know what you're doing, baby

I know why you call my name

I know why you say you love me

but I can't say the same

(repeat 1)

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/dionne-farris/i-know-lyrics/#7bS0ez1If8cGPopF.99

Win $1000 For Your Business in Nigeria Through Dud...

You might want to check this one out guys!

Romance Meets Life: Win $1000 For Your Business in Nigeria Through Dud...: In celebration of the 53rd Nigerian Independence day, the Dudunorth website has developed a social campaign to support a Nigerian busines...

Adjusting to seasonality......... #inthelineofduty

When you are in school, you hear terms, learn their definitions and apply them in projects and exams without really putting these terms in perspective. I imagine if I was just going in for my MBA, the experience would be completely different. No wonder the facilitators kept rubbing it in that the executive MBA classes were richer and more vibrant. You really don't know until you know.

When I set out to build a business around gift solutions and services, I heard a lot of questions from well meaning and concerned individuals. Top of the list was, "isn't it a seasonal business, when valentine and Christmas and maybe Easter are over, what do you do?"I hated this question so much at the time, getting upset as to why people just didn't understand how the business was an all year round business. What about birthdays! *Rolling eyes* Awon Olodo! hehe.

Recently however, it hit me. Seasonality is not a bad thing. It doesn't mean you have business during a particular period only and then a period of standstill (you get close sometimes though! to be honest). It only refers to the up and down movement in the level of activity the business. During the peak periods, you experience heightened activity so much so that you may need additional resources. Outside of these peak periods however, business activities return to the normal level it was at before this season. Managing seasonality in business requires certain adjustments which can include, casual/contract staffing, increased inventory and loads of planning.

I learnt and accepted this fact, the hard way. I haven't perfected the art of managing this seasonality, but I am getting better as the years go by. #inthelineofduty today will be about my first busy valentine experience...... see pressure!!

Valentine 2012......

I had just started really getting a grip of my life outside the corporate world, after going through the stages of excitement, depression, frustration, excitement again and again. My son was weaned and I was ready to pick up from where I left off. I resumed activity on my facebook page and started shouting, we're here, we're here - you do know I don't mean this literally I hope! Just checking. Lol

The noise paid off, I got maybe not a myriad of orders, but a lot more than I usually get. I wasn't prepared for this at all and boy was it one hell of a mess! Trust that lots of tears came during and after the running helter skelter of the day.

As much as you make noise and harass people to place orders for their gifts, you would still have those last minute people that would rather call you a few days before the d-day or even worse on the road as you do your delivery rounds! As a small growing business, you don't want to turn anybody away, so you keep taking the orders, thinking you can manage it! Manage fire!

I'll try to share all the nasty experiences tagging each one as a scandal, so I don't go off on a tangent;

Scandal #1 - Logistics miscalculation, Mayday Mayday!!

I have a few clients who would place their orders and conclude weeks before the day and of course it would be horribly terrible to disappoint those ones or even any customer for that matter, but these ones especially. Anyway, I had his order settled and sorted and was good to go. I had my logistics plan and it all looked like everything would go smoothly.

I got ready that morning and Kike, my ever faithful supporter as well as my long time staff, Happiness and another support staff had resumed at my house early enough. I looked up the list I made and tried to check Google maps for this customers delivery address (I know, I should have checked long before, thing is, I glanced at it earlier and was so sure the address was somewhere in Yaba), ALASSS!!!! The location was Ikorodu - see sweat! Ikorodu! Where was I going to start? I had to do a total re-routing of my plan. Yeepa.

Scandal #2 - Distressed Cakes 

I can write a book on the cake mishaps I have had in the course of this business, off peak season and even more during the peak season. You can never imagine how bad the scramble is for specialty cakes or any cake at all, during valentine! I can't even begin to explain. I was feeling cool with myself because I had booked all my chocolate cakes from this certain cake company ahead of time, like two weeks before in fact. Problem however was that, they were already fully booked for valentine's day and as such explained to me that there would be no storage space on valentine's day itself. We agreed that I would have to pick up the cakes the day before and store them myself. Yea, yea, whatever. Of course, the last few days leading up to valentine's day were crazy, so I totally forgot (I am only human, we forget sometimes, that's why you need reminders) to pick up the cakes the day before.

I get there the next morning feeling happy with myself, only to find my cakes out on the table! Chocolate cakes fa! Why evils!!! They had my number, they could have called me, but they didn't. The girl at the reception wasn't even sorry, she was like she tried to reach me but couldn't and there was no space. My cakes were already looking distressed..... Oh lawd! It goes without saying though, those guys have been struck off my cake vendors list. Hen! Never again.

