Monthly Archives: May 2013

My DN Travel News, Parenting

When Is The Right Time to Start Having Kids? (3 Checks You Can Use)

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Not everyone will agree with what I’m going to say here. But it’s the truth.  It is generally accepted that one needs to be financially capable of playing the role of a parent, before one begins to have them.

In certain cultures, this need to be financially capable makes some men especially wait till they are well past middle age, before they get married – talk less of having kids.

picture of parents with a little kid

Why? Because it sometimes takes them that long to build the kind of financial capacity they believe they need to keep a wife and kids.

That’s when you see a father at 65, whose first child is still in primary or secondary school. Or the 75 year old who still has a child yet to finish from school.

In other climes, these are age ranges in which many parents already have grown children who have left home and started their own families.

It’s Not a Matter of Age or Marriage

It is my considered opinion that age is not what determines whether or not a person can start having kids. Most of us likely know, or have heard, of rather young persons getting married e.g teenagers.

The world did not come to an end when it first happened. And it continues to happen even today. And some of them actually make a success of their marriages – raising great kids too!

But being married may not mean you’re ready to start having kids – not even if you have all the money you’ll possibly need. And I explain three considerations that justify this view later in this piece.

It’s Not a Matter of Money

Some argue that being financially well off makes it easier to venture into parenting.

Again I argue that this does not really follow.

Just as being old enough does not mean a person is ready or competent, being rich does not qualify a person to become a parent.

I’m sure you can think (or have heard) of people of different ages who do not have money problems (including religious leaders), but who have (or had) major parenting issues.

That’s proof that it’s not just about money. Once again, I say there’s more to it than that.

It’s a Matter of What You Can Give – and How Well You Can Give It, To Help Your Child Succeed In Life

The truth is that there are people who – in terms of age – are well qualified to be parents, but who are doing badly as parents. And these are sometimes people with the money and means to care for kids.

So, it’s not necessarily about age or money – even though these matter as well. There’s more to it than that.

I believe an intending or aspiring parent needs to be ready to give of him/herself to kids. Parenting in my experience and opnion is at least 80% self-sacrifice.

You have to be ready to give of yourself to succeed.

That is the most important realization you need to have. Parenting requires constantly giving of yourself to help a younger version of yourself learn the ropes to succeed in the real world.

a. You Must Be Ready to Give Time and Attention

You must be ready to give time and attention to your kids

No matter how busy you become, once you have kids – if you want to succeed as a parent – you must create time and attention for them. They may not always ask. Yet doing it will often make their day.

Sometimes they WILL demand for your time and attention. It could be to ask your help with school work, or a toy that won’t work right. Or they could have a series of questions they need answers to.

If you’re busy, you can (gently) defer attending to them. But you must consciously create time at some point to give them the attention they request.

That simple gesture will make them feel valued by you. And it might just prevent them from giving in to pressure from friends outside the home, to get attention from adults who may be bad influences.

If you don’t think you’re ready to deal with (repeated, sometimes relentless) demand for your time and attention, do NOT start having kids now.

b. You Must Be Ready to Provide Coaching

Children are in the formative periods of their lives. During this phase, they need to be given emotional and psychological nourishment. Children who do not get the right mix of the foregoing are often those who become insecure adults with poor self-knowledge.

Think back to your growing up years. You will remember that there were some many things you were unsure about, or simply did not know. And you wanted – indeed needed – answers to them.

Responsive parents who take time to have coaching conversations with their kids, will often produce mature and emotionally balanced adult offspring.

If you’re not ready to sit your child down and share your philosophies about life with them, don’t have kids now!

Anytime I listen to – or watch – Femi and Seun Kuti for instance, I often see the influence of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s coaching. Some of that coaching by Fela was done via “remote control” by being a great example/role model.

By this I mean that his kids got to watch him do things they learnt from. He lived a life that challenged others – including his kids. And they responded by growing up to do the same.

Talking alone will not be enough for your child. S/he will learn even more from you when s/he sees you in action.

If you’re not prepared to step out and set real-world relevant examples (i.e. walking your talk), don’t have kids YET!

c. You Must Be Ready to Keep Your Promises

As a parent, issues concerning your child’s schooling and personal development will constantly require your attention.

An open day when your child will be performing before her class will not go right for her if you miss it. You may not be able to attend all her events. But you must let her see that you care enough by showing up often enough.

If you’re not ready to make the commitment of keeping promises to a little child, do NOT start having kids now!

Final Words

It goes without saying that the ideas I express here are my personal opinion.

They are based on deep reflection on my experiences as a parent, as well as my observation of others playing their parenting roles.

I hope you find use for some of them.

Career Development, My DN Travel News

Unruly Employees – An Employer’s Worst Nightmare (3 Tips for Dealing With Them)

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I’ve had many discussions with organizational decision makers, about employee behavior over the past 15 years. At first it was as a high performing employee, then later as a service provider.

What frustrates employers often is when some employees act as if the company owes them for doing nothing. Some employees seem to delight in doing things the employer has disapproved of. To make matters worse, they sometimes influence others to do the same.

They arrive late and leave earliest. While at work, they fool around at every opportunity. And they always have a perfect excuse for not coming through on assigned tasks. As a result, running the business becomes a daily nightmare for the employer. She can’t get consistent results from her employees!

Then at the end of the year, these same people turn up expecting to get rewarded equally along with others!

Ironically, certain employers, being the nice guys they are, never know how to say no. So the cycle of EMPLOYER abuse continues. The employer finds herself depending more and more on the diligent staff to pick up the slack introduced by the poor performers.

The diligent staff consequently get worn out over time, and may even quit – especially if they feel they are not being adequately compensated!

How Does An Employer End Up With Unruly Employees?

1. Recruitment Mistakes

It’s possible the employer failed to ask the right questions during recruitment and interview. Or maybe the wrong criteria were used to decide who to employ. Sometimes employers take on people out of pity, due to family pressures or out of a need to save on wages paid. In the process, some square pegs end up in round holes.

