Power Sector Opportunities For SMEs– Lessons from Telecommunications Deregulation by Bukky Imoyo

Introducing Bukky Imoyo, our guest blogger for today; She shares insights on how SMEs can tap into the opportunities in the power sector.

Enjoy....

About 15 years ago, the likes of MTN took the risk and paid huge, (what some referred to at that time, as overvalued) sums for GSM licenses in Nigeria. Today, the rest history. The risk paid off not just for the initial investors but many others. The hitherto dead industry took flight on a scale that was unprecedented in Nigerian history and unimaginable at the time.

Let’s just think about it, the industry has birthed all sorts of service providers to the telcos, recharge card sellers, trade partners, mobile phone sellers and repairers, bulk SMS businesses. The list is endless. It has also provided access and opportunities in other sectors like banking through mobile banking and we are yet to see the end of value added services in telecoms.

Since we are always told to learn from history, the question is “What can we copy from that experience to our newly deregulated power sector? What are the opportunities for an SME in this sector? In my opinion, here are a few that small businesses should be thinking about.

Scratch / Recharge Cards: Nigerians are very comfortable with recharge cards. It is strongly believed that Distribution Companies (DISCOs) may go this route eventually. Postpaid billing which requires meter reading and generation of bills, often leading to unpaid bills, dispute over bills, and other time and money wasting effort, will definitely be a thing of the past. Given the huge amounts sunk into and still to be sunk into the power sector in the nearest future, no operator would wait to collect his money after providing services. Though electricity credit which is currently bought at former PHCN offices and at agents and are tied to specific meters, the scratch card model will eventually hold sway because power is required on the go. Consumers must be able to top up even at 10 pm in the night. This is possible through readily available scratch cards. Scratch card printing and selling are services that can easily be outsourced to small enterprises. There won’t be tolerance for the days of no MTN scratch cards because there will be competition.

Branding, Marketing & Communications: I recently read that operators will not be focusing on Marketing/Communications in the nearest future. The thinking is that power is a necessity that we have all been deprived of for so long. Since distribution is also localised to a particular area it is thought that all consumers around the area can have only one provider. Therefore, it is believed that consumers will always be available in abundance and no marketing per se will be required. While this thinking may be true for some time, eventually, the competition will become intense and the war will be fought via marketing communications. The truth is that competition, no matter how minimal is an integral part of a deregulated market. Also, National Integrated Power Project (NIPPs) and other private independent power projects will spring up all over the landscape. So, while there will always be consumers for electricity, they will not always be shackled to one provider. In the end, we may see a scramble for consumers and the media will be a key vehicle to use to woo consumers. We all know how our advertising landscape has been taken over by the telcos.

Meter Sales & Installation: This is a lesson from the DSTV model. Recent publication of the Federal Ministry of Power released recently shows that about 25 million Nigerians still require prepaid meters. These meters are the only conduit for DISCOs to secure payment. While the DISCOs are busy with their core business, which is distribution of power, meter sales and installation will be an opportunity for SMEs. Even if capital constraints make it difficult for an SME to sell meters, installation is definitely a low cost, low entry barrier business.

Sundry Services: Like every other business, the DISCOs and Generating Companies (GENCOs) will require a myriad of services. Of course, technical services will require technical expertise and all the big boys that invested in the companies will get a large chunk of the contract for technical services, but what about the non-technical services? For instance security and surveillance of assets, whether manual or automated, will be required as well as asset auditing and revalidation especially in the remote parts of Nigeria. I understand that there is currently an urgent need for people to help clear bushes and grass in order to create access to some assets.

Link to ICT: I haven’t quite worked this out but I believe there must be a link between ICT and the Power Sector, which can lead to big businesses. Consumers of power will definitely have GSM lines. What is the connection? Electronic recharges, customer interaction via the phone, social media, etc. Also, utility providers have always been carriers of big data including customer details. Somehow, all this data can be used to create some business for power sector operators and you. Figure it out and let me know.

I believe the opportunities are endless. Let us tap into it.

Mofe Tonweh - HGE Capital (Nigeria) #inthespiritofenterprise

I can bet like me when starting out, many entrepreneurs find dealing with accounts a huge headache. Even if you hire an accountant (if you can afford this, that is), you still have to understand the accounting side of your business to know what to expect and what system works for you.

That's how I met Mofe, in pursuit of some sanity with my accounting, invoices, purchases and the whole works. What's more! I don't have to deal with a whole stack of papers and files.. Whew! If you think this is worth getting deliverance from, you should read this interview.

Enjoy....

Tell us a bit about yourself your professional background

 My name is Mofe Tonweh. I am a qualified ACCA affiliate and currently heading HGE Nigeria.

What is the story behind HGE Capital and what motivated you to start? 

HGE came about as a business because we saw a gap in the SME market in terms of proper book-keeping and accounting records and we decided to help small businesses in that area.

