Ezinne Reginald-Okonkwo studied law at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State and now runs Somre Foods, a healthy food and drink business. She talks to me about becoming an entrepreneur, doing business in Nigeria, and the power of faith in this interview.
Tag: business
Meet the Boss: Itoro Okon, Jewelry by Itoro Okon
Itoro Okon graduated with a degree in Geology from Carleton University, Canada, and worked in both the mineral exploration and oil and gas exploration industries for 3 years before moving back to start her jewelry line, Jewelry by Itoro Okon. She talks to me about her inspiration and her entrepreneurial dreams in this interview.
Meet the Boss, Chidiadi Madumere, Black Purist Media
Chidiadi Madumere is the MD/CEO of Black Purist Media Ltd, a fast growing integrated communications agency in Nigeria. She started her career with EbonyLife TV as the Head Writer for Season 3 of the Naija Diamonds documentary series before moving into full event, TV, stage & film production. Chidiadi, who studied Law at Abia State University, currently sits on the board of directors at Small Business Owners Initiative Limited. I interviewed her last week; read it HERE.
10 Things Entrepreneurs Should Know About Taking Notes at Meetings
As a business owner (or someone managing a business), whether you’re meeting with a new client or an existing one, note-taking is one strategy that will accomplish more for you than most people realise. Here are 10 things you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next meeting:
1. If you’ve been given an appointment to meet with a prospective client, you’re better off listening to their past, present and anticipated needs, instead of talking about how great your product or service is. Pulling out your notepad and pen, and asking questions, is a great way to respond to “So, what can I do for you?”
2. By taking out your notepad and pen, you’re not just preparing to gather information. You’re sending a message to your client or prospective client: I am a professional, I am organized and your words are important to me.
If At First You Don’t Succeed, Don’t Try, Try Again
Last year, I didn’t achieve one of my most important goals. I was simply going to try again this year when something stopped me in my tracks. Visions of 2017 turning out exactly like 2016 in that regard, flashed before my eyes, along with the thought, what’s the plan to succeed this year where you failed last year? Read more…
Will You Invest in Your Greatest Asset in 2017?
Your greatest asset is not any of the material things you’ve acquired; your greatest asset is you. That’s why it’s such a waste to try to live someone else’s life. And that’s why you need to invest the most in you this year.
There’s only one you. Nobody can do “you” like you can. When you let that sink in, you have to decide what you’re going to do with it.
We’re facing challenging times as a nation, and the best thing you can do is fortify yourself. Read more…
3 Myths Small Business Owners Believe
Anyone who has ever started a small business knows that it can be quite a challenge. However, there are certain myths which, when shunned, open the door to profit and fulfilment.
1. I cannot afford to advertise, and I don’t really need it. Read more…
How Much Do You Know About Charles Ponzi And His Scheme?
It’s a Ponzi scheme! It’s a Ponzi scheme! Who exactly was Charles Ponzi and what was this infamous scheme of his that has inspired so many others? I wrote about it HERE.
Why You Should Replace Multitasking With Smart Tasking
The first time I heard that multitasking is “so last century” I was shocked.
“Ability to multitask” was a huge thing not that long ago, and even had a prominent place on many CVs.
Alas, it turns out that the great multitasking, the skill of the chosen and the favourites, is actually a counterproductive practice that costs companies and businesses as much as 20% to 40% in term of potential efficiency. Trying to do more than one thing at a time often means that none of them is done with as much efficiency, precision and completeness as you are capable of. Read more…
6 Entrepreneurship Lessons From Joke Bakare, MD, Medplus
Medplus was not a dream Joke Bakare had always carried. Before she started Medplus, she was just another bright pharmacist who had interned at University College Hospital Ibadan, served the nation at Military Hospital on Awolowo Way, worked with Right Aid Pharmacy in New York after obtaining a New York license to practice Pharmacy, and had a brief part-time job at Cleanipharm Pharmacy on her return to Nigeria. At the time she started, the concept of pharmaceutical chains, where one could have a pharmacy in different locations, was not one people were used to.
Here are 6 key lessons from her transition into entrepreneurship. Continue reading…
anafricandiva 