Monthly Archives: February 2014

Career Development, Entrepreneurship, My DN Travel News, Parenting, Self-Development

Conversation between Entrepreneur Parent and His Kids’ Lesson Teacher

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How well do you know your child’s teacher(s)? By “know” I mean meeting and engaging him/her in conversation about what s/he thinks education for success in life is about, and how to go about giving it.

I share excerpts from a conversation (online chat) with my kids’ lesson teacher, which reveals why connecting with your child’s teacher(s) in the above manner may be necessary.

If you don’t do it now, you may have to contend, in future, with mis-educated adult kids, failing in life!

==Conversation Begins===

Lesson Teacher: “ Sir, the kids are fond of selling iron rods and I don’t know why.

Me: “What is the problem: Are they doing it during lesson periods?”

Lesson Teacher: “It’s distracting their focus at home and school.”

Me: “I don’t understand. Are they doing it when they are supposed to be in lesson with you…or when they are supposed to be attending classes in school? Or are they failing to do assignments given them during school or lesson periods. Let me know…”

Lesson Teacher: “Ok I will let you know.”

Me: “What did you observe that made you say what you did? I have a reason for asking…Did their mother complain to you?”

Lesson Teacher: “I realised they look for iron rods on street and I’m not comfortable with it.”

Me: “Well, from a SAFETY and SECURITY point of view (with all the kidnapping going on in Nigeria), I do see how it may not be OK. However, I can tell you that I have STRONGLY encouraged them to do what you see them doing, since they told me about it.

But I have always told them to avoid straying away from the neighbourhood, and to ALWAYS move together. This, I’m sure applies mainly to <12 year old’s name> and <10 year old’s name>.”

Lesson Teacher: “Ok sir…You got it exactly.”

Lesson Teacher: “I will call them tonight to find out how they’ve been going about it, and remind them of the need to be careful. Other than that, I am determined to help my kids  develop their entrepreneurial instincts and talents.

Indeed, before they clock 15 years, I aim to ensure EACH of them has a micro business s/he is running on the side. Seriously.  That’s what our schools are NOT teaching us. And that’s why so many of us have our “certificates”, but can only look for jobs.

We don’t know how to create products and services we can sell if NO jobs are available. I don’t want my kids to end up like that.

Think about the matter you and I are discussing regarding my seeking audience with Mr. <name of my client> about your business idea.

It’s because you’re trying to do something for yourself, since jobs you got are not giving the JOY and satisfaction you want.

I’m trying to kill 2 birds with one stone for my kids.

They learn school work, but they also learn to be entrepreneurial in their thinking and actions. And they learn to value and respect money – by EARNING it, instead of asking their parents all the time, to give them money. See?”

Lesson Teacher: “I understand…But they need proper orientation”

Me: “I don’t understand? Proper orientation…please explain?”

Lesson Teacher: “I mean they should know the value of education alongside the entrepreneur upgrading.”

Me: “I’m glad you expressed this opinion. It’s now obvious you have yet to understand certain IMPORTANT things my friend.

Education must NEVER be considered separate from ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING. The two go together.

My advice to you is this: Google “Sir Ken Robinson” and watch one or more of his videos (e.g. Schools Kill Creativity). There are articles I have written, and others (like Seth Godin, Robert Kiyosaki etc), which explain why what we learn in our schools today is mostly useless to us in life.

Ask yourself: Why are you talking to me about starting a business, and having such a hard time doing so? I would have thought the EDUCATION you got in school would have prepared you for that???

But apparently it did not!

Does that not tell you something is wrong with the education we get? What is education…should it not prepare one to succeed in the real world?

You have a lot to learn. And the first step will be to understand that you have been wrongly oriented about what education really means.

Here’s my advice. Start reading Robert Kiyosaki’s works online. I owned a copy of his book:

http://www.amazon.com/Want-Rich-Happy-Dont-School/dp/0944031595

“If You Want to Be Rich & Happy Don’t Go to School: Ensuring Lifetime Security for Yourself and Your Children.”

It was his first best seller if I recall correctly.

That man is a multi-millionaire. He was an OLODO*in school, while his father was a top educationist in USA!

[NB*: “Olodo” = “Yoruba” word for “dismal performer”]

Robert kept embarrassing the father by doing poorly in school. But today he’s super rich. His father was (often) broke, as a teacher!”

Lesson Teacher: “I understand everything and will Google what you said now.”

Me: This website (linked below) offers a review of Robert Kiyosaki’s book that I just mentioned above. Since you’re unlikely to be able to get the book to read without buying it, I suggest you read the review at http://charlesholmes.net/2013/05/if-you-want-to-be-rich-and-happy-dont-go-to-school-by-robert-kiyosaki/

I am telling you all this because I have SUFFERED greatly for being too focussed on school success and ending up unprepared to succeed in the real world, outside a salary job.

There are fewer and fewer jobs out there today, for people finishing from school. Most people will have to start a small business of their own, no matter how well they perform in school.

And it is those who already know how to find what people will pay them GOOD MONEY for, that will succeed the best.

That’s what my kids are learning.

I challenged them to find a way to make money for themselves. One day they told me they discovered Mallams would pay them for iron**  they are able to find.

[NB**:  “Iron” here refers to scrap made of iron e.g damaged devices, mechanical parts from cars, and other machines etc]

I encouraged them to continue.

On a certain occasion, I was around when a Mallam came to buy, and I joined them in negotiating a better selling price.

My advice to you: read, and think about what I’ve said.

It’s the key to your success in the new venture you say you wish to start. I have to go offline now on my laptop. Will be on my Blackberry, if you still wish to continue.

(Few minutes later, his next message arrives via my Blackberry app interface)

 Lesson Teacher: “I really need you by my side to continue the chat and learn more from you. I am appreciating all (the) fact(s) you are telling me.”

Me: Click the links to the websites I posted above, and READ the information there. It is the key to your mental emancipation or freedom. You need that to truly succeed outside paid employment.

==Conversation Ends===

Final Words: Your Kid’s Teacher May Need YOUR Help…to Teach YOUR Child Better!

NB: I’m assuming here that YOU do not yourself need re-orientation. Otherwise, start with yourself!

This young man, in my estimation, is in his mid to late 30s.

Earlier in January, he came to me saying he was not happy with his employment in the tutoring agency handling my kids’ home coaching.

According to him, the pay was poor, despite the heavy workload.

So he wanted to know how he could pursue his dream of starting his own business.

But he was not sure what he could do to make money.

He just knew he did not want to continue working for an employer, because he felt he would earn better if self-employed.

I told him that since he’s not married and has no dependants, then he’s perfectly positioned to achieve his goal.

That’s a much better way to start. I had the opposite experience – VERY VERY TOUGH!