People who have no business being in the company get in. And having gotten in, the impression they get from the faulty recruitment process is that the employer wants people like them. So rather than modify their behavior, they simple act true to type.

Do you have a carefully thought out recruitment procedure mapped out? One that ensures only those who fit into your company’s unique culture get in? If NO, get started now – before you bring in wrong people. If they are already in, see steps 2 and 3 below.

2. Absence of Rules & Guidelines

Most people have a natural instinct to be naughty. It’s the presence of rules, regulations and guidelines that often make them keep their excesses in check. Remove those, and you’d be amazed at the transformation some of your employees would undergo! It’s the same in general society. Take out the police and traffic lights, chances are people will misbehave.

Does your company have clearly defined and easy to understand guidelines for employees to abide by? Do you have (or can you prepare) an employee code of ethics and conduct? Make sure it spells out your expectations of employees. Make consequences of wrong doing clear. Allow no ambiguities.

3. Lack of Enforcement

Most important probably, is the issue of enforcement of laid down rules and regulations. People can be mischievous – especially employees. When they learn there are dos and don’ts, the unruly ones may test you to see how willing you are to enforce them. The way you respond will determine how seriously they treat your rules.

If you take prompt action to enforce your rules, a silent message will be communicated to them and they’ll fall in line. It goes without saying that some will be more stubborn than others. So it will ultimately be a test of your resolve. If you stand firm, you’ll eventually get conformance from all of them.

You may have to fire anyone who behaves in a manner that merits such punishment. Be firm about this. It is non-enforcement of laid down rules that makes certain employees become difficult to handle – and a problem to the company.

Final Words: Set Your Company Up So Employees GET IT All The Time!

The most difficult resources to manage in any enterprise are human beings. We are such a complex and complicated mix of many variables. To get the most from your employees, put systems in place to guide their behavior.

That does not mean you have to stifle them. Allow them freedom to do their jobs with creativity, and initiative, but always make sure there are controls to prevent undue excesses.

It is also in your best interest to study your employees to discover what makes them tick, as individuals and as groups e.g. their interests, preferences etc.

This knowledge will guide you in managing them better over time. On a final note, if you let unruly employees get away with disruptive behavior, you set a bad precedent.

Good ones will over time conclude there’s no point being that way. And they’ll either join the club of bad guys, or move to another company that upholds the values they cherish.

In the long run your company will suffer major loss of productivity. Keep in mind that good employees are not easy to find these days. Many of the best people today are starting their own businesses. You therefore want to hold on to the good ones you have for as long as possible!
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ON-DEMAND LEARNING EVENT: Getting Your Employees to Consistently Deliver the Results You Want

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On-demand seminar - Getting Your Employees to Consistently Deliver the Results You Want

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Telechargér: Obtenir de vos employés qu’il délivre Constamment un résultat que vous voulez au travail!

My DN Travel News, Self-Development, Writing/Blogging

Deliver to Deadlines, Even After a Setback, Using This Smartphone Based Productivity Hack for Writers

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Imagine you have a write-up that needs to go online before a deadline expires, but your trusted Internet connection suddenly disappoints. Plus there’s no place you can go to use another. What do you do when that happens (other than running out in your underpants to bang on your neighbour’s door)?

This article describes a tried and tested solution you can adopt. It assumes you own a smartphone, with bluetooth functionality, and internet connectivity enabled. If you don’t, I strongly suggest you get one, to be at your productive best as a writer.

Like I explained in a previous post, apart from helping me write smarter and faster, my smartphone has saved my butt too many times to count. The true story I share below describes one such instance.

My Internet Connection Fails – Hours to a Midnight Deadline!

Since 1st November 2012, I’ve published a new post from Monday to Saturday, on 6 different topics according to my blog schedule – sometimes on Sundays too. And I have a strict rule I try to follow, of publishing each one before midnight – no matter how busy I get.

That night I did not expect anything could go wrong (which proves how naïve I was!). So I took my time tweaking the write-up. Then at 10.30p.m I logged on to the web from my laptop, to publish the article to my blog.

But it was not to be!

Thirty minutes later, I’d rebooted my laptop twice – thinking the problem was from my end. But I could not even load a Google search page. It was that bad. When I finally called the ISP, they explained they were having problems. The young man said “it could take a few hours”.

It was already past 11.30pm, so I knew I needed an alternative. I thought…fast and hard. “There has to be another way” I told myself.

NB: The series of events described below, happened at a fast pace – mostly within seconds.

I Try Using My Smartphone’s Data Cable – But Something Goes Wrong…AGAIN!

I’ve often used my Blackberry’s data cable to transfer new article content (or files) from my laptop to the smartphone, from where I’ve published posts, sent files as email attachments etc.

At a point I remembered I could do that. Heaving a sigh of relief, I took out my data cable, and connected the USB end to the laptop. But when I plugged the other end into the phone’s charging port, the unthinkable happened: the port broke and came loose! I was horrified.

“What on earth is going on here tonight?” I thought to myself.

More Hard Thinking Leads Me to Explore Using Bluetooth Technology

Checking the time on the laptop status bar, it was 11.45 pm. Time was running out. I did more hard thinking.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that I could use Bluetooth. A quick look at the time showed it was 11.47p.m. Two more minutes had passed. They felt like eons.

Here’s a point worth noting:

My latptop was a not-so-new Toshiba Satellite that did not have an in-built Bluetooth facilitiy. But a month earlier, I’d done an online search on how to use Bluetooth on a laptop that did not come pre-installed with it. Results returned showed that a USB driven adaptor could be purchased. I found one for less than $5 USD.

