Chinua Achebe wrote:
“Let me give one more dimension of what we were hoping to do in Biafra…We were told, for instance, that technologically we would have to rely for a long, long time on the British and the West for everything. “
This is Issue No. 3 in my “IDEAS for Making Nigeria Better” series.
Click below to read the full PDF!
You may have heard about – or read – Napoleon Hill’s book titled “Think & Grow Rich”.
In this issue of my newsletter, I highlight what is perhaps the most potent message in that book for ANY reader, to take away.
Especially one who desires to know how to succeed, no matter how tough things get!
Here’s the quote:
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Publication: Tayo Solagbade’s Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Page (PSIP) Newsletter Date: Monday 11th November 2013 No:115 Title: Why Persistent People Succeed (Hint: A Silent But Irresistible Force!) 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 (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.
No. 115: Why Persistent People Succeed (Hint: A Silent But Irresistible Force!)**** ********** 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 ********** You may have heard about – or read – Napoleon Hill’s book titled “Think & Grow Rich”. In this issue of my newsletter, I highlight what is perhaps the most potent message in that book for ANY reader, to take away. Especially one who desires to know how to succeed, no matter how tough things get! Here’s the quote:
You see, I have found from studying human beings – adults especially – that many people are unwilling to endure prolonged hardship, adversity or delays in the “arrival” of that which they seek. The human nature is such that it seeks the easiest, shortest route to achieve a goal or desire. People do not like to WAIT long to get what they want.Technological and industrial advancements in the 21st century have made instant gratification even more fashionable. The Internet itself further fuels the “habit” through “instant downloads and access” to wide variety of high demand products and services. In a way, I think our modern world has actually created a “weaker” generation of people. Many of today’s men and women have gotten used to living “sheltered” lives.It’s one in which most things they want can be had almost as soon as they “think” about it, or say they want it. The problem that occurs as a result, is that when things don’t go the way they want them, such people tend to give up quickly/easily. Or they turn to unethical avenues to achieve the same end. The message from Hill’s book however is that anyone who can persist, in spite of major delays in the “arrival” of success, will get eventually support from an “unseen” source. That’s What Hill Called “A Silent But Irresistible Force”Think about it: Who or what can possibly successfully anticipate and/or withstand a force that makes no sound, and cannot be resisted? I say “No one and Nothing” can! Also consider the fact that Hill says in order for you to get the help of that “force”, all you need to do is carry on in your struggles – making intelligent changes over time. If you do the above, you will eventually succeed, no matter how much failure, discouragement, delays or setbacks/adversity you experience.I have experienced many, many – very many – instances of help from this unseen force in truly amazing ways. And I have many stories I can share i.e. verifiable stories. E.g Helped by a Beninese TV and Radio presenter, who I did not know, and had never met before.It was just my third day in Cotonou, Benin Republic. This happened back in April 2013, when I relocated (despite myriad challenges/setbacks) from Lagos- Nigeria to Cotonou. He walked up to where I stood asking for directions from a commercial cyclist, and said (in French): “Hello, what’s the problem? Is there any way I can help?”. Surprised, I turned towards him and explained that I was trying to locate the office premises, of certain high profile establishments I’d checked out online. This gentleman said: “Ah, you must be a visitor out here, not to know those places.“ He sent the bike rider off, and motioned for me to follow him into an open air snacks bar, close to us. Next, he motioned for me to join him at a table, ordered two large bottles of soft drinks, and began asking me questions. I explained what I did, why I’d come down, and my purpose for wanting to visit those organisations.To my surprise, he said – among other things: “I like your courage. To move to another country, without knowing anyone. I think I can help you“.He then told he me ran a weekly show on one of the popular local channels. And that he had access to top people in some of the establishments I was interested in. Many of them had visited the studios at some time in the past, for one function or the other. And in some cases, he had interacted directly with them. Believe it or not, this guy – who barely knew me – went on to make phone calls to his contacts.By the time we parted, he’d given me direct, personal phone numbers to call. I’ll never forget the looks of incredulity I got from my new friends back then, when I began calling, and meeting those people. They asked: “How did you manage to connect with such people in the short time you’ve been here?” I told them what I’m telling YOU here, in THIS article…about a silent but irresistible force that