Monthly Archives: June 2013

Career Development, Entrepreneurship, Farm Biz, General, My DN Travel News, Parenting, Public Speaking, Self-Development, Writing/Blogging

Sometimes You Need to Act Without Your Intuition (6 Tips)

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This article is a sequel to the piece on my blog titled “How to Establish Truth, and Experience Less Doubt“.

Like I said in that piece, to use your sixth sense simply LISTEN to your deepest feelings, and act on them. However, sometimes those “feelings” may not be distinct enough for you make your mind up.

When that happens, you may have to “walk blind” i.e. face such situations on your own…not knowing what to expect, and letting things play themselves out.

Sometimes you’ll misread positive situations negatively (e.g. paranoia arising from previous bad experiences), or assume a negative situation to be positive (e.g. naivety/wishful thinking).

This “dilemma” is likely to occur less often, as you master use of your 6th sense. But it’s unlikely to ever go away completely – as long as we’re human.

For each person, the situations that cause this dilemma will naturally differ.

What is important is that you work hard to develop reliable real world relevant competence at whatever you do. That will see you through instances when you’re getting mixed signals from your 6th sense.

I Describe Six Real-Life Scenarios in Which Using the 6th Sense Can Be Very Challenging

1. Dealing with Anchorless Social Chameleons

Some years ago, I wrote an article on Emotional Intelligence that ended up being widely syndicated and extensively quoted in published journals online.

In it, I described the positive attributes of a Social Chameleon, as described by Daniel Goleman, author of the book “Emotional Intelligence”. He also mentioned that some people take this ability to the extreme by using it to manipulate others.

They become duplicitous, constantly trying to pretend to be who they are not, in an effort to get what they want from those they relate with.

Goleman described these kinds of persons as ANCHORLESS Social Chameleons. Examples include con men (or women). People who make a living from gaining people’s trust in order to defraud, cheat, or even hurt them.

Have you ever had to relate with that kind of person at work or in your personal life?

They can be so hard to pin down! And some are SO GOOD at what they do, that even when your 6th sense helps you correctly catch them out, they can put up such an act that you end up thinking you were wrong, and apologizing to them!!

Anyone who has been in love with a two-timing partner may understand what I mean:

You had this GREAT relationship everyone admired you for. Yet, every now and then you got a strong feeling your “partner” was not being straight with you. But each time you tried to establish truth by bringing it up, you always came away feeling like a jerk…until one day, you caught him/her red-handed!

2. Scam or Con artists Playing Mind Games

Two-faced people. In certain societies, duplicity is almost an accepted way of life. People learn from an early age to use deception to get what the want.

A person from a society where sincerity and trust rank high (even if with a keenly honed 6th sense), is more likely to get “duped”, if s/he has dealings with someone from a society where duplicity reigns.

Why? Because the use of the 6th sense is always a function of the experiences one is exposed to. In such societies, it will take you time to “train” your 6th sense to competently guide your decision making.

This is why foreigners often tend to be easy prey when they visit such societies. It’s also why the famed 419 Internet fraudsters recorded such great success in the early years, before people LEARNT.

3. Spies and Terrorists Working Undercover

Consider members of terrorist groups who infiltrate societies and organisations. What about men and women who live double lives as spies – working for their countries security agencies?

These people skilfully maintain relationships with different groups of people, while living double lives.

Few suicide bombers’ associates know what they’re involved in – until they made the news!

These people succeed because others rarely use their 6th senses to find them out. Their ability to pass lie detector tests is apparently not fabled. I’ve read that some actually get trained to do that!

4. Wanting “Something” A Bit Too Badly

If you’re too emotionally and/or psychologically tied to a desired outcome, you could misinterpret or become totally dead to signals from your 6th sense.

Sometimes, the other person could be very skilled at “masking” signals s/he gives out, leaving you inadequate “information” to feed your “truth meter”.

We need to watch out, for mixed signals arising from our subconscious unwillingness, to accept the truth our 6th sense may try to tell us.

A lady dating a two timing chap could force herself to believe she’s the only one in his life – despite sensing that the opposite is the case.

One example from a real life experience.

As a desperate start-up seeking clients in 2005, I repeatedly “chased” a rich but mischievous prospective client, who made me jump through many hoops, pretending to be interested.

Each day I was with him, a quiet voice kept telling me he was just “jerking my chain”.

But he looked so fatherly (he was greying) and acted so nice, that I dismissed the thought – repeatedly. I SAW he could afford to pay me – and felt that was enough.

He was interested. What I stupidly failed to note was that he was the kind who liked to cheat others – to get something for nothing. Some people get rich through that means. And that often makes them bad clients. Your 6th sense should help you detect that. I did not apply mine – and I learnt a painful lesson.

After over 5 visits, he had requested (and gotten), from me, a printed 10 page proposal – FREE. This was in addition to picking my brain for hours on end. Then he said he would get in touch with me.

A week later, I learnt through an employee of his that all he got from me had been passed to a nephew of his, who was a web designer, to use in building a website for his company.

So, he’d just used me! That experience taught me to  require a refundable fee payment, to provide proposals or discuss project aspects in depth.

5. Dealing With Temptations in Moments of Weakness

Why didn’t I see that coming? That’s a question I’ve sometimes asked myself many times, after discovering I’ve been taken for a ride.

When you’re having financial challenges, even  “fraudulent” offers you’d normally use your 6th sense to sniff out may tend to “miss” you.

That’s when you start giving bogus email offers you would normally ignore a second look :-)

In such moments of weakness, even situations you would normally handle competently with your 6th sense can become unduly challenging.

People I know to be intelligent and analytical thinkers, have surprised me by responding to fraudulent phone SMS messages that informed them they’d won money, in UK lotteries!

In one instance, after I’d advised that it was a scam offer, one such person went ahead to call the number provided. When she was asked to send money over to get details, she saw I was right.

I’d “seen” enough of (but never replied to) those kinds of SMS messages to become numb to them. But she – like the others – was yet to get that far. They however only acted out of character because they were under financial pressures.

In their normal states of mind, when they were not in need, they would have readily deleted such messages without even reading them.

But as human beings, when bills are mounting, and expected income is delayed, everything that comes our way offering promise of some income suddenly gets our serious attention.