USB driven bluetooth adaptor I use with my laptop

That proactive investment paid off on this trouble-filled night, because the Bluetooth adaptor made it possible to get my smartphone to communicate with the laptop. Without it, this following alternative line of action would have been impossible to pursue :-)

10 Steps That Got My Write-Up Online Less Than 2 Minutes Before my Self-Impossed Blog Update Deadline

The steps described below are based on what I did using my Blackberry smartphone. Before this time, I had only ever sent files from my phone to my laptop using Bluetooth – never the other way round. However, each time I did so, I’d often noticed a second option to “Receive using Bluetooth” on the phone.

That night, I made use of that second option for the first time. Thankfully, it worked without a hitch.

Most Blackberry phones have similar interfaces – so if you own one, you should be able to duplicate these steps. Other smart phones also have Bluetooth and internet capabilities. If you don’t already know how, spend a little time learning to enable yours communicate with your PC via Bluetooth. It could be well worth the effort.

NB: As you can imagine, the screenshots provided below are NOT for the post I published that night. I’ve produced these simply for illustration.

1. I plugged in the Bluetooth adaptor to a USB port on the laptop.

2. The article was already formatted, so I simply switched to HTML code view, copied the contents into a Notepad file, and saved it to my desktop.

3. On the smartphone I turned on Bluetooth. Next, on the home screen of the smartphone, I selected Media. Then I pressed the Blackberry menu button again, to bring up the Media short cut menu. Scrolling down, I clicked “Receive using Bluetooth”.

A prompt was displayed indicating that the phone was waiting for the transfer from the PC. Note here that in my case they were paired, since I’d been using the bluetooth feature

NB: If doing this for the first time, navigate to “Manage Connections”, turn on Bluetooth, then click “Setup Bluetooth”and follow prompts that appear.

I pressed the Blackberry menu button again, to bring up the Media short cut menu. Scrolling down, I clicked “Receive using Bluetooth”.

4. On the laptop destktop, I right clicked on the notepad file containing the article in HTML code format, and clicked on “Send to Bluetooth device”.

I right clicked on the notepad file containing the article in HTML code format, and clicked on “Send to Bluetooth device”

This loaded a dialog box with my phone’s name displayed.

This loaded a dialog box with my phone's name displayed

5. I clicked the “Next” button on the dialog box (above): the phone received the file transfter signal from the PC and a prompt appeared asking me to click YES or NO (see below).

the phone received the file transfter signal from the PC and a prompt appeared asking me to click YES or NO

6. I clicked YES (above), and a new prompt came up asking me to choose the destination to save the file on the smartphone. I did that (see benin in screenshot below). Then I clicked SAVE.

New prompt came up asking me to choose the destination to save the file on the smartphone

On the laptop, the file transfer wizard confirms success bluetooth file transfer

On the laptop, the file transfer wizard confirms success bluetooth file transfer

7. Next, I launched the mini browser on my smartphone and logged into my blog’s WordPress administrative back end interface on the smartphone. Then I clicked “Add New” post.

I logged into my blog’s WordPress administrative back end interface on the smartphone and click ADD NEW" post

8. While that was happening, I quickly navigated via the Blackberry Home screen to the “Applications-Files” menu interface, and clicked on “File Folders”, drilling down till I arrived at the folder containing the file transferred from my laptop.

Navigating via the Home screen to the “Applications-Files menu” interface, and clicked on “File Folders”, drilling down till I arrived at the folder containing the file transferred from my laptop

Opening it, I copied the relevant contents in batches – the title first, then the body, then the “block of text” for the SEO preview/description.

The notepad file - I copied the relevant contents in batches – the title first, then the body, then the “block of text” for the SEO preview/description

9. Returning to the smartphone’s brower interface, I pasted the copied contents into the corresponding WordPress fields(below).

I pasted the copied contents into the corresponding WordPress fields

10. About 10 minutes later (11.58p.m approximately), I clicked the “Publish” button in my WordPress administration interface on my smartphone, and my post went live!

I clicked the “Publish” button in my WordPress administration interface on my smartphone, and my post went live!

Since then, I’ve used this same method many times – especially when poor connectivity posed a problem.

Conclusion: Treat Deadlines With Serious Respect – Develop Smart Alternatives To Get Client Projects Done!

Clients don’t appreciate excuses. They expect us to be equipped to deliver optimally at all times (e.g. meet deadlines as agreed). We must therefore actively explore alternative ways to get our work done, in spite of setbacks we may encounter. No stories.

I’m not the only one who thinks this is important: A valuable exhange of insights between Sue Campbell and Devon Ellington, in the comments section of her “How to Get Editors to Break Their Own Rules – and Be Glad They Did” post, highlights a need for writers to deliver on promises they make to meet client specifications and deadlines.

Screenshot - A valuable exhange of insights between Sue and Devon Ellington in the comments section of her post, highlights a need for writers to diligently commit to meeting agreed deadlines

This blog post has described a real life experience I had, in which my Smartphone enabled me overcome a major setback, to meet what was a personal (but could have been a client project) deadline.

Knowing smart alternatives (time and effort saving tips, tricks and/or hacks) for getting your work done, will boost your productivity many times over. That would help you keep your credibility intact before clients, even when things go badly wrong.

What about you? Do you have any personal experience to share on this subject? Are there some other points you feel can be added, to help persons looking for answers? Please share your thoughts!

 

Entrepreneurship, My DN Travel News

What Do You Do When People Are Scared To Trust You?

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Sometimes it happens with women who’ve had bad experiences with men. The men want to take the relationship to the next level, but they keep holding out. In business, this problem of damaged trust from past relationships between people can create major obstacles to successful selling.

I’ve tried hard to keep quiet about it since I arrived here in Benin, but I think it’s time I wrote about this not very pleasant aspect.

At 8.00a.m this morning, I had a meeting with an elderly Beninese gentleman I admire greatly. He’s a scholar, a seasoned academic and professional. He is the author of 6 books that I’ve personally seen (5 in French, one in English) and has traveled to many countries.

He has also appeared many times as a guest on TV shows in and out of Africa. On two occasions (today being the second time) I’ve met with him in his well furnished office.