I explained that he just needs to identify the right business to start, and work hard.

With the  exchange we’ve now had above, I’m hopeful the first obstacle to his succeeding with his plans has been (or is in the process of being) removed.

By this I refer to the “employee” mentality or orientation, that conventional schools instil in people.

It makes them think no other way exists for succeeding in life, except to “go to school, study hard, get good grades, and get a good job”.

The realities in today’s world make it obvious jobs are no longer there. Even not-so-good ones!

And THAT is the dilemma that’s facing many young people today.

When they finish school, and discover this truth, they are left confused about what to do next.

If you fail to guide your kids to develop their entrepreneurial instincts AHEAD of time, you may end up doing extra parenting for them when they should already be independent of you.

And it may NOT be a pleasant experience.

I wish you well as you prepare your children with the right educational experiences.

Experiences which equip them with the ability to succeed, regardless of whether they are in paid employment, or out of it.

That – in my considered opinion – is what makes successful parenting.

And you may need to check and ensure your kid’s teacher(s) are on the same wavelength with you, if you want to succeed!

Career Development, Entrepreneurship, Farm Biz, My DN Travel News

8 Practical Considerations You Need to Start a Fish Farm (One Page Practical Mind Map, for Aspiring Fish Farmers and Teachers of Fish Farming!)

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Starting business part-time, before leaving paid employment is best (though it did NOT work for me). However, this safer approach has its own challenges. Your “employee duties” can deny you time to properly investigate the prospects of a venture you’re considering.

Sometimes, even if you can make out time, you may lack the training/skill and exposure to competently assess the feasibility of the venture.

Or even to decide how to get started. As a result you’re forced to depend heavily (or exclusively) on a consultant – for a professional fee.

Now, as long as the expert is not lazy, incompetent or even dishonest, depending on a consultant should yield useful returns.

However, in these days of elaborate get-rich-quick schemes, phoney-experts offering attractively packaged farm business training and start-up packages, promising heaven and earth, abound out here.

Many aspiring farm business owners have been duped, with some left with nothing to show!

Recent enquiries from my website have come from persons in paid employment looking to start smallholder farm businesses on the side.

A number of my clients actually work 9 to 5 jobs, and run their small (mainly livestock) farm businesses in their free time.

This is why I offer what I call “Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas” for farm business enthusiasts.

As an extension professional, my priority is to provide information, education and advice, to give you a better chance of getting the results you want.

Since I cannot possibly offer hands-on expertise in every area of farm business, I make it a duty to actively explore alliances, and collaborations with farm industry stakeholders wherever possible.

From policy makers and extension professionals, to farm owners and feed manufacturers – I continue to build the relationships.

The idea is to have a network of authentic and competent experts to tap into, on behalf of those I serve.

That way, if/when anyone needs help that I am unable to sufficiently address, I can usually refer him/her to relevant others.

Ultimately, the purpose is to facilitate the establishment and long term profitable operation of as many farm businesses as possible – by playing the role of a catalyst.

Since January 2006, when I launched my Farm Business Best Practice Support Service Website, I’ve made slow but steady progress. And recognition for my work is growing.

My One Page Mind Map on Practical Considerations for Starting a Fish Farm

It is with regard to the above defined purpose that I created (back in 2008) the one page mind map below.

Click here to download and study, the one page mind map for Fish Farmers and Teachers of Fish Farming

 

It provides bullet-point descriptions of key issues you need to consider UPFRONT in setting up your fish pond, to ensure you get it right as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.

I believe it can give you a practical idea of what to look out for, and even what to ask your consultant (!), as the project takes off.

Knowing them upfront gives you a better chance of making needed changes/actions to cater for them, so they do not later cause problems that affect the farm negatively.

Remember that effective farm planning is crucial to long-term success of the enterprise.

The Importance of Adopting Best Practices for Continuous Improvement in Your Farm Business

I created this Mind-Map as an educational commercial about an aspect of the Best Operating Process Management System (BOPMS™), which  I can help you setup for your farm business.

In the BOPMS™, major emphasis is placed on the need to streamline operations (via Best Practice Continuous Improvement Initiatives). This will allows easy integration of PC automation to reduce time, effort and resources needed to make the farm business becomes MORE profitable, for the long term.

Click here to watch a Mind Map based video explanation of the components of a BOPMS™.

Final Words: A Practical Tool for Fish Farmers and Teachers of Fish Farming!

It goes without saying different individuals will have different needs.

For instance, you may may have chosen to build concrete ponds – and not earthen ones featured in the mind map.

Indeed, today’s technology even allows use of mobile tanks for high output catfish farming…

Such differences notwithstanding, this mind map still offers potential benefits, as it highlights key aspects you may wish to consider in starting up your fish farming enterprise.

That’s why I believe it will not only prove handy for farm owners, but also be a valuable instrument for use by persons who teach in this area!

In the latter case, all that is required is a little creative thinking, to apply it in teaching situations (For instance, copies can be handed out and then the contents used as a basis for discussion etc).

Click here to download and study, the one page mind map for Fish Farmers and Teachers of Fish Farming.

PS: You Can Get the MS Excel Source File, and Customize for Your Use…

If you would live to make modifications to the mind map, to suit the situation you are in, shoot me an email via tayo at tksola dot com, to find out how you can get a copy of the MS Excel source file I used.

Entrepreneurship, Farm Biz, My DN Travel News

Once You Start Your Farm Business, You Must Think & Act Like An Entrepreneur To Succeed!

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“I wanted to be an editor or a journalist, I wasn’t really interested in being an entrepreneur, but I soon found I had to become an entrepreneur in order to keep my magazine going” – Richard Branson.

In this article I explain why anyone starting a farm business needs to realize that s/he must become an entrepreneur in order to succeed. For many people this will require changes in spending habits, use of personal time, friendships kept – and most importantly thinking habits!

My decision to write this article came as a result of observations I made in my interactions with various individuals and groups farm business owners.

Most rarely realized they needed to adopt a different mind set, from that with which they lived their “normal” routine lives prior to starting their farm businesses.

Many people fail to understand that once you start any business venture, you need to adopt what is called an “entrepreneurial mind set”.

Doing so will increase your chances of successfully building that business to achieve sustainable long term profitability.

So what exactly is the entrepreneurial mind set I refer to ?

Maybe I should start with my personal definition of who an entrepreneur is.

“A strong-willed, independent minded person who – despite starting with little or nothing – ultimately achieves social recognition, and financial success, for providing a new – or better – product/service or
way of doing things, that makes a positive difference in people’s lives.”

To paraphrase Fran Tarkenton, a true entrepreneur will often have started with “little more than an idea”, as a small business person.