Scandal #3 - Balloon Bouquet Disaster

By the time I was done re-routing, raking for the cake company and picking my cakes, I was already running behind schedule and my phone was now ringing off the hook. I was going crazy. Kike, has experience with customer service and if not for her, I would have gone mad that day. Meanwhile, I varied the options between fresh flowers and helium balloons. I was trying to add a different touch to the whole valentine gifting thing. Imagine seeing your package from afar off with floating helium balloons saying "I love you" awwww. Okay, Back to reality. Did you know though, you need skills to handle those things. I had no clue.

I got to the first client that was meant to get the balloons, hurriedly reached for the balloons that had been floating in the back seat of my car only to find they were badly entangled. No be small tangling o! I kid you not, it took Kike, myself and one of my clients, Guard (he was picking up and had agreed to meet me halfway) almost an hour to untangle the balloons, plus we lost one in the process - it went up, up and away! Now that I think about it, I can laugh because it must have been a really funny sight. It wasn't funny at all at the time, at all. Three grown ups, standing on the side of Falomo road, trying to untangle red helium balloons. hahaha!! Gosh. Mind you, my phone was still ringing off the hook, with texts of where are you? How far?

There were some uneventful deliveries that day, but of course, the ones that you never forget are the ones where you had to be apologizing profusely for at the end of the day.

Just in case any of my clients from that day is reading;

For the cake that made it in a mangled state to you(it didn't survive the heat), for the balloon that didn't make it to its recipient, for the flowers that only made it after your wife had given up on you,

  ACCEPT MY SINCERE APOLOGY!! Straight from my heart.

P.S

While searching for a picture close enough to my experience, I found this and it was titled, "How not to transport a bunch of balloons"!! hahaha. Apparently, I am not alone in this nasty experience.

A recipe for Balloon Bouquet Disaster…

• Fill 5 pink balloons with helium.
• Tie 5 helium-filled pink balloons to little metal doo-hickey on minivan backseat headrest.
• Drive with windows down…. because it is a nice day.

Yield: 5 tangled helium-filled balloons forever married to the little metal doo-hickey on minivan backseat headrest, and no usable balloon bouquet for event.

- See more at: http://www.jennyonthespot.com

Entrepreneur Tips

• Accept seasonality in business and learn to manage it. In the peak periods, hire extra hands if you need to, stock up on essential items as well. Retain full time staff for regular business and use contract staff or volunteers for peak periods.
• Managing Demand is not just a term for the books, you need it. Set cut off dates for taking orders for instance. My friend Ikenna told me this when we sat down to review my scandalous valentine experience.
• Logistics planning is critical
• Delegate, delegate, delegate!!!
• Keep a diary/planner, it could be on your phone or smart device. Set reminders too. 

and

Life Lessons Learnt

Never ever transport helium filled balloons in the back seat of your car unattended! Hehe

The Adventures of a Bargain-Hunter #guestpost #Ojaara

Look who's posting for the second time in one day! Yep. Hehe. This is made possible by a #guestpost.

Been a while since we had a guest post, but I couldn't pass this up. I know quite a few bargain hunters, plus Oja ara is a good place to go fishing. Which one are you? A shopaholic or bargain hunter.

Enjoy!

Adventures of a bargain-hunter.......

By nature, I am an outgoing, very adventurous being; excited to discover new things for myself; I’m a foodie by habit and I love shopping sprees.

Shopaholic No, Bargain-Hunter Yes.

My friends have tried convincing me to think I am a shopaholic but I know they don’t get it. I’m not, I just like good bargains. Let me put this simply - there’s a HUGE difference between a shopaholic and a bargain-hunter. A shopaholic enjoys shopping no matter the circumstances. When strapped for cash, a shopaholic window shops to revel in the thought of sporting new outfits and accessories - shopaholics rarely go to bookstores. But your home-girl is different. I love to get what I want at a bargain. Quality at the best price possible. I’m so good at this, I have a hypothetical badge I carry around.

As a certified bargain hunter, in one of my relentless search for fair deals, I stumbled upon (and fell in love with) Oja Ara. This is the place you go to feed your eyes and perhaps make a wardrobe change decision. Fast. Quality at its peak. Friendly vendors. Interesting co-shoppers. Fabulous prices. To say the least, the experience is more profound than my recount of it. My last experience was mind-blowing and I’m more than happy to know there’s another edition coming soon.

l’ll be heading off to Oja Ara this October 5th and 6th. This edition’s package seems more promising than the last; raffle draws, fun, and everything else. Hopefully, I’ll also win some Oja Ara vouchers in whatever Oja Ara raffle, (the last time, all I had to do was use the Oja Ara flier as my bb display picture and I won cool cash vouchers. Mehn, the easiest thing to do to win money!), which will enable me shop for less and buy more.