During my first week here, I mentioned meeting Dr. Leunamme Nagedes (not his real name) to my friend Ninotna Nayinal (also not his real name) who works with a popular TV station here. He instantly confirmed he knew this gentleman.

So, this is someone with decades of real world relevant experience.

How Did I Get to Meet Such a Man of Accomplishment And Means, in My Very First Week?

Here’s how it happened. I share this story because I feel it illustrates how being spontaneous, acting on gut level instinct, and refusing to let fear of rejection stifle you, can yield useful long term benefits.

It was the evening of Wednesday 3rd April 2013. I was visiting hotels in Cotonou to discuss my proposal to produce a custom City/Travel Guide branded in the name of the hotel. This was to be done in exchange for some of their services in kind.

At one hotel reception, I was trying to convince the receptionist to let me speak with the manager, when I spotted some glossy covered copies of a book stacked on the counter.

The receptionist told me it was okay to take a look. What attracted me in particular was the excellent print quality. The book was written in French. Curious to know who the author was, I turned to the back and quickly read the blurb about him. I was pleased to discover at the very bottom two phone numbers and an email address to reach him.

Comme d’habitude (i.e. “as is my usual habit”), my marketing instincts took over. I dialed one of the numbers on my mobile. He picked it up after 3 rings saying “Oui?”. Within 30 seconds I’d told him where I was, and asked if I could meet with him to explain how I could help with web marketing of his book. He indicated interest and told me to meet him “8a.m sharp” the next morning at his office.

And that was it. The next day we met – and it went quite well. I learned quite a lot about where he’d been and what he’d done. Including watching a video of an interview he’d done with a former French president!

Eventually, he told me (regarding my proposal):

“I do not really know you yet. We’re just meeting for the first time. I always prefer to work with people I know well. So give me some time. We’ll see how it goes.”

That was good enough for me. And I told him so, promising to stay in touch as I left.

When I Finished the Part 1 of My English-French Language Guide, I Immediately Thought Of Him

I wanted his opinion on how to go about marketing it. So, I called him up last week, and despite the busy schedule I know he keeps, he gave me an appointment for 8a.m today. It was a most rewarding 15 minute session. I went away with not less than 5 practical tips of what to do, and where to go, to make a success of marketing my stuff out here.

But what really got to me was something he said right after I finished demonstrating the use of my language guide. He looked right at me – with a hint of sadness in his eyes – and said (and I’m trying to use his exact words as I recall them):

“I’ve traveled all over the world – even as far as Japan. Even Nigerians do not trust themselves. So how can you expect people here to trust you?”

I’m convinced people I’ve approached here also thought it, but did not say it.

You see, I’ve had to wonder many times since getting here. Many had serious discussions with me and kept saying YES. But most never got around to actually buying from me.

Dr. Leunamme helped me discover why, when he voiced the above sentiment.

His statement confirmed what had bothered me for weeks. And I told him so. Many people had told me about bad experiences with Nigerians. As a result, they avoided associating with anyone they found to be from Nigeria.

So many people I’ve met in my travels to Cameroon, Ghana, and here have had similar stories to tell me. And it’s always so embarrassing…and annoying…and frustrating!

(NB: Today, I even read a Vanguard Nigeria Newspaper article by this Beninese consultant also expressing concern about this trend. Along with other alarming details, he told a story about two young Nigerian female students he helped get out of a Cotonou police cell.)

In my case, I think my social skills (and demonstrated competence) helped me get people to like me so much, they did not mind associating with me.

However, whenever I discussed selling my products and services, it seems they simply tried to humor me by playing along. Most times, they were never really convinced enough to go as far as parting with money to do business with me. This made a lot of sense as I reflected on my experiences. It was consistent with a trend I’d observed.

He did not stop there however.

He Went Further to Narrate a Bad Experience He Had With a Nigerian

He explained that once wanted someone to produce branded promotional CDROMs for marketing one of his books. A friend introduced him to a Nigerian church member who he said could do the job.

Based on the trust he had in his friend, he paid the other man what he asked and proceeded to await delivery of the completed CDs. That never happened. This guy simply disappeared (as the good doctor put it).

Thankfully, they were able to use his links with the church to track him down. As can be imagined however, that experience has stuck in Dr. Leunamme’s memory ever since. How could someone he met in a place of worship have behaved that way?

That’s a question I have always asked even back in Nigeria. And each time people would simply tell me to get used to it. “This is Nigeria” they would say. “Stop acting as if you’re from America.”

The problem is I simply cannot get used to it. I can NEVER stop being amazed at the audacity of people who do things like that. It’s something I cannot conceive of doing, talk less of living with the knowledge that I did it.

Sadly, Honesty – or Integrity – is Not Written On a Person’s Forehead For Others to See

Integrity is something that takes people time to verify that you have…or lack. And once they conclude that you lack it, getting them to trust you afterwards can be a tough call.

This is why to get people to trust and accept you, you’ll need great patience.

In my meeting with Dr. Leunamme today, he told me to work hard at getting myself known in wider social circles than I have so far done.

He commended my efforts at integrating with the academic community in Calavi, and also with some business owners in Cotonou. But he recommended that I get involved in social groups as well.

In addition, he advised that I visit international organizations to make myself known to them – pointing out that I needed to provide my credentials.

And most importantly, he strongly advised that I get at least a little office where people can find me.

I’m Already Doing Some of The Above As Work-In-Progress.

Last week (from 7pm) I was in a small town outside Calavi to meet with a business man who trades and also runs a computer school. He paid my transportation to and fro, to discuss my offer to help interested persons establish a low cost drinks production facility using pineapple peels as the major raw materials.

When he saw a demonstration of my English-French language guide, he took me to his  school premises (10 pm at night!), saying he would like to have the finished version for use in teaching adult learners.

Hopefully, he won’t develop cold feet at some point and withdraw, like some have done (or seem to be in the process of doing).