That’s why it is often said that they create something new out of nothing. In other words, real entrepreneurs take risks that threaten their very survival, but overcome all odds via persistence, to do what most consider impossible.

I will now outline specific behavioural traits and thinking habits, that characterize most successful entrepreneurs.

To
increase your chances of succeeding in your farm business, you will need to develop (and adopt) the traits, (and habits) described below:

1. Become A Self-Development/Best Practice Continuous Improvement Student – Always Wanting to Do Better

True entrepreneurs never stop trying to get better. That’s why they tend to “drive” those that work for(or with) them to do more and get better day in, day out.

In your farm business you will – for instance – want to measure last month’s performance and use that to set targets for the new month – which you will then challenge yourself and/or your team to work hard to achieve.

To get more, you will equip yourself by seeking out those you believe know more or who are doing better, and learning from them. You will also buy books and acquire any other resources/tools that you are convinced will help you improve.

2. Explore Ways To Spend Less MONEY – & Time & Effort – To Make MORE Money(PLUS Rarely
Accept That Anything Is “Impossible”)

It might take time, or a change(s) in your adopted strategy before you can achieve your objective of doing more with less. But quite often, if you apply yourself intelligently and persist, you will achieve the goals you aim for.

For example, in your farm business, an important ingredient or input could suddenly become too expensive for you to use in your daily production without profit margin losses.

Your efforts to adapt by experimenting with potential substitutes could make your workers, associates/partners and fellow farmers call you “unrealistic”.

If you work at it however, you just might achieve a breakthrough that would help not just you,
but the entire industry.

Remember that when everybody does the same thing in the same way, they are often likely to end up with the same results – repeatedly.

In this regard, I mention for instance the glaring failure of farm business owners out here to explore Daphnia culturing and earthworm farming as cheaper, natural and high protein alternative food sources for intensive production of fingerlings and adult catfish.

(I share my experiences in this area in a report I will be writing soon: See title preview here).

3. Learn From Your Mistakes & Avoid Repeating Them

Quite often, a person’s ability to succeed in life depends on how well s/he uses the lessons learnt from past mistakes to guide future actions. In your farm business, paying careful attention to forecasting and proactive farm planning by leveraging the knowledge acquired from your past experiences, is likely to make your business run more smoothly.

So many risks and uncertainties plague the business environment out here. Your ability to speculate more accurately plus anticipate plan to avert potential problems will help keep you in business, when many others are going under.

For instance, you might want to stay alert to sudden government policy changes (e.g. petrol price reviews – which have never been downward!), market prices for your farm inputs/outputs, continuing availability of reliable outlets for your finished products and so on.

Doing so will ensure you stay in a position to quickly take decisions to mitigate what could be potentially negative impact of such unexpected developments.

4. ALWAYS Analyse Your Successes & Failures In Order To Become Better Able To Succeed

When things go right, many people simply rejoice in the moment and fail to take time to investigate why they got it right. That’s why when things go wrong, they often do not know where to look, what to look for and most importantly what to do!

In your farm business, a sound understanding of what works and what does not (and when they work or do not work) will be crucial to your long term success.

By forming the habit of always documenting what you did (or did not do) to get specific results you achieve in your farm business, you will gradually build what is called a “Knowledge Base“(KB).

In future, you will be able to come up with effective problem solving remedies using the KB. It will also guide you in ensuring consistent output is achieved on your farm for longer periods of time.

To make the above possible however, you must entrench a strong record keeping culture amongst your operatives and in your business as a whole. Without this, you ability to analyse your successes and failures would be severely hampered.

5. Stay In Firm Control Of Your Business Spending

You are in business to make money profitably (I hope!). To do that, you have to control your spending, restricting it as much as possible to activities that you consider necessary and inevitable.

More importantly, doing your friends or relatives favors using funds meant for your farm business could set you up for a cash flow crunch when you least expect it.

As much as possible, let the farm business take care of itself – making sure also to leave any extras that accrue to serve as a backup for “rainy day(s)”.

6. Manage Your Friendships/Use Your Personal Time In A Way That Helps Your Farm Business Prosper

You need to plan to spend quality time checking how your farm business is doing in all areas. This could be daily or weekly – I would suggest not at intervals longer than that. You will need to stay in close touch with happenings on the farm so that you can take timely decisions to achieve optimal results.

Friends/relatives who keep you from doing this will rob you of the returns you hope to make from the business. You will need to make them understand that there are certain periods you have set aside for this purpose.

Better still (and if you think it appropriate), you could ask them to join you when you want to do it. That way you still get to do it – and spend time with them.

Just be sure to maintain the required focus so you don’t miss important signs or trends.

What is imperative is that you ensure you do NOT neglect to spend quality time reviewing your farm’s performance and thinking up ways to make it do better.

Final Words: Your Thinking Habits Are MOST Important

The above outlined habits are – in my opinion – some of the most essential for a farm business owner to adopt.

You will observe that most of them relate mainly to how you think.

That’s really what ultimately makes the difference between an entrepreneur, and someone who just runs a business.

Click here to read other articles that can help you.

This is a revised/updated version of an article that was first published on 1st June 2007, on this static html page of Tayo Solagbade’s Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website.

Farm Biz, My DN Travel News

3 Forms In Which Cassava Can Be Profitably Fed to Livestock (and 1 Danger to Guard Against)

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Cassava can be fed to virtually any kind of livestock. Research reports indicate it can prove especially economical in feeding pigs and poultry – IF properly balanced with proteins and vitamins, which it is deficient in. This article discusses 3 forms in which Cassava can be profitably fed to livestock.

Today, rising feeding costs make it imperative that smallholder farmers explore practical ways to extract benefits from every feed ingredient. Cassava occurs in various forms, and offers potentially useful benefits to those willing to put it to use.

I argue that profit focussed smallholder farmers looking to maximise output, while reducing costs, can intelligently explore use of Cassava in its various forms.

Below, I discuss a few examples…and end by offering suggestions you can use.

1. Cassava Peels:

Pigs love Cassava peels. Many homestead farmers make ready use of cassava peels to feed their small stock.

Cattle, sheep and goats also respond well to feeing with cassava roots (cooked or raw). But not as well as pigs.

A client who runs an integrated farm regularly feeds his pigs with uncooked cassava peels, and they relish it. This has been the major feed, in addition to Moringa leaves and branches, with which the pigs are fed. And they’ve shown consistent improvement in growth and reproductive rates.

Sadly, due to absence of daily production records relating quantity/type of feed, with weight increases, and litter sizes etc, it’s not easy to accurately establish the impact of this approach.

2. Gari (Cassava Flour):

Research studies confirm that Gari (Cassava flour) – which is made from peeled Cassava roots – is a valuable, yet cheap source of carbohydrates for man and livestock. This makes it a useful energy source for livestock ration formulation.

