30 Metres Resources - Omotoyosi Bibiire Salihu #inthespiritofenterprise

Hi Guys, +Tuoyo Ikomi  and +Gbubemi Atimomo formed and Itsekiri alliance and concluded on the show that Human Resource Management and Marketing are both as important skills as the other for entrepreneurs to have! As hard as Kenny and I tried, we didn't quite bring the house down. hehe. Thanks for tuning in and please tune in again next Tuesday. If you haven't downloaded the app please look for the enterprise radio Nigeria app on google playstore, blackberry appstore or in your IOs appstore.

How many of you have noticed that getting drivers, house keepers etc has become a nightmare lately? My Dad has been trying to get on for so long now with no luck. So there is a need here, non? Yea, that's what Toyosi saw and this is why she decided to set up 30 Metres resources. She's our #inthespiritofenterprise feature today. Read all about her.

Enjoy........

Tell us about yourself

My name is Omotoyosi Bibiire Salihu, founder 30 Metres Resources. I have an LLB, B.L degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am passionate about service excellence and delivery.

Tell us about your business
30meters Resources is a Domestic Recruitment company sourcing for Drivers, Nannies, Housekeepers etc.

Our Mission is to provide peace of mind for our Clients so they can do other meaningful work. With a vision to revolutionize the "Omodo" Sector and show people it is a profession like any other.

I'd been nursing this idea for a while, I finally summoned the courage and took the plunge on the 1st day of September 2014 when I placed the First Driver with a Client.We currently operate from my Living room which doubles as the Lagos Arm of our Law Firm. Most of our transactions are done online until we have agreed on terms and conditions. 

What was your Inspiration for this business? 

We have left the business of people catering to our Families for too long with charlatans. The downside is we get House helps and Drivers with myriad of issues ranging from theft to kidnapping.

It is time to dignify people who take care of our homes so we can concentrate on our businesses and professions. Our slogan is saying "No to Modern say Slavery".

Whether we agree or not, our Domestic Staff are like a life wire (I know this!), that's why we need dependable hands.

The people that bring in Helps from Cotonou 7 out of 10 times do not pay the Helps. Their salary is shared between them and their Parents, nothing goes to the Help.

It is time for a mindset change, it is time to treat Hired helps as Human Beings.

How did you get funding for the business?

I started the business mainly with funds from my Savings. I previously worked as the Station Manager of Rainbow 94.1 FM and I knew one day I had to do recruitment services. I just was not sure what sector to recruit in. 

I was in charge of recruiting as Station Manager, I had experience to work with.

How will you summarize the journey so far?
Domestic Recruitment is very challenging. The Staff themselves need a mindset change same as their bosses.

The Staff already have a set opinion of people they would work for; the Bosses already think they are worthless people. The Circle is a vicious one.

It will take time to balance these preconceived notions. This is more from the Bosses, an Oga thinks nothing of it to begin to curse his Driver or even sleep with/rape his maid.

The Driver/Maid also thinks nothing of it to rob the Oga at a given opportunity. I have had cases like this.

Also, we have no Laws safeguarding the rights of Domestic Staff, the Labor Law touching on it is so ridiculously worded.

In other climes, Domestic workers have unions, they have minimum wages etc. They have a structure to cushion them.

In Nigeria, citing an example ; As a personal driver in the employ of Chief Lagbaja, there is no chance for growth, no promotions, so the Driver must be paid well so he can cater to his own needs.

How would you measure your success in achieving your goals so far?

We have barely began to scratch the surface. The scope of what we are challenging frightens me, but it is doable and we are at least going to try.

How have you impacted your community?

A lot of our Youth are not employed, a lot are unemployable. A lot are involved in Get rich quick schemes. If you look around, you will find casino like kiosks all around, Alcohol intake is also on the rise....All of these suggests idle youth.

So Job creation is a first. We started out with people in our Community giving them first choice. Most of them see Domestic jobs as demeaning and below thier station. Our impact is to make them see that sometimes these Jobs can drive you to do better, they can be a means to an end.

Our impact is minute now, but we have started.

What are the main challenges you have faced so far and how have you managed them?

One of the main challenges of the business as I mentioned earlier is the Mindset of both employer and employee. We try to go to the Home of the Employer to find out how if our Staff is okay, regular communication is important.

Another one is the help running away, I haven't experienced this because we drum it into the Help's ears that working as Maid is not slavery.

If you cannot work with a person, let us know,do not run away.

The rest are trade secrets. We cannot divulge for security reasons.