Not that I blame any of them though :-)

It Can Be Tough Being a Nigerian Under These Conditions: But I’m Not Complaining!

After all said and done, I can still say without exaggeration, that I’m better off today, than I was when I arrived on the 1st of April.

Among other things, I have a new product I’m sure of selling both here, and in other countries, including Nigeria. Also, my French continues to improve greatly. Plus, I have excellent working conditions here (enabling me get more done in 24 hours) i.e electricity, water, great friends, peace of mind etc!

So, I intend to dig in and work on improving my strategies, till I get what I want.

Sooner than later, MORE members of my target audience in Benin Republic will discover I’m a good guy, and take advantage of they useful value I offer. It’s just a matter of time really.

And that’s what you do to win people over, when they’re scared to trust you: keep at it, until they accept you!

My DN Travel News, Public Speaking, Self-Development

Outsmart Competitors (& Earn More) Using Foreign Language Skills

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This newsletter serves speakers, but service providers in general may periodically find some issues useful – like this one. Discover how developing ONE foreign language skill can help you (1) beat more competitors in your current market (2) win more business in new markets, and (3) make more money – despite harsh economic times.

This Will NOT Be Easy To Do!

I will not lie to you. What I propose in this piece will not be easy to do. But it can be done. I know, because I have done – and am still doing – it, even now. The long term benefits make it worthwhile.

So, you must purge yourself of any biases. Nothing in life that’s worth having is ever really easy – otherwise, everybody would succeed with little or no effort.

To outsmart your competitors (and earn more) using foreign language skills, I suggest 3 steps you can follow…

SCROLL DOWN TO READ FULL ISSUE

Click now to view the latest issue of Tayo Solagbade's Public Speaking IDEAS page

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Publication: Tayo Solagbade’s Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Page (PSIP) Newsletter

Date: Monday 6th May 2013

No:88

Title: Outsmart Competitors (& Earn More) Using Foreign Language Skills

Author & Publisher: Tayo K. Solagbade [234-803-302-1263]

Blog URL: http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com/blog

Archive (For Blog version started 24th September 2011): Click here

Hi,

Please find below the latest issue of my Speaking IDEAS newsletter.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Parts 1 AND 2 of the MS Excel-Based Quick & Dirty Guide to English Language for French Speakers…and to French Language for English Speakers)

Soyez les bienvenus!

On m’appelle TAYO. Je suis avec mes amis, avec qui je prépare la prémière partie du guide pratique pour des gens qui aimeraient parler l’anglais comme français. Maintenannt, je vous présente les membres de mon équipe.

Above: Screen shot of the new version - an automated query form that makes learning EASIER. You click what you want on the menu, and it plays it in audio, and shows photos where appropriate

Above: A new version I’ve just created of the guide. It now comes with an automated query form that makes learning EASIER. You click what you want on the menu, and it plays it in audio, and shows photos where appropriate

(Click HERE to see screenshots & Watch video)

Learn more here…

 

No. 88: Outsmart Competitors (& Earn More) Using Foreign Language Skills

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NB: If you ever find yourself wondering what else I’ve written, some days after you’ve read THIS Speaking Ideas newsletter I send out on a Monday, here’s what you can do to find out: Point your browser to www.sdacademy.org to read at least ONE new post added to my SD Nuggets blog on a different category from Tuesday till Saturday (sometimes even Sundays) in line with this publishing schedule :-)

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This newsletter serves speakers, but service providers in general may periodically find some issues useful – like this one. Discover how developing ONE foreign language skill can help you (1) beat more competitors in your current market (2) win more business in new markets, and (3) make more money – despite harsh economic times.

This Will NOT Be Easy To Do!

I will not lie to you. What I propose in this piece will not be easy to do. But it can be done. I know, because I have done – and am still doing – it, even now. The long term benefits make it worthwhile.

So, you must purge yourself of any biases. Nothing in life that’s worth having is ever really easy – otherwise, everybody would succeed with little or no effort.

To outsmart your competitors (and earn more) using foreign language skills, I suggest 3 steps you can follow…

1. Become Bilingual: Learn a Foreign Language Your Target Audience Needs

If you’re really ambitious, become a polyglot by learning multiple languages. However, I’d say carefully choosing one language your target market(s) can reward you for is best i.e. aim to become bilingual, by developing ONE useful foreign language skill.

That will give you a unique competitive edge your rivals will find hard to beat. This applies to service providers in any field. Unlike other skills, many people (especially those who consider themselves busy) simply find it hard to commit needed time and effort towards developing reliable proficiency in a foreign language.

That unwillingness on their part creates a great opportunity for you. All you need to do is choose the right language, and work hard to learn it.

Hiring a bilingual employee could also work well. However I argue that having functional competence in reading, writing, and speaking that language, as the top decision maker is what will really do the magic.

I say this from closely observing self-employed professionals who operate in this manner in Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Cameroon.

2. Go into Markets Few Others Care To Visit

The global economic crisis has reduced opportunities available in immediate local environments.  Sometimes you’re in your home country and market, and have to compete for clients with an overwhelming number of people who do exactly what you do.

Finding profitable projects therefore tends to be quite difficult.

But just across the border, there could be a demand for what you offer – in a contrasting scenario. Sometimes even right in your market the demand could be there.

Potential clients could be desperate to find help in your area of specialty: The only problem is, these they speak a foreign language e.g. French, Chinese, Italian etc

One example: As a legal consultant your services could be useful to fresh immigrants arriving in your country, and also to intending investors with limited English proficiency. That is of course if you could communicate effectively in their own language.

No matter how good you are at what you do, they will likely prefer a rival with reasonable familiarity with, their language, and possibly their culture.

3. Offer Solutions Few Others Care To Provide

Here are a few ideas…

a. Reach out to foreign business owners, and organizations (e.g. multinationals) – existing, or just arriving in your country/market to start business – and offer your services.