It would however appear that some farmers are thinking of smarter ways to use it…

For instance, last year, I spoke on phone (while conducting a questionnaire survey for my international agribusiness research paper) with an enterprising farm owner, who is making interesting use of Gari on his fish farm.

He told me he successfully formulates rations for his Catfish using 40% Gari.

And he asserts that performance has never been better. According to him, the farm turns out about 25,000 catfish fingerlings and 5,000 table sized adults monthly!

The result he reported was surprisingly similar to one that I’d read about….

A study by V.A. Oyenuga found that up to 40% inclusion of raw cassava, in the diet of young pigs produces better results, than when conventional grains based carbohydrate sources are used.

Above that threshold however, negative returns set in.

It is worthy of note that this farmer emphasized to me, that he diligently conducts laboratory analyses of feed ingredients bi-monthly. This enables him get the nutrients balancing right during formulation.

When one considers that Gari has much lower protein, oils, and crude fibre contents, taking such an important precaution cannot be over emphasized.

NB: I feel a need to note here that this farmer’s attitude of paying close attention to details, and exploring use of alternative low cost ingredients on a micro scale, is what I’m advocating more smallholder farmers adopt!

3. Cassava Based Factory Wastes:

Cassava based factories generate waste (e.g. from starch production), and may welcome farmers willing to pick up such waste at low to zero cost, for feeding their livestock.

As is obvious from the earlier mentioned examples, Cassava can be used in different forms for livestock.

However, considering the economic importance of the Cassava roots to man, for food, smallholder farmers may find it most worthwhile to focus on maximizing their use of Cassava waste products e.g.  peels and leaves…

[NB: In contrast to the Gari – which is produced from the root – studies have shown that Cassava leaves are quite rich in oil, ash, ascorbic acid and proteins – with moderate carbohydrate content.  This has led to suggestions that the leaves may be potentially useful as “protein supplement” for ruminants.]

Cassava waste can be used for direct feeding, or in compounded rations.

However, for definite best practice benefits to be derived, I believe farmers who choose to use it, will need to adopt proper data recording routines.

This will enable them – over time – measure and analyze the performance of the animals in relation to what they are fed.

What they learn can guide them in making needed modifications etc.

A Potential Danger to Watch Out For

The attraction of Cassava is based on the fact that it is a cheap carbohydrate source.

However, all who plan to use it must always keep in mind the fact that it contains anti-nutritional factors and toxins that can harm livestock if not properly handled.

For instance, its juice contains a cynanogenetic glycoside, called Linamarin which when acted upon by an enzyme called Linase, breaks down into – poisonous – Hydrocyanic acid (i.e. HCN – a cyanide).

This HCN, when consumed, can result in death of livestock (and even humans).

The two-stage fermentation process to which Cassava is subjected in making Gari eliminates this toxic HCN acid.

That’s why improperly processed Gari may pose dangers to both man and livestock.

So, when Gari is to be used in formulating rations for Catfish (as one farm owner mentioned above does), it would always be wise to check and ensure it is of the right quality.

Final Words

Research studies indicate Cassava peels contain a higher content of HCN acid than the roots(from which Gari is made).

Interestingly, here in Africa, homestead pigs, goats, sheet are regularly fed cassava peels with no  apparent side effects.

Whether or not this affects the animals negatively  in any specific way, is however hard to say.

Only a proper study of the performance of production focussed stocks will yield conclusive findings.

Once again, it is my considered opinion, that farmers are probably best placed to investigate this on their farms. Rather than wait for researchers whose priorities may lie elsewhere.

Further Reading

1. Nigeria’s Foods and Feeding Stuffs: Their Chemisty and Nutritive Value – by Oyenuga V.A

2. Tayo Solagbade’s Practical Livestock Feed Formulation Handbook

3. Toxic substances and antinutritional factors (FAO)

4. An overview of traditional processing and utilization of cassava in Africa (FAO)

General, My DN Travel News, My Ideas for Making Nigeria Better, Public Speaking

No. 130: Speak For a Worthy Cause!

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As an expert in your chosen field there’s no doubt your aim is to prosper. Focussing on your “business” and avoiding distractions is therefore essential.

However, in this issue I explain why speaking for a cause you believe in can also help you progress, even as it can contribute to dramatic improvement in the lives of others around you!

SCROLL DOWN TO READ FULL ISSUE

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

Publication: Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Newsletter

Date: Monday 24th February 2014

No:130

Title: Speak For a Worthy Cause!

Author & Publisher: Tayo K. Solagbade [Tel: +234-803-302-1263 (in Nigeria) or +229-66-122-136 (in Benin Republic) ]

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

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

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

Have You Downloaded Your Gifts?

Ten Ways Self-Development Bible

As a subscriber to my mailing list, you get to access over 10 potentially useful books and reports.

Click here to view the download page:

Login using the username and password sent to you during signup.

Can’t find it? No problem. E-mail me via tayo at tksola dot com and I’ll send you another. Not yet a subscriber? Click here to signup.

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NB: This newsletter is published every Monday. 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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No. 130: Speak For a Worthy Cause!

As an expert in your chosen field there’s no doubt your aim is to prosper. Focussing on your “business” and avoiding distractions is therefore essential.

However, in this issue I explain why speaking for a cause you believe in can also help you progress, even as it can contribute to dramatic improvement in the lives of others around you!

So, Tayo, Where’s This All Coming From?

Well, since last December, when I went home to spend the holidays with my family, I’ve been thinking a lot about my country, Nigeria.

Sadly, nothing had changed since 1st April 2013, when I left. If anything the situation was worse!

All through my 3 week stay with my wife and kids, we kept buying fuel to power the generator so we could have electricity.

I felt that during such a festive period, especially with me being around, it would be unfair for the kids to not be able to at least watch movies, and charge the MP3 players I bought them etc (It was Christmas for heaven’s sake!).

My sentiments derived from what I saw back in my Cotonou neighbourhood, where families live simple, stress-free lives (regular power supply, drinkable water, and DIRT-CHEAP food etc).

And they are far from being rich.

Many do not own cars. Most use motor bikes. But, they are COMFORTABLE, and contented. Very rarely do you hear them raise their voices to their kids, or themselves.

They don’t experience enough stress to warrant that!

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. Simply put, without being rich, they live well.

In contrast, EVERY single day I spent in Nigeria really tested my patience!

I had to do my writing against the combined noises from at least 8 generators of different sizes from neighbours in my compound and next door, along with mine.

And this noise, with attendant fumes, often remained through the night – because the heat made many people leave their generators on, so they could use the fans to keep the kids cool!

Yet, many of these people own their own cars.

Compared to my neighbours in Benin Republic, you would imagine they would be living better.

The truth is they are not!