What exactly are the services your business offers? 

We sell advanced cloud based accounting, Point-of-sale and appointment booking solutions to SMEs.

How did you raise capital for the business?

We started organically. We invested from our little savings to start.

What have been your biggest challenges so far? 

The resistance for business owners to move from old systems onto a new one which is cloud based has been one of the main challenges. The issue of security springs to mind too, but so far, the mood is changing and business owners are warming up to the idea that they can get access to data form anywhere and on any device.

How would you rate the customer satisfaction level?

I would say its high because of the huge benefits.

What is your unique selling point and why should SMEs choose you over competitors?

Our USP is the fact that your business data is accessible at anytime, anywhere and on any device, giving the business owner real time information of the position of their business. 

What do you consider to be the best career decision you have ever made? 

To quit my sales job and pursue a career in accounting.

Based on your experience, what are the main challenges Nigerian businesses face with their accounting? 

Poor record keeping, inexperienced accountants and a lack of resources. 

 
What is your long-term vision for HGE Capital? 

To be the number one stop for SMEs for their accounting and business solution needs.

What tips or advice can you share with other people looking to start businesses in Nigeria?

Patience and perseverance.

http://www.hgecapital.com/

D:+234(0) 12911038

Motherhood and Entrepreneurship - Finding a balance

Source: http://ansenleadership.com/2010/09/14/the-raising-kids-head-vs-working-head/

Hi guys, hope we're all having a great weekend? I am grateful for today. God saved me last week and I think it's worth sharing. You would think that being an entrepreneur makes raising kids a walk in the park! Think again.

I realized my second son had this catarrh with a runny nose that just wouldn't go. My kids are garlic and ginger trained (yes ke!), so we hardly have to deal with those allergies and flus. Garlic is a great immunity booster, I read that somewhere a few years back. This one however, defied all the honey and ginger concoctions and I eventually bowed to "ogun oyibo" cough mixture.

Days after, this thing was still there and to make matters worse, there was a smell; you know the smell like when something is infected? Yea, that smell. His elder brother kept ringing it in my ear "mummy Semi's mouth is smelling", at first I thought maybe mama nanny hadn't been  brushing his tongue properly so I took it up myself.... no change! I am ashamed to say this but rather than go to the hospital, I went to a nearby pharmacist and described the smell and catarrh that won't just go and he prescribed an antibiotic (self medication tins!). Sometimes to go and sit on the hospital queue is a nightmare. Hospital visits almost always end up consuming a whole day.

Anyway halfway into the antibiotic dose, I notice thick dried catarrh on his nose and for some reason decide to look into the nose; behold there's something in there that looked like a boil or an inflammation of sorts! Yee mogbe! I was worried sick, like chai why didn't I just take this child to the hospital since.So, I packaged him and his brother, (he had caught the cold too) with my nanny first thing the next morning and we headed to the hospital, straight. When I got to the doctor, I narrated my story and gave my diagnosis a la "looks like there's a boil in his nose" hahaha!! Doctor Mofolusade. He just smiles, gets a little gadget with a light and looks into the nose, then he looks at me and says, madam there is something in his nose! Huh? Something in his nose as how? I check these boys like a mother hen o, when, where and how did something get into his nose? What something even? Naaaah! I say to him, no sir, I don't think he put anything in his nose - I mean, how can someone have something in his nose for over a week and be jumping up and down and playing? How! These kids will not kill somebody o. He just said, madam we'll have to take a swab for testing and take the object out. I was so confused and afraid, I called my hubby from work and he came running to meet us there. Long and short, they removed the folded paper from his nose, right before my eyes! I was so shocked, I almost passed out. Thank God I used the antibiotics when I thought it was a boil. Wetin I for talk, if it had become something else.

All of this was in that tiny nose!

With all my mouth that as an entrepreneur, I have time for my kids, bla bla bla! This happened under my very nose! God have mercy. Honestly, we can never be too careful and at the end of the day, it's really by God's grace that we manage to raise kids.

Lessons

1. Pray, Pray, Pray.......... I cannot over emphasize this
2. Pay attention to your kids - We need to be listeners. Even if you think they are just rambling, pay attention. No matter how tired you are when you get home, try to listen to whatever they have to say, most times they just might be giving you pointers.
3. When in doubt, just go to your doctor, don't assume
4. As much as possible do random checks on your kids if you have a nanny to check for wounds or anything unusual. I bathe my kids myself every weekend, at least I am not rushing anywhere on those days, most of the time.
5. Er..... no self medication please *covers face*

[PRESS RELEASE] Explosive Comic Series Hits Nigerian Streets, Launches First Issue- 8th March 2014

I have to do this press release, Juwon is my cousin and I am proud of his determination and drive!! Let's support the work of one of our very own!