It’s that subtle “wishful thinking” that makes it so hard to stay properly tuned in to our 6th sense.

It takes GREAT mental discipline to fight this feeling when it comes. We must key in to our 6th sense to see such phoney offers for what they are.

6. Getting Carried Away by One’s Success

Sometimes we could just be absent minded. People sometimes get careless when things start going well for them. As a result, they miss signals their 6th sense throws up.

This is why I argue that knowing how your 6th sense works, does not mean you’ll be able to competently use it to reach your goals on a long term basis.

Different situations will occur, requiring you to apply your 6th sense is varying ways. Not all will be familiar to you – meaning you’ll have to guess.

That’s why I offer in this article, real life examples in which the 6th sense was used. Reading them can help you better prepare for what you may face.

You’d Have to Be Psychic to Always Get It Right

Napoleon Hill wrote extensively about using the sixth sense in “Think and Grow Rich”. We were all born with it. Our ancestors were however more aware of that innate ability and put it to great use.

For entrepreneurs, especially those starting out, consider getting a copy of James Cook’s “Start-up Entrepreneur”. I’ve repeatedly referred to it as “The Missing Chapters In Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich”.

Why?

It’s because Cook provides amazingly deep insights on how to deal with adversity, and uncertainty, as a first time start-up.

In that New York Times Bestseller, he shared, based on his personal experiences, practical examples of how he used his “intuition” to choose the right people to work with him as employees, and to detect persons not being straight with him.

But like I said earlier, no one can be perfect in this art. As humans we will sometimes get it wrong.

For instance, had he been perfect in his use of intuition, Cook may probably not have brought in shareholders/board members who later turned around and tried to kick him out of his company!

Over 10 months of boardroom battling took place. Luckily, his 51% ownership, and refusal to give in to their antics enabled him emerge victorious.

Final Words:  When You Struggle To Use Your 6th Sense, See It As a Learning Opportunity

There are times when I feel like someone launched a signal to “jam” my 6th sense “lie/truth detector”!

I simply get mixed messages or none at all.

When that happens, I’ve learnt to – as I said at the start of this piece – walk blind. I simply monitor trends and traits I can use to make up my mind.

Unlike the instant “gut level feeling” the 6th sense gives, this approach may take weeks to yield fruit.

You’ll be exposed to potentially negative outcomes. If any manifest, just dust yourself off, and move on.

In the end, you’ll often emerge tougher. What’s more, my experiences indicate these things sometimes happen for our own good.

We may not be able to use our 6th sense to solve every puzzle or avoid every danger.

There will be times, when our inability to quickly apply our 6th sense, will be meant to help us grow.

When (not if) it happens to you, make the most of it!

My DN Travel News, Parenting

How to Establish Truth, and Experience Less Doubt

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In this age of rapid technology and information driven changes, news spreads like wildfire. Good news, bad news…as well as INCORRECT/outright FAKE news (aka rumours).

I consider that last one the most dangerous – because the damage it does can be so difficult to repair.

We’ll never be able to foresee who will send out such news, or when. That’s why we’ll be better off learning how to intelligently sieve any news that comes our way for truth.

That would reduce the spread of rumours that could cause problems, or even ruin another person’s life.

Is It Normal for Us to Believe The Worst of Ourselves?

No it’s not. I know this based on my childhood experiences – and also from closely observing children.

We are born as very positive minded human beings. Schooling and societal conditioning are what push us towards negative mindedness.

Stop and think about this for a moment. I mean STOP right now.

Think back to when you were young. You will likely recall that you thought good of everyone, believed everyone liked you, and that they would treat you well etc.

With the exception of people who grew up in abusive homes, this was the case for most of us.

However, for many people, all that changed as we grew into adulthood…sometimes subtly.

A quotable quote I recently read stated that most adults readily believe bad things they hear (or read) about another person. They rarely even bother to ask questions to be sure it’s true.

But when it’s a good thing, these same persons insist on seeing (or hearing) proof, to believe!

Looking back, my experiences suggest it’s true…

Don’t Let Society Change You Into Who You’re Not: Use Your 6th Sense to Establish Truth!

However, I refuse to let that influence me as a person.

I refuse to let it change me into who I am not.

That’s why I personally only use hear say as a guide, in my interpersonal interactions.

To establish truth, I have learnt, from experience, to depend heavily on my 6th sense (listening to my deepest feelings, and acting based on them) – each time I relate with others.

This is a simple common sense strategy usable by anyone. We were all born with this ability.

And that’s why it remains a mind boggling mystery, at least to me, why most people fail to use it.

I use it, it IS the number one reason why I never have doubts that make me get worried or anxious.

Using My 6th Sense to Successfully Practice Location Independent Entrepreneuring (True Story)

It’s almost the end of my third month in a new country, where the language spoken (French) is VERY different from that spoken in my country of origin, and birth.

When I arrived in Benin Republic on April 1st, 2013, I knew nobody. Not one person. I came in by road, from Lagos, carrying a backpack, a traveller’s bag…and the intermediate French language skill I acquired in 1999.

Today, I’ve successfully integrated myself into this French speaking African society. I now serve a local (Web Marketing) client – who has already given me a referral.

Tayo Solagbade - Location Independent Multipreneur

But it took some doing. Among other things, my 6th sense helped me identify those who wanted to exploit me. With time, I used it to nurture relationships with the right people, till things clicked in place.

I also continue to serve clients back in Nigeria. They deposit (or transfer) cash into my account, in Nigeria, and I deliver the promised product or service.

Recently, a long time Nigeria-based client’s website hosting expired. We’d known each other for over 5 years, so he trusted me enough to ask his staff to make the payment into my account.

I did not disappoint him. Within minutes, I got the site back online.

He probably trusts me MORE now, as a result!

I’m also interacting with prospects who’ve sought me out online (from the UK, Nigeria, Philippines etc).

I Was Doubted & Second-Guessed (I Still AM!)

My decision to work from a different country raised many questions. Regular power supply and political stability here in Benin were what won me over. Those simple benefits are still lacking in Nigeria.

Then there was(is) the African dream I had(have), of using Location Independent Entrepreneuring, to access target audiences with my products and services.

My explanations did (and do) not satisfy everyone however. Including some in my family.