People hurling insults at, and speaking impatiently to one another, is a very common sight in my country. People are under so much pressure from a variety of sources…

There’s only so much stress the human mind can take!

Yes. This is the truth. Life is needlessly harsh in my country.

Costs of everything – especially food – keep rising because lack of power makes most people resort to SPENDING scarce money to generate their own electricity.

They then pass such extra expenses to the products and services they sell.

And it’s a vicious cycle – because every Nigerian is affected…even the rich.

Before I returned to Nigeria, after my father’s 80th birthday celebration, I watched him put on a rechargeable battery powered fan that was given to him as a gift.

He left it on and fell asleep under the cool breeze for over 4 hours!

In his duplex, my father has a powerful inverter that can supply electricity to the house for 3 days, without being recharged.

The problem is sometimes the power company does NOT supply power for over a day (sometimes many days!). And when they do supply power, they cut it off in a few hours.

So he has to buy fuel and run his generator to charge his inverter i.e. he spends DOUBLE just to have power!

[NB: To make things worse, despite not supplying power, Nigeria’s power company sends out bills often totalling crazy figures, to users monthly. Anyone who does not pay gets cut off the grid. I believe Nigeria is the only country where people are forced to pay for power NOT provided. And most PAY too. Amazing!]

Think about it. My father is 80 years old. And he lives with my mother who is in her late 60s.

Both live alone. Yet they have to worry about buying fuel worth over N1, 000 every other day, and also going through the stress of starting and stopping the generator etc.

In Cotonou, I see aging people like them, who are retired, living without stress every day!

Sadly, Nigeria’s Elite Remain Divided In Their Approach to Demanding Change

Sadly, Nigeria’s Elite Remain Divided In Their Approach to Demanding Change

Which brings me to the point I wish to make. My country is blessed with many highly intelligent and (presumably?) well educated people in their 30s, 40s and above.

Many call in on TV and Radio programmes to speak intelligently on why Nigeria continues to make citizens suffer the above indignities.

And they should know – since everyone of them has to deal with those challenges daily. The only difference is that some people have greater means (money, resources etc) than others.

So we feel the pains to different extents. But we all feel it.

The elites are often the best placed to influence government. But most feel since they can afford to generate their own power, they won’t “break a leg” over it.

Yet, the poor, who suffer the most, do not have the means to make themselves heard!

Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that some elites are not trying to do something.

It’s just that many seem to have individual ulterior and selfish motives driving their actions. And this is being exploited by the government they challenge to weaken their ranks.

Final Words: The Need to Speak Up for a Worthy Cause

I personally feel the benefit of access I’ve had to places where ordinary people live better, in other countries, makes it imperative that I speak out, on what can be done.

This is not an attempt to preach at anyone. One need not get abusive either. But the truth must be told.

Below is a screenshot of an opinion I recently posted on Facebook, in which I spoke my mind about the RIGHT way to evaluate whether or NOT a country is really doing well.

Screenshot of a comment I recently posted on Facebook, in which I spoke my mind about the RIGHT way to evaluate whether or NOT, a country is really doing well.

I did not have to say the above.

But my conscience would not let me rest. And my intuition drove me to “speak up”…

When I was typing those words, I felt like I was in trance. I just kept typing on my Blackberry till the end. Then after I posted it, I felt so drained. That was when I knew I’d done the right thing!

As an expert, you can put your critical thinking skills to use for the benefit, not just of yourself, but also of society in general.

Honest others will recognize your selfless actions for what they are.

Over time, this can boost your reputation, and open doors of opportunities you never even imagined!

However, if you’re doing well, and things are going wrong , with people around you being oppressed, abused, or denied their rights and you say/do nothing, your INACTION will say a lot about who you are.

And one day, you WILL pay the price for your being that way!

Have a great week :-))

The Need to Speak Up for a Worthy Cause

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Tayo K. Solagbade*

Self-Development/Performance Improvement Specialist

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

Mobile: +234-803-302-1263 (in Nigeria) or +229-66-122-136 (in Benin Republic)

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 Multipreneur.

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.

He 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).

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.

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

View Tayo Solagbade's video tutorials and demonstrations on Facebook Productivity Tips, Web Marketing, and for his Custom MS Excel-VB driven software applicationsJoin the SD Nuggets community on Facebook.comConnect with Tayo on Twitter.comConnect with Tayo on Google Plus

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Smart Exercising Will Keep You Fit, Healthy and Alive - Click to read

Click to read article titled: 'Smart Exercising Will Keep You Fit, Healthy and Alive'...and ONE other. 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 Multipreneur. 

 

Using MS Excel® Solver for Least Cost Feed Formulation Can Be Easy - But Also Dangerous (How to Protect Yourself) - Click to downloadDownload above PDF

NEW PDF - 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Feed FormulationDownload above PDF

THEY WROTE…

“(Tayo Solagbade) is amazing and I think he is going to produce some impressive results online…” – click here to read full comment by Patrick Meninga (US based 6 figure income blogger who gained fame for building a $2,000 per month adsense website and selling it for $200,000).

—————————–

“Tayo, I honestly believe you are one of those who will succeed at anything he does. Your commitment and effort has been outstanding….Thanks for all your hard work since I’ve been here – you will be sorely missed. I don’t need to wish you good luck, you have the ability to make your own luck. – Andy”(R. Jones)*

*Operations Manager, Guinness Nigeria Plc Benin Brewery, December 2001 (Handwritten comments in farewell/xmas cards sent to Tayo Solagbade following his resignation to start his own business).

———————–
Click here to contact Tayo… 

SD Nuggets Blog™

 New posts from last week that may interest you! *
Public Speaking[Monday]:
No. 129: Speak (& Act) From Your Heart, or You’ll Sabotage Yourself

Entrepreneurship[Tuesday]:
Feed Formulation Software Will Not Guarantee Livestock Farming Success (Here’s Why…)
Self-Development [Wednesday]:

Are ALL Nigerians Impulsive Wrong Doers?

To Succeed, Stop Waiting For a Perfect Moment or Idea

Career Development [Thursday]:
A Strategy to Overcome Adversity
Parenting [Friday]:
Why You Need to Nurture the Genius In Your Child

Writing/Blogging[Saturday]:

Automate Your Farm Record Keeping and Accounts to Succeed Profitably
Want me to write for you? Click here…

 

Entrepreneurship, Farm Biz, My DN Travel News

Automate Your Farm Record Keeping and Accounts to Succeed Profitably

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In this article, I explain the importance of establishing and maintaining reliable farm records keeping/accounting systems as it is a crucial requirement for successful planning & profitable management of your farm business.

A popular saying goes thus: “If you do not record it you cannot measure it. And if you do not measure it, you cannot control it.”