Juwon Betiku

The Nigerian comic scene has been neglected for far too long. Kids have been left bored and sad without action stories to light up their days, stir their imaginations and with nothing fun to anticipate. With this knowledge and zeal to make people happy ,”not just kids” Grimz comics have decided to drop something for everyone.

Crack, a Nigerian comic from Grimz Comics will hit the market on Saturday, 8th march 2014 at the Whao Funland – Omole Phase 1, Lagos. Spoilers and sneak peeks for the series will also be dropped at intervals on the website.

Crack is an exciting fictional story about a man “Zack Williams” who makes a deal with the king of the underworld “HADES” in a desperate attempt to save his sick wife “Katherine” who is suffering from leukemia (cancer of the blood). Unknown to him, by doing so he completes the final rights to a ritual done several years ago in which his wife was betrothed to HADES.

After years of being tormented, Zack comes across some inscriptions on the walls of his home and finally finds out the truth about the ritual, his wife, 3 year old daughter (jane) and Hades. Filled with rage, he vows to get his family back. With the help of his best friend (a cop named Ben) and a double sided demon “Zidon” the rebel from the underworld, Zack journeys to the underworld with the most daunting of tasks, defeating HADES.

Sit back, relax and read as Zack takes down 18 circles of the underworld, battle through mysteries, deception, pain and love in a quest to defeat HADES.
Is Zack crazy…
Can he get his family back…
Can HADES be defeated by a man…
Can he trust the double sided demon…
Will he succeed, will he achieve his aim or die along the way??


Only one way to find out. Follow the series, grab a copy today.
Follow on twitter @GrimzEnt
facebook - GrimzComics
website www.grimzcomics.com

Memoirs of a lagos city hustler - LCH 12

At the nick of time, just before impact, I jumped off the bike and risked a bruised limb than to be severed underneath a benz 190; I was delivering an order to a lady in Yaba and in an attempt to meet up with her before she goes to pick up her kids, I showed up 45minutes late covered in some purple paint(that thingy they apply to bruises) and she was yelling and pointing out my unprofessionalism. I tried explaining myself but she kept shutting me up.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds and pictured my self spitting right into her mouth, kicking her to the floor and yelling to remind her I'm more educated than her husband, just then; I opened my eyes, faked a smile and politely apologized. She threw the money at me and as I bent down to pick the money, a tear drop rolled down my cheek.

I sat quietly in the bus on my way home and had a talk with God and did a revised starndard of my life. I've heard of entrepreneurs and small business owners having a dose of these treatment and all in an attempt to prove a 1800s quote right(the customer is always right kinda bullsh*t), we all go through a hard time satisfying our clients and customers, saving and reinvesting our profits, getting taunted by our working class colleagues and yet we strive to put up a smile and enjoy what we do.

The Government doesn't create an ample and encouraging platform for small businesses even though they contribute the most to the GDP(let's get serious here, the ogas at the top don't even know sh*t about these terms). We are left to fend for ourselves, seek unforeseeable loans, have investors that want half your business haunt you, have family meetings because of our career choice etc.

As much as I wanna do a katy perry's roar to everyone that dents my pride as an entrepreneur, all I get to do is dust off the insults and smile sheepishly like an idiot they think I am and get some of their many monies into my account.

P.S: If you know anyone willing to learn the ankara crafts(accesories and bags),AnQ-àrá(www.facebook.com/anqarabytharev) is training in coming months, holla jumoke on 08020999288

PRANKING MY AFRICAN DAD | @EmansBlogs

I couldn't resist sharing this!! Absolutely hilarious @ you will end up in mcdonalds!! LMAO.

Cares Unend - Omotanwa Sulaiman #inthespiritofenterprise

Tell us about yourself

My name is Omotanwa Sulaiman, I am a social entrepreneur. I have a first degree in Business administration after which I trained in the UK as a dental nurse. I am currently running a masters program in Leadership and Management with the university of St. Marks and St. John’s Plymouth, UK.

Tell us about your business

Cares Unend is a social enterprise that is focused on creating dental awareness and support for the general public and dental support for the dental community in Nigeria.

Some of the activities we engage in to promote dental health care in Nigeria are;

- Publish a free magazine under the brand name Erin

- Run radio dental programs Pan- Nigeria

- Hold dental outreach programs in various communities across Nigeria e.g. Schools, Offices, Orphanages, Camps to name a few.

What is the idea behind the name Erin?

Erin means smile in Yoruba, when you smile, you show your teeth (most times). We chose a name that people would associate with Teeth. We also wanted a name that is Nigerian because we are a proudly Nigerian brand.

Here's a cross section of the various editions of the magazine over the years;

(P.S Your's truly is on one of the covers, can you guess which one?)

Erin is published three times a year and distributed for free across Nigeria through Health Plus pharmacies, Glendora bookshops, Terra culture, schools and dental clinics to name a few.

How did you get into this line of business?