Don’t believe me? Go see things for yourself! I look forward to meeting you there!

Seize the Opportunities...... Give a child a love box!

Its about 5 days to schools resumption!!!! Tell me I am not the only mum looking forward to this please! Or am I a bad bad mummy *covers face*. It's been a long one and I am this close to...... aaah, never mind. I love the boys! But I need them to be otherwise engaged before we get anymore casualties at home. Speaking of which, there's this great initiative I think will be worth partaking in from a credible group. I'll share it in a bit. After the business of the day.

I have seen Evan Almighty a few times, but I saw it again yesterday and the day before (yea, there are a few old films I can watch over and over again like "beautiful mind", "August Rush" and some others). There's a lot to learn from the movie and many sites have dedicated posts to these lessons, but I'll share two main ones for me;

God has a Plan and it involves you

Many times we pray to God for something and expect it like the wave of a wand, I guess we all know by now that it doesn't work that way. You have to take the opportunities God gives you to make things happen.

It's all summed up in these wonderful quotes from the movie; 

"If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient?

If they prayed for courage, does God give them courage, or does He give them the opportunity to be courageous?

If someone prayed for their family to be closer, you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

This is the case in your business as well. You can sit at home and pray all day for your business to grow, for customers to magically find you and call you, no child! Get up and seize the opportunities around you.There you've got your answers.

I saw this on another blog - Is your company simply wanting to be remarkable? Or are actually doing remarkable things? Doing remarkable can make you remarkable.

Read the full text here: http://www.idea-sandbox.com/blog/2008/05/evan-almighty-life-and-business-lesson-in-opportunity/#ixzz2eT0HsmXE 
- brought to you by Idea Sandbox 

The flood will come in a way you don't expect

The most memorable part of the movie for me was the part where the rain eventually came down only to stop! It was funny and not funny. Many times I have found myself in situations like that, where I am so sure I have my answer and it all crumbles before my eyes, leaving me wondering what God is up to! Baxter was so sure that the rain was the answer to the flood he built the ark for, the whole purpose of his hard-work and ridicule for weeks but guess what, that wasn't it. That can make you want to scream!

Sometimes well meaning people around us have a word or two to say;

"Joan Baxter: Honey, maybe God didn't mean a literal flood. Maybe he meant a flood of knowledge, or emotion, or awareness.

Evan Baxter: If that's true, I am going to be *so pissed*."

It was the lake that was going to bring the flood! Eureka.

Be rest assured, God Loves you (Don't roll your eyes!), be calm and do your part with the opportunities he brings your way! You'll be just fine.....

About the initiative, here's the deal;

Project LIAB - Love in a box......Give a child a back pack

This Sunday, Green Pasture Kiddies will be giving  out back2school items to public primary school students somewhere in Ilaje, Costaine. You can participate in this by giving your time, sponsoring a child or just spreading the word.

If you are interested please Call;

'Wande on 08028587497

Olushola on 08038940887

Titi on 08028636959 or Uwa on 08023970412. 

You can add the BBpin 2a3e1eb

Click here to volunteer - Volunteer form

For Sponsorship payments, please pay to;

Sterling Bank, 0010424950, Green pasture Kiddies.

Let's change the world, one child at a time......

Gangsta's Paradise ........Coolio #90smusic

Let's get straight to the business of the day, #90smusic. I couldn't make up my mind what song to feature today, too many songs were jumping around my head screaming, me me! I had to calm my mind down and now we have a winner. It's Coolio's gangsta's paradise. Apart from Vanilla Ice's Ice baby lyrics  (because my brother wouldn't stop trying to do the rap, hahaha, he even recorded it on a cassette), this was one of the first rap songs I knew the lyrics to. No kidding, I knew the rap, back to back! I was so taken by the fact that it was clean, with no profanity, very unusual at the time.

This song was kind'a the highlight of the Dangerous minds movie for me. It's like most of these movies about "the hood" then had more memorable soundtracks than the movies themselves, look at Jayson's lyrics and Waiting to exhale for example. Many hits were born out of them. I was excited when Gangsta's paradise got to number one on Rick Dees' weekly top 40 show, my favorite countdown show ever! Say I, if you love Rick Dees too. The song even made it to the billboard hot 100 and spent a whooping twelve weeks there! Who said keeping it clean doesn't sell? Till date, I think this song has been Coolio's greatest hit ever.