Which is the same thing as saying you cannot plan for it. In essence, I am saying that keeping detailed and accurate farm records and accounts is a crucial requirement for effective and profitable farm planning.

Your Farm NEEDS Diligently Kept Records/Accounts

One thing lacking in most agricultural entreprises out here is detailed and accurate records of activities that take place as operations are carried out.

For peasant farmers who are usually illiterate, it can possibly be considered pardonable if they can’t say what inputs (herbicide types, quantities etc) they used the past year.

But for the growing population of literate farmers, there cannot be any excuse.

Then again literate or otherwise, every farm owner who wishes to enjoy reasonably predictable profits MUST as a matter of priority keep and analyse detailed farm records.

Without detailed and accurate records, farm business planning and management effectively becomes a game of guestimations!

And we all know that unguided assumptions which rarely produce desired results with consistency.

To effectively manage a farm, the farmer needs to have ready access to extensive information concerning past costs and returns, input use, production levels, existing financial situation, including the physical conditions of the farm. S/he also has to know about likely future costs, future returns of production etc. This information can be acquired from farm records and accounts, as well as from all farm sources like research/experimental stations, demonstration plots, universities etc.

In essence, the farmer needs to have records of what has happened before, is happening now and what is likely to happen in future.

What Exactly Can Farmers Do With Farm Records/Accounts?

The following are specific BENEFICIAL uses farmers will readily find for diligently kept farm records and accounts:

1. Farm Planning & Budgetting:

The most realistic way to plan farm production and prepare accompanying budgets is to refer to estimates based on historical data available from past periods of operation. If it’s a new farm, then other sources will be referred to.

2. Farm Performance Evaluation:

Without accurate physical and corresponding accounting records, it will be practically impossible to accurately establish how well a farm entreprise has performed over a defined period.

With accurate physical records and corresponding records, evaluation of the farm performance is easy, simple and a matter of routine, PLUS one is sure of progress of the farm business over a time period.

Specifically, accurate records and accounts show how, within a period of time, labour costs or feed costs for example have either been increasing or decreasing, and how revenue from various entreprises has been increasing or decreasing either because of price changes or changes in physical production.

3. Daily Farm Decision Making:

Farm records and accounts are essential for day to day decision making especially because they show the strong and weak points in management.

A farm entreprise may not be doing well because of a particular factor of production, but such a factor may be difficult to identify/isolate in the abscence of good records and accounts.

For instance in pig farming, it is reported that good farm performance depends on large and frequent litters, economical use of feed, mortality rate, marketing the pigs at the right weight etc.

Without accurate records and accounts therefore, it would be dificult to identify which of these factors is contributing to low profits for instance. The records will show which areas need improving upon.

4. Securing Credit/Loan Support:

There is probably no bank which will not require a farm business to produce adequate physical records with the corresponding accounting records and the overall farm plan, before it can give credit/loan support.

Incidentally, this requirement helps both parties: the bank uses it to know the current state of the farm as well as offers advice. The farmer on the other hand will work to achieve his/her goals in order to fulfill his/her obligation to pay back the extended credit.

Banks need to be convinced that money given out will be used for what is being asked for, and that can only be done by presenting records of what one has already been doing.

5. Taxation & Insurance Purposes:

To avoid over or underpaying taxes, good records and accounts are essential.

Insurance on relevant farm assets can only be done properly if records are available and accurate.

Summary

a. By keeping farm records and accounts, you, the farmer will be equipped to periodically evaluate your overall farm performance using three (3) simple but powerful ratios which I describe in full detail in my customisable on-demand talks on Best Practice Farm Performance Measurement and Improvement (Call +229-66-122-136 or +234-803-302-1263…or email tayo at tksola dot com, for details).

b. You will know where to place emphasis (using the 80:20 Pareto principle), and will be able see dangerous trends earlier and take needed evasive action.

c. Diligently kept farm records and accounts will help you determine where and/or when you are under (or over) estimating your farm costs (or sales/gains).

d. Good farm records and accounts help reliably measure the impact of unexpected market changes on the farm business’ bottom line e.g. policy and price changes announced by government.

In relation to the above last part, the use of custom software automation for records keeping would enable you punch in the new input prices and quickly see how badly it affects your planned/projected production and/or sales margins – as well as other key performance indicators.

Final Words: Do you own – or plan to own – a farm business?

Consider automating your farm records keeping and accounting using custom Excel-VB driven workbook applications (like those that I build for my clients).

You will be able to cost-effectively and efficiently realise all the benefits outlined above in the body of this article.

Call me on +229-66-122-136 or +234-803-302-1263 (or email tayo at tksola dot com).

Visit http://www.excelheaven.tayosolagbade.com to learn more about my custom Excel-VB driven software development service.

This article is an educational commercial about an aspect of the Best Operating Process Management System (BOPMS™) that SDAc’s CB Solutions can help you setup for your farm business.

In the BOPMS™, major emphasis is placed on the need to streamline operations(via best practice initiatives) in a manner that allows easy integration of PC automation to reduce time, effort and resources needed PLUS increase output and accuracy in the entire farming process, so that the business becomes MORE profitable. Click
here to learn more.

NB: This article was first published online on 7th Feb 2008, on this static html page of Tayo Solagbade’s Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website.

 

General, My DN Travel News, Parenting

Why You Need to Nurture the Genius In Your Child

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Did you know? There IS a genius in your child. This article explains what you must do to AVOID stifling it…so s/he can MANIFEST that inborn genius, which can make society a better place for all of us!

Kids Are Often Fearless and Uninhibited

As I’m yet to conclude arrangements to bring my family to join me, I often find myself thinking of my kids when I see children their age, here in Cotonou.

What always strikes me about kids is their seeming inability to understand they have limitations.

Once convinced about something they basically set out to do it, without even considering possible dangers. They are much less inhibited by fears and worries than adults are.

And that state of mind is one that I consider quite powerful, as it can be deliberately nurtured to make any child manifest the genius s/he has within.

Which brings me to an important point I always want to emphasise when discussing this subject…

Everyone Has a Genius in Him/Her – Including YOU, and YOUR Child

If that is so, how come so many people never do anything exceptional with themselves right into their old age?

The answer is that we are taught to be afraid to nurture and manifest our inborn genius. That which makes us special, different, unique or one of a kind.

Who teaches us to do such a harmful thing to ourselves?

It’s society – as represented by the adults we meet in it when we are born and being raised. The result it that we grow up almost completely disconnected from our geniuses.

Indeed, we are afraid to even look inside of ourselves to discover what we SENSE that we are truly capable of becoming.

We live everyday in almost mortal fear, of being found to think or feel differently from others whose approval we seek!

And even though many times we may feel unhappy, dissatisfied or unfulfilled living that way, we prefer to NOT do anything differently.