As a child, I lost a lot of teeth which could have been saved if I had been more aware about small habits as brushing twice a day, visiting the dentist every 6 months, keeping sweets and snacks to meal times (I’m still a sweet tooth, but a smarter one now). In Nigeria, many of us are dental unaware, a lot of people hardly visit dentists for various reasons such as lack of information on what to do and where to go and cost -many of us believe dental care is too expensive (which isn't always the case if you visit regularly)and unnecessary until there is pain which shouldn't be.

I decided to train as a dental nurse while in the UK a few years ago. On my return to Nigeria, I saw the need and the gap in the dental health sector in creating awareness mainly and I decided to set up a social enterprise to help people by answering their questions, referring them to dentists and provide other dental support services even to the practitioners.

How would you describe social entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship in simple terms is business with a heart. 

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

The main challenge is trying to remain sustainable as most of the services are social oriented. For example, we currently print 3000 free copies of the Erin magazine tri-annually, we have been printing erin free for more than 4years and counting; generating funds to maintain the high quality of print has been through adverts.

We have learnt to develop different streams of income to continue to provide dental support to the general public because we know there is a great need out there for solutions to dental problems and because we exist because of that, we have to make it work for the love of making Nigerians’ smile healthy and beautifully too. 

How will you summarize your journey so far?

The journey so far has been very tough but also very fulfilling. From using any revenue from my voice over jobs, loans from family and friends. Seeking and getting in kind donation of technical know how has been very helpful as well in managing the funding challenges. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those you bring dental health to, the special needs children charity we set up, the emails we get, the dental professionals who get support from the running of their business and the support we also enjoy from them and the general public is phenomenal. It is gratifying and humbling to be part of mind set change process regarding dental health habits in Nigeria.

Where do you see Erin in the future?

Erin magazine is one of the ways we employ to create dental awareness in Nigeria, we will continually improve our contents to suit the ever changing needs of Nigerians, increase print run dramatically so more Nigerians can have more access, increase our online presence and continually provide more innovative programs in partnership with dental clinics to make dental health more accessible to Nigerians.

Given another chance, will you do this again

I will do this one million times over without blinking. The fulfillment of bringing smiles to the faces of people all over Nigeria and beyond is priceless. As a dental nurse and a social entrepreneur, helping people sort out their dental issues makes gladdens my heart,and being recognized for it is another. We were made distinguished corporate friends of the NYSC by the then Director General, Major General T.S. Tsiga, I was also a recipient of the Coca Cola Africa Foundation and Africa America Institute Transformational Leadership Programme Scholarship at the Pan African University. These opportunities came because of this path I chose.

So, I will encourage people who are interested in being social entrepreneurs to go for it, being an entrepreneur itself is stressful, being a social entrepreneur can be more stressful but definitely more fulfilling as you will be impacting more people…through employment and through the product or services you offer while you also impact the economy in many ways than one.

Be the best and make someone smile…it could make a world of difference

All Of me - John Legend #musicfriday

It's Friday, not just any Friday but valentine's day Friday. This is why there is not better song to share today than John Legend's "all of me". I bet I don't have to say too much, this is one of those songs that make you hold your breath as you listen. The lyrics cut deep too. The song speaks for itself.

I am absolutely knackered, I don pack gift tire! Remember to come out and support with val4kids on Saturday or Sunday or both. Thanks to those who have shown their support through donations! You guys absolutely rock! 

I dedicate this song to all the lovers out there, in the spirit of the season.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Enjoy......

Follow this link to watch if you can view the video above.

Verse 1:]

What would I do without your smart mouth (haha, like many women, true)

Drawing me in, and you kicking me out

You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down

What's going on in that beautiful mind

I'm on your magical mystery ride

And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

[Bridge:]

My head's under water

But I'm breathing fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

[Chorus:]

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning (wahala dey o)

Even when I lose I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh

[Verse 2:]

How many times do I have to tell you

Even when you're crying you're beautiful too

The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood

You're my downfall, you're my muse

My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues

I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you

[Bridge:]

My head's under water

But I'm breathing fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

[Chorus:]

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I lose I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh

Give me all of you

Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts

Risking it all, though it's hard

[Chorus:]

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I lose I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you

I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh

Culled from http://www.azlyrics.com/

But this his picture looks like a mug shot though! hehe

Hposh Diaries..... #confessions

I was a student at OAU Pre-degree when the paths of a beautiful chic and myself crossed.

Our hearts flowed into each other.

We started spending more time with each other.

In no time, I found myself speaking with her parents on phone.

The month we met was my birthday.

She was the first girl ever to give me my most memorable birthday gift.

Don't ask me what it was.

Fast forward to some days later, things went sour.

We didn't understand each other anymore.

She wanted to explore...wanted to enjoy life.

We were young then...

I had no right to cage a damsel like herself.

We stopped spending quality time with each other.

The texts stopped.

We put an end to exchange of phone calls.

