2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Mind Your Business 3 (Long term Profiting)
There's an adage that says; “He who doesn't know how his friends are making it will run around for long without anything to show.”
A secret is something not seen, heard or known by others.
In life and business, before you start searching for secrets, become skillful at practising principles with discipline.
The mastery a lot of people have in business came not because of any secret they know, but, by the operation of simple principles with discipline.
The most powerful secret will fail in the hands of anyone who doesn't embrace principles.
One Thing
“Consistency and Focus are co-tenants with success.” ~ Paulvan
I know people who do many businesses and are still more broke than those who don't do any.
I believe in people having many streams of Income, but I advise that we stay at 'One Thing' and establish it very well before diversifying.
Stay At It
Opportunists hardly make successful entrepreneurs - I mean Opportunists who delve into every trendy business in town. It pays to be an opportunist only if it is done in that one area of business you have chosen.
IBM (The Big Blue) has remained IBM all these years building all kinds of hardware computers. Microsoft has no plan to stop building softwares; from games to operating systems etc. Since 1962 Wal-Mart has been in the retail/discount business.
Do one thing, stay at it, and put all the excellence, branding and marketing into it, then, at the right time diversify. When is the right time? When the business can successfully run itself and another.
Action Step: Freeze/Sale all unprofitable businesses and put the money in the profitable one.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Mind Your Business 2 (Emperors And Kings)
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Mind Your Business 2
(Emperors And Kings)
“The empires of the future are empires of the mind.” ~ Winston Churchill
An Empire could be defined as an extensive group of countries or states under a single supreme authority, usually an emperor or empress.
It would be right then to say that an empire is like a group of businesses belonging to, and under the supervision of one individual like Aliko Dangote.
The CEO As An Emperor
A CEO can be likened to an emperor if he/she has successfully built one business that has emerged into a group of businesses.
In a monarchy emperors and Kings are considered rulers but the power or level of authority of each is different. The difference between both can be likened to the difference between the CEO of a company and the manager. An emperor rules the empire with many kingdoms/managers under him, but the King/Queen/managers rules over one kingdom/Jurisdiction per time.
This is similar to what we have in the business world. The way some people are building will make them emperors in the future, and others Kings.
The CEO As A King
The CEO as a king is he who successful builds one business and he's fine. There's really nothing wrong with that, but, I think we undermine our potential when we can become emperors but remain kings, and when we can becomes kings but end up servants/employees.
A man's mind is his greatest asset. Everyman's mind is very noble and loyal to him, it doesn't allow into your life what you can't conceive.
I know the greatest gold mine in the world; it's your mind. It makes you an emperor, a king or a servant. It all depends on you.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
3 Business 'Ships' You Must Build
2 minutes Business Article
Title: 3 Business 'Ships' You Must Build
Life is like an Ocean, every one can take so much and it will still look un-touched. And how much you take from the Ocean of life will be determined by the strength of your 'Ships'.
Like Titanic, if you must not sink, then, you must build these 3 business 'Ships' with very solid base such that even the Ice-berg on the Ocean of life won't sink them.
3 Important Business 'Ships'
1. Leader-'ship': It's the ability to build yourself and Others to Independence so that everyone can inter-dependently fulfil destiny. Effective leadership builds your business into a structure.
Every business that en-slaves others won't last.
2. Relation-'ship': Good Relationships will open doors that the best education will not. Your Net-worth will always be the end-result of your Net-work.
3. Steward-'Ship': Stewards don't own anything, they are care-givers and care-takers. It's stewardship that turned John D Rockefeller, Bill Gates etc, into philanthropists. Too many African Businesses die quickly because there is no sense of Stewardship.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.plconsultingfirm.com
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Mind Your Business
2 minutes Business Article
Title: Mind Your Business
When you follow due process, as in the principles that makes for building a viable structure, with time, when your business fully evolves, it will almost run on auto pilot, and it eventually will. The culture will be so ingrained that even new employees will be able to read the handwriting on the world and easily align. Until it's obvious that's already happening, please, mind your business. You don't have to always be physically present, but, be present. You know what I mean!
You
Starting a business that will outlive you requires more than Vision, ambition, capital, branding or partnership etc. It requires you.
Very close to me here, about four people started a creche/school business. I told my girlfriend who happens to be my wife, that in just a few months the one who will still be in business is the one who understands how it works and is always there. I told her people don't play with their children. I was one of the first to change my baby's school to the obviously better one, though, with less than excellent facility. Same fees, same services, but different approach. Now, almost everyone is taking their children to the school I took my baby over a year ago.
Lesson:
In a more general sense, as I need to be careful now; until you find people who have seen, are still seeing, and have committed themselves to see to it's realisation what you have seen about the future, don't be far from your business.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Mind Your Business
When you follow due process, as in the principles that makes for building a viable structure, with time, when your business fully evolves, it will almost run on auto pilot, and it eventually will. The culture will be so ingrained that even new employees will be able to read the handwriting on the world and easily align. Until it's obvious that's already happening, please, mind your business. You don't have to always be physically present, but, be present. You know what I mean!
You
Starting a business that will outlive you requires more than Vision, ambition, capital, branding or partnership etc. It requires you.