Example: A French speaking partner to a bilingual legal consultant friend of mine (knowing he cannot wing it) often sends him documents in English for translation. As a result, my friend earns extra income from both colleague and clients by being bilingual!

b. Travel to countries where your learned foreign language is spoken, and offer your services as a bilingual service provider. You can win projects to be executed there – and also win projects to be done back in your own country.

Example: In a French speaking country, for instance, you’re bound to come across business persons and professionals looking to explore opportunities at your end of the planet, but have always been held back by a lack of English speaking competence.

They are likely to jump at the opportunity to achieve their goals with your guidance.

I’m sure you can come up with more ideas when you think about it.

How Can Any of these Help Experts-Who-Speak (or those Aspiring)?

Now if you’re (still) wondering about how any of this can help experts-who-speak, I offer some insights, as one who is currently doing it.

I’m already getting invitations to deliver my talks on entrepreneurship here in Benin. Most people in the first set of audiences I’ll be addressing, are English speakers with a desire to learn French (many being from Ghana and Nigeria).

I plan to deliver my messages to them in a mix of both English and French – sharing anecdotes about my experiences in learning French.

Interestingly, this same foreign language skill is what attracts French speaking career persons, professionals and entrepreneurs out here to me. Many have told me how they would love to make themselves understood in English, they way I do in French.

When I complain that my French is bad, and that I need to improve it, they counter “Mais tu parles deja!” (i.e. “But you speak already!”). So they insist I speak English to them.

This “imperfect” language skill of mine already gets me noticed, making my offers compelling (especially since I also market a product to help others develop similar competence). But I refuse to rest on my oars. Using ideas described here, I continue working hard to improve.

Simply put therefore, a bilingual speaker often gets set apart from the crowd. She can explore opportunities (or joint ventures for learning events) in markets where her preferred languages are spoken. Her rivals who lack similar skills would be locked out.

Final Words: To Get Better Results, Do Something Radically Different

More importantly, to stay ahead of rivals and copycats, choose something they cannot easily replicate. In my opinion a foreign language skill would be a perfect weapon.

As I earlier noted, I’m currently practicing what I’m preaching, by traveling slowly across West Africa, as a Location Independent Entrepreneur.

We have more French speaking countries in West Africa, than English speaking ones. To explore Francophone markets for business opportunities, it therefore goes without saying that a working knowledge of French will come in quite handy.

Having learnt to speak, read and write French back in 1999, I’ve found it easy to functionally integrate into business life here in Benin Republic. And my newly launched Quick & Dirty English-French language guide for career persons and business owners is helping me connect faster with my target audience, resulting in new alliances and clients.

TIP: Make yourself a helpful resource to clients and prospects with language needs. Indeed to anyone with such needs. Doing so has endeared me to many English loving French speakers since I arrived here in Benin Republic. And they’ve introduced me to their networks of friends and associates, earning me increased visibility and credibility.

Interestingly, I’m now looking to return to Nigeria intermittently to offer my new range or products and services with a twist, that competitors will find hard to match!

You can do the same thing in your country and continent – wherever you may be. Learn French, Italian, Spanish or Chinese etc – to achieve the outcomes described above.

Good luck!

Need More Details of How to Make The Above Ideas Work for YOU?

If you need more specific details of how to make use of the ideas I’ve shared in this newsletter, send me a message using this request form (with “Re: Outsmart Competitors (& Earn More) Using Foreign Language Skills” in the subject line).

SD Nuggets Blog™

 New posts from last week that may interest you! *
Public Speaking[Monday]:

Entrepreneurship [Tuesday]:
Self-Development [Wednesday]:

Career Development [Thursday]:

Parenting [Friday]:

Writing/Blogging [Saturday]:
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Have a lovely week!

Tayo K. Solagbade*

Self-Development/Performance Improvement Specialist

*Sole Agent For Burt Dubin’s Speaker Mentoring Service In Africa

Mobile: 234-803-302-1263

http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com

Tayo Solagbade is a Performance Improvement Specialist & multipreneur. He works with individuals/businesses who want to achieve highly profitable outcomes, and also with parents who want to raise real-world competent children.

Tayo earns multiple streams of income providing clients with performance improvement training/coaching, custom MS Excel-VB solutions, web marketing systems, freelance writing services, and best practice extension support services (for farm business owners).

When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Self-Development Nuggets™ blog, and Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).

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Have you been undecided about whether or not to become a paid speaker? Or have you been trying to get your speaking career off the ground with little success?

Here’s a tip: Burt Dubin works with people who want to be speakers, and with speakers who want to be masters. Click here to visit his website NOW and submit a contact form message telling him what challenges you’re facing, and how you’d like him to help you. Tell him I sent you, and you’ll get a pleasant surprise offer from him.

Comments?

What do you think of the above message? Do you have any personal experience to share on this subject? Are there some other points you feel can be added, to help persons looking for answers? Please share your thoughts!

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What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a) taking up Burt Dubin’s monthly speaker mentoring, or (b) buying his products?

You can choose to purchase Burt’s mentoring at any of the three (3) levels listed below:

1. Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here]

Burt’s three mentoring packages can be likened to the seating options offered by airlines: Budget Delight (Economy); Mid Range (Business); and Top Shelf (First Class).

At least that’s how I like to think of them!

All three will get you to your desired destination of “speaking success-ville” – so long as you meet the requirements/play your part well (your fare, abide by the set guidelines etc). During the “flight”, the seat you have will determine how much personal service attention and preference the provider will accord you. It’s that simple :-)

So, make your choice:1. Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here]

Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo at tksola dot com. In the meantime, why not get started by subscribing here to get his 7-Part Course (How To Succeed And Get Paid As A Professional Speaker) .  . . and receive his monthly newsletter (Speaking Biz Strategies Letter) at no cost.

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My DN Travel News, Writing/Blogging

Why Being “Dis-organized” Can Make You a Better Writer

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The above title is not a play on words. This article highlights an often missed truth that determines how productive we can be each day.