What are the main opportunities that you have been able to leverage to get where you are today?

My Law Degree is very helpful here, I have 6 years cognate experience practicing Law.

I had a show on Radio called the Law and You, I usually would get Lawyers to speak on a broad spectrum of issues, this has also helped me carve out a mission statement with which to work by.

I am also a Mother, I know exactly how it feels to have Maids and Drivers so I am in a position to recruit.

Given the chance will you do this again?

Domestic Recruitment is very Interesting, I would do it again because I absolutely love it and it does not bore me.

What advice will you give to other entrepreneurs looking to launch

Research, Research, Be Realistic and Be Passionate

Connect with us

Email - 30metres@gmail.com

Call- 2348034770177, 2348081872113

Entrepreneurial Skills: HCM Vs Marketing #strikedanvil

Hello fam! Thanks for listening in last week and connecting with us on twitter.Many of you agree that Matilda rocked the house! I hope you followed the learning points from the show and have at least downloaded tape a talk for that next meeting? Before somebody will come and deny you. No stories o!

Meanwhile, we are still eagerly waiting for our first caller on the show :-) Come on now! Infact, we are so eager that we have a gift for that first caller! Yes. Er... but don't come with a "Ghana-must-go-bag" to redeem the gift, it's really just a token to say, we appreciate your support. We are super like that, hehe. In case you didn't know the numbers, here they are in in bold blue!

+2349090000061, +2349090000062

Strike the anvil duo, hehe

This week, we are bringing two experts neck to neck (They'll try to act all modest and say they're not, lol!! we all know they are forming sha). It's going to be a war between the pro marketing entrepreneur type people and the pro Human Capital Management type people.

Before we get to that, what are your thoughts on this? Based on your experience, what skill do you think is most critical for an entrepreneur's success? Is it better for him/her to be strong on the marketing side or on the Human Capital Management/HR side?

Gbubemi Atimomo (Y'all remember that my friend that knows everybody in the whole world? Yea, that's him), is a Human Resource & Business professional, with proven ability in assessing organizational needs, whilst developing and implementing HR initiatives. He has worked with senior management to integrate the HR function within the overall business strategy. He recently completed his MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation programme at Essex Business School, UK (oh, I forgot to mention, he's an efiko too).
He'll be joining us via skype from his base #repping the pro-HCM entrepreneurs.

Tuoyo Ikimi is the CEO of Mugen communications and marketing concepts as well as total vibes entertainment and production company. He is also a managing partner of applied media outdoor, Nigeria.

He has been in business for the past 15 years. Some of his successes include the first charity concert involving all musicians and comedians and fashion designers tagged "All 4 Luv", The Caring Heart Award, in honor of.General Buba Maruwa to name a few.

His company is focused on delivering marketing campaigns for product and services wanting to stand out. They apply Media and mobile content, Talkshows, Reality shows, and all manner of entertainment programs tailored to achieve corporate goals. He will be #repping the pro-marketing entrepreneurs.

Who will you be rooting for?! Join us tomorrow, Tuesday 28th October at 9am, west african time...... You can follow us and comment on twitter too @eradiong don't forget to use the hashtag #strikedanvil.

Cheers guys.

Special Effects makeup artist - Dorothy Emem Kwofie

Dorothea Kwofie Born Dorothy Emem Kwofie, is an actress cum special effects makeup artist. She's quite creative and daring, delving into the whirl pool of creativity to bring out the most intriguing for that Wow effect in special effects makeup. 

She's moved to change the way special effects make up is done in the Movie industry here in Nigeria and has worked on the movie sets of Secret Room, Last 3 digits, B for Boy, Not Right, I Think he loves me, same difference, days without Rain, to mention a few.

Below is a video of her, transforming a woman to a man with makeup. Please visit the link and like the video. Thanks in advance :-) 

Click this link for the video - video

Below are some pictures of her work;

Hposh Diaries...... What do you see when you look at yourself?

Source: http://tntyouth.org/2010/04/20/what-do-you-see/

When I look at myself, I look at a once upon a time naïve, stubborn, stupid, rudderless, motionless boy who is growing to be a man of vision, mission, purpose and destiny.

I see myself as one who has not only passed through life but has let life pass through him.

I see myself, as the boy who at one time wanted to be an Aeronautic Engineer, later a Pilot, then a Mechanical Engineer. At another point, he wanted to be a Writer, later he felt his calling was Acting. Time flew, he discovered he has a ministry in business. He streamlined all his goals into one, 'To Become The Richest Man in the World.'