Very close to me here, about four people started a creche/school business. I told my girlfriend who happens to be my wife, that in just a few months the one who will still be in business is the one who understands how it works and is always there. I told her people don't play with their children. I was one of the first to change my baby's school to the obviously better one, though, with less than excellent facility. Same fees, same services, but different approach. Now, almost everyone is taking their children to the school I took my baby over a year ago.
Lesson:
In a more general sense, as I need to be careful now; until you find people who have seen, are still seeing, and have committed themselves to see to it's realisation what you have seen about the future, don't be far from your business.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Monday, October 27, 2014
Reward Winning Motivator
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Reward Winning Motivator
Today, I intend to bend the rule a little; The article won't take a directly integrated form, but all paragraphs will try to communicate Ideas that are very closely related to the 'Title'. I hope you make sense out of it.
And, you may as well excuse my style!
Retirement
A man who is retired or downsized only to find out that his skills have become obsolete in the business world, has simply lived his life in the work place walking backwards.
What was his motivation? If he had any at all, let's assume it was salary.
Carrot And Stick
In mechanised farming a ridger does the ridging. But, in the carrot and stick method of farming, the Jockeys does all the work. She chases the carrot tied to the locally made ridger, tied around her neck and back, but never gets to take the carrot or eat it until she has finished the work for the day. She never gets hold of the carrot right in front of her because the carrot is not moving, she's the one moving both the carrot and the ridger.
In the carrot and stick work place motivation, people never get what they are motivated by all their life.
Complacency
Many people start out in life and business highly motivated. They go after all they can, get all they can, can all they get, and then sit on the can. What then was their motivation?
The Real Thing
While on my way back from the office last week, I caught myself blushing on all sides. When I asked myself why? My answer was; fulfilment brings more Joy to your heart and smile to your face than money. Haven't you met very wealthy but often sad people?
The 5 men whose wealth put together was more than the economy of the world in 1925 - Who all died miserably, never had fulfilment. What was their motivation? Money and more money I guess.
The Cooperate Ladder
The greatest desire of many people in the cooperate world is not to own a business but to climb the cooperate ladder, get to the top, sit down there for a while, and then, retire after all their zest is depleted just to sit at home and watch their grand kids grow.
The Bottom Line
Will your life or business ever reach it's zenith? That will depend on how personally and ceaselessly motivated you are to always bring your Ideas and goals to fruition no matter what you have already achieved.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Reward Winning Motivator
Today, I intend to bend the rule a little; The article won't take a directly integrated form, but all paragraphs will try to communicate Ideas that are very closely related to the 'Title'. I hope you make sense out of it.
And, you may as well excuse my style!
Retirement
A man who is retired or downsized only to find out that his skills have become obsolete in the business world, has simply lived his life in the work place walking backwards.
What was his motivation? If he had any at all, let's assume it was salary.
Carrot And Stick
In mechanised farming a ridger does the ridging. But, in the carrot and stick method of farming, the Jockeys does all the work. She chases the carrot tied to the locally made ridger, tied around her neck and back, but never gets to take the carrot or eat it until she has finished the work for the day. She never gets hold of the carrot right in front of her because the carrot is not moving, she's the one moving both the carrot and the ridger.
In the carrot and stick work place motivation, people never get what they are motivated by all their life.
Complacency
Many people start out in life and business highly motivated. They go after all they can, get all they can, can all they get, and then sit on the can. What then was their motivation?
The Real Thing
While on my way back from the office last week, I caught myself blushing on all sides. When I asked myself why? My answer was; fulfilment brings more Joy to your heart and smile to your face than money. Haven't you met very wealthy but often sad people?
The 5 men whose wealth put together was more than the economy of the world in 1925 - Who all died miserably, never had fulfilment. What was their motivation? Money and more money I guess.
The Cooperate Ladder
The greatest desire of many people in the cooperate world is not to own a business but to climb the cooperate ladder, get to the top, sit down there for a while, and then, retire after all their zest is depleted just to sit at home and watch their grand kids grow.
The Bottom Line
Will your life or business ever reach it's zenith? That will depend on how personally and ceaselessly motivated you are to always bring your Ideas and goals to fruition no matter what you have already achieved.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Where Is Your Baby?
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Where Is Your Baby?
So many people know what they want from life, the problem is not how to get it either but the guts to make the move.
Motivation is one thing, movement is another thing entirely. With so many motivational speakers all over the place, one should expect that there should be more entrepreneurs than we already have, but so many people simply stop at being motivated. They don't move.
There's the delivery room of entrepreneurs, it's called the market place. In a real delivery room, a woman gives birth to the baby once, but In the business delivery room(the market place) you clone your baby, as you give birth to her in parts; from the head, to the hands etc.
Don't let a Job make you abort your Ideas. In life there's no barren person if we look inwards and know what to do.
Most of my articles are Inspired by my father, Rev'd Olufemi Akinola of the Hebrews Int'l Outreaches, Who teaches a lot about purposeful living.
Staying under him has helped me to discover purpose and has built in me a passion to help others do the same.
He said to us yesterday that 'the first person to run with an Idea is the real owner.' And coincidentally, While at JCI business summit yesterday at Radisson Blu, VI, my business mentor, Stephen Akintayo of Gilead balm group said the same thing.
Have you found out that it wasn't Alexander Graham Bell who Invented the Telephone but Antonio Meucci?
Some of the great businesses you see today are actually the Ideas of some people who planned on starting them tomorrow, and since tomorrow never ends, they're still planning.