No matter how worse things got, I still remember some things

I smiled when I had 268 in JAMB that year.

She had given me a condition that if I didn't have above 260 she wouldn't consider my proposal.

Those were the good old days.

We were writing our second contact examinations that will prepare us for permanent admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife when the distance between us knew no bounds.

If I hadn't been thinking about the strain in our relationship, I would have had better than 68/100 in my final exams.

That is what a woman or should I say a girl can do to a guy like me.

Afterwards, I swore never to have anything to do with any girl.

I had a challenge... I didn't have the guts to be a bad guy like my peeps.

So the best thing I could do was to maintain my distance with the feminine species.

As time went on I got back on board with my dreams.

I had a new vision - to become the richest man on earth.

I began to eye the Forbes list.

I worked so hard - became a workaholic along the line.

On several occasions concerned friends told me to find a life.

They even teased me that I was gay.

Gosh! That sucks.

I had so many girls around me but paid attention to none.

My communication with chics was restricted to business.

It gets boring sometimes - especially when network is down and I can't go online.

During the 6-months ASUU strike, my mentor got irritated at how much time I put into work and don't participate in what my folks did.

She too told me to find a life.

I gave it a try.

I started having intense conversations with girls.

I was paying attention to one at one point I thought something would come out of it.

When we got into an emotional mood, she said we should stop.

She said I may be too busy for her.

I wasn't much heart broken because I was still experimenting.

Then there was this other chic too.

We've been flirting on BBM.

When school eventually resumed, I asked her out.

My friends suggested I did - that it will boost my confidence, even after being turned down.

She put me in the church zone.

Chei!

The third girl - I got attracted to her when she was still a one-week fresher.

We didn't talk much because I wasn't at the department often.

I went after her in January.

Started sleeping in school just to see her.

Sometimes I stopped work just to see her.

I was so crazy about her and wanted to make her happy I told one of my big uncles who happens to be an Artiste to call her and tell her how much she means to me.

When I asked her out, she said I should give her time.

Days went by, it looked like we were dating from her body language.

I was desperate for an answer but didn't get it.

While I was still waiting for her response, I asked someone else out.

She has been my friend for two years now.

She attended the 2012 Christmas Carol with me in my church, not minding her being a Muslim.

She knows how to take good care of me and she would have been the kind of girl i'd love to be with if I can get so much love from her.

I knew deep down things won't go far between us, considering our religious lines.

But I just wanted to give it a try.

Who knows, it could be positive

After I asked her out, things changed.

I smelled trouble.

When I eventually confronted her during a chat on BBM

She said she had been avoiding me.

Does that need any more explanation?

Though she is a workaholic like me and an industrious woman, I just had to create a space she had sketched.

We've not really been talking.

I've been spending more time with the church girl.

She's beautiful and innocent.

I even had dinner at her place yesterday.

Oh! That eba and egusi soup was made in Heaven.

Guess what?

Remember the girl I told my uncle to call?

Something happened between us, I thought she was taking advantage of me.

I made some horrible remarks, deleted her contact from my phones.

She saw me two days ago and said "Thanks for deleting me from your BBM."

I just smiled.

Did you notice my DPs and PMs recently?

It's unusual of me right?

I think I miss her so much.

I'm beginning to think the reason i'm avoiding her is because i'm deeply in love with her.

But what can you force someone else to love you.

Aint judging no one right now and I can't change anyone.

We all have our lives to live.

Now i'm chasing the paper.

I want to be on FORBEs

Will it be fair to say girls have been a distraction to me lately?

I don't think so

I guess they make life beautiful but they are just too complicated.

I'm too weak to fight for love now.

I just want to be rich and famous.

Maybe I will go on a course on women and relationships later.

Is something changing about me recently?

I'm becoming too emotional.

I need to get back to work.

It's VAL... love, get hurt, cry, fight, kiss, cuddle, play, party, do everything you can.

Enjoy life.

But for people like me that take life too seriously, be careful before you lose those that really matter.

Whatever happens always remember that 'LIFE GOES ON".

Giving back this Valentine

Hi guys, this is a bonus post for Kenny Madin!! That's my brother who's now a daddy!! Whoop whoop. At times like this you just remember once again how great God is. Congrats bro!

Meanwhile, since I am posting today, let me put this out before it's too late. If you can come out to support, please do. It's not on your precious Valentine's day so don't panic. :-)

Let's give and support to make a difference

The year can pass many of us by and we never get the chance to give back or touch lives. Since we are all in the mood to give, why not consider giving back to people who really do need it. Our friends at val4kids have put this together and we are fully supporting this initiative and hope that if you can make the time or spare the change, you would too.

On the 15th and 16th of February, Val4kids will be holding events at the ilaje area of Lagos (the slum under the costaine bridge).

Saturday the 15th is a clean up project, they are calling on volunteers to join in the cleaning up of the area; brooms, rakes, bin bags and other cleaning items will be provided.