I totally love the orchestra style chorus and background. You should see me now, rapping along, lol. I think my kids are wondering what has come over their mother.

What can I say, I am totally biased in favor of the 90s!!

Enjoy..

Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

Click Gangsta's Paradise Video link if you can't view the embedded video on your device! Sighs.....

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I take a look at my life and realize there's nothin' left
Cause I've been blasting and laughing so long,
That even my mama thinks that my mind is gone
But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it
Me be treated like a punk you know that's unheard of
You better watch how you're talking and where you're walking
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk
I really hate to trip but I gotta loc
As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke, fool
I'm the kinda G the little homies wanna be like
On my knees in the night saying prayers in the streetlight

Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise

Look at the situation they got me facin'
I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the streets
So I gotta be down with the hood team
Too much television watching got me chasing dreams
I'm an educated fool with money on my mind
Got my 10 in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I'm a loc'd out gangsta set trippin' banger
And my homies is down so don't arouse my anger, fool
Death ain't nothing but a heartbeat away,
I'm living life, do or die, what can I say
I'm 23 now, but will I live to see 24
The way things are going I don't know

Tell me why are we so blind to see
That the ones we hurt are you and me

Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise

Power and the money, money and the power
Minute after minute, hour after hour
Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking
What's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin'
They say I gotta learn, but nobody's here to teach me
If they can't understand it, how can they reach me
I guess they can't, I guess they won't
I guess they front, that's why I know my life is out of luck, fool

Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise

Tell me why are we so blind to see
That the one's we hurt are you and me
Tell me why are we so blind to see
That the one's we hurt are you and me
[Fade out]

Being socially responsible........#inthelineofduty

This week has been one week!! I must give it to full time, stay at home mums, you should hold your head up high because you are super, super! Summer school activities ended last week, to my shock and dismay *covers face*. But really, we still have till the 16^th of September before they have to resume so I was hoping for just one week more. Keeping active little men positively engaged is not a joke. So, before they kill my Nanny Mcphee, I decided to make myself available this week full-time (almost). Oluwa oooo! Kids just never tire.

I stole this picture from my friend Ralia's Blackberry display picture today because it is so apt! Thanks Ralia aya Bashir!

My line of thought for today's #inthelineofduty post is this; if there’s going to be any change in our land, it will be driven by entrepreneurs. I bet you've heard that my former big boss, Aliko is set to build a refinery in Nigeria, about time too! I know some of you are there rolling your eyes and thinking #$*! Capitalist, but let me ask you; if you had all that money and access, what would you do? There are others who have as much money as he does but half a brain and are busy wiring all the money out, buying property in Dubai and the likes. This initiative will create at least 80,000 new jobs for Nigerians (and a couple for Indians, maybe lol! Sorry couldn't resist). It will also boost the ailing economy. We should give it to the man, he may have his flaws (who doesn't!) but he is an entrepreneur extraordinaire.

Enough about Aliko. I watched the Igwe twins of @Speedmeals Mobile Kitchen On Moments with Mo yesterday. Inspiring stuff! Very interesting pair, those guys. If you missed it, you can read a summary of their story here;

Speedmeals on Moments with Mo

(It's not the same though, moments with Mo should upload these interviews to youtube so people can watch these interviews when they want) 

They said something on the show, that I agree with totally. Every business should be socially responsible. There’s a never ending debate as to whether this should be mandatory or by choice, but I leave that to the CSR experts to deal with. Tobias (one of the twins) said they decided they wanted their brand to be associated with something good, something that would make people say, this company touched me.

My #inthelineofduty post today will be about being socially responsible........

When we hear the phrase social responsibility, most times we have a picture of big companies doing grand things and splashing them all over the dailies. For some it comes as an after-thought because there is pressure to connect with the community in which they operate, for others it is part of the foundation of their company policies. I am not a CSR expert, but I think social responsibility should be part of the foundation of a company. Businesses should decide what cause they want to address and document it.

I know I have an MBA and yes we had classes that tackled the issue of corporate social responsibility, but at the time of birthing Trezorlandia, It wasn't even a thought. Like I said, many times we think of it as something for big companies, those evil companies polluting our environment (haha).