“The man who runs with an Idea is he who decides to turn his tomorrow into today.” ~ Paulvan
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Where Is Your Baby?
So many people know what they want from life, the problem is not how to get it either but the guts to make the move.
Motivation is one thing, movement is another thing entirely. With so many motivational speakers all over the place, one should expect that there should be more entrepreneurs than we already have, but so many people simply stop at being motivated. They don't move.
There's the delivery room of entrepreneurs, it's called the market place. In a real delivery room, a woman gives birth to the baby once, but In the business delivery room(the market place) you clone your baby, as you give birth to her in parts; from the head, to the hands etc.
Don't let a Job make you abort your Ideas. In life there's no barren person if we look inwards and know what to do.
Most of my articles are Inspired by my father, Rev'd Olufemi Akinola of the Hebrews Int'l Outreaches, Who teaches a lot about purposeful living.
Staying under him has helped me to discover purpose and has built in me a passion to help others do the same.
He said to us yesterday that 'the first person to run with an Idea is the real owner.' And coincidentally, While at JCI business summit yesterday at Radisson Blu, VI, my business mentor, Stephen Akintayo of Gilead balm group said the same thing.
Have you found out that it wasn't Alexander Graham Bell who Invented the Telephone but Antonio Meucci?
Some of the great businesses you see today are actually the Ideas of some people who planned on starting them tomorrow, and since tomorrow never ends, they're still planning.
“The man who runs with an Idea is he who decides to turn his tomorrow into today.” ~ Paulvan
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Think Like Your Staff 2 (Lesson's from Kenneth Blanchard)
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Think Like Your Staff 2 (Lesson's from Kenneth Blanchard)
When the chips are finally down, the one who will be 'the last man standing' in business is he who learns to think like his employees and helps them find fulfilment. A lot of people who run the rat race think they are looking for money when in actual fact what they are searching for is fulfilment.
The simple goal of thinking like your staff is to help them find fulfilment in what they do so it will be easy for them to think/see like you (the CEO).
Real Empathy is the end product of sound emotional intelligence. That's the trading secret of transformational leaders.
Lessons From 'The One Minute Manager':
1. One Minutes Goals/Project: As a successful entrepreneur, you need to understand your employees want to be like you. If not for anything, for the freedom. They have goals, dreams, and desires they'd like to accomplish too. Align your Organisational goals with the innate abilities of your Team(Staff). Goals are realised faster in the Ideological 'One Minute' when people are happy with what they do. Put people in their areas of core competence.
2. One Minute Praising/Compliment: Say thank you Often to your Team both in words and gifts, and let them know you'll expect more of their great works.
3. One Minute Reprimand/Correction: This works better when they are aware that they'll always get feedback for their work. When you always do it immediately. And when you often constructively criticise the mistake and not the person in question.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Think Like Your Staff 2 (Lesson's from Kenneth Blanchard)
When the chips are finally down, the one who will be 'the last man standing' in business is he who learns to think like his employees and helps them find fulfilment. A lot of people who run the rat race think they are looking for money when in actual fact what they are searching for is fulfilment.
The simple goal of thinking like your staff is to help them find fulfilment in what they do so it will be easy for them to think/see like you (the CEO).
Real Empathy is the end product of sound emotional intelligence. That's the trading secret of transformational leaders.
Lessons From 'The One Minute Manager':
1. One Minutes Goals/Project: As a successful entrepreneur, you need to understand your employees want to be like you. If not for anything, for the freedom. They have goals, dreams, and desires they'd like to accomplish too. Align your Organisational goals with the innate abilities of your Team(Staff). Goals are realised faster in the Ideological 'One Minute' when people are happy with what they do. Put people in their areas of core competence.
2. One Minute Praising/Compliment: Say thank you Often to your Team both in words and gifts, and let them know you'll expect more of their great works.
3. One Minute Reprimand/Correction: This works better when they are aware that they'll always get feedback for their work. When you always do it immediately. And when you often constructively criticise the mistake and not the person in question.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Think Like Your Staff (Lesson's From Kenneth Blanchard)
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Think Like Your Staff (Lesson's from Kenneth Blanchard)
“In Life, the greatest Investments you'll ever make will not be made in stocks, real estate or in your personal business but in people.” ~ Paulvan
By now you may be asking, how many professionals does this writer wants me to learn to think like to become the best entrepreneur?
Let me ask you too; how many course modules did you do in school? In fact, I'm pretty sure many of us, while in school felt like we didn't need some of those courses. But, the truth is, we did.
By privilege, I have worked with a number of great business people. Amongst all of them, those whose businesses thrived better are the one's who understood the truth I'm communicating here. They were able to save so much simply by offering themselves services that the professionals would have been payed for.
I understand that this Idea works better for young and struggling businesses than the multinationals. Why throw away the money you should invest into your business?
Thinking like your staff is also part of thinking like the professionals, since most employees are professionals at what they do and most are even better than their employers. Employers, please, Don't take this personal. But, it's simply true. And I think one of the things that makes you a great employer is your ability to hire and retain highly competent people like Bill Gates.
In 'The One Minute Manager' Kenneth Blanchard with Spencer Johnson communicated very trivial but profound truth on how to productively manage employees. And, in my opinion, they are some of the best ways to think like your staff.