I see myself as the guy next door who wants to use all his talent to solve problems for individuals, brands, companies, organisations, countries.

I see myself as the guy who wants to put smiles on the faces of people.

I see myself as the guy who wants to inspire others to purse their dreams regardless of the challenges they face and not minding who doesn't believe in them.

I see myself as the guy who wants to make all of his dreams come true.

I see myself as the guy who creates jobs and opportunities for people.

I see myself as the guy who despite being human, solely depends on God for his strength.

I see myself as the guy his parents sent to churches and pastors for deliverance sessions and special prayers when he told them he wanted to pursue a course in Dramatic Arts after writing Post JAMB to study Mechanical Engineering in OAU.

I see myself as the guy some people turned their backs on and called unserious when he left the Sciences for the Arts.

I see myself as the guy people have called names and have told will never have good grades because he hardly attends classes and doesn't write notes.

I see myself as the guy who has been ridiculed by people he trusted.

I see myself as the guy who despite being told that when he graduates, he can't get a good job because he's studying Dramatic Arts build a brand from the scratch with little or nothing.

I see myself as the guy whom some people have believed; those who have refused to join the group of people who no longer pick my calls or return my texts or read their BBM messages and refuse to reply because they know I'm about to beg them for money (again).

I see myself as the guy who has spent countless nights studying , learning and working towards fulfilling his dreams.

I see myself as the guy who once was called very ugly and not 'my type' now becoming the person people invite to speak at their events, give VIP tickets and want to take pictures with.

I see myself as having the best mentors in life - those who stand there even when, everyone disown you.

I see myself as the guy who has grandeur ideas but doesn't have a dime to make things move.

I see myself as the guy who lives off his friends, wears their clothes, wears their shoes, uses their perfumes, owes them money but still hopes that one day he'll be able to pay them back in a good way.

I see myself as the guy who is in debt but who has imaginary millions of dollars and pounds.

I see myself as the guy who prays daily to God to help him be there for everyone who has been there for him when he needed them.

I see myself as the guy who has been blessed by many wonderful women who make his life beautiful and his career successful.

I see myself as the guy who is grateful for the things he have, for the people he have and for everything he will still have.

I see myself as the guy who is gonna give up on nay-sayers and pass the buck to God and let him take charge from here.

I see myself as the stone the builders once rejected who is becoming the head corner stone.

I see myself as the next richest man in the world.

Above all...

I see myself breaking limits...

What do you see when you look at yourself?

SNEPCo LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme 2014

A friend sent this to me. I think you might find this useful too if you qualify.....

Hurry! It closes on Thursday, 30th of this month

All the best!

SNEPCo LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme 2014

Applications are ongoing for the SNEPCo LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme 2014 for Lagos State. The programme is however not limited to the state alone as it encompasses the whole nation. Interested and qualified applicants should follow the guidelines below to register and apply.

About the Program

The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and her co-ventures announces the commencement of the 2014 SNEPCo LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme for Lagos State.

SNEPCo LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme is a youth enterprise development programme which aims to inspire, encourage and support young people aged 18-35 to start up their own businesses through the provision of finance and training for young entrepreneurs.

SNEPCo LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme 2014

Objectives

• Enable youths to establish businesses through provision of business planning and management guidelines and skills through the Become a Successful Owner Manager Course.
• Run awards for candidates with the best business plans. The award provides access to micro-credit facilities, through third parties like banks, NGOs and allied financial institutions.
• Provide a volunteer monitoring programme for those who have completed the training course and decide to pursue starting their own business

Programme Content

• Bright Ideas and Becoming a Successful Business Owner
• Manager workshops
• Business Awareness Forum
• Young Business Leaders Awards
• Business Incubation and support services
• Business Information and Enquiry Service

Applications are invited from

• Male and female applicants from any part of the country aged between 18-35years
• Male and female applicants resident in Lagos state
• Male and female applicants with desire to establish or have existing business in Lagos state
• Male and female applicants with an innovative business idea
• Male and female applicants with higher education

Duration for Application

Thursday October 23rd – Thursday October 30th 2014.

Interested and qualified candidates should fill an application form at

http://www.livewire-nigeria.org/home/application-form

Project Management for SMEs - Debo Ajayi #guestpost

Hi, my name is 'Debo Ajayi and I am a Project Consultant and Strategist.

A few years ago, I discovered something called Project Management. Let me be clear, I didn't actually invent it (someone just breathed a sigh of relief) I just happened upon it. And I discovered that I was born to do this. It came easily and seamless to me.