But it’s not just them…

Since I got here, a number of people have enquired about my popular Feed Formulation Handbook and software. But none have – so far – been unable to convince themselves to pay…

They probably wonder: “Why has he moved to Benin?” “What’s he running away from? Maybe he’s done something wrong and hiding”. In essence, they are not convinced they’ll get the promised items.

I cannot blame them. In this part of the world, it seems Digital Nomads are still considered “freaks”. Well, they’ll have to accept me (us!) – eventually :-)

Use Your 6th Sense & Avoid Losing What You Need Due to Baseless Doubts and Fears!

Such people (and even you!) can however avoid needless worry in forging your relationships.

Simply practise using your 6th sense, during your verbal and non verbal communication with others.

In no time, you’ll have honed your skill well enough to depend on it for decision making.

And do not forget to teach your child how to do the same, as she grows up!

Career Development, My DN Travel News

How Regular Salary Payments Can Hurt You Post-Paid Employment

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This article highlights a potential blind spot some  employees have, so they can eliminate it. Doing so will enable them give more value to their employers, while becoming better prepared for life outside the security of paid employment at the same time.

Employees Don’t Earn Money – They Receive Handouts

It is not my intention to offend anyone who earns a salary.

However, the truth – which can be quite bitter – needs to be told.

In the real world (also known as the “UHK” i.e. “University of Hard Knocks”), you will rarely get paid 100%, UNTIL you’ve given 100% (or more) of the product or service you promised a buyer or client.

But, as Robert Kiyosaki observed, some people in paid employment today continue to demand to be paid more for doing less work!

They go to work all through a month putting in the barest minimum of effort each day. At the end of the month, they still have their full salaries deposited in their bank accounts. As long as they are not absent, they get the full day’s pay – even if all they do is push files around and chat, or gossip!

Think about it for a minute, and you’ll realize this is true. Some of us are (or have even been) guilty of doing it!

People who have this habit often rest secure in the knowledge that come rain or sun, their salaries will be paid.

And it often happens that way. In many companies, for as long as you remain on the payroll, you will be paid in full – even if you perform poorly or averagely (especially with the union there to “fight for workers”).

That’s why Robert says that salary earners do not “earn” money – instead they actually receive “handouts”.

Zig Ziglar Expressed A Similar Sentiment About Persons In Paid Employment

In one of his books, the late Zig Ziglar made a similar observation. He noted that some people go to work each day without doing anything differently from the day before.

As a result, five years down the line, instead of having five years’ experience, all they really end up with, is one year’s experience repeated over a five year period!

That is indeed – as he put it – A FACT.

The irony is that many find it easy to close their eyes to the FACT that they are asking to be retained, or even paid more – or promoted – despite not adding any extra VALUE to their jobs!

The only time they change their reasoning in this regard, is when they start their own businesses, and their own employees make similar demands of them.

Only THEN does it dawn on them that such employees’ requests are unrealistic.

Figures!

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“After listening to each of my subordinates give me a self-appraisal of their performance, I have come to the conclusion that I have only three types of people working for me – Stars, All Stars and Superstars!” – Gunther Brink

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That Attitude Can Lead to Failure in the Real World (i.e. Post Paid Employment)

Like I said in last week’s article on preparing for retirement, all employees, no matter how good they are, will eventually have to leave the job via one of the 3R’s (i.e. Retirement, Resignation or Retrenchment ).

Then they will have to live in the real world – where payment will often be directly proportional to the degree of effort expended (physically, and/or intellectually).

To illustrate my point, I often use the example of young street hawkers on the roads in Nigeria.

They run after cars trying to outdo the other in a bid to sell. And they do NOT STOP till they’ve made the sale (even when they feel tired). They act this way, because they know the rest of the family depends on them, to bring home money to meet the day’s needs!

Now, that’s living in the real world! The real world demands that you prove yourself worthy of every reward you get.

You must sow before you reap. You have to give in order to receive. Only in paid employment do we find this law of nature almost totally disregarded.

And that’s why when many people retire from well paying jobs, they tend to be unable to adjust to surviving in the real world.

Among other things they find that (contrary to what obtains in paid employment), just putting in minimal effort does not result in predictable income rewards!

Final Words

In closing, I must note that I am aware certain people do get “paid” (handsomely too!) for work they do not do. Or for work they do not do well.

Corrupt practices in business and general society make this an inevitable reality.

However, anyone seeking authentic success in life, will not compromise his/her values in that manner.

Commit to doing the right and honourable thing(s) at all time.

Regardless of what is at stake or who is concerned.

For those NOT in paid employment, this article’s message is equally relevant.

Just being in the real world is not enough. What you do with each day will determine how far you go!

NB: This article is based on excerpts from my Self-Development Bible™. You can get the PDF version free by subscribing to my newsletter using the signup form below. The glossy coloured print version can be ordered from my online store here.

Career Development, Entrepreneurship, Farm Biz, General, My DN Travel News, Public Speaking, Self-Development, Writing/Blogging

Be Easy to Identify Online

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Success in business (or life in general) requires getting others to trust you. Today, people will readily Google your name to find out more about you. Do you have your first name and surname registered as a domain name i.e. www.firstnamesurname.com? This article explains why your success may depend in-part, on doing that – as well as a few other things.

People contemplating connecting with us, can make up their minds in seconds. Some may be so fickle minded that one small hint of inconsistency in your online profile or presence can make them flee – literally speaking.

That’s Why You Need to “Protect and Nurture Your Google/Online Identity”

A few years ago, I wrote an article on the above theme – based on my observations and experiences.

Googl’ing a person’s name can sometimes throw up links leading to profiles or pages of persons bearing the same first and last names as him/her. Maybe it happens with yours?

If you’ve never Google’d your name – try it now. If other people show up with the same name as yours, it may not be a good thing…for YOU.

I have met a number of people who faced this dilemma, in their business.

I’ve been lucky with my own name though. I have never encountered anyone online bearing the same first and surname combination with me.

Since 2006 I’ve done a lot of heavy content publishing that’s helped me gain reasonable name recognition. But even then, whenever I checked – even way beyond page 10 of Google’s results, I never came across a namesake.

That notwithstanding, a few weeks ago, I decided to register www.tayosolagbade.com to cover that loose end.