The Basic Ideas in the book are;
1. One Minute Projects
2. One Minute Compliments
3. One Minutes Corrections
We will explore each one tomorrow.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Think Like A Consultant
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Think Like A Consultant
“In the Business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; The cash will come later.”
~ Harold Geneen
“The quality of one's business experience is determined by how committed he is to it, the kinds of problems he has solved, and how consistent he is at learning about, and adjusting to the changing global trend in his area of business.” ~ Paulvan
Consultancy is a major profession in itself. But anyone can learn it's basic school of thought and leverage on it big time.
As an entrepreneur, turning your business experience into a money generator is what consultancy is about.
Employees too can go into consultancy using their work experience. Their major challenge however, is their limited control over their time.
A consultant is one who proffers solution to business management and leadership problems by giving semi-professional or professional advise in exchange for payment.
How To Think Like A Consultant:
1. See Yourself As One: I tell my clients often; once you are in business and making headway, you're a consultant.
There are people who would need what you know that is working for you. Attach money value to your services. Any value people get for free doesn't do much. There's a mystery in that!
2. Always Look Out For Consultancy Opportunities And Cease Them, whether for free or fee. Of course, there are people who won't be able to pay you at their level.
3. Create Daily Thinking Time: Consultancy is problem solving. To solve other people's problem and yours, you must make critical/creative thinking a habit.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Think Like A Consultant
“In the Business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; The cash will come later.”
~ Harold Geneen
“The quality of one's business experience is determined by how committed he is to it, the kinds of problems he has solved, and how consistent he is at learning about, and adjusting to the changing global trend in his area of business.” ~ Paulvan
Consultancy is a major profession in itself. But anyone can learn it's basic school of thought and leverage on it big time.
As an entrepreneur, turning your business experience into a money generator is what consultancy is about.
Employees too can go into consultancy using their work experience. Their major challenge however, is their limited control over their time.
A consultant is one who proffers solution to business management and leadership problems by giving semi-professional or professional advise in exchange for payment.
How To Think Like A Consultant:
1. See Yourself As One: I tell my clients often; once you are in business and making headway, you're a consultant.
There are people who would need what you know that is working for you. Attach money value to your services. Any value people get for free doesn't do much. There's a mystery in that!
2. Always Look Out For Consultancy Opportunities And Cease Them, whether for free or fee. Of course, there are people who won't be able to pay you at their level.
3. Create Daily Thinking Time: Consultancy is problem solving. To solve other people's problem and yours, you must make critical/creative thinking a habit.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
How To Think Like A Lawyer 2
2 minutes Business Article
Title: How To Think Like A Lawyer 2
Peter Drucker was known as the greatest management consultant, and the father of modern management.
His approach to problem solving was a little weird; he would bring his Ignorance to the table and not his professional knowledge when dealing with Organisational Management problems. This is very closely related to the concept of Inductive Reasoning where one begins by asking questions on observing a problem or the symptoms.
Inductive Reasoning
This is also referred to as the 'bottom up' approach.
In many organisations the people at the bottom are always neglected In decision making because it is believed they know nothing. You'll be surprise what the Ignorant can do. That's just by the way!
In Inductive Reasoning, Lawyers or Researchers move from the intangible to the tangible. On making specific observations, without complete Information, they make the move and start opening up deeper hidden things.
It has been said that too much analysis leads to paralysis. Why wait until you know what to do? Ask your Ignorance, or the Ignorant.
In Deductive Reasoning, all the Information is available, but in Inductive Reasoning you might not have something you can put your hands on.
As a business owner, when you observe that certain areas of your business is not working like you want, instead of complaining or waiting, like Peter Drucker, employ the Ignorance approach. Start solving the problem even when all you know about it is the symptoms. That's how to think like a Lawyer.
Too much waiting has wasted a lot of great potentials.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: How To Think Like A Lawyer 2
Peter Drucker was known as the greatest management consultant, and the father of modern management.
His approach to problem solving was a little weird; he would bring his Ignorance to the table and not his professional knowledge when dealing with Organisational Management problems. This is very closely related to the concept of Inductive Reasoning where one begins by asking questions on observing a problem or the symptoms.
Inductive Reasoning
This is also referred to as the 'bottom up' approach.
In many organisations the people at the bottom are always neglected In decision making because it is believed they know nothing. You'll be surprise what the Ignorant can do. That's just by the way!
In Inductive Reasoning, Lawyers or Researchers move from the intangible to the tangible. On making specific observations, without complete Information, they make the move and start opening up deeper hidden things.
It has been said that too much analysis leads to paralysis. Why wait until you know what to do? Ask your Ignorance, or the Ignorant.
In Deductive Reasoning, all the Information is available, but in Inductive Reasoning you might not have something you can put your hands on.
As a business owner, when you observe that certain areas of your business is not working like you want, instead of complaining or waiting, like Peter Drucker, employ the Ignorance approach. Start solving the problem even when all you know about it is the symptoms. That's how to think like a Lawyer.
Too much waiting has wasted a lot of great potentials.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Monday, October 20, 2014
How To Think Like A Lawyer
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: How to Think Like A Lawyer
In their first year in school, Law students begin to learn how to think like lawyers. This totally alters their normal paradigm and positions them to succeed in the profession.