Now over the years, I have worked in quite a few industries. From Non- governmental to Entertainment, then Management consulting, Construction, Security, training and capacity building and now Business Consulting, I have noticed that one constant factor in all my business and career endeavors is Managing Projects.

I currently run a fantastic organization called Endive Projects and one of the things we have done is create a Product for Business Owners called Project Management for SMEs. Many start-ups have great ideas. The question is how to turn these "fantastic" ideas into great products and services.....That's where Project Management comes in. It enables organizations turn strategic goals into desired outcomes. Every entrepreneur should take a Project Management course and there would be a radical transformation in businesses with astronomical growth and productivity.

Also I discovered that we have a cultural challenge that inhibits us firm achieving our goals in our environment and country (Nigeria). I observed that we are good Initiators, and even executors, but we are terribly poor at planning and closing out Projects or ideas. We are quick to blame governments for failed and abandoned projects. But the problem is cultural. How many of us know people who never finish what they start (hehe, I see guilty faces, plus me), how many of us can identify uncompleted buildings around our routes and streets. Indeed how many of us have ideas that we started on but haven't followed through on? Yeah. I guessed you also have a few (yes we do),don't be alarmed. We can learn and transform our experiences.

Truth is our nation is a reflection of its people. So we need to change certain patterns to make a huge difference in our businesses and careers.

Project Management is the Number one skill required in Management staffs in the world's fortune 500 companies and great multinationals. (Says who?)

Here's just me jumping in with this picture I found that quite sums up why women especially need project management!! See!

Source: http://www.impacttrainingservices.com

Endive Projects helps businesses execute and ensure project success...we also run Project Management training for interested parties.

If you desire to join any of our programs or need our expertise on a Project, please contact

'Debo Ajayi
debo.ajayi@endiveprojects.com
08095763213

Thank you.

Beni American University - Gossy Ukanwoke #inthespiritofenterprise

Today's show was a blast. Matilda shook the studio! Thanks to all those that were able to tune in and listen. If you didn't, watch out for when the recorded version is uploaded and we hope to have you listen in next week. Cheers guys!

P.S The zit is still there o! What do I do?!!

On to the business of today, #inthespiritofenterprise!

When people say there is no hope for the Nigerian youth bla bla bla, I laugh because everyday I meet exceptional young men and women pushing boundaries and making a difference. I know how tough it can be to choose this path, so I respect them. I have hope in Nigeria! We have great people. Gossy Ukanwoke is one of them. If you haven't heard of him, you are about to.

Enjoy.....

Tell us about yourself

My name is Gossy Ukanwoke, Founder of BAU Research and Development. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems from the American University of Cyprus. I am passionate about Education.

Tell us about your business

BAU R&D is a higher education investment and research company with BAU Online, Beni American University and two other local institution under its portfolio of universities. We fund institutions, as well as carry out research work in the higher education sector on the African continent.

What was your Inspiration for this business?

The idea was inspired by my vision to transform how education was delivered to reach the last mile / under-served communities.

How did you get funding for the business?

I started the business mainly with funds from savings, family and friends donations.

How will you summarize the journey so far?

Inspiring and Enlightening. Every day presents an opportunity to innovate, create something new and try out solutions that can be helpful in the Nigerian Higher Education sector. There is still so much to be done and we are poised to continue on the journey with better commitment. 

What are the main challenges you have faced so far and how have you managed them?

One of the main challenges of the business has been adoption. Innovating and creating an entirely new industry is one that requires the patience to convince the populace that the future is here and that they should adopt it, most especially when it is in Education. We have done our best to deliver the quality we have promised our students from the get go, we have grown through referrals.

What is your long term vision for BAU?

We plan to grow our student base across our institutions till 10% of all students in universities and other higher educational institutions in the country attend a BAU R&D institution. We will continue to research, innovate and fund learning on the continent.

Given the chance will you do this again?

Yes, even earlier.

What advice will you give to budding entrepreneurs looking to launch. 

There is no Formula to success.(#gbam) Just do what you can do to achieve your own success. Start Now!! And do your best. There is no quick action in Entrepreneurship. Be Steadfast and Patient. Pray hard.

What we offer;

BAU Online offers professional and executive programs, delivered online and tailored to the African market. Affordable and Convenient to study and undertake the programs.

Visit - http://online.bau.edu.ng

Beni American University is a physical university still under construction and development.

Visit - http://bau.edu.ng

To learn more about BAU Research and Development, 

Visit our website - http://www.beniamerican.org

Email - info@beniamerican.org

Gentleman's agreement? Thanks but no thanks......