The second valentine as Trezorlandia however, as I was preparing for my deliveries, I looked at the teddy bears from the valentine that never was and thought of kids who would give anything to feel loved. I immediately knew the cause Trezorlandia would take up. I made up my mind then to package the teddy bears along with a few other things from the proceeds of that period and visit an orphanage or home to help put smiles on kids faces. I wasn't thinking “social responsibility” then per say, but I had this nagging need to do something that would make a difference.

We visited So Said Charity Home in Okota, Lagos. You wouldn't believe how far your little contributions go to making a difference. Don't wait till you can build a house, just give what you have, even if it's just your time.

That's my brother in glasses, the "oyana of life" and chief networking officer. 

Today, it is documented in the Trezorlandia profile as the part of soul of our business;

 " As a corporate social entity, we engage in activities as a matter of policy to provide support to the less privileged children through initiatives that help us demonstrate friendship and show love to the hopeless" 

It feels great to put a smile of children’s faces. On children’s day this year, with the support of the trezorlandia family and in conjuction with Cares unend, publishers of Erin magazine, we had a little party and spent time with speech and hearing impaired children at a school in Ikorodu. We had a piece from the largest cake in Africa from Cakes by Tosan too, it was a great experience for us and the kids.

What are you doing to make Nigeria a better place?

Doing business with family and religious bodies.......Yes or No?

Happy new month!!! Hehe. Scratch that okay, I put it there as a joke. Till tomorrow, I would never quite get this "greeting" that has crept on us and become the norm, out of nowhere! Don't ask me why, I can't put my finger on it, but I find it strange. Maybe I am the one who's strange and old school-ish.

Next on my pet peeve list is "How was your night?" Like seriously! I don't understand. Recently I heard about how an expatriate in Nigeria sincerely expressed his confusion when he got into the office one day and someone asked "how was your night?". I hear he was like, "what I do at night is none of your business". Hahaha! 

In other news though, September 19th is my birthday!!! Yaay me. Not like I have anything planned for that day, just feels good to shout yaay me, hehe. But on a more serious note, living to see another year in life is a privilege and I am more than grateful. 

Would you be shocked if I told you, I really have nothing to say tonight? I was going to pass up posting but decided against it. I am an entrepreneur, I am meant to keep pushing, non? I shan't give up, no way!!! 

To all those who filled the form to join the trezy family, I appreciate you. If you haven't filled the form yet, please do. Just click the link below, it'll only take a few minutes, trust me. (*Mi o shako, ebe ni mo n be (consult a yoruba dictionary)

Trezy family

I saw this on instagram today, methinks we can discuss it;

What do you think?

I can imagine why one would think like this, especially the church scenario (don't stone me yet!). Many of us know the "do it for God" line. There's nothing wrong with offering your services or products to support the church for the good of mankind, but it's better when it comes from your heart, because if it doesn't you are wasting your time, pretty much. 

I don't think as entrepreneurs we should shun family and religious bodies we belong to as clients. We just need to find a way to conduct the business as a business, no sentiments in the matter. I scanned the internet for tips on dealing with family and religious bodies but didn't find much, so you are stuck with my two cents;

• Start with yourself
  Do you just take products or enjoy services from your business without being accountable? You can't expect to enforce this on your family and friends then!
• Be Professional
  The way you conduct business should be reeking of professionalism. It should be so good that, nobody will even be able to approach you with "ilo ku lo" (indecent proposals). The way you present yourself, communicate your business and carry out transactions say a lot. Issue invoices when necessary, receipts at the right time, little things, but they are important. Let the quality of your service or product be unquestionable across board.
• Be polite but firm
  This may not be as easy as it sounds but you have to learn this, if you really want to stay in business. Do not entertain anything that is not in line with your company policies and procedures. Document all of these polices and ensure that anyone working with you is aware of these policies. If there is a credit policy, any habitual defaulter should be blacklisted. "Please uncle, I know someone who I can refer you to" c'est finit.
• Separate the business from yourself
  Give your business a life of its own. When you set up your business with its own accounting system, separate from you, an auditing system (It could be a contract arrangement) and so on, you are not free to take decisions for the business without having to answer to someone.
• Set up a board of advisers/trustees
  You have mentors, people that can guide you in your business decision making process. A word of caution though, keep this number minimal to avoid bureaucracy. Knowing that you have a board to answer to keeps you in check. * Read more about setting up a board here - Assembling a board of advisers

This is just scratching the surface, there's so much more that can be said, so many deeper issues that can arise, but I am all for keeping it simple. We can take further discussions on this matter outside of this blog. Besides, I am so so sleepy right now..... Body no be firewood.

P.S - I didn't lie, I really didn't have anything to say when I started out! True.