Creative types (writers, developers etc), often go through psychological peaks and troughs, that affect their output.

There are those times when you find yourself in the zone, and relentlessly churn out awesome content, to the delight of your readers – and possibly clients. But there are also times when you feel “empty” of ideas.

Suddenly, you’re unable to get anything useful written, and you don’t know why!

Most Writers Can Relate To The Above Scenario. Some Call It “Writer’s Block”.

Maybe it is. But from years of writing, and studying what many successful writers say about writing, I have come to the firm conclusion that you can immunize yourself against that notorious affliction.

It however takes great mental stamina, and self-discipline, to overcome that problem. And if you do, you’ll ultimately arrive at a point where you can achieve consistent output.

There are so many factors that can negatively affect your ability to write productively at any point in time. Fundamental is your interest in, and passion for the subject. You will also commit to doing intelligent research to cover any gaps in your knowledge.

Having said that, even after all that is in place, many writers still get periodically stuck, unable to finish what they start writing.

One possible cause is the way they plan their writing.

The most successful writers carefully study the conditions that help them achieve the best writing output at any time. Then they work hard to replicate it those conditions as often as possible.

Over time they develop a tried and tested system for creating those ideas conditions literally at will. Most of this is really a mental process.

However, at a point certain physical activities can greatly impact – negatively too – on a creative person’s ability to get the needed work done as and when required.

The Following Narrative (Based On a True Story) Illustrates the Above Point

I once read about a teenage girl who got a standing ovation after playing the violin before a sold out concert audience.

When asked afterwards about how she managed to develop such great prowess in playing the instrument, she replied that her success secret was “Planned Neglect”.

According to her, when she first started learning to play the violin, she tried to please her parents by doing her chores BEFORE retiring to practice. After a while however, she noticed that each time she did this, she often got tired too early to practice as well as she knew was necessary.

So, she decided to do it the other way around i.e. practicing first, and only doing her chores or any other tasks AFTER she was satisfied with her practice efforts. She became a child prodigy in the process!

There’s more.

Documented accounts have it that geniuses like Edison and other great minds often worked in rooms that looked disorganized, and which they rarely let anyone “organize” for them.

Yet they were reportedly able to find anything they needed, by themselves, in those same chaotic environments.

For them, the priority was their work. The business of neatly arranging their social spaces came in second place.

Guess what? The world was better off for it!

Is It Possible Your Writing Suffers Because You’re TOO ORGANIZED?

Most writers determine where, when and how they work.

Their clients trust them to make the best use of their time to get the writing project done to the right standard, and on time.

As a writer, are you too organized to be productive? Do you, for instance, obsess over house keeping? Do you always want to make sure everything is in its place before you can settle down to write? There’s nothing wrong with that. As long as you’re sure it will not wear you out before you can get some decent work done, keep doing it.

If, on the other hand, it’s making you less productive than you’re capable of being, consider adopting the “planned neglect” strategy described in this article.

You could, for instance, hire someone to do those tasks for you (if you can afford it), so you can save physical and mental energy to focus on achieving your primary goal.

Remember: If you fail to turn in your written works to specification, and ahead of agreed deadlines, the client is unlikely to call on you in future.

Further Reading

1. This artcile is based on excertps from my ebook titled “Why You Keep Failing To Achieve Your Writing Goals!(10 Habits that are Holding You Back & How to Eliminate Them)”. Click here to get the full ebook as a PDF download.

2. Proven Techniques (& Strategies) You Can Use To Start & Finish Writing ANYTHING” (FREE PDF Report)

My DN Travel News, Parenting

To Understand What You Learn, Teach It (3 Tips)

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Think about it, and you’ll realize it’s true. Anytime human beings have to demonstrate a learned skill before others, they often put in more effort than they normally would, if they had only themselves to account to.

This is why coaches and performance consultants often recommend announcing your goals. It makes you accountable to others outside of yourself. When tempted to quit, you think “Oh, what if XYZ asks how far I’ve gone?” – and you decide to keep at it!

This concept can help you achieve any goal you’re struggling with. I offer 3 examples:

1. Learning ANY Language

I’ve noticed many people struggle to achieve functional proficiency in their chosen foreign languages. Years after spending good money to attend intensive training courses, they face this challenge.

This happens not because they lack interest, but because they lack motivation to improve themselves. It can be quite difficult to keep doing something, if you’re unable to find others who share similar interests to rub minds with or exchange ideas.

For this reason, those who tend to make faster progress with learning a language, are often those exposed to environments in which their preferred language is spoken.

Consider a person who travels to a French speaking community and is forced to communicate with locals in that environment. He is likely to come away – after one month  – better off than someone listening to tapes and videos only.

Why? Because active learning beats passive learning any day. The former is more spontaneous and keeps you on your toes with the variety that’s thrown at you.

There’s nothing quite like having to respond to impromptu enquiries from total strangers. Or having to ask directions from someone who’s struggling to understand your mangled version of her language!

By the time you go through that process many times over, you’ll find that bells of improved comprehension periodically ring in your head, as you make progress.

The above explains why, if you choose to teach what you know to others not as proficient as you are, your competence is bound to improve – be it in speaking, reading or writing!

2. Academic Learning at ANY Level

It’s the same with academics. Back in the university, people who scored high in some subjects often did so by teaching what they knew to others. In the process they gained greater insights into it. And that gave them a competitive edge in tests and exams.

Even in secondary school it was the same thing. Interestingly, we took exams which tested our knowledge in certain areas without necessarily covering the entire syllabus. In my case I was to confront my demons six years later, when I went on my one year of post-university graduation National Youth Service.

I found myself engaged in teaching Mathematics (which I’d scored a distinction in during the general certification exams) at a secondary school . However certain topics – like Bases – had always stumped me. So, when I discovered I had to teach Bases to final year students preparing for the certification exams, I was forced to pick up a textbook and re-learn it thoroughly. I did not want to look clueless before the students!