I woke up this morning to find this huge annoying zit close to my forehead, eeek! I wish there was something I could use to blast it away. Mscheew.

In other news, have you downloaded the enterprise radio app? Come on now! My show #strikedanvil is on tomorrow o, from 9am to 10am. I know you can always stream the recorded version later, but I want the discussion to be rich and engaging, so I am humbly begging - Go to www.enterpriseradiong.com and download the app biko!

Here's a brief on what tomorrow's discussion is about;

Scenario 1
A small company gets an LPO to supply goods to a big company after presenting samples and getting selected. In the course of communication by mail, phone and face to face, the goods are delivered as per the LPO but with a few adjustments. However things get awry as the MD is not happy with the final result. Tempers flare and small company ends up with a threat of litigation for breach of contract if the advance is not paid back within a week! yawa

Scenario 2
A hall manager's friend calls him up to contract the hall for a week long program. They discuss discounts and agree prices. A deposit is made and the program sets off. One or two things go wrong with the service and as friends, they trash it out over the phone and the hall manager offers apologies. Oya Ogbeni, pay my balance now! Mr. Friend brings up issues Mr. hall manager thought were resolved and slams them a lawsuit for inconveniences caused, requesting for damages sef!. Lobatan

Scenario 3
NYSC graduate has an idea and approaches a money bag to invest in his idea. After series of rigorous analyses and reviews, he's told the idea cannot fly. A month later who turns up on the radio talking about the next best thing....... you guessed right! Money bag's nephew. Yeepa

Scenario 4
Yemi has an idea and calls up his friend Jackson. They are both excited and run with the idea. After years of sweat and hard work, Jackson gives up and moves on to other things while Yemi sticks with the idea, putting in all he's got. With determination and endurance, Yemi finally gets a big break and guess who shows up demanding for a piece of the pie...... uhuh! But how naaa.

These are real life scenarios that different people trying to make an honest living face every other day. How does one protect his business or himself from such scenarios? How does one deal with such issues when they find themselves in these situations?

+Matilda Otulana is the CEO, Serenpidity Legal Concerns. She is a Lawyer, biker (yes! isn't that just cool) and entrepreneur with experience in banking and corporate legal practice. She will be joining us tomorrow to give practical tips and advice on avoiding or handling issues such as these. Shine your eye! (I couldn't resist throwing that in, hehe)

We are not playing at all! hehe

Powerful Beyond Measure..... Marianne Williamson

I have stumbled on this before, but just last week I saw it on +Atim Amana's facebook status and it lit a new fire in me. Thanks Atim for sharing great stuff!

I am going to fish the book out, I need to read all of what +Marianne Williamson has to say! Plus, I just had to share this excerpt from her book.....

Our deepest fear is not that we are Inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are Powerful Beyond Measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves,
"Who am I to be Brilliant, Gorgeous, Talented & Fabulous?"
Actually, 

Who Are You Not to Be?!

You are a child of God 

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking,
Just so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 

We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own Light Shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others

(Don't you just want to scream!!)

From A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.......buy the book here

Voice Of truth - Casting Crowns #musicfriday

I was at my son's school yesterday and alas, his teacher is pregnant. In my mind, my first reaction was panic! Can she be effective, wouldn't she be cranky all day, snapping at the kids? Then I thought again; this is one of the issues women like me face in the work place. Just because a woman is pregnant, does that mean she cannot add value anymore? Does that mean that she must be relegated to a secondary role or relieved of her duty? I felt really silly for my initial reaction and made up my mind to be as supportive as I can as an active parent of one of her students, till she has to go on leave, so help me God.

The song for today has been in my head since last week. I heard it first in my cousin +Ayo Olajide 's car a couple of years back. Permit me to say this, it is not very common to find really well done songs in the gospel genre. Sometimes I wonder, is it the money? The fact that most believe it has to be sombre? Or the fact that secular talent hunters come to the church to entice then really gifted ones with money? What are your thoughts on this?

Oh well, you know already that I have a bias for anything with string instruments! This is another reason why I am totally sold on +Casting Crowns music. The lyrics of "Voice of Truth" written by #Mark Hall and +Steven Curtis Chapman have especially spoken to me at times when I have been at my lowest.

Don't just listen to the music, follow the lyrics and let them speak to you.....

Enjoy..

Voice Of Truth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpWozyQ2QH4

Live performance...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCLFOtBP1KU

Oh what I would do to have

The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in

Onto the crashing waves (I really need that kind of faith!!)