comes to the aid of persistent people! It might interest you to know, that we’re friends on Facebook today.And once in a while, when we meet online, he typically says: “How are things going? Do let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” Wow, one would think he owed me money. Yet I AM the one who owes him!! In my previous articles and books, I have told other similar stories. I continue to receive help from this “force” in many uncanny ways. My plan is to share more specific and graphic examples via story telling, via “one hour talks” I offer on-demand.Interested? Contact me. Not sure I’m for real? Read more of what I offer on my blog and website. Then subscribe to my mailing list (using the form below), to get latest updates. Let Me End by Repeating Myself…Napoleon Hill’s claim is true. Even if no single human being is offering to help you – or aware of your need for help. If you persist inspite of your circumstances, you will eventually find yourself the beneficiary of an uncanny kind of support. That help will typically come from an unknown, and often unexpected source. And it will most likely leave you continually baffled! I Live This Stuff…and One Man’s Words Helped Me Learn to BelieveOne more thing I need to say… Persisting, no matter what obstacles come your way, is NOT easy! I did not just start getting it right from day one. Many periods of doubt and frustration occurred. However, a red-hot desire to succeed made me search for ideas to keep me going. And I found answers in the writing of many other experts. But one man stood out, in how he communicated IT. His name is Burt Dubin.He coined a phrase that resonated powerfully with me. A phrase that’s easy to remember, and helps anyone stay focussed on not quitting. I quickly adopted it as a mental/psychological anchor. Since 2000, when I first read it on Burt’s website, it’s helped me overcome the storms of adversity I’ve encountered. What is the phrase used by Burt?It’s “Have Bulldog Blood“! Without bulldog blood, you cannot achieve long term success in the face of adversity. (If you’d like to know what he means by that expression, read this article). Burt is renowned as a veteran mentor of some of the world’s highest paid speakers. He has been around for over 3 decades! That’s the kind of person I would pay serious attention to. Especially now, that he’s launched a web based preview version, of his latest book titled “On Being a Master“!! Final Words: You Too Can Succeed by Persisting!Keep the words of Burt Dubin on “having bulldog blood” (see below) in mind – and you will not go wrong!
Need More Ideas on How to Use The Above Information?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: No. 115: Why Persistent People Succeed (Hint: A Silent But Irresistible Force!)” in the subject line.
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 (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 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.
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:Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here] Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo at tksola dot com. In the meantime, why not get started by subscribing here to get his 7-Part Course (How To Succeed And Get Paid As A Professional Speaker) . . . and receive his monthly newsletter (Speaking Biz Strategies Letter) at no cost. |
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Watch screen shot demonstration video of the Excel-Visual Basic Driven Poultry Farm Manager I build from scratch, or customize/scale down to suit the needs of different farm business sizes.
It allows users make daily entries of farm production/operating data.
Click here to watch on Youtube
And it instantly generates Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), like Mortality Rates, Feeding rate, Feed to egg conversion ratios, Hen Day Production Percentage (HDP) %, and other parameters.
The user is able to use drop down menus to dynamically generate the KPIs on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis.
Summary “Farm Operations” report, and “KPI” reports are auto-generated, and they come with summary tables and charts.
Click the link below to learn more about Tayo Solagbade’s Farm Support Excel-VB Software, and Best Operating Process Management System (BOPMS)
Tayo K. Solagbade works as a multipreneur, with a bias for Farm Research & Extension Advisory/Best Practice Services provision.
Apart from a growing library of popular farm business articles, Tayo’s Feed Formulation Handbook, and his customisable Excel-VB driven Ration Formulator (Click here), bring him in constant contact with farm business owners, feed manufacturers, policy makers and extension professionals in and out of Africa.
Among other services, he develops custom Excel-VB driven software used in measuring Farm Key Performance Indicators for timely/accurate farm planning and decision making. See mind map based video explanation of BOPMS for farm businesses at:
Click here)
Self-Development Academy’s Excel Heaven™ – Click here) is the FIRST provider of Pre-programmed and Custom Spreadsheet based solutions in Nigeria.
We offer Workbook Auditing/Optimisation and VBA Automation; Custom Spreadsheet Software Development; Sales; Job-Based Spreadsheet Coaching; and Consulting/Advisory Services on effective application of spreadsheets for business use.