The goal of study is actually to alter all unproductive thinking patterns, and work only what works. But, for lawyers, it is a deliberate approach, as Law professors adopt methods like the Socratic methods to ensure that success in the law profession is not determined by IQ only.
Developing the ability to think productively with versatility can save the world.
For the purpose of brevity, I'm just going to communicate a very important concept that Lawyers employ in solving problems.
In the Law profession, the Onus is on every lawyer to think within the confines of Inductive and Deductive Reasoning.
How can the entrepreneur leverage on this?
Deductive Reasoning:
This process is sometimes called the Top-down approach and it works in leadership and business, even though It is often used by people who do research.
It is solving a problem using a holistic approach. Where one gathers all possible and accessible information about a problem or an idea and examines them one after the other until you get the best one. Also a very good process in brainstorming.
That's how lawyers handles a case. That's how Judges execute judgement.
How does one learn to think like this? It is learnt by learning. We need to develop the patience to solve problems giving attention to details, else, we'll keep solving the same problems repeatedly. And we don't have all that time.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: How to Think Like A Lawyer
In their first year in school, Law students begin to learn how to think like lawyers. This totally alters their normal paradigm and positions them to succeed in the profession.
The goal of study is actually to alter all unproductive thinking patterns, and work only what works. But, for lawyers, it is a deliberate approach, as Law professors adopt methods like the Socratic methods to ensure that success in the law profession is not determined by IQ only.
Developing the ability to think productively with versatility can save the world.
For the purpose of brevity, I'm just going to communicate a very important concept that Lawyers employ in solving problems.
In the Law profession, the Onus is on every lawyer to think within the confines of Inductive and Deductive Reasoning.
How can the entrepreneur leverage on this?
Deductive Reasoning:
This process is sometimes called the Top-down approach and it works in leadership and business, even though It is often used by people who do research.
It is solving a problem using a holistic approach. Where one gathers all possible and accessible information about a problem or an idea and examines them one after the other until you get the best one. Also a very good process in brainstorming.
That's how lawyers handles a case. That's how Judges execute judgement.
How does one learn to think like this? It is learnt by learning. We need to develop the patience to solve problems giving attention to details, else, we'll keep solving the same problems repeatedly. And we don't have all that time.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Think Like The CEO (3) (Amplifying The Acronym)
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Think Like The CEO (3)
(Amplifying The Acronym)
The Business Dictionary says a Chief Executive Officer is a person responsible for the Overall Operations and Performance of a firm.
So, You are on your way to becoming a worthy CEO If your Organisation is performing optimally in synch with her innate objectives.
No matter how you want to define who a CEO is, you must arrive at the fact that he/she is the number one person in the Organisation.
Being Number One
You mistake it when you think that being the number one person is by position. Many CEO's failed when they Ignorantly allowed the fame, glory and pleasure of position took the place of responsibility. Position has never made any leader, it is the leader's disposition that makes the position either a transformational or a transactional one.
You will succeed easily as an entrepreneur when you understand how to be number one at being number two while still serving/learning under someone.
The Idea is simple; be the best wherever they put you, or wherever you put yourself.
The CEO Must Have:
- Creativity: It Is the ability not to let things remain the same, but to continuously and profitably Innovate.
- Emotional Intelligence: It is the ability to profitably manage one's emotions and that of others in the Organisation.
Very few CEO's knows how to harness all the energies of the people in their Organisation - Only the CEO's with good EI do.
Most of your employees are under-utilised.
- Optimism: This is the ability to stay positive at every phase of your business. The ability to always keep your eyes on the crown not the cross.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Think Like The CEO (3)
(Amplifying The Acronym)
The Business Dictionary says a Chief Executive Officer is a person responsible for the Overall Operations and Performance of a firm.
So, You are on your way to becoming a worthy CEO If your Organisation is performing optimally in synch with her innate objectives.
No matter how you want to define who a CEO is, you must arrive at the fact that he/she is the number one person in the Organisation.
Being Number One
You mistake it when you think that being the number one person is by position. Many CEO's failed when they Ignorantly allowed the fame, glory and pleasure of position took the place of responsibility. Position has never made any leader, it is the leader's disposition that makes the position either a transformational or a transactional one.
You will succeed easily as an entrepreneur when you understand how to be number one at being number two while still serving/learning under someone.
The Idea is simple; be the best wherever they put you, or wherever you put yourself.
The CEO Must Have:
- Creativity: It Is the ability not to let things remain the same, but to continuously and profitably Innovate.
- Emotional Intelligence: It is the ability to profitably manage one's emotions and that of others in the Organisation.
Very few CEO's knows how to harness all the energies of the people in their Organisation - Only the CEO's with good EI do.
Most of your employees are under-utilised.
- Optimism: This is the ability to stay positive at every phase of your business. The ability to always keep your eyes on the crown not the cross.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Think Like The CEO (2)
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Think Like the CEO (2)
“Success is the fruit, the tree is the process, principles and values are the roots.” ~ Paulvan
While running a part time course in Yaba College Of Technology, Lagos, in 2006, I served under four Bosses who occupied four different offices in the same building and did different businesses. One was a Lawyer, two were consultants, and the other a graphic artist/publisher. It wasn't funny at all!
I was in school, but my work was another school for me. It was a real learning curve. I'd share some of the lessons I learnt when the need comes knocking. But for the purpose of this article, I'll share the relevant one.