To step out of my comfort zone

To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is

And He's holding out his hand

(Y'all should just step out and believe)

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me

Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed (you know this!)

The waves they keep on telling me

Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win!"

"You'll never win" (oh but you will!)

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

And the voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"

And the voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have

The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant

With just a Sling and a stone (you know what I mean!!)

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors

Shaking in their armor

Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me

Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win!"

"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

And the voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"

And the voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me (Calling out to me)

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size

To put the giant on the ground

And the waves they don't seem so high

From on top of them looking down

I will soar with the wings of eagles

When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus

Singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

And the voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"

And the voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

(This is what I choose too!! Yessir)

I will listen and believe

I will listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe

Because Jesus you are the voice of truth

And I will listen to you

You are...

source - http://life.biblechurch.org

Find Ur Voice with Ige, Vocal Coach - Modupe Kachi #inthespiritofenterprise

It's Tuesday again, time for another entrepreneur showcase! It's quite interesting how many of us end up pursuing careers entirely different from our fields of study. I always say though, that no knowledge or experience is lost, somehow, someday, we will be able to connect the dots.

I have know Ms Ige for a long time and for as long as I can remember, all she wanted to do was sing. We even did a few gigs together (yep, I sang at some point in my life! hehe). All those Christian shows in Ife back in the day, in our white shirts and waist coats! It's really great to see her living her dream and getting paid for it! Here's her story in her own words......

Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself

My full name is MODUPE IGE MOBOLANLE KACHI, but most people call me Ige. I had my primary and secondary education in Command Children's School, Ann's Barracks and Command Day Secondary School Ikeja. I studied Electrical electronics Engineering at the University of Lagos. I'm married and I have three (3) boys. I love classical music! I love to sing!

How did you decide you wanted to be a vocal coach?

That desire came in my university days. I realized that I quickly noticed if someone wasn't singing comfortably and I had a strong desire to help. I also noticed that there was a great need for vocal coaching in our choirs and in the music industry generally but no one seemed to know what to do or where to go for help.

Being a trained electrical engineer, did your parents support your decision?

The only challenge I had with my parents was trying to convince them to allow me do music as a career and not just a hobby. I wanted to study music but at the time it wasn't being offered as a degree course in Unilag. But it didn't stop me from going for shows and concerts while I was in school. I guess my consistency and passion bought them over. Now they are probably my biggest fans!

How did you go about building a career in this field as it is not common in Nigeria?

Well that wasn't easy, because as you said, it wasn't common because people didn't see a need for it. So I started small. I gave classes for free! (all you money money chasing people, take note!) I started doing voice training workshops at very little cost and that got the news spreading. And I prayed! (Pray like you're not working, work like you're not praying) I created a need spiritually for my expertise in the music industry, choirs, etc Before I realized it, I started having students who were willing to pay for the classes. And then, of course, MTN project fame west africa.

What challenges did you face along the way and how did you manage them? 

I think the major challenge was getting singers, musicians, choristers, etc to realize that they needed help with maintaining their voice and singing correctly. So like I said I gave free classes. Another challenge I had was knowing what to teach and how to teach it. So I read anything that had the word "voice" in it! (Read, research, read!) I needed to understand the voice and what made it work! So I googled and googled and read and read. I still do.

Tell us about your work with project fame? How did that come to be and how has it been so far?

Project fame was a major breakthrough for me and for all aspiring vocal coaches out there. For me, because I was given the opportunity to do what I had been doing in my closet in secret, on an international scale. And all aspiring vocal coaches out there could see that they mattered a lot. After my husband and I consistently created a need for my services in the music industry with our prayers, I received a call from Project fame to be the vocal coach in 2008. So God came through for me and God used people to bring it to pass, and I'm grateful to both God and the people He used.

What other services do you offer as a vocal coach?

One on one voice training, choir training, vocal training for kids, singers, super stars, voice training workshops.

Are there times you wish you had pursued your engineering path?

No way! I'm glad for the discipline it instilled in me, for the friends I made and for lessons I learnt and memories I made, but I am fulfilled doing what I am doing now. I might still go back to it, but it must be relevant to the voice. Maybe Audio or Sound Engineering!

How will you summarize your journey as a vocal coach so far?

My journey so far has been interesting. I haven't arrived yet. But I'm enjoying each step. I have learnt so many things from all the people I have been blessed to teach. Each day I want to do more, or strive to do more.

Tell us about your brand name, Ige, what does it mean?