Sunday, the 16th will be for the distribution of 1000 hygiene kits to the children. There'll also be lots of fun, music, cakes and other items for the kids.

We are looking for volunteers to come out on either or both days as well as sponsors for the kits and goodies. The kits have been estimated at 2000 naira only per child and your contributions would go a long way.

For more information, please contact the following people;

Wande - 08028587497
Kelle - 08034001662
Ibiwunmi -08060197215
Uwa - 08023970412

or add - 75EFCD39

Cheers guys!

Memoirs of a Lagos City Hustler (LCH) - What do ladies want?

Feels good to be back in my hustling mode, was in idumota on friday and couldn't help but notice too many "reds" everywhere, it didn't click at first till I saw a banner saying "faletine promo", I just had to take the picture and post to twitter. I'm sure guys would have started scheming excuses for their many side chics and girls would start devising plans to rake in cash. I have been thinking about what to get my girlfriend(anything but a ring would do, I'm sure) and like Mel Gibson, I start to ask myself, what do ladies really want?

I'm sure many guys think they know what the ladies want(Ladies,you're all gonna thank me for this), you think its about giving them gifts, cash or the Bedmatics, well, we all got that wrong. I'd give you all an insight what an average Nigerian girl wants (when I say Nigerian, I choose to exclude the greedy ones..)with that being said, Let's begin!!!

1. A Man in Bed (oh yes, I had to start with this)

Its not just about the size or the speed(both of which can work against you), its about matching her pace, following her rhythm, knowing what she wants, how and when she does. Its about putting her first. 

2. A Financially stable man

Ladies don't want that lavish person who pops champie every friday because he can, they don't want a man that runs to his mum when he's broke either! They want that guy that can tastefully furnish a rented 3-bedroom apartment yet with plans to move to his own home

3. A Man with a plan

Even when everything aint stable or looking good, a well known attraction is a man that's certain to succeed because of his plans(I know this too well). You'd know one when you see him; he has a budget for cash yet received, has a masters for a job yet found, a skill for an industry yet grown!

4. A listening man

Fellas, I know we all hate a nagging 'female'. Its nature for girls to wanna talk, share their day, gossip about friends (not all of us do this joo!), talk bad about people (hian, it is a lie!), comment on their favourite soap, diss a bald neighbour...but one that listens always get their heart (even if we have to pretend, just pick a word out of the sentence to remember, in case she asks if you are following)

5. A God fearing Man

They don't want that 'pastory' or 'imamish' guy waking them up during their period to pray or quoting verses during sex; they just need a guy that believes in the existence of a God, can pray through difficult times and has morals

There are a lot more girls want, infact they are insatiable(at this point,I must draw a line between want and need) we can only try....ok with all of the above being said, every lady wants gifts at vals, so holla at the trezorlandia CEO herself for some great gift ideas this season, I'm sure she has something for you(and yes Aunty mofolusade, keep ma gifts ooo).

Till I write you next time, God bless our hustle!

Nothing Compares 2 you - Sinéad O'Connor #90smusic

It's that time of the week again, when we share songs we love from the archives and sometimes not that far back. Before I share the song, I need to whine a bit - "Who sent me to fire lesson teacher oooo" #dazall.

Today's song is bang on 90s! It was originally written and composed by Prince  but was made popular by Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, a highly controversial singer with strong views about child abuse, sexual abuse and women rights. In an interview with Oprah, she had this to say about why she shaved her head;

"They wanted me to grow my hair really long and wear miniskirts and all that kind of stuff because they reckoned I'd look much prettier," she says. "So I went straight around to the barber and shaved the rest of my hair off."

Just look at that face! She poured all her emotions into the song and video, you can tell

She's shown herself to be one that isn't afraid to stand for what she believes in, even in the face of jeers and criticism. "Nothing Compares To You", is such a deep song (Kudos to Prince's writing skills) and Sinead brought it to life with a video that sends shivers down your spine. In an interview she gave, she said the tears she shed in the last bit of the video were real tears as she remembered her mother.

It's been seven hours and fifteen days
Since u took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since u took your love away

Since u been gone I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues

`Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 u

It's been so lonely without u here
Like a bird without a song
Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling
Tell me baby where did I go wrong

I could put my arms around every boy I see
But they'd only remind me of you
I went to the doctor and guess what he told me
Guess what he told me
He said, "Girl, you better try to have fun no matter what you do."
But he's a fool

(This part is funny! O tun bu doctor ni sha, Lol. But to be honest, sometimes you are hurting so much that nothing anybody says can make you feel better. At such times, all you want is someone to sit with you and cry with you or just hold you and say nothing)

`Cause nothing compares

Nothing compares 2 u

All the flowers that u planted, mama
In the back yard
All died when u went away
I know that living with u baby was sometimes hard
But I'm willing to give it another try

Nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 u
Nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 u
Nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 u

Hposh Diaries...... No more free Jobs! We have bills to pay

I didn't get the email but my mentor told me:

"I'm sorry! You were not shortlisted to receive the 50k."