I learnt to think like a CEO while working under these four bosses. I also had to learn what each of them wanted, and tried my best to do as much as I could for them. Though, only one payed me, the others gave me tips as I chose to serve them voluntarily.
I was a secretary and a cashier to my real boss. And, though he was the only one who payed me, I did less work for him compared to the others as he only came weekends. For a pretty long time, the Other bosses didn't border getting secretaries because I was meeting their major needs.
Why was I able to do that?
Qualities You Need To Help You Think Like The CEO:
1. Self Discovery/Purpose: The number one quality you need to be able to think like the CEO whether you already have your own business or not is to know who you are and where you are going in life. Though, my work then was often stressful, I was able to cope because I had a very strong sense of purpose and already knew where I'm going in life.
2. Security: When you know purpose, it's easy to feel secured and be confident in your ability to deliver on the Job, or whatever product or service you render as the owner of the business.
3. Think Oversize thoughts: Most employees can't really help their bosses beyond their job description because they think their level all the time, they don't try to wear the CEO's thinking cap. And most CEO's don't change level as they ought to because they think below their capacity.
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; not so he shall become. You are already what you're thinking if you don't stop thinking it.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Think Like the CEO (2)
“Success is the fruit, the tree is the process, principles and values are the roots.” ~ Paulvan
While running a part time course in Yaba College Of Technology, Lagos, in 2006, I served under four Bosses who occupied four different offices in the same building and did different businesses. One was a Lawyer, two were consultants, and the other a graphic artist/publisher. It wasn't funny at all!
I was in school, but my work was another school for me. It was a real learning curve. I'd share some of the lessons I learnt when the need comes knocking. But for the purpose of this article, I'll share the relevant one.
I learnt to think like a CEO while working under these four bosses. I also had to learn what each of them wanted, and tried my best to do as much as I could for them. Though, only one payed me, the others gave me tips as I chose to serve them voluntarily.
I was a secretary and a cashier to my real boss. And, though he was the only one who payed me, I did less work for him compared to the others as he only came weekends. For a pretty long time, the Other bosses didn't border getting secretaries because I was meeting their major needs.
Why was I able to do that?
Qualities You Need To Help You Think Like The CEO:
1. Self Discovery/Purpose: The number one quality you need to be able to think like the CEO whether you already have your own business or not is to know who you are and where you are going in life. Though, my work then was often stressful, I was able to cope because I had a very strong sense of purpose and already knew where I'm going in life.
2. Security: When you know purpose, it's easy to feel secured and be confident in your ability to deliver on the Job, or whatever product or service you render as the owner of the business.
3. Think Oversize thoughts: Most employees can't really help their bosses beyond their job description because they think their level all the time, they don't try to wear the CEO's thinking cap. And most CEO's don't change level as they ought to because they think below their capacity.
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; not so he shall become. You are already what you're thinking if you don't stop thinking it.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Monday, October 13, 2014
Another Perspective to Business Accountability.
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Another Perspective to Business Accountability.
When you start out in business, you are going to be many things at the same time. You will be your own CEO, Secretary, Accountant, Consultant, Lawyer, and your own banker etc. Because, having to pay for these services at that level may not be convenient.
If you start out in business without learning these basic skills that will make you many personalities in one for the initial and future success of your business, and you are not willing to learn on the Job, you may end up frustrated in business.
Now, I'm not trying to say you have to go to school to obtain degrees in all these disciplines before you start your business. No, no, no, no! All I'm trying to let you know is that you have to learn some of the basic skills of these professions, and you don't need a university to learn them; you simply need to be inquisitive with humility, and also do research. In other words, learn to think like them and know the relevance of these professions to your business.
That to me, is where personal business accountability begins.
Accountability is the ability to do all the important/necessary things that can keep you growing consistently from one level to the next, and check-mate all the faults.
It is also the ability to submit to and report your performance to yourself on a timely bases when you're just starting out, and then, find mentors to report to when things starts working as desired.
The truth about accountability is, it's easier to learn at your small beginning than when you are already big. And, in-fact, it's accountability that actually helps you grow big. Without it, people remain small.
To become an effective/efficient entrepreneur/business owner, you must learn the basic rules of the game, and hold yourself accountable to the perspective I have shared. You must learn to think like the professionals.
Continues Tomorrow...
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Another Perspective to Business Accountability.
When you start out in business, you are going to be many things at the same time. You will be your own CEO, Secretary, Accountant, Consultant, Lawyer, and your own banker etc. Because, having to pay for these services at that level may not be convenient.
If you start out in business without learning these basic skills that will make you many personalities in one for the initial and future success of your business, and you are not willing to learn on the Job, you may end up frustrated in business.
Now, I'm not trying to say you have to go to school to obtain degrees in all these disciplines before you start your business. No, no, no, no! All I'm trying to let you know is that you have to learn some of the basic skills of these professions, and you don't need a university to learn them; you simply need to be inquisitive with humility, and also do research. In other words, learn to think like them and know the relevance of these professions to your business.
That to me, is where personal business accountability begins.
Accountability is the ability to do all the important/necessary things that can keep you growing consistently from one level to the next, and check-mate all the faults.
It is also the ability to submit to and report your performance to yourself on a timely bases when you're just starting out, and then, find mentors to report to when things starts working as desired.