See more video demos of our apps with modeless data entry forms here.
Visit our Excel Heaven Facebook page here.
SDAc’s Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas mini site offers custom best practice farm management systems (and software) development at affordable rates to farm owners in Nigeria/Africa.
Ours is a new, unconventional, but practical approach to provision of Modern Extension Services for farm businesses in this part of the world.
We work with crop and/or livestock farmers to develop and implement intelligent decision making systems that help their farm businesses become more efficient and profitable, through low cost adaptation of technology, while building on indigenous knowledge systems.
Visit our website.
Connect with us on our Facebook page
here.
Get in touch via tayo at tksola dot com or +229-122-136 (in Benin Republic) or 234-803-302-1263 (in Nigeria)
Some of the articles below touch on various aspects of what I call a Best Operating Process Management System (BOPMS)™ for Farm Business Management – or at least mentioned the need for it, towards achieving consistently profitable farm business performance.
If you’re interested, click the link below to request a copy of my questionnaire survey workbook (for the international research paper I’m writing on using ICT for Feed Formulation) that allows clicking of the article links right from inside the downloaded spreadsheet.
http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com/ffsdanger.htm
[NB: By way of interest, the deadline for delivery of completed research papers, to the organising body was revised to Sunday 17th Nov. 2013. I forgot to reflect that in the last batch of questionnaires I sent out. So, if any of you still have yours, do send them in, as I still have a week to go. Thanks in advance!]
http://spontaneousdevelopment.com/sdnuggets/your-business-should-free-you-not-restrict-you/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Practical-Poultry-Farm-Business-Performance-Calculations&id=2635011
http://www.africabusinesscommunities.com/index.php/rss-abc-blogs/200894-5-po
http://spontaneousdevelopment.com/sdnuggets/
http://feeds.feedburner.com/spontaneousdevelopment/Alzk
Enjoy your weekend!
Tayo
Everybody knows a little MS Excel. It’s so easy to use. However, I make sure to warn – from over 20 years of supporting users of Excel-apps I develop – that Excel’s “friendly“ nature is also what makes it a potentially dangerous tool.
Especially for users with inadequate knowledge and experience, or indeed absent-minded competent users: The proverbial Garbage In Garbage Out (GIGO) phenomenon!
Farm industry stakeholders unable/unwilling to purchase my automated Excel apps (which I build to help prevent occurrence of this potentially devastating problem) often get told, by me, to try using MS Excel to achieve their goals.
To protect yourself, I suggest four (4) practical steps you can take.
Click here to request the FULL PDF report
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." – Albert Einstein
When your child does not perform well in school, sports or any area of life, relative to his/her peers.
When s/he fails to demonstrate proficiency in vocations that his/her siblings excel in.
ALWAYS remind yourself of that powerful quote credited to Einstein.
Einstein was one of the greatest minds/achievers to ever grace this planet with his presence.
Most people know that.
Some may however not know that he generally displayed intolerance – even impatience – with traditional schooling systems.
He saw the defects in the teaching system employed in traditional schools. He did not enjoy learning that way (more on that later).
It’s important to control the environment in which a child grows up with respect to how s/he is “evaluated” on a daily basis.
Like I said in a past article, there are hundreds of different intelligences.
Not everyone will have the kind of intelligence that will make him/her an academic genius for instance.
If you really think of it, some of the people who make this world turn round with their genius would be lost if asked to discuss anything academic.
For some it will be intelligence in the use of the different parts of their bodies e.g. the feet (for sprinters and footballers), the mouth (for singers) etc.
I’m not sure I want to know what Diego Maradona scored in Mathematics as a student. Or if Jay-Jay Okocha was good in Algebra!!!
Such subjects have no relevance to the genius of these 2 mentioned achievers.
The club and national team coaches do not ask for school certificates or university degrees to decide who gets to play in the team.
It’s your demonstrated "ingenuity" on the pitch that counts.
“I read, read, read, but book no gree enter my head” (singing in pidgin English).
Literal translation: “I tried my best, but just could not make anything of studying in school”.
Well, today no one can correctly argue that he took the wrong path.