She tried consoling me.

Thank God it was a BBM chat. That made it easy for her not to see how my face expressed what I felt within me.

During the six months impasse between the Federal Government and ASUU, I had enrolled for the Global Entrepreneur's Week 50K challenge.

After submitting my essay, I made it to the pitch presentation.

It was at the pitch presentation that I had been hinted that my business plan doesn't reflect how money would be made immediately.

I understood better when I read the email.

Mine was a long term profit making business, they were looking for a short term investment.

Since I got into business, I've been disappointed mostly by those whom I had wholly trusted.

Rather than quit, I remain dogged and returned to my drawing table, only to come out bigger, better and stronger.

As at the time I made my pitch presentation, the website I represent had 15,000 daily views.

My number one goal this year is to make the site have at least 200,000 daily views before December 31, 2014.

The second goal was to make a profit of at least #100,000 per month. This implies, we must make over that amount monthly.

I had so much faith that I would get the 50k and use it to support my brand for expansion but after I failed I had to restrategize.

January was a boring month but I looked forward to February.

It's February 6, our daily views is now an average of 30,000. We've been able to get jobs half of the target we set for ourselves this month.

Apart from the supernatural force - God who I know has so much to do with this success, my team and I have been inventing and reinventing ourselves. We've been creating ideas and have started looking at the business side.

I told them, "No more free jobs. We have bills to pay. We have projects to launch. We have staff to pay. We have jobs to create. We have corporate social responsibility to fulfil etcetera etcetera.

Still wandering what my bottom line is? There is no limit to what you can achieve except the one you set for yourself.

The solution to that problem is within you. Uproot it!

See ya l8r....

Hposh

Pine Events & Interieurs - Adeboye Segun #inthespiritofenterprise

Tell us about yourself

Name: ‎Adeboye Segun.

Male Model, Event Planner, Interior Decorator

‎‎Tell us about your business

Pine Events & Interieurs
Started 2008
Services : Home & Office Interior Decoration
* Venetian Blinds
* Sales & Supplies of Duvet and Bedspread
* Event planning & Decoration
* Customised Branded Polo T-shirts

What is the idea behind the name Pine Events & Interieurs

I have got this likeness for Pineapple as a fruit,and the sweetness it possesses, while Interieur is a French word: meaning interior,having to do with inner part of something,especially in the home and office conduciveness.

So Pine Events & Interieurs add flavor,style,creativity,uniqueness,and quality to your events and interior decoration.

‎‎How did you get into this line of business?

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved the idea of being a creator and empowering others. I have got passion for what am doing at the moment with an artistic,and creative approach in planning,organizing, and managing events,also making sure that homes and offices are conducively clean,and properly arranged to entertain or welcome guest or visitors.

........As you know looking good is good business.

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




Getting to execute impromptu jobs,especially when resources are not available or are difficult or scarce to get, mostly for events. Disappointments or turn down from clients,when you've given them ideas, prepared proposals and concept, just for you to notice that your idea has been contracted to someone else, it makes me go crazy

How will you summarize your journey so far?

It has not been easy, as you know, nothing good comes easy, but all thanks to God. I am not satisfied with my present position though, still need to expand to the greatest level.

Where do you see Pine Events & Interieurs in the future?

Pine Events & Interieurs, in the next couples of years and in the future will be ranked among the best, executing jobs for multinational companies. We'll be in a place where clients and members of the public cannot do without our services.

Given another chance, will you do this again?

I will always want to do business again and again,because of the entrepreneurship spirit of business mind I possess.

Think you might need Pine's services? Contact them on 08173919114 or 08029736265

Cheers guys!

Memoirs of a Lagos City Hustler (LCH) - 2014 #leggo #LCH

And kennedy is back! Welcome Ken, we missed you here.

Its the new year, how I miss writing, I guess the slow January got its toll on me. I wasn't all idle, I picked up an e-book on strategic management(for those that are friends with the Flintstones, its an electronic book you can read on a computer or mobile device). Okay, so what is strategic management and how does it affect entrepreneurs?

Strategic management is that aspect of Business that deals with the major intended and emergent initiatives taken by general managers (on behalf of or by the owners), involving utilization of resources, to enhance the performance of an organization in their external environments. It entails specifying the organization's mission, vision and objectives, developing policies and plans, often in terms of projects and programs, which are designed to achieve these objectives, and then allocating resources to implement the policies and plans, projects and programs(long story shey??), simply it is setting an achievable plan, rules, guidelines, mission and vision and you set out to achieve it.

In today's highly competitive business environment, budget-oriented planning(planning with a said amount) or forecast-based planning(anticipating sales) methods are insufficient for a large corporation let alone a small business to survive and prosper. Your business must engage in strategic planning that clearly defines objectives and assesses both the internal and external situation to formulate strategy, implement the strategy, evaluate the progress, and make adjustments as necessary to stay on track.