The truth about accountability is, it's easier to learn at your small beginning than when you are already big. And, in-fact, it's accountability that actually helps you grow big. Without it, people remain small.
To become an effective/efficient entrepreneur/business owner, you must learn the basic rules of the game, and hold yourself accountable to the perspective I have shared. You must learn to think like the professionals.
Continues Tomorrow...
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Friday, October 10, 2014
Business Lesson From A Child.
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Business Lesson From A Child.
While in secondary school, I was taught by my Biology teacher to be observant of the activities in my environment. That has turned me into a professional learner. Thanks to my Biology teacher.
Just yesterday, I watched a little boy who is still learning to walk, but still falls after a few steps, and then, continues by crawling instead of standing up again to walk after the fall. As he watched his older sister ran pass him while he crawled, he suddenly stood up and took a few fast steps to catch up with her. (He was challenged and wanted to be like her. Who is challenging you? Do you have business mentors?)
As if I was observing such competition for the first time. I noticed something I had always noticed; how children learn by observation - but, this time, it was too obvious for me to dispute that that's the way it works. Children learn by observation, and they can teach you some of life's greatest lessons if you learn to observe them too.
I believe as their brain develops in infancy, the law of imagination takes effect, even though their brain cannot interpret what their eye see. They watch everyone around them walking, including those who carry them. Then, suddenly, they begin to act out what they've observed for several months. They begin to walk.
Rev Sam Adeyemi taught us a long time ago about the power of imagination. He said, once you have identified what you want in life, get a picture of that thing and put it where you can see it everyday, and in no time, with consistent hard-work, you'll attract it into your life.
Lesson: In your line of business, there are people who have reached where you want to go; get their pictures, start to study them and their businesses - with time, you'll get there. In life, we become what we think about and what we look at most of the time.
Just like a Child, you won't crawl for long in business if you learn to observe the business people around you who are already walking. In the same vein, you won't walk/run for long if you learn to observe the business people who are already flying around you. The Laws of Imagination and Attraction works.
The shortest cut to where you are going in life is the person who has been there.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Developing A Business 3RD Eye.
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Developing A Business 3RD Eye.
Hacking into people's Information system is illegal and demeaning. By prying into people's database, hackers put a limit on their own originality and creativity. Hacking is digital robbery.
Developing a 3rd eye is different from hacking. A 3rd eye is simply the Instrument you use in fighting the WAR of Innovation.
To be the best, you must beat the rest.
Developing a 3rd eye comes almost naturally for people who love to help others. People who are always uncomfortable with the status quo, who often believe that things can be better and look for ways to make that happen.
Developing a 3rd eye is about the easiest thing to do with the right disposition. Of all the values/things you must have as an entrepreneur, having a good heart is what will determine the height you'll attain in business.
How Do You Develop A 3rd Eye?
I. Be Desirous: You are made for more, but can only get them through desire and pursuit. This is already an old advise, but can't become obsolete. It's another way of saying be passionate.
I've worked with many business people, and have come to find out that, it's one thing to start out in business with so much passion, it's another to keep the fire burning especially in challenging times.
Some people's business passion evaporates when they hit a brick-wall.
No matter what happens, you must keep your passion increasing, as without it, you can't see from within how to make your own thing better, not to talk of seeing what other people are not doing right in business to use it to your business advantage.
Passion keeps your network very active.
II. Become A Fan: As a business person, celebrate the product and businesses of other people, especially people in your line of business.
What you see does more to you than what you hear, not to talk of what you use.
Fans know some things about celebrities that they don't even know about themselves.
When you become a fan of the products in your line of business, you'll know about them what they don't know about themselves.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Developing A Business 3RD Eye.
Hacking into people's Information system is illegal and demeaning. By prying into people's database, hackers put a limit on their own originality and creativity. Hacking is digital robbery.
Developing a 3rd eye is different from hacking. A 3rd eye is simply the Instrument you use in fighting the WAR of Innovation.
To be the best, you must beat the rest.
Developing a 3rd eye comes almost naturally for people who love to help others. People who are always uncomfortable with the status quo, who often believe that things can be better and look for ways to make that happen.
Developing a 3rd eye is about the easiest thing to do with the right disposition. Of all the values/things you must have as an entrepreneur, having a good heart is what will determine the height you'll attain in business.
How Do You Develop A 3rd Eye?
I. Be Desirous: You are made for more, but can only get them through desire and pursuit. This is already an old advise, but can't become obsolete. It's another way of saying be passionate.
I've worked with many business people, and have come to find out that, it's one thing to start out in business with so much passion, it's another to keep the fire burning especially in challenging times.
Some people's business passion evaporates when they hit a brick-wall.
No matter what happens, you must keep your passion increasing, as without it, you can't see from within how to make your own thing better, not to talk of seeing what other people are not doing right in business to use it to your business advantage.
Passion keeps your network very active.
II. Become A Fan: As a business person, celebrate the product and businesses of other people, especially people in your line of business.
What you see does more to you than what you hear, not to talk of what you use.
Fans know some things about celebrities that they don't even know about themselves.
When you become a fan of the products in your line of business, you'll know about them what they don't know about themselves.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Business 3RD Eye
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Business 3RD Eye
Recently, two of my friends who work in a telecommunication company told me about an emerging trend they have seen. It has motivated them into investing in other businesses, including Agribusiness.