He’s apparently a genius at what he does, and he obviously enjoys it. And that’s what matters in life at the end of the day.
The examples I’ve used are not exhaustive.
For instance, your child’s choice of course to major in at university.
The fact that you and his siblings all majored in Engineering, does not mean s/he has to.
That’s why we have people who say "I studied XYZ because my father wanted me to".
Sometimes it’s because the parents wanted someone with that qualification in the family, to handle an aspect of the family business.
If the child happens to like the idea, there will be no issues.
That could be a sign that s/he is not cut out for that kind of vocation.
The smart thing to do would be to help him/her find what works for her, in way that s/he can still contribute to the family’s joint goal.
Not to conclude s/he’s not "smart" enough…or that s/he;s not as good as the others.
Do that for yourself. But even if you don’t do it for yourself, at least help your child do it for him/herself.
Remind yourself that s/he is one-of-a-kind, and will have areas where s/he will also excel effortlessly (same applies to YOU, by the way).
Your role as a parent is to guide him/her to discover his/her genius in that regard.
And that may end up being something s/he can do that the world has never seen.
Imagine if Lionel Messi had been forced to finish his schooling FIRST, before his parents let him/her explore his passion and develop his amazing footballing talent?
What about if Thomas Edison’s mother had not defiantly withdrawn him from school, to begin "home schooling" him herself.
This was AFTER his teachers announced to her that his brain was "addled" and that he could not possibly do well, being so "retarded"??!
He had a highly developed creative thinking ability. As a result, his mind rejected the attempt to make him what Robert Kiyosaki has called a "mindless parrot"!
No wonder he invented the light bulb, and went on file 1093 patents for his inventions!
Realize that they are just human. People with poor self images abound in society. They discount others
An "Olodo" (poor performer) in one field can be a genius in another.
Each one of us is born with a unique ability i.e. a genius.
Find yours – or at least make sure you help your child find his/hers.
We cannot all be equally good at the same things.
The creator would never make such a ridiculous mistake!
“All successful employers are stalking people who will do the unusual, people who think, people who attract attention by performing more than is expected of them.” — Charles M. Schwab
You can get better career advancement opportunities from your current employer, and simultaneously attract better employers to come knocking on your door.
Simply implement the following simple 2 step strategy diligently, on a daily basis:
Only when you’re competent at yours, will it make sense to try helping others master their jobs.
This is the first rule for success in any area of endeavor. You must develop reliable job-based competence that your employer recognizes, to be taken seriously.
You must also constantly challenge yourself to actively explore new and improved ways to get your job done with less effort, in less time, and at less cost.
Never shy away from going the extra mile as needed, to ensure you deliver results the boss is most interested in.
It is important to note that there is great power in knowing what your boss and/or decision maker(s) consider most important for achieving the company’s goals.
That knowledge helps you avoid wasting time and scarce resources on trivial issues, to focus on what really matters. It can also help you identify aspects that matter but which are being missed out by the management.
You can draw attention to such aspects, and proactively offer ideas about what to do. The best part is that once you succeed in connecting with your boss or decision makers at this level, you are likely to be seen as a “potential leader”.
Your age, or years on the job at this point may actually not bother them. It’s the potential you demonstrate that will convince them you have what it takes. Sooner than later, the secondments, special projects, and promotions will start coming your way (see item A, under “Specific Benefits You Can Reap” below).
When they do, don’t lean back and enjoy the ride. Don’t conclude you’re made. Take those opportunities you get as signals to step up your game. Then develop even greater competence to deliver superior workplace performances on a daily basis.
Once you’ve achieved job-based mastery, and established your reputation, it becomes easier to get other employees to listen to you.
They will either have seen you deliver superlative performances on your job, or heard through the grapevine.
Note aspects of their jobs they have difficulty with. It’s usually best not to let them know your intention upfront. Just try to spend time with them (when you’re free from your own work related obligations) getting the information and insights you need.
Then think up ways to help them improve how they work, or solve problems they have. If you come up with a potentially useful idea, offer to help them implement it.
Get it as close to being ready-to-use as possible, so they don’t see “trying it out” as being extra work.
Make doing this a habit, but do it only when you believe tangible value can be had.