Ige is actually my middle name, and it's a name I got based on my birth circumstance. I was born breach (I came out with my legs instead of my head) and it can be a very traumatic experience for both mother and child. But mine was very smooth. So I decided to adopt the name as my stage name to tell everyone that there's more to you than meets the eye, and that as long as there's life there's hope!

What is your vision for the brand?

My vision for the brand is simple: to be the best music academy, to help you achieve all that you can. So my voice training outfit is called Find Ur Voice with Ige. It's growing into a reputable music school and resource center.

Given the chance, will you do this again?

Yes, yes, YES!

What advice will you give to young ones trying to pursue their dreams?

Don't give up on your dreams and visions. A No is a Yes in disguise. Study, educate yourself and pray. Always ask for the finger of God in all you do. And be happy! Joy brings opportunities your way!

You can contact her via igesings@gmail.com

Everybody's free to wear sunscreen.......Baz Luhrmann #90smusic

Exactly a year ago, I gave a belated shout out to my cousin +jide ogungbesan and shared #90smusic from Maxwell - about a year ago today! This makes me realise how long its been already since I started this blog, interesting how time flies. Happy birthday again today Jide!! Love you loads and thanks for encouraging me from the start.

It's Friday and I am in the mood for some good quality #90smusic, it's been a while. Before I get to the music though, anybody out there as happy as I am about the kids school resumption?! Whew!! That was one mighty long one. Here's one picture I saw that sums it up pretty well, hehe;

You know you feel the same way! Stop using bad eye to look at me joo. 

The song I dug up for today was more of a spoken word released in 1998 by Australlian film director, Baz Luhrmann. I don't get that excited by work in this genre (i.e. spoken word), but this one got me! I read somewhere that the song was based on an essay written as a potential commencement speech by Mary Schmich, published in the Chicago Tribune in 1997. Enough with the history class (if you are interested though, go here), but the words of this essay still ring true today and I really do hope as you listen or read, you actually do hear them....

Enjoy.....

Read the actual essay here as published in June 1997.

Everybody's free to wear sunscreen - Baz Luhrmann

Click this link if you cannot view the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=NG&hl=en-GB&v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99 

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen (and this is true) would be 

it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by 

scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable 

than my own meandering 

experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh never mind; you will not 

understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. (hmmm)

But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and 

recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before 

you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you 

imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as 

effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing 

bubblegum. (hahaha, really, why worry)

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that 

never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm 

on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with 

people who are reckless with yours.

Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes 

you’re behind (so true)…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with 

yourself. (This should be in capital letters!!)

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you 

succeed in doing this, tell me how. (haha)

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. (Er...that's if you got any)

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your 

life…(Oh glory!! Cos, this is me, most of the time and no, I refuse to feel guilty)

the most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they 

wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year 

olds I know still don’t. 

Get plenty of calcium. (I haven't been getting that o)

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe 

you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky 

chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…( the funky chicken dance would be nice, if we can still stand, hehe) 

what ever you do, don’t 

congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your 

choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body, 

use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people 

think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever 

own..

Dance

…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. (Yep yep! cos really, nobody should see me dance! I have two left legs)

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly. (aha!)

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for 

good. (When last did you call them? yes you!)

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the 

people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you 

should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and 

lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you 

knew when you were young. (Word!)

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live 

in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. (eheen, really?)

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will 

philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize 

that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were 

noble and children respected their elders. (But its true, this generation ehn, in my day....*rolls eyes*)

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, 

maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one 

might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, ( er.. +Lola Maja-Okojevoh, *coughs* just messing with you! Much love) or by the time you're 40, it will 

look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who 

supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of 

fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the 

ugly parts and recycling it for more than 

it’s worth. (read this again...)

But trust me on the sunscreen…

- http://www.anysonglyrics.com/lyrics/b/bazluhrmann/everybodys.htm

"Baz Luhrmann" by Eva Rinaldi - [http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/8778395273/ flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Reelfruit - Affiong Williams #inthespiritofenterprise

Hi guys! Don't even bother asking where I have been. What can I say, life happens. In other news, I debuted my radio show on enterprise radio today!!! Whoop whoop! It's called "Strike the anvil" and it airs on Tuesdays from 9am to 10am west African time. You can call in to contribute or protest, hehe. The whole idea is to hit the nail on the head about entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa. You can stream directly from the site or download the app at www.enterpriseng.com. I look forward to having great conversations with you! You can listen to the premiere on soundcloud here - http://goo.gl/uqHnUx

In case you've forgotten and this is my fault, I know, It's Tuesday, #inthespiritofenterprise!! In the spirit of enterprise we have a wonderful ground breaking entrepreneur story to share today. I am super excited to introduce to you, Affiong Williams. All you weight watchers, here's a cool way to get your fruit on!