At the moment, I am Consulting and doing a proposal for a particular crop for them. Agribusiness Consulting is one of my passionate areas of consulting.
My friends have shown a rare ability which is not a common ground with employees. I call it the 3rd eye.
It helps you to see a future trend and plan ahead.
Before the builders of Apple computer came into business in 1975, there were giants like IBM in the computer industry already, but, Apple computer took over the market because they saw and satisfied a major consumer need which all the big names in the same Industry did not see back then. That's called the 3rd Eye.
Lesson: You may be the smallest in your Industry today, but, if you develop a 3rd Eye, you will see what giants in your Industry have not seen that can put you over in no time.
What most big names are selling is Brand! Nothing more. And they have monopolised the market, selling low quality products at very high prices because their competitors are incapacitated, can't meet demand because of low/no capital, or are just not visible.
Whatever your current level is in business, if you don't have a 3rd Eye, you must develop one. You can't go far as an entrepreneur without it.
“In life, You simply can't see what you're not looking for.” ~ Paulvan
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Business 3RD Eye
Recently, two of my friends who work in a telecommunication company told me about an emerging trend they have seen. It has motivated them into investing in other businesses, including Agribusiness.
At the moment, I am Consulting and doing a proposal for a particular crop for them. Agribusiness Consulting is one of my passionate areas of consulting.
My friends have shown a rare ability which is not a common ground with employees. I call it the 3rd eye.
It helps you to see a future trend and plan ahead.
Before the builders of Apple computer came into business in 1975, there were giants like IBM in the computer industry already, but, Apple computer took over the market because they saw and satisfied a major consumer need which all the big names in the same Industry did not see back then. That's called the 3rd Eye.
Lesson: You may be the smallest in your Industry today, but, if you develop a 3rd Eye, you will see what giants in your Industry have not seen that can put you over in no time.
What most big names are selling is Brand! Nothing more. And they have monopolised the market, selling low quality products at very high prices because their competitors are incapacitated, can't meet demand because of low/no capital, or are just not visible.
Whatever your current level is in business, if you don't have a 3rd Eye, you must develop one. You can't go far as an entrepreneur without it.
“In life, You simply can't see what you're not looking for.” ~ Paulvan
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Productive Thinking
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Productive Thinking
“Five percent of the people think;
ten percent of the people think they think;
and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.”
~ Thomas A. Edison
Productive thinking is creative thinking that guarantees tangible relevant result.
From personal experience, having too many things to think on gets you worrying instead of thinking. And, that can hamper creative thinking.
I'm sure a lot of people can relate to that. Some of my friends would tell me, 'men, I can't think straight.' That's like saying, I have very important things to think about but with too many distractions.
In fact, a recent report shows that only 2 percent of people actually think. Isn't that scary?
1st Step To Productive Thinking:
Simplify: in life, Very few people are wired up to do many things, and do them all well. Talk about the likes of Leonardo da Vinci.
When you choose the business you love or love the business you do, you are most likely to get more from creative thinking than people who want to do too many things.
The How Of Productive Thinking
1. Plan: John C. Maxwell has in his home a thinking room, thinking chair, and a thinking time. Thinking is a deliberate exercise, and must be planned for.
2. Identify Problem: When you have a good understanding of the business you do, and know what you want, it will be easy to know what you don't want, which is the problem.
3. Research Solution: A problem Identified is half solved. And, even if you don't have an immediate solution, you can get it by research.
4. Experiment: Testing solutions will keep you from putting all your eggs in one basket, and help you know which will work for you.
5. Apply: Creative thinking is only complete when desired result is achieved.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Productive Thinking
“Five percent of the people think;
ten percent of the people think they think;
and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.”
~ Thomas A. Edison
Productive thinking is creative thinking that guarantees tangible relevant result.
From personal experience, having too many things to think on gets you worrying instead of thinking. And, that can hamper creative thinking.
I'm sure a lot of people can relate to that. Some of my friends would tell me, 'men, I can't think straight.' That's like saying, I have very important things to think about but with too many distractions.
In fact, a recent report shows that only 2 percent of people actually think. Isn't that scary?
1st Step To Productive Thinking:
Simplify: in life, Very few people are wired up to do many things, and do them all well. Talk about the likes of Leonardo da Vinci.
When you choose the business you love or love the business you do, you are most likely to get more from creative thinking than people who want to do too many things.
The How Of Productive Thinking
1. Plan: John C. Maxwell has in his home a thinking room, thinking chair, and a thinking time. Thinking is a deliberate exercise, and must be planned for.
2. Identify Problem: When you have a good understanding of the business you do, and know what you want, it will be easy to know what you don't want, which is the problem.
3. Research Solution: A problem Identified is half solved. And, even if you don't have an immediate solution, you can get it by research.
4. Experiment: Testing solutions will keep you from putting all your eggs in one basket, and help you know which will work for you.
5. Apply: Creative thinking is only complete when desired result is achieved.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Monday, October 6, 2014
Think-A-bi-lity
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Think-A-bi-lity
“Think before you speak, Read before you think.” ~ Frances Ann
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right.” ~ Henry Ford
Someone once said that the problem with having an open mind, of cause, is that people will come and try to help you put things in it.
When you don't determine what you think upon, circumstances or people will.
When Bishop David Oyedepo was asked once, what he