Environmental factors internal to the business usually can be classified as:
Strengths (S) or Weaknesses (W)
Those external to the firm can be classified as Opportunities (O) or Threats (T).
Such an analysis of the strategic environment is referred to as a SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis provides information that is helpful in matching the firm's resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates. It is instrumental in strategy formulation and selection. (Whew...boring shey, let's jump to the cool part)

STRENGTH

A firm's strengths are its resources and capabilities that can be used as a basis for developing a competitive advantage. Examples of such strengths include:
Patents
Strong brand names(not the church-like names, (wait o, what's wrong with a church-like name? Hian))
Good reputation among customers
Cost advantages from proprietary know-how
Exclusive access to high grade raw materials
Favorable access to distribution/delivery networks
Technological know-how
Social media integration and adverts

WEAKNESS

The absence of certain strengths may be viewed as a weakness. For example, each of the following may be considered weaknesses:
lack of patent protection(when you do not brand your products)
a weak brand name
poor reputation among customers
high cost structure
lack of access to the best natural resources
lack of access to key distribution channels
Lack of social media knowledge
In some cases, a weakness may be the flip side of a strength. Take the case in which a firm has a large amount of manufacturing capacity. While this capacity may be considered a strength that competitors do not share, it also may be a considered a weakness if the large investment in manufacturing capacity prevents the firm from reacting quickly to changes in the strategic environment.

OPPORTUNITIES

The external environmental analysis may reveal certain new opportunities for profit and growth. Some examples of such opportunities include:
An unfulfilled customer need(there will always be a customer need that needs to be filled e.g ordering taxi, getting a gift, paying bills, etc)
Arrival of new technologies(eg cashless policy, delivery companies etc)
Loosening of regulations
Removal of international trade barriers

THREATS

Changes in the external environmental also may present threats to the firm. Some examples of such threats include:
Shifts in consumer tastes away from the firm's products
Emergence of substitute products
New regulations
Increased trade barriers

So why not analyse your business today, grab a pen and write out all your strength and edge over your competition; your weakness that makes someone in your genre of business better; foreseeable opportunities in your business and threats posed by either the government or other external sources to your business.
Bear in mind, every weakness can be overturned and fine-tuned into a strength and every threat can be an opportunity(as well as vice versa).

Infact, I challenge you to send me your SWOT analysis to my email for review(tundebisi87@yahoo.com)
Now that we've learnt something new, LCH(the funny and narrative hustler genre resumes next week)
I wish you a very successful business year!!!

How to stay Motivated.......

Sometimes you read stuff from others and you simply have to share. This short piece is from one of my teens at church. I like the points he highlights as well as the way he presents them. We all do need motivation every now and again, so this is worth the read.
Cheers..


Motivation is elusive

Yea, there are many times when you just don't care enough to try....  Found this picture on http://john.do/ and borrowed it because it just captures the struggle to stay motivated

Here are some of the most popular techniques.

1. Take a Break

Taking a break is an obvious fix, but effective. It clears your mind and can even increase your creativity: exposing yourself to new ideas can help you be more creative in your own field. Some people claim to have their best ideas in the shower, or when they’re not actively thinking about

2. Think about Your Customers

One big difference between online businesses and brick-and-mortar stores is the customer interaction, and it affects motivation. While small business owners might see smiles and happy faces all day, other entrepreneurs are (more often than not) staring at their computer screens.

3. Think about Your Team

If you forget why you’re doing this, your cofounders and employees might help remind you. Like your customers, they’re also benefiting from your work: they get exciting jobs and the chance to create something new.

4. Get Social

Talking to other entrepreneurs can be reassuring when you’re feeling down (This worked for me on Friday). In particular, it helps you realize that the ups and downs of start-up life are perfectly normal.

5. Get organized

If motivation is the drive to accomplish something, obviously we can’t feel motivated to do things we think are impossible. So when work starts to feel impossible, you can lose your motivation. To get it back, get organized and convince yourself that you can do it .

6. Do something new

A lack of motivation can also come from a feeling of boredom, and shaking up your routine may be just the ticket.

7. Take responsibility

Many people are drawn to entrepreneurship because of the independence. When motivation wanes, remembering that everything is on your shoulders – your actions will determine the success or failure of your startup – can be a motivator. Deadlines and penalties can motivate, even though they are negative incentives.

8. Learn to get focused.

9. Rediscover your inspiration

This is really the root. Remember why you were ever motivated in the first place: why you’re doing what you’re doing. Suck it up, If all else fails, a few entrepreneurs said, just suck it up. That
basically means: tell yourself that being unmotivated isn't an option. You chose this career, you chose this startup, and you are only one who can keep it going.

.....By Seun Jegede.