And that’s why I’m now writing this piece – especially for persons in business who find they have at least one or more online name sakes.

Persons in Paid Employment Can Also Benefit From Doing This

At first, there is a tendency to think that this may be a non-issue for those who are not in business e.g. employees.

I would however argue that you should consider making it an issue.

It is in your best interest, to ensure your employer (current or prospective) has no difficulty picking you out from amongst your namesakes online.

Ambitious career persons in today’s world, actually purchase their own names as domains.

They then point the URL to profiles on free hosting accounts. Some even purchase cheap hosting and build their resume websites on it.

For Business Persons, It Is Especially Imperative

For instance, I strongly believe that as a person in business, you must aim to dominate (at least) page 1 of Google’s results for your name. At least 80% should be all about YOU.

In my considered opinion, that reduces chances of people mistaking a namesake for me.

Publishing good quality content regularly, via an intelligent web marketing system, can help you gradually achieve that.

One quick and reliable way to boost your claim to your name on the web (and search engines take this into serious consideration), is to register your name as a domain.

That way, you alone get to ultimately use that URL. No one else.

Imagine what would happen if a namesake beat you to it, and registered the domain?

People who meet (or hear/read about) you may Google you (this happens a lot!), and click on the URL for your name, only to discover a different person!

How confused do you think they would be?

It could be worse. For instance, some may not even realise the person they’ve found is NOT you.

If that happens, you’d better hope what they see pleases them. Otherwise, you’re done!

The above could happen to a potential client/buyer who remembers your name but is unable to recall the URL for your company correctly.

If Your Namesake Does Something Bad, It Could Cost You Greatly!

Be you entrepreneur or employee, you can be negatively affected if your name sake has a bad reputation online.

Some namesakes may do naughty things, linking negative reports to their names.

In 2010, I actually interacted with a prospective client who had this problem. A namesake of his showed up on page 1 of Google, with screaming news headlines (from BBC and other websites) describing the namesake as a criminal. Same name. Exact same spelling!

Like I told him “Few people will even bother trying to investigate to verify if it’s really you the news story is about!”…that includes potential clients/employees!

Think about it. When BBC reports a thing, most people accept it as God’s truth.

Yes they do! And that’s why it’s best to consolidate your name recognition online via regular quality content publishing in YOUR NAME.

It’s your best form of defence against inadvertent or deliberate negativity.

Final Words: Protect Yourself!

I’ll therefore end by saying, if you do nothing else, register your name as a domain (preferably top level e.g. dot com) ASAP.

But if you really want to be in control of what happens when people do an online search in your name, adopt a custom Web Marketing System. (Email me via tayo at tksola dot com for details of what it entails – or use this contact form).

You will NOT regret doing it.

Entrepreneurship, My DN Travel News

Why Company Retirement Courses Rarely Work

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This is a sequel to yesterday’s issue of my Speaking IDEAS newsletter, titled “Speaking to Retirees & Aspiring Entrepreneurs“. If you have to organise training courses for (prospective) retirees, start-ups and/or aspiring entrepreneurs, THIS is one article you want to read. Otherwise you may get it ALL wrong. Believe me!

Before leaving in December 2001, to start my own business, I was Training & Technical Development Manager (TTDM) in Guinness Nigeria’s Benin Brewery. (In 2008, I’d acted on two seperate occasions – for one month, and later for 3 months, as TTDM). Among other roles, I arranged for prospective retirees, to attend pre-retirment courses, by liasing with external training provider firms.

Before leaving, I was also opportuned to act in senior management roles, as Production Manager and Technical Manager.

However, my entire 7 year stay in that company, often had me working closely with the Training Department. .

I have a habit of reflecting deeply on happenings around me. That habit has helped me discover ways to make a useful difference in various areas of endeavour.

Among other things, I noticed that many companies simply send employees on generic training courses. Little effort seems to be made to research the course contents. As a result, there is often not much relevance and tangible impact, with regard to the real world the attendees will return to.

Training Providers Need to Go Beyond What Others Are Doing

What is needed, is an experiential learning event that involves a facilitator who brings real world expertise to share with the audience.

It’s the best way to serve retirees or aspiring start-ups. That is, deliberately investing time, effort and energy, to RESEARCH, and highlight, ALL real issues likely to be faced by start-ups. And offering solutions based on what works in the real world, for them to use.

Burt Dubin stresses the importance of doing this, a lot, in his newsletter, and many speaking success articles.

It’s not just about getting attendees competent, in the ABC’s of the business area(s) being taught in the course.

Attendees need to be told the importance of developing “street wisdom”, to interact with suppliers, and especially buyers/clients.

Otherwise they could end up frequently struggling to get paid for their products and services – despite being competent!

I’ve seen a lot of this happen first hand.

For instance, I once had a client whose manufacturing operation sold an excellent consumable item across many states.

But his distributors routinely held him to ransom, by failing to remit money for sales of items he sent them on credit  via hired trucks.

Yet they still called and asked for more. He told me he could not say no to their (blatantly selfish and inconsiderate) demands, because they made a lot of sales for him.

I told him that was only because he was not actively recruiting new distributors who could perform.

These are not things we learn easily. It can be a painful process!

To show how bad this can get, that client ended up taking a bank overdraft facility that nearly ruined him. All in a bid to cope with cash flow demands, when he could not redeem over N2million in receivables from his distributors!! Among other things, he needed to pay salaries!

This is why coaching/mentoring of people who attend pre-retirement or business start-up courses, even AFTER the events, can be quite useful.

Along with books that help attendees get better prepared to handle such issues, coaching/mentoring can boost their ability to succeed with any business idea.

Attendees Also Need Exposure to Guiding Philosophies for Success

I have had considerable contact with many training providers. Most simply use conventional approaches to conduct learning events for retirees or start-ups.

When the attendees are told all the routine, recycled stuff, one major ingredient is often missed out.

Yet, that’s the stuff that helps majority of entrepreneurs who break through keep going till they do so!

Some found it by reading Anthony Robin’s book. I found it by reading books by Napoleon Hill and James R. Cook (Start-up Entrepreneur).

That ingredient is the “mental attitude” needed for success – an aspect that’s grossly neglected.

Quite often, failures are recorded not because the business idea is bad, or the entrepreneur is incompetent.