Guess what? 20 years later, that experience has proved useful in coaching my kids on the same topic/subject! When you teach, you ALWAYS end up better than you were before that opportunity came your way.

3. Coaching Kids (& Employees) to Learn Faster & Remember More

It’s amazing to see how children, if properly coached, instinctively develop smarter methods of doing things than what they are taught.

My kids are always encouraged to form the habit of teaching one another whatever they learn. Today they’ve established a culture of sharing with one another. Each has one or more unique abilities. Many times I get home and I see one showing the other how to do what s/he does better.

As a parent, it goes without saying that if you have more than one kid, and you also work (or run a business), it could take a while to teach the same things to each child. A smarter approach is to use what I call Multi-Dimensional Peer Pressure (MDPP) ™.

This same principle works perfectly for coaching employees in the workplace. I know, because I applied it successfully during my time in paid employment. In fact, I conceived MDPP™ by reflecting on my experiences and achievements during that period.

(MDPP)™ basically involves teaching one person you think has the capacity to quickly grasp what you want to pass across. Then get that person, once proven competent, to do the same for others.

All you then have to do is periodically check with him/her to confirm he has done (or is doing) the teaching. You also want to touch base with those learning from him/her to verify (possibly via spontaneous verbal or practical assessment – which may be formal or informal) that they’ve gained the required proficiency.

At a point, the entire process becomes self-sustaining, because everyone involved knows what’s to happen, and actively prepares for it.

Why It Works So Well

Teaching others what you’re learning helps you re-visit it with a more inquisitive mindset, to ensure those you teach understand you. That’s what makes you come away with a better understanding of the subject.

Another benefit is that when you get those you teach to improve their understanding by teaching others, you save time, effort (and possibly money) in getting them competent. But even more importantly, you are able to do this for MORE people than would have been possible if you chose to do it alone.

I use this strategy a lot, and it works so well – enabling me avoid getting overwhelmed by requests for my attention. I refer here mostly to informal interactions I have with others – including my kids.

Once I know I’ve taught one or more others how to do a particular thing, I simply refer others who come to me, to such individuals. The only exception is when it’s a paid service I offer. This helps me stay focussed on my priorities.

Of course not everything can be taught in this manner. But quite often, for kids or young people, and in many cases adults as well, many things to be taught can be so handled.

Make yourself more successful in teaching others, by setting up a system where your students are required to take turns to teach aspects of the subject to others. It’s a powerful strategy for getting their serious attention and interest.

It forces them to pay attention to what you say and/or write, and to study it with zeal afterwards – in anticipation that they might have to come before others to talk about it. Get it?

Final Words: I Practice What I Preach (Some Useful Resources)

I offer more ideas about practical strategies you can employ to learn any language in my Proven 5 Step Formula for Learning ANY Language e-book. It’s based on my personal experiences learning to read, write and speak French back in 1999.

I practice what I preach i.e. teaching to improve my comprehension of what I’m learning. For instance, right now, I’m typing these words from my room in Calavi, Benin Republic where – in collaboration with 6 French speaking students of the university – I’ve produced audio and video components for Part 1 of my Quick & Dirty Workbook based Text Guide for English/French learners.

J’apprendre encore! (i.e. I continue to learn)…and producing my new guide for beginners has greatly enhanced my knowledge of the subject. It’s gotten me to form great friendships, alliances and client relationships within less than 3 weeks in a NEW country!

There’s no better proof that this concept works, than that!

You and your kids can become more successful learners from today, by putting it to use.

Career Development

Why You Need To Know A Little Bit About Every (or Many) Things

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New/Different experiences afford you a multidimensional perspective. When others admire you for your ability to do certain things well (e.g. you’re good at many sports), there is a tendency for you to get carried away if you are not careful. Many people in their workplaces have earned themselves recognition and respect for their expertise in their areas of specialisation.

But what about those things you don’t know how to do well?

True, some schools of thought today emphasise that people focus on improving on their strengths. There is however the possibility of negative returns setting in, if weaknesses or inadequacies are not checked before they get out of control – which does happen.

Robert Kiyosaki speaks about the need for people to be less of "specialists" and more of "generalists" if they want to live successfully in today’s world. An article I downloaded from Michael Angier’s Successnet.org encourages the reader to “Know a little about everything”.

The trouble is that oftentimes people fail to realise they need to get to know other areas of work/life outside those they are already familiar with (i.e. their “comfort zones”).

Ironically, doing this is often to their advantage, since they better understand how others do their work, the problems they face etc.

Now you might wonder why I suggest that you get to know about other people’s jobs and work-related problems.

It’s simple really. How would you feel if someone outside your area of specialisation engages you in conversation and displays – among other things – a sound understanding of your job – especially the constraints you face in doing it daily?

I know I would feel drawn to such a person – because it would mean she has taken time to study and understand the kind of work I do! So if or when we have to work together, it would be easier to explain aspects of my work to her (call her Ms X).

In fact, if I subsequently run into another non-specialist who does not “understand”, I am likely to invite Ms X to help me explain in non-technical jargon! By implication, if a person wants to do her job better, and be better appreciated by colleagues she needs to deliberately seek new and/or different experiences.

One way to do this as illustrated earlier is to consciously embark on a progressive (informal) understudying of other departments she has to interact with in doing her work.

If she is tactful in going about it, colleagues in those offices would be flattered by her attention, and interest, and readily put her through on whatever she wishes to know.

Final Words

Ultimately, what would happen is that Ms X would have an insider’s perspective of issues in each department she has to relate with, when doing her own work.

Many times this will enable her become more efficient in interacting with such departments to get information etc for her work. It could also prevent her from crying “wolf”, for instance, when there is none – saving her considerable embarrassment!

Perpetually seeking new or different experiences will afford you a multidimensional perspective of issues at work and/or in life. It will also equip you to attract plenty of goodwill, and make you a more interesting person to be with. At some point, all of that will translate into tangible success in many forms, for you.