Tell us about yourself 

My name is Affiong Williams, 28 Year Old entrepreneur, building a fruit processing company in Nigeria, and eventually other countries in Africa. I studied a general Bsc degree in Physiology and Psychology, and followed up with a diploma in business management. However, my most valuable education came through work experience. I am quite simple. I take pride in it. I am quite motivated (I have run 2 marathons (42 KM) and 1 ultra-marathon (50KM) before I turned 26). I am very ambitious. I am clumsy, passionate, curious (I love travel), introverted and a bit of a nerd. I hope to hold political office in the future (Power to the women!! Yaay), and I also hope to live in different countries in Africa.


Tell us about your business?

ReelFruit offers healthy snacks (dried fruits and nuts) to the growing class of people who are looking for healthier eating and lifestyle. My decision to launch ReelFruit was borne out of my general decision to venture into the Agribusiness sector. I believe that Agriculture has huge untapped potential both in wealth and job creation, however, like any other business, it requires large investment, patience and expertise. I was excited about value addition to fruit products, so I decided to start with dried fruits as a way to preserve the shelf life of fruits and reduce waste.

What inspired you to go into agro food processing?
I am motivated by a number of things, but what drives me most is the possibility that I can change a community, and the agribusiness sector. The values that drive our business are rooted in our long term vision, that through agribusiness , we can change lives. Nigerian products can be made to world class standards, and can be sold anywhere in the world. This is reflected in our short term plans, of launching products that reflect the quality of a world class product, as well as our medium term plans of launching a world class factory. Anything we do will be novel, we will drive innovation and bring change to the agribusiness industry. We don’t want to work within the inefficiencies that plague the sector. We want to be a driving force of change

What are the products you currently have in the market?

Our range currently includes dried mango, pineapple, coconut, banana, a fruit and nut mix and cashews. We are currently present mainly in Lagos, but we are excited to be growing into other regions of the country and beyond Nigeria. We have sold our products in Ghana, South Africa and even the United States

How has the market acceptance of these products been?

Market Acceptance has been a constant challenge. Although we know customers like our products, marketing and awareness is one of our biggest hurdles. It is very expensive to create large marketing campaigns, and we don’t have to budget for that. We try to be creative and use as many free forums as possible to get the work out there about our products.


How did you raise funds for your business?

My savings in the beginning, friends, family and fools as well. :-) ReelFruit has won 2 business plan competitions, which came with some funds. Now we are at a stage where we are getting investors who are excited about the vision of the company and its potential.

What are the main challenges you have faced along the way and how have you managed them?
There are so many challenges, and you cannot plan for all of them. I could go on all day about challenges. The biggest challenge is that most things take longer than expected, so one must always leave a little room to accommodate delays in business. I have also had a lot of “unexpected expenses” which always increase our operational expenses. I have had a mild case of dubious suppliers and even dubious products sold on the market which spoil after 1 month of use.

For all challenges, I try as much as possible to seek counsel from people who have been in similar situations before. I would suggest that entrepreneurs invest time in expanding their network. The value of a solid network is huge. I have been so positively surprised by how helpful people (who didn’t know me prior) have been. I would recommend that people take time out for personal development by seeking out people in their industries that they can learn from. Many challenges offer great opportunities for one to learn about their businesses more intimately, so challenges are not always a bad thing…In retrospect, of course.

How would you summarize the experience so far?

Challenging, enlightening, interesting. I have had so many opportunities open up since starting my business. I have vastly increased my network to include other passionate Nigerians who are doing wonderful things that will be big in a few years’ time. Through my experience, I have ascertained what my purpose is on this earth- an achievement that has truly liberated me. All in all, It has been rewarding, and most importantly, the future looks very bright.

Given the chance, will you do this again? 

YES! I would start earlier.

What advice will you give to someone setting up a new business in Nigeria.

In business, I advise everyone to take it a step at a time. Before I got an office, and hired staff, I started the business in my room, working alone, going from pillar to post, and testing the products with customers. Pay close attention to market feedback, and be willing and flexible to your products and services to fit the market needs. You have to be patient, committed, persistent, and hold on to your big ambitions.

Visit - https://www.facebook.com/reelfruitng

follow - @reelfruit

website - http://www.reelfruit.com/

Call -  +234 8165376179 or +234 8184680334