Often times it’s the mental attitude resulting from a lack of access to, or adherence to a guiding philosophy.

This is not something that most people can fully grasp at one sitting or in one learning event.

It often needs to be drummed into their heads, until they internalise it.

This is why I believe a practical coaching element, comprising this guiding philosophy, mixed with business practice tips, must be combined to help him/her.

That’s how training provided can make a real difference in people’s lives. Otherwise, it would just be the same old stuff.

Most successful entrepreneurs got that way by persisting despite huge visitations of adversity.

It’s rarely the number of academic or professional certifications one has that leads to success.

Instead, it’s often your ability to persist and stay focused, that gets you where you want to go in business – or indeed in life.

First time start-ups, or prospctive retireess contemplating business start-up, must imbibe a similar philosophy, after they’ve settled on a viable business idea.

Without it, the challenges they face will stump them.

And those of them who cannot cope will cut corners to survive (by doing naughty things), or simply pack it in.

Final Words

In summary, providers of learning solutions for prospective start-ups, need to focus on developing learning events – and resources – with the above factors in mind.

Maybe the approach I use could appeal to such training content providers…

For years, I’ve actively offered myself as a Contract Resource Person to event organisers. One time it got me invited to deliver a one-hour pep talk to 14 management trainees at Tantalizers headquaters in Festac. I was invited by a training consultant, who was hired to conduct a one-week induction program.

We’d met after my talk at Center for Management Development. I mention this only to give additional insight.

Basically, interested event organisers can have me research and prepare custom learning materials, and information products etc – branded in their name.

They would then use and/or sell those items as theirs, without reference to me, or as otherwise agreed.

That is one option.

In the event that the idea appeals to both parties, we could go further to collaborate in delivering that program to the target audience. Agreements would be reached on what to do, how, and where etc.

I would prepare any relevant information products for use – branded in the training provider’s name (or company name).

We could then also go on to collaborate to deliver the program etc.

You can adopt a similar approach (or contact me to help you).

My DN Travel News, Public Speaking

No. 95: Speaking to Retirees & Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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If you ever have to organise a training program or course for retirees or aspiring start-ups, aim to deliver “content” that make attendees your fervent advocates, because what they learn REALLY helps them succeed.

This article offers a lot of ideas for generating useful practical content to delight your attendees.

Big thanks to E.O, a business coach based in the UK, for initiating a discussion with me on this theme!

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

Date: Monday 24th June 2013

No:95

Title: Speaking to Retirees & Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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

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

Archive (For E-mail only version started 14th May 2012): Click here to view

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

Hi,

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

10 Fruits You Eat That Leave Useful Peels/Skins Behind (FREE PDF DOWNLOAD)

E-mail your name, country, mobile number, occupation, & facebook/twitter URLs (if any) to tayo at tksola dot com, and I’ll send you a FREE copy of my detailed PDF report titled “10 Fruits You Eat That Leave Useful Peels/Skins Behind.”

Screenshot of PDF report titled “10 Fruits You Eat That Leave Useful Peels/Skins Behind."

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN…

How to Make Drinks You CAN SELL, from Peels of Pineapples & Nine (9) Other Fruits!

 

No. 95: Speaking to Retirees & Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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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.spontaneousdevelopment.com/sdnuggets 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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If you ever have to organise a training program or course for retirees or aspiring start-ups, aim to deliver “content” that make attendees your fervent advocates, because what they learn REALLY helps them succeed.This article offers a lot of ideas for generating useful practical content to delight your attendees. Big thanks to E.O, a business coach based in the UK, for initiating a discussion with me on this theme!

1. Offer Information Products Describing Viable Business Ideas They Can Launch

Do the needed ground work/research. Generate a compilation of tried and tested business ideas/concepts. Produce information products, possibly with previews – or even greater details – of what it would take, or where to get help to learn what it would take.

I personally conduct interviews with established individuals in key fields (farm business owners in particular) and publish for sale.

My popular Feed Formulation Handbook and Ration Formulator software came into being partly as a result of the above process. With each such product, I offer a workshop or seminar.

Example: A New Information Product I’m Developing for a Learning Event

Title: How to Make Drinks You CAN SELL from Peels of Pineapple and Nine (9) Other Fruits (You can get a 15 page promotional PDF announcing this by following the instructions below).

I’m already compiling detailed step-by-step information (with photos of basic tools and equipment for even a home based kitchen table operation).

The idea is to enable attendees explore ways to start-up with minimal funds. It’s often best to test the waters of entrepreneurship, with low capital overheads business ideas, to retain worthwhile profits.

Your attendees will be grateful to have this kind of useful resource – because It will save the money!

2. Offer Information Products Describing Guiding Philosophies They Need for Entrepreneurial Success

Most retirees or first time start-ups RARELY know many non-technical requirements for business success. Very few trainers talk about it. Attendees just learn the technicalities of the business. And then they launch out.

But they often lack the mental attitude to make it – especially when things get tough (which is often)!

Providing your attendees a reliable reference document they can consult to draw inspiration, and ideas, to cope with INEVITABLE adversity in business can help them keep going till they succeed.

Example: My “Entrepreneur’s Survival Reference Manual” – Written in 2004

See the cover image below…

Cover page for Tayo Solagbade's Entrepreneur’s Survival Reference Manual

I wrote this “manual” originally for myself. I used to read and re-read it to remind myself to retain the right mental attitude in spite of great setbacks.

Later, I began offering it for sale (spiral bound and photocopied). A FREE 4 hour workshop is announced on the cover. So that’s the link with my learning event.

It’s 80 pages long. I’m now revising it, to include Location Independent Entrepreneuring that I now do from here in Benin Republic. Once it’s ready, I intend to publish it via my Lulu.com online store, as a physical book I can give out to individual or at learning events.

3. Provide a Business Start-Up Support Service for Your Attendees Post-Event

a. You can prepare and sell feasibility study packs to intending start-ups or prospective retirees. Offer to help them work through it to implementation.

b. Your Training/Talks/CDs/DVDs/Podcasts/Webinars/ can be prepared to highlight key factors that can prevent start-ups from succeeding in their local environment. You will actually investigate their real life socio-economic environment, to verify what’s worked. Offered for sale or via access to paid membership.

c. Setup an Entrepreneur Support Network for Start-Ups

This goes beyond the learning event proper. I am convinced it’s a crucially important requirement.