Again it’s the fear that controls us.

Yet, as kids, we were also mostly “fearless and without inhibitions”…like kids today are.

Think about it: Until a child has been hurt by putting his/her hand in the open flame, s/he will often pay little attention to warnings against going near fire.

We have seen this happen again and again. New born children pass through the same basic process of experiential learning.

Apparently,even though you and I have learnt to be controlled by our fears and worries, we have NO WAY of passing them to our unborn children!

That’s the only explanation for the fact that newborn kids – worldwide – arrive without them isn’t it?

Wow, that means fear, worry, insecurity and similar saboteurs, that keep us from making the most of ourselves are NOT genetic!

They cannot be transferred via our DNA to our kids!!

That’s why a spineless weakling of a man, can father a child that grows into a fearless warrior.

It goes without saying, that the example of Okonkwo the great warrior, and his father, described in Chinua Achebe’s book, was fictional.

The truth is however that many real life examples, matching the description of Okonkwo’s “weak” father abound in history.

This confirms that every human being is indeed unique. And even with limitations genetic inheritance impose, you CAN do more than your ancestors did!

The key is to explore, discover and embrace your inborn genius.

But What Exactly Will Your Genius Look Like?

In my experience, it will be anything you find that you have a passion for, and/or a deeply enduring interest in.

Something that you will never have difficulty devoting endless hours of effort and attention towards developing mastery.

The best part is just like you have it, and need to find it, so does your child.

It is, of course, possible you may not wish to exert yourself so much, or you feel it’s already too late for you (which it never is!).

In that case, I urge you to at least bear in mind, that your child’s genius is most likely fighting, right now, to show itself.

And it is quite possible that s/he is already giving you subtle signs and signals of the above.

When last did you sit down, and quietly observe any of your kids at play around the house?

What did/do you notice seems to be the child’s major preoccupation most times?

What kinds of requests does s/he typically make of you – if any?

My 10 year old Son Began Giving “Signals”, That I Began Noticing, When He Was About Eight

His passion?

Fiddling with and fixing things – especially electrical stuff.

Initially I just thought it was a passing fancy or temporary obsession.

Then we noticed he began finding and keeping tools like screw drivers, and lots of damaged electrical components, parts of mobile phones/other devices (e.g rechargeable lamps, mobile phones and chargers etc).

He soon had a box filled with them.

Each day, after school he’d sit alone fiddling with his collections.

One day, my wife complained that a plug for a device was not working. Our young genuius-in-the-making overheard her, and quickly came running saying “Wait, let me see!”

The mother handed the plug to him. In a flash he went to his box of parts and soon had the plug opened.

Then about 2 minutes or so later he returned with the plug saying “A wire was loose. I’ve fixed it back. Try now, it should work.”

And he said it with a look of supreme confidence. I was mersmerized!

Sure enough, when his mother plugged the device and pressed the switch, it worked!

Since then, I’ve done all in my power to encourage him to continue.

And that includes buying him a complete electrical toolkit as a Christmas present last December (2013).

I intend to have him attend a hands-on training session with a neighbourhood electrical specialist, who started by self-tutoring. And we’ve already decided he will attend a technical college. It’s only logical.

All of this has boosted his interest and confidence.

And he’s already using some of his tools to fix things around the house!

No one needs to push him to work on these aspects. He is naturally motivated by the passion he has.

This is why I have no doubt that he will make the most of himself this way.

I urge you to do the same for your child, so his/her genius can emerge – to the benefit of himself, the family and society at large!

Career Development, General, Self-Development

A Strategy to Overcome Adversity

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It can be tough dealing with adversity in the workplace. Did you make a mistake that made your boss, superiors or colleagues look bad…and they now resent you(?) Or are you being harassed by negative minded co-workers jealous of your progress? This article offers you ideas you can use to move on to success!!

I recently posted the following quote by Jim Rohn, on my Facebook wall:

“Resolve says, ‘I will.’ The man says, ‘I will climb this mountain. They told me it is too high, too far, too steep, too rocky, and too difficult. But it’s my mountain. I will climb it. You will soon see me waving from the top or dead on the side from trying.'” — Jim Rohn

A friend – Efe Ohwofasa – came by and posted a question that I greatly appreciated, because answering it enabled me share insights into how I learnt to use adversity to succeed MORE!

Efe’s simple question was: “Tayo, how did you get to know about Jim Rohn?”

What Follows Below Is a Paraphrased – But More Elaborate – Version of the Answer I Gave Him

In 1997, I came across and began subscribing to the Success Digest Magazine. What attracted me to the publication was mainly the wealth of experience based articles by accomplished authors and experts from across the world.

In particular, I was really struck by the deep wealth of wisdom Jim Rohn offered in short article pieces he authored.

It was amazing.

He was always able to present any issue from a perspective that instantly helped the reader see the big and more important picture, to solve his/her problem.

But it was when I read his view about adversity, that I got hooked. And I’ve memorised a particular block of text taken from one of his books since then, that has helped me defeat EVERY mountain of difficulty.

In 1997, I memorised this particular quote on dealing with adversity from Jim Rohn's books and it has helped me defeat EVERY mountain of difficulty ever since!

When I first read those powerful words by that great man, I was still in paid employment, as a 27 year old trainee shift brewer, in a large manufacturing multinational.

I Was However an Unusual Kind of Trainee…

This was because right from my arrival in the brewery, I’d begun trying to change things, using my skills to introduce PC spreadsheet automation based changes.

This was especially with respect to routine data recording and report generation.

Unfortunately, not everyone liked my eager-beaver attempts to change things.

Some senior colleagues felt I was “moving too fast”. That I was a glory seeker etc.

One day, I was walking on the factory grounds, and as I went past a much older manager from another department, I greeted him.

He grunted a response, then suddenly called out to me saying: “Solagbade!”.

I stopped and replied: “Yes sir?”

Then he said: “You want to do what some people did in 5 years in 2 years ehn?”

That Day, I Realized My Actions Were Being Negatively Viewed By a Tiny Few…

But I did not know who was doing the talking, and why it seemed to be mostly negative.

Especially since my automated reporting applications were being used officially.

I started feel sorry for myself, and to complain to close friends and relatives outside work.

Then I Encountered Jim Rohn’s Words!

Luckily, I had my Success Digest magazine, and kept up the habit of reading it when back at home.

One day I read Jim Rohn’s above mentioned quote.

And it hit home!

I realized I could use the negativity to challenge myself to excel even more.

So I began to ignore snide remarks, and subtle attempts to put me down. Instead I focussed on looking for better ways to use my spreadsheet automation skills to improve the workplace.

One year later (1998), at least four of my applications were in use in my department(brewing). And the entire brewery was aware of it.