When you apply this 2-step strategy as prescribed, smart employers will notice your activities. That could make them assign you leadership positions, even if “older” hands with better credentials exist. Why? Among other reasons, it would be to get others influenced by you, resulting in overall improved workplace productivity.
True Story: A newly recruited junior level manager/brewer in a large multinational, repeatedly used his spreadsheet programming skills (in his spare time) to help senior colleagues develop automated spreadsheet based data recording and report generation applications. He also readily provided spreadsheet coaching to colleagues who asked.
Over 80% savings in time and effort for report preparation were recorded as a result.
At a point he was nominated into a companywide reports computerization project team. That gave him invaluable exposure to key decision makers. He used what he learnt to develop new solutions. This included conceiving – and proposing – a new spreadsheet based formula as an improved alternative to that being used to measure brewery efficiency. The formula was discussed for 6 months at the company’s technical review meetings – and even tested in the breweries.
Within 5 years, he rose to a position in which he supervised a team that included colleagues who were 7 to 15 years older in the company.
By way of interest, that manager was this writer 
This strategy will make co-workers and bosses find you a delight to work with. Some may even look for ways to reward you, after you’ve parted ways.
For example, a chartered accountant got short listed for interview (and eventually hired) by a larger company he never applied to. He later discovered that it was a former boss who joined them, that requested to have him on her team, because of his “versatility and resourcefulness”!
If you do this right, even the employer you’re currently with is likely to give you a glowing reference to help you win a better paying job you’ve been interviewed for.
That’s how powerful this strategy is: You can actually end up having the best of both worlds!
NB: This article was originally submitted – by me (Tayo K. Solagbade) – as a guest post to a career development/HR website over 4 months ago. However, it never got used by the site owner. So I decided to post it on here, on my blog.
Question: What would be the point of your claiming to have many friends/associates/relatives etc for instance, when most (or all?) of them are not true to you?
For instance, they say one thing to your face, and another when you’re not around OR they say one thing and do another etc.
Back in 2007, I watched an interview of the highly successful female singer – Beyoncé. Her gutsy venture into production of a solo album in secrecy and (as the reporter put it) without the luxury of a “safety net” to fall on (in event of failure) was discussed.
She was asked how she felt about people making up stories about her life and commenting on her as a celebrity. Among other things, she said she felt lucky to belong to a family where people (unlike what obtains for some other stars) don’t tell her everything she says or does is “cute”.
She added that as a result, she has always been sorrounded “by truth” which has helped her remain herself.
I reflected on Beyoncé’s achievements with the highly successful group – “Destiny’s Child” – and in her subsequent solo career.
The insights I gained re-inforced my belief that “sorrounding oneself with truth, in order to succeed with integrity” will always be a smart thing to do.
Too often in today’s society, especially amongst adults, duplicity, denial and outright dishonesty/insincerity feature prominently in relationships.
It is often so obvious that I sometimes feel it would take only a blind person NOT to see it!
The truth is that inside each of us is a sixth sense, which equips us (if we develop it) to be able to “detect” insincerity in others – to some extent.
I once read the following quote :
“We ask for criticism, even though what we actually want to hear is praise”.
I’ll take it further and say...
“As a result, when we get the criticism we ask for, we take offence against the person(s) who is/are sincere enough to tell us the TRUTH”.
I think I like the “Beyoncé” kind of sorrounding a lot.
I want to sorround myself with TRUTH all the time. I do not want to keep diplomatic and “anchorless Social Chameleons” (as Daniel Goleman described them in his book on Emotional Intelligence) in my social circle.
Does not matter if they are relatives or friends.
I want people around me who will tell me what they think of my words and actions to my face. Not smile that I’m OK, then go behind me to complain to others!
I want people who will give me (and/or anyone who needs it) the help or support I need UNCONDITIONALLY and without complaining or murmurring.
And who will be decent enough to let me know when it is NOT convenient enough for them to help/support anymore – instead of continuing to help GRUDGINGLY.
I want these things because I know they will bring out the best in me, and those I relate with.
And if I cannot find people who fit the foregoing descriptions to be around, I would prefer to be on my own/keep to myself!
Incidentally, the attributes outlined above are those I have always strived to exhibit in my relationships with others.