Setup a coaching support network for attendees who (after attending your event) decide to start their own enterprises.

You would have an emotional investment in your attendees, so it makes sense to do this.Work out a pocket-friendly fee structure.

My pineapple based drinks PDF report has already been requested by some farm business CEOs in Nigeria who subscribe to my newsletter (and even a few I’ve met here in Benin Republic). It announces my paid support service for those who may wish to start a drinks production unit.

I’ve NEVER met most of them in the flesh for over 5 years. But we relate as if were childhood friends! My only link with them is my Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website (www.iff.spontaneousdevelopment.com), and the newsletter.

Yet, many of them trust me so much, that they often take up my offers/buy my new products. This is because each time, my work adds value. And I’ve always stayed in touch, even at my own expense.

This recent email (screenshot below) from a subscriber of many years – Screenshot of emal from a long time subscriber – Azi Bulus – proves it pays to nurture relationships:

Screenshot of email from a long time subscriber - Azi Bulus

I send my active subscribers bulk SMS messages, and even make LONG distance phone calls to give them useful information etc.

This is what shows them that I care. And I really do.

I strongly believe pre-retirement learning events MUST offer attendees an opportunity to get long term support and coaching, from competent experts.

The journey to success is rarely a short one.

You can make a massive difference in people’s lives, by being accessible post-event, for the long term. Even if only via phone or email, for a fee.

Help attendees through the start-up phase, till they can stand on their own.

Apart from those you help this way, YOUR creator will be pleased with your conduct!

I’ve seen enough over the past 10 yeas, to know this is so important.  

ANYONE who offers this kind of support will stand out from other learning solution providers.

Tomorrow, in the Entrepreneurship category on my SD Nuggets blog – I’ll discuss “Why (Pre-)Retirement Courses by Companies Often Fail to Help Retirees”.

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: Speaking to Retirees & Aspiring Entrepreneurs” in the subject line.

SD Nuggets Blog™

 New posts from last week that may interest you! *
Public Speaking[Monday]:
No. 94: Use Physical Fitness to Boost Your Productivity (4 Tips)

Entrepreneurship [Tuesday]:
Attract Success by Leaving Others Better Off Than When They Met You (2 Tips)
Self-Development [Wednesday]:
THE FOOL WHO THOUGHT HE WAS WISE (A 14 Year Old’s Useful Short Story On HIV-AIDS Prevention)

Career Development [Thursday]:
How to Use Your Job to Prepare for Retirement (6 Tips)

Parenting [Friday]:

Always Saying YES to Your Child’s Demands Can Hurt Her (2 Tips…and a True Story)
Writing/Blogging [Saturday]:
A Writer Who Does Not Read Is…NOT a Writer!
Want me to write for you? Click here…

Click now

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

Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist – Tayo Solagbade – works as a multipreneurial freelance writer providing  zero risk article and report writing support for website owners, while travelling slowly across West Africa as a Location Independent Entrepreneur.

He’s presently based in Benin Republic, where he’s preparing an English-French Language Guide, City Travel Guides, and a Commercial Rabbit Farming Guide.

In a previous life, before leaving to become self-employed, Tayo served for seven years as a high performing manager in Guinness Nigeria. He rose from Shift Brewer, to Training & Technical Development Manager, then later acted in senior management roles as Production Manager and Technical Manager.

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).

For a limited time, Tayo is available to speak to your group or organization for a moderate fee. Send e-mail to tayo at tksola dot com. You can also visit www.tksola.com to learn more.

Connect with him on Twitter @tksola.com and Facebook.

==================

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!

Share this issue!

Do you know anyone who might benefit from reading this newsletter issue? Why not hit the forward button now, and send it to him/her with a short recommendation. You can also use share it via your social media channels. Thanks in advance.

View Tayos video tutorials and demonstrations on Facebook Productivity Tips, Web Marketing, and for his Custom MS Excel-VB driven software applicationsConnect with Tayo on Facebook.comConnect with Tayo on Twitter.comConnect with Tayo on Google Plus

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.

Get mentored by Burt Dubin - coach of some of the world's highest paid public speakersFor over 25 years, Burt Dubin has provided a variety of speaker mentoring products and services to clients worldwide.
Download this flyer as PDF: http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com/uploads/burt_new_flyer.pdf

Burt Dubin now offers his speaker mentoring service to experts based in Africa. Click now to download this flyer as PDF

 

 

My DN Travel News, Writing/Blogging

A Writer Who Does Not Read Is…NOT a Writer!

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A writer who does not read is not one to be taken seriously. My experiences convince me s/he would be boring to “read” …or converse with. Just like most people who don’t read.

As a result, unless s/he is gifted with talent never before seen on this plane, s/he is highly unlikely to make noteworthy impact anywhere.

This article reviews experience based advice from accomplished writers, on the importance of reading.

For the writer seeking notable success, it is an activity that simply cannot be neglected!

Successful Writers Strongly Recommend Reading, for Writers with Ambition

1. Chimamanda Adichie:

I once read a newspaper interview granted by this award winning Nigerian author of Purple Hibiscus and other internationally celebrated works.

She narrated that an aspiring author once asked her for tips on how to become a better writer.

When she asked what books he had read, he replied that he did not have time to read.

That he was too busy writing to do any reading!

She of course pointed out how wrong that mindset was…

How do you expect to be a good writer, if you do not read good writers to LEARN HOW to write better!

2. Zadie Smith:

I never knew her name, until I read on brainpickings.org that she was asked by Guardian in 2010 as one of today’s most celebrated authors, to share her 10 rules on writing.

The first rule on her list challenges the aspiring writer, to “read a lot”, right from childhood. And she advises investing more time in doing that, “than anything else”.

3. Other Great Writers Recommend The Same Thing…Read!

Ernest Hemmingway, David Ogilvy, and many other accomplished writers have also pointed out the need to read in order to write better.

And it’s not reading YOUR own writing…

Instead, read those acknowledged to be competent. Those celebrated as being exceptional.

In other words, just like in any other field or vocation, study the masters.

Those are writers who have reached the peak of achievement in the art of writing.

Emulate their style – varying it where necessary, and adopt what you end up with, to develop what may become your unique style. Something recognizable as yours by your audience.

Two (2) Useful Benefits You Stand to Reap from Reading

1. Wisdom & Insights

Experience-based wisdom and insights from writers who felt they knew enough to write a book(s).

As writers, reading allows us access to insights that would probably elude us otherwise.

Using those insights, we are able to create new volumes of written works that build on what we have read, to deliver even greater insights.

Good writers that we read, often offer tried and tested ideas to get things done, sometimes with less trial and error.  What we learn from such writers, can also help us deal better – for example, psychologically speaking – with challenges we face in life…such as tough times.

Someone once wrote that “Reading strengthens the mind” (James R. Cook – Author of the New York Times Bestseller – The Startup Entrepreneur).

I agree with him.

2. New Knowledge & Education

Some people originate new knowledge and ideas for the rest of us to feed on. They help us take quantum leaps in our thinking, and about what we know.

In reality however, especially today, many who innovate and create, often use what they read (written by others) as “raw materials” for inspiration.

Today, most of us create new works (including our writing) by reflecting on what has been written (in books, on the web etc).

But we do this from new or different perspectives. What we learn in the process then equips us to proceed more intelligently in further exploring a subject or area of interest.

I believe the above is why Dr. Samuel Johnson once wrote as follows:

“A man will turn over half a library in order to make one book” – Samuel Johnson, as in “Boswell’s ‘Life of Johnson’”.

Final Words

Without a healthy reading habit, a writer will gradually find that writing becomes drudgery. As humans, our minds need fodder that can be harvested by reading, to fuel our efforts to write.

So, to write better, read more…and often.

And do as much of it as possible. Otherwise, writing success will elude you.

The following two quotes further underscore the point I’ve made in this article:

“Reading usually precedes writing and the impulse to write is almost always fired by reading. Reading, the love of reading, is what makes you dream of becoming a writer.” – Susan Sontag

“Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body” – Sir Richard Steele in “The Tatter”

 

My DN Travel News, Parenting

Always Saying YES to Your Child’s Demands Can Hurt Her (2 Tips…and a True Story)

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We love our children, and always want the best for them. That’s why many parents readily give their kids things they did not have when they were young.

It’s not bad. However, sometimes we tend to go overboard. Especially on the material side, as compared to giving them support for emotional and intellectual – indeed personal – development to succeed in life.

1. To Give Kids Things, Or to Teach Them How to Get Them?

Which is better?

If you frequently give a child whatever s/he asks for – especially money or purchased items- you deny her useful opportunities to learn what it takes to get such things for him/herself.

The question then arises. What happens when she has to enter the real world as an independent adult?

How much experience will s/he have had in getting things like that for – and by – herself?

Giving kids anything they ask is easier. But it offers less useful and certainly short lived benefits to the child, than challenging them to learn how to get those items by themselves.

That’s the truth I’ve discovered from experience.

2. Making Kids “Work” to Get “Stuff” They Want, Can Boost Their Chances of Succeeding In Life

The more s/he’s challenged to put in some effort to get whatever s/he says asks for, the more likely it is that s/he’ll be able to tackle similar life challenge successfully.

Whenever something comes to us without effort, we rarely feel a need to take pains to study and understand it in-depth.

Only things that prove difficult to get – or keep – typically get our attention and stir up our curiosity. We feel a need to investigate what can be done to unravel them.

If something that used to come into our possession easily in the past suddenly becomes harder to find, our attitude of taking it for granted also changes.

A good example is money.

Undisciplined kids typically spend money with the mental attitude that if it runs out, they can always get more. This is common with kids from rich homes. Except those trained by smart parents to have a healthy respect for money.

In contrast, kids from average homes, whose parents employ frugality and prudence to provide for them, often act differently.

They strive to hold on to as much money as possible, because they realize that getting more may be difficult, if they run out prematurely.

That attitude often helps them succeed later in life.

A True Story That Perfectly Illustrates The Point Being Made

I once worked with someone who benefited from not having as a child. Within 3 years in the same company I worked, he saved up money and purchased a piece of land in his home state.

By our fifth year, he told me the house he was building on that land was almost completed.

It never ceased to amaze me how he managed it, because at the time, he earned LESS than I did, being on a lower management grade. In addition, he was married with three kids, while I had, at the time, just had my first child.

And if you asked me back then, I felt I had used my money as prudently as I possibly could!

My friend apparently knew some things I did not. And he shared a few with me – most being linked to frugality and financial prudence.

For example, he and his wife NEVER purchased disposable nappies (which were a bit expensive) for their kids. They considered doing so wasteful, especially given their high rate of usage.

Instead they used cloth nappies, which they diligently washed and sterilized to prevent the babies from developing rashes.

When he told me this, I recalled a couple living close to us. They spent thousands buying large bundles of disposable nappies – delivered in pickup trucks – monthly – to their home.

The savings my friend achieved from using cheaper alternatives in spending money in many areas, enabled him save the money he needed to implement his projects.

That mental attitude came, according to him, from years of not having.

He literally sent himself to school because his parents were poor, and had many kids to cater for. This meant he had to work and attend school at the same time.

That discipline helped him get a good job. And he also applied it to achieve his goal of building his own house.

Reflecting on my friend’s achievements, I realized that I had not done anything close to what he had achieved. And it struck me, that that was partly because I’d had most of what he’d lacked given to me!

Final Words

A child who always gets anything he asks for, is unlikely to be willing to change his expectations as an adult.

This can severely limit his ability to live within his means.

In the event of a change in fortunes (e.g. a job loss), he could suffer emotional trauma as a result. And loved ones, including even his parents, would experience the negative consequences.

This is why, as parents, it will often be wiser to coach our kids to develop competence in managing their need for money and material possessions.

A good way to do this is to moderate how often you give your child anything s/he asks for.

Employ creative ways to make him/her earn access to such things instead.

I suggest reading Robert Kiyosaki’s books (e.g. Rich Kid, Smart Kid). They offer proven ideas parents can use.

Career Development, Entrepreneurship, My DN Travel News

How to Use Your Job to Prepare for Retirement (6 Tips)

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Every employee will eventually leave the company s/he works for e.g. via retirement. Sometimes companies can also “leave employees” e.g. via retrenchment. Either way, it pays to be ready.

In one of his books, Robert Kiyosaki, recommended proactively acquiring skills that would help one in self-employment, while still in paid employment.

It’s an unusual – but effective – strategy. Below, I suggest tips you can use, based on my personal experiences and observation:

How to Acquire Self-Employment Skills While Still In Paid Employment (6 Tips)

1. Ask yourself what area of business you wish to go into. Then find out what skills and knowledge you need to have to be effective in that line of business.

2. Study the job opportunities or positions available in your current employer. Identify those positions that can equip you with skills and know-how you need as an entrepreneur.

For instance, every entrepreneur needs marketing, sales, and book keeping knowledge to function effectively. Startups often have to multi-task a lot in those areas.

Therefore having your employer give you roles that enable you work in sales, sales management, marketing, finance and HR can be valuable.

This is not being dishonest. Your long term purpose will remain. But in the short term, you’ll still ensure you deliver justifiable work quality to your employer while doing such jobs.

3. If you can deal with the additional work load, MOONLIGHTING (running a business on the side, while employed) could be a viable approach. But do not shortchange your employer.

4. Sometimes your current employer may not have job positions that offer exposure you need. Depending on how determined you are, you may explore taking up such jobs elsewhere.

5. Accepting a pay cut to move to another company to take up the job you need to learn, may be appealing, if you feel convinced better options do not exist. It would be risky. But probably no riskier than hoping you won’t be asked to retire early…or worse get laid off!

6. Then again you may not need to switch employers at all. Consider talking to a friend(s)  competent in the areas that interest you. Maybe s/he is employed in such a job. Make out time to undergo private coaching with him/her – even if you have to pay. It will be money well spent.

Your Knowledge & Skills REMAIN Yours When You Leave – You Have Nothing to Lose!

More opportunities and incentives exist today, to pursue self-employment, than was the case a few years ago.

But experience in certain areas of business can be quite essential. Without it, things can get tougher, messier – and costlier – than they should be, for you.

I know this from working closely with CEOs of small to medium sized companies, in different industries, over the past 10 years.

Here’s the trend I noticed…a very distinct trend:

Those who had never worked (or who had spent little time) in paid employment, often struggled with daily running of their businesses. They frequently employed a lot of trial and error in managing employees, organizing sales teams, planning marketing etc.

Most noteworthy however, was their inability to ensure reliable and accurate business data recording and report generation – by themselves or their workers.

This caused trouble when financial reports for tax purposes had to be prepared, for instance. I sometimes had to facilitate the process of helping them setup systems to address the problems.

Integral to the best practice solutions I developed was often a custom spreadsheet application that performed multiple functions. Some adopted it, and made it work. Others never got it going.

In contrast, those with relevant work exposure, prior to starting their businesses, rarely had such issues. They readily brought their experiences to bear in setting up in-house. It was that simple.

Final Words

I know this is supposed to be a career development article. A first look at what I’ve written above may suggest it is not. That it’s more of a pre-retirement primer :-)

But it is still a career development focused article. It just offers an unusual perspective :-)

The truth is long term jobs are much harder to find, than they were in the past. Indeed, many employers no longer offer such jobs.

By implication therefore, most people now have to take up contract jobs, and temporary employment of all sorts.

In between jobs, many have learnt to be MORE entrepreneurial, to keep their income levels up while searching for new employment.

That’s why the strategy I’ve proposed above, is so relevant today. There’s no point being needlessly sentimental about it. As you move around, deliberately acquire NEW knowledge and/or skill. Over time, you’ll be better prepared to run your own business as the need arises.

And the need will arise…eventually…unless you win the lottery, and never have to work for money again… :-)

Career Development, Entrepreneurship, Farm Biz, General, My DN Travel News, Parenting, Public Speaking, Self-Development, Writing/Blogging

THE FOOL WHO THOUGHT HE WAS WISE (A 14 Year Old’s Useful Short Story On HIV-AIDS Prevention)

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This insightful piece was written by a 14 year old boy – Amaechi O.S – 6 months ago. It was typed by him in MS Word format. The story delivers a powerful message regarding a dangerous misconception some people – especially kids or “uneducated” adults – may have about “how to wear” condoms to prevent HIV infection.

I’ve edited it for spelling, comprehension and grammar but added NOTHING to it, and published it here (i.e.www.tinyurl.com/AmeachiOnHIV). A PDF version is available via a download link at the bottom of this post. Please share it freely – and do let Amaechi have your feedback – if any – in the comments section or via email (see below)

Oh yes, one more thing: Consider this the VERY first guest post I’m publishing on my blog…LOL! And who knows…Amaechi may end up becoming another teenage writing genius – like Bamidele Onibalusi!!

======STORY BEGINS====

There was once a family. They had lived through many generations, and were rich, strong, God fearing people.

But one day, one of their offspring brought disgrace to the family.

His name was Leinad.

Leinad thought he was clever, but often did things that showed he was not very smart.

On that fateful day, armed robbers broke into the house where he lived with his family, and demanded for two million naira.

But they were fair with him, and gave him two options.

They told him to choose between being injected with a syringe containing HIV infected blood, or giving them the two million naira.

“We will be back in five days time”, said the men of the underworld.

After five days they came back asking him if he had made his decision.

He said, “Yes. I want to give you the money”.

“Where is it”, said the men of the under world.

“It is in my room”, he replied.

“Then bring it out now!” they said.

Leinad went to his room, but instead of getting the money, he wore a condom on his manhood, then went back downstairs, and said:

“I want the syringe, I want the syringe man!”

So, they tried to inject him in the buttocks with the syringe.

“No, on my hand” he said.

They injected him and left saying “You did this to yourself!”

But Leinad laughed saying: “Those fools they don’t know that I am wearing a condom”.

Two years later he died of HIV.

======THE END====

Send feedback to: amaechiOS at tksola dot com OR add your comments below…

DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION…

This insightful piece was written by a 14 year old boy – Amaechi O.S - 6 months ago. It was typed by him in MS Word format. The story delivers a powerful message regarding a dangerous misconception some people – especially kids or “uneducated” adults - may have about “how to wear” condoms to prevent HIV infection.