Not Long After, Other Departmental Heads Began Asking For My Help…

You must keep in mind that I was doing this “spreadsheet automation” business ALL in my spare time.

In other words, it was NOT part of my official role as per my job title/description. This was just a hobby/passion I willingly put to use at work, because I believe the changes would help the team.

I soon began to get rewards for my extra efforts to add value to the company.

For instance, in March 1998, I got nominated to act as Training and Technical Development  Manager (a senior role to that of brewers), ahead of senior colleagues who had never held the position.

I was only about 3 years old in the company.

I eventually got promoted to that position, and other great career advancement opportunities followed.

If I Had Not Learnt to Handle My Adversity, None of that Would Have Happened!

Jim Rohn’s writing opened my eyes to the hidden benefits of adversity.

I bought his books, and later joined his website mailing list, and I continue reading his writing till today!

In fact, about a year ago, I wrote a tribute to him and 4 others, who “made” me.

No matter what you’re going through at work (or in life), if you do what I did above – with intelligent persistence – you WILL turn your adversity into success!

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

To Succeed, Stop Waiting For a Perfect Moment or Idea

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“No enterprise worthy of accomplishment would ever begin, if all obstacles were first to be overcome” – Napoleon Hill.

This article narrates a true story about how the foregoing words of wisdom helped me get my books published – and sold – in print as well as digitally, even when I had NO MONEY!

It All Began in Late 2002, My Start-up Year

I’d been delivering my 1 hour flagship talk in different organisations and their branches. And it was very well received everywhere I went. I got back lots of filled feed back forms with rave testimonials.

One day it occurred to me that I needed to find a way to use the web to promote my speaking service and message to more people.

I did not however have the funds I could commit, to paying for web design and hosting (at this time I’d not learnt web design).

Yet I Knew the Web Could Enable Me Get Word Out About My Talks at LOW to Zero Cost

So I began searching online in a café. A few later I discovered “scheduled auto responders” – and www.getresponse.com stood out with a FREE version packed with great features for beginners.

That was when the idea struck me: I could offer a weekly auto responder course without a website!

And it was perfect for my talk which was titled “Ten Ways You Can Use Self-Development to Create the Future You Want”.

Since it had 10 parts, I could make each part go out on a particular week. In effect, I ended up conceiving a 10 week auto responder email course!

Excited, I Quickly Sat Down and Wrote Out The Text of the Talk

I’d up till then delivered it using ONLY a 5 page (2 parts to a page) outline.

So, to write it out, I basically thought back to my outings and recalled the key points I discussed and wrote them down. Within 2 weeks I had written over 100 pages, comprising an introduction, all 10 chapters (or parts) and a conclusion/summary.

Next, I created a FREE account on www.getresponse.com (not sure if they still offer it today though) and setup the course using the content I’d written up.

Each “part” was to be delivered to a subscriber’s inbox weekly. After the 10th week, each person would get a final message thanking him/her. There was a short “blurb” announcing that I was available to speak etc. My phone number, email etc were appended.

I Had Something to Say, & Was Determined to Be Heard!

Looking back I believe I was able to succeed like I did because I focussed on using my experiences.

I drew inspiration by reflecting on the successes I’d achieved both in formal schooling (where I almost got a first class degree despite heavy extracurricular activities), and in paid employment (where rapid career success came via multiple self-taught skills I had).

I wanted my listeners/readers to know they could do what I’d done.

And I also intended to prove my ideas worked, by applying them in my new career as an entrepreneur (my successes since then confirm they do!)

Not surprisingly, my message resonated greatly with the audiences.

But I did not expect it would catch on as quickly as it when I put it online…

Within a week, over 20 people had signed up for the 10 week auto-responder e-course!

And I noticed about 40% of them were non-Nigerian, from the UK and one from the US. All of those “foreigners” indicated they were “referred by a friend”.

As you can imagine, by this time I’d tasted blood.

I began testing offers of different kinds, including training courses, talks, e-book writing services etc.

Guess what?

Some subscribers to the e-course wrote back asking if I could help them create digital versions of books they wanted to write, or already had on paper.

One such person travelled all the way down from Makurdi, Benue State, in the north of Nigeria, to meet with me in Lagos.

He brought with him a beautiful book manuscript which he wanted made into an e-book.

We’ve been friends on Facebook for years now.

But it all clicked for me when three different subscribers, at different times, after reading the latest “part” delivered to them, wrote to me asking:

“Is it possible to get the complete book, instead of having to wait a full week to read the next part?”

I was stunned.

Not once had the thought of writing a book occurred to me!

Then as I read those requests, it occurred to me that I’d ALREADY written THE complete book!

Parts 1 to 10 made up the different chapters.

All I needed was introduction/forewords and possibly a “summary” to end with.

So, once again, I settled down and did just that.

Like I always did when speaking, I made sure I wrote from my heart.

When it came to getting my “book” in print however, I soon discovered traditional publishing could cost an arm and a leg!

As usual, my stubborn attitude made me think there had to be another way.

Persistent searching eventually led me to discover Zero Cost Print On Demand publishing.

To cut the long story short, that book has been selling as a 113 page physical manual that I call the “Self-Development Bible” online since 2005.

And I’ve since added other books, in digital form – including my popular Livestock Feed Formulation Handbook – which just 2 days ago, recorded yet another sale from my online store.

Final Words: My Advice to You

Stop waiting for a perfect moment, or for everything to fall in place, or for your manuscript or idea to be perfect.

Start with what you have, where you are.

You’ll be surprised that whatever you need to dot your I’s and cross your T’s will spontaneously appear as, and when, you need it.

The key is to GET STARTED first!

PS: In 2004 I taught myself to build websites using Macromedia Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop (with the aid of some international professional web design magazines – and CDROM tutorials that came with them).

Apart from building websites for clients, I’ve since built and maintained this multi-disciplinary website – www.spontaneousdevelopment.com – which I launched in June 2005.

Today, I focus my efforts on using Content Management Systems like Joomla! and WordPress, to build and maintain websites, while employing intelligent Web Marketing Systems to create and propagate their content for business promotion.

All of that continues to boost my search engine visibility – leading to more sales of my books and other products (like my Ration Formulator Software)!

My DN Travel News, My Ideas for Making Nigeria Better

Are ALL Nigerians Impulsive Wrong Doers?

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He wrote (in part): “We all drive against traffic, many of have official ages, we cut corners at our various offices etc.What are we saying. The problem of Nigeria as a nation is endemic and it is a reflection of all of us…” .

Not a single one of those assertions he made applies to me in ANY way. And I know there are other Nigerians who feel the same way.

This issue 6.0 of my PDF series (on Ideas for Making Nigerian Better) contains the response I wrote to him….

ideas-make-nigeria-better6.0