They are powerful qualities that I encourage YOU to also develop (if you do not already possess them). That’s because you will make yourself extremely valuable and useful in the lives of others as a result.
Question: What would be the point of your claiming to have many friends/associates/relatives etc for instance, when most (or all?) of them are not true to you? For instance, they say one thing to your face, and another when you’re not around OR they say one thing and do another etc.
Blaise Pascal probably had the above in mind, when he reportedly said the following words:
“I lay it down as a fact that if all men knew what others say of them, there would not be 4 friends in the world”.
NB: This article’s original version was published on a static html page on this website on 31st October 2007
This writeup is based on updated/revised excerpts from an article I originally wrote (on 30th November 2006), as a service provider when I was still based in Lagos-Nigeria.As such, not all the ideas I offer here, may be applicable to you or your environment.
NB: I relocated to Benin Republic on 1st April 2013, and now earn 80% of my income via sales of my farm support products and services ; my information products, as well as my freelance writing service – most of which happen online. But I still get physically hired by clients in my new location, and in Nigeria e.g. developing Web Marketing Systems, custom Excel Software etc.
Individuals (including sole proprietors) and Businesses/Groups/Organisations.
I prefer the former, because they can often make the final buying decision. So there’s less waiting to be done, and less opportunities for the human politics that can crop up (for instance, in a corporate decision making process) to kick-in.
When leaving my car at home to look for clients(while still in Lagos), I often aimed to find individuals fitting the above description.
My objective was always to engage them in sales conversations (often initiated via cold calls on phone/in person), that I expect to result in appointments.
I would then follow up on a later date (at which time going in the car could become a possibility).
Having to take the bus (some countries/places have trams, subway trains, ferries etc), forced me to plan ahead more carefully.
For instance, I would think through the best routes to take to reach MORE prospects who fit my target audience profile.
That helped me make the most productive use of my time while out marketing.
By the time I returned home, my diary entries usually showed a good number of appointments to be followed up with some of the prospects I met.
When driving, you have to keep your eyes on the road, and concentrate more, compared to when you’re walking or not driving e.g. you’re sitting in a bus.
Not being behind the wheel of a car made it possible for me to read MORE of what was written on posters, billboards, company sign posts etc.
I was also better able to think about what I saw/read – and potential “selling opportunities” would sometimes occur to me as a result. Some of them actually resulted in unexpected sales of my products and/or services.
You see, it’s unlikely that you will always find your prospects through business directories and websites:
Sometimes you’ll just have to pay attention to the people, in your environment as you move around!
When you’re not the one driving (or when you’re on foot), very rarely will you have to worry about anyone running into you from behind, if/when you suddenly decide to make an unscheduled stop to speak to a prospect.
When I’m in a bus for instance, all I need to do is tell the driver I’ll be getting down at the next stop.
In contrast, when driving in Lagos, finding a place to park/stop can be a nightmare depending on where you are.
As a result I have had, in the past, to give up checking out what looked like a potential opportunity. This was because I drove round looking for parking space in a location on the Lagos Island without success.
Anyone who has lived/worked in Lagos will know what I mean!
Benefits 2 and 3 (above) of course imply you will need to hone your cold calling skills. Especially your intro or elevator speech. This will help you make the most of the opportunities mentioned, when you eventually come face to face with your prospect.
If you have ever had to drive when physically or mentally exhausted, you will know it’s one sure way to get into trouble. For instance, you may inadvertently jump traffic lights, or nearly (absentmindedly) run into another person’s car…or worse hit a pedestrian!
I always dreaded driving on Lagos roads. The terrible holdups/traffic jams often drained me so badly, that I sometimes get to the prospect’s place feeling tired even though I hadn’t started my work!
But whenever I was in a bus stuck in traffic, I could simply get down, get on a bike and go on to my planned destination.
I guess I could also have taken this option if I was driving my car, but two issues would have arisen:
(a). How to find a place to park the car till I got back
(b). How to ensure the car did not get tampered with or “removed'(e.g. towed away…which happens a lot in Lagos!) before I returned.
In late 2006 , while still in Lagos, I had the opportunity (?), due to a problem with my car, to go by bus – daily – to a client’s premises for over a month (I was provided a PC and office to work from). I built an Exel-VB driven Hotel Records Management application, which they used for over 5 years.
To my surprise, I got all that work done with LESS stress/effort, compared to when I had insisted on going by car.
You see, the location of the client’s premises was such that you had to drive past it on the opposite side of the highway. The you’d go further by probably over two kilometres, before making a U-turn and then driving back down to enter the client hotel’s car park!
Now, depending on where you are approaching this hotel from, you might have to pay toll gate fees to get there. And that happens each time you follow that route.
I considered that a needless, annoying, and avoidable expense.
Add to that, the fact that on each run, when coming or going, you quite often would have to endure agonizingly long delays in hold ups. Most of which are caused by very naughty driving. The whole thing takes its toll on you before you even get to start work!
I would take a bus from across where I lived, and within five to ten minutes, would arrive at the first stop midway to my destination.
Within another 5 minutes, except for some days when it could take a while to get another bus, I would arrive the hotel – feeling almost as fresh/rested as I was when I left home!
Going by all that I have said above, one thing is clear.
Every now and then, while in Lagos, I found it sometimes made smarter business sense not to go out in my car.
Especially when I had to go to a place(s) I knew I could reach more effectively, by taking local transportation.
“Hire a taxi” you said?
Incidentally, when one hires a taxi cab in Lagos, a problem like fatigue from driving may be removed. However, that of getting stuck in traffic could still occur.
And if you got stuck in a traffic jam, in a hired taxi, getting down to continue on bike or foot might not be an easy option to settle for.
Not many people would be excited about leaving a EXPENSIVE Lagos cab they hired EMPTY, with their money in the cab driver’s pocket! :-))
In the end, it’s best to carefully weigh the pros and cons. And if it works for you, go with a taxi!
So what about you? Would you leave YOUR car at home, if you knew going without it could make you more productive?
I return to Cotonou in a few days (I arrived last week Friday, to conduct a short MS Excel-based questionnaire survey of farm industry stakeholders. It’s partly to obtain information for the international research paper I’m writing on using ICT for Feed Formulation).
Although I don’t use a car here, moving around is much easier for me in Benin Republic.
For one thing I now do mostly online work – so I get to avoid whatever ruch hours there are.
Another reason is that transportation here is significantly less expensive than it is in Lagos. It is also much less stressful as well!
Rarely will you run into holdups – talk less of traffic jams. Certainly nothing at all like what happens daily in a place like Lagos. So even if you drive a car, you’re likely to have no major issues getting to your destinations.
You can therefore actually work smarter with time.
So with or without a car, one is still able to move around and achieve useful productivity!
If you provide farm support products and services, this issue of my weekly speaking IDEAS newsletter will interest you.
That includes experts working with private owned agro-allied companies, government agencies or even Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Yesterday, I listened to a top Ekiti state government official (on Nigerian TV) explaining how they are attracting young people to establish agri-businesses.
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Publication: Tayo Solagbade’s Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Page (PSIP) Newsletter Date: Monday 4th November 2013 No:114 Title: Speaking IDEAS for Farm Support Experts 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 (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.
No. 114: Speaking IDEAS for Farm Support Experts**** ********** 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 ********** If you provide farm support products and services, this issue of my weekly speaking IDEAS newsletter will interest you. That includes experts working with private owned agro-allied companies, government agencies or even Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Yesterday, I listened to a top Ekiti state government official (on Nigerian TV) explaining how they are attracting young people to establish agri-businesses. Instead of going into poorly rewarding subsistence farming, this new generation of farm owners are being empowered to start farm businssess at much higher levels. The officer noted that in a few years, with diligent effort, some can become millionaires! You CAN Decide What Target Audience Level to ServeI love the Ekiti state approach. It’s produces better results. And the principle applies in all spheres of life. For instance, your success level as a service provider will often depend on the target audience “level” you choose to serve. There’s a saying that it’s wiser to fish in small ponds with large number of big fish (hungry for what you offer), than in big ponds with lots of smaller fish that are not that hungry. Here are 2 rules that guide me in choosing those I serve:Rule 1: Don’t target buyers who do not have the means to PAY you well for your product or service. Rule 2: Make frequent use of strategies that let you market to large numbers of the right kinds of buyers at once. Apart from enabling you win more buyers, doing the above will reduce your Cost of Customer Acquisition (COCA). Get this: Choosing NOT to calculate your COCA, will NOT change the fact that you’re incurring that cost!!!So I recommend you actively measure, and use it (i.e. your COCA) to identify your most cost-effective customer acquisition/marketing strategy! That’s what I did to arrive at the conclusion that – in addition to using a Web Marketing System (where possible) – the following two(2) strategies can win more “farmer converts” for farm support experts: 1. Be a Resource Person at “Events” for Farmers:
Last week, a past buyer of my Excel-VB driven feed formulation software told me he was travelling inter-state to attend a 2 day workshop for farmers. He works as a Technical Sales Consultant, for an agro-allied company. I’d called to ask if he would be willing to help complete a short MS Excel-based questionnaire survey I’m in Nigeria to administer to farm industry stakeholders. It’s partly to obtain information for the international research paper I’m writing on using ICT for Feed Formulation. Now, I did not ask him if he would be giving a presentation at that event, but I suspect his company may have been the (or one of the) organisers. So it’s likely someone from their team would have addressed the audience. Even if you’re not the organiser, and have not even been invited, NOTHING stops you from thinking up ways to appear as a Contract Resource Person. In other words, you’d think up a presentation you can offer that organiser would consider of potential value to their attendees. I suggest offering a scaled down version FREE, and a full blown version for a negotiable fee. My experiences suggest that doing so is likely to give you more credibility, than if you simply came all out offering to speak FREE. At least in this part of the world 2. Offer Short, On-Demand Educational Talks to “Farmer Groups”
But don’t wait for others to organise events you’ll offer to speak at. Create your own opportunities! Think up a list of topics your target audience may find potentially useful or interesting.Develop short-talks (15 to 30 minutes) based on each topic, and prepare speaker one sheets for each. Print them out and insert into nylon sleeves, in a branded folder you’ll take physically with you as you work. Also have PDF versions ready to emailed or downloaded online. Next, reach out to decision makers of your target farmer groups (cooperatives, associations) etc. Ask them to invite you to speak – FREE – to their members at their next meeting or event on your list of topics. Minimize time, effort and money expense in doing the above.For instance, unless distance is no issue, try using your phone, email to – if possible – finalize date, time, venue. Only “travel distances”, if you’re reasonably sure, from phone/email interaction, that doing so would be worthwhile. Tell them how the ideas you’ll share will help their members. Explain why the work you do as a farm support expert makes you uniquely qualified to inform and educate them on those subjects. If your list does not cover the topic they “prefer”, I suggest you offer to prepare that for a token fee Not everyone will say yes.And don’t expect your first few efforts to yield” yesses” either. You will have to persist. But if you’ve done your homework well, some will bite. And if you go on to deliver useful value to them, all sorts of good things can happen from there! Even If You Offer FREE Solutions to Farmers, The Above Ideas Can Save You MONEY, Time and Effort!
If you’re a farm support expert working with government or an NGO, it’s possible you offer FREE products and services, and therefore may not need payment from farmers. You can still expend LESS effort, time and money, to make farmers adopt what you offer. The above strategies can make you more cost-efficient. You get to achieve multiple time and effort savings, plus greater marketing mileage for money you spend. Those who provide you financial backing would be pleased with that! Final Words: Focus On Adding Tangible Value to Your Target Audiences
For all the above to work, give them something (information, education etc) they can put to productive use. However, in doing that, use your creativity to subtly show how what you “sell” can also help them. For instance, weave educational stories/examples from your daily experiences, in serving farmers, into your talks. That often works magic…People find you more believable, when you use real life examples. Once that happens, it will only be a matter of time before they start looking to get more from you…and they’ll often be willing to pay, to get it! Need More Ideas on How to Use The Above Information?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: No. 114: Speaking IDEAS for Farm Support Experts” in the subject line.
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 (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 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.
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:Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here] Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo at tksola dot com. In the meantime, why not get started by subscribing here to get his 7-Part Course (How To Succeed And Get Paid As A Professional Speaker) . . . and receive his monthly newsletter (Speaking Biz Strategies Letter) at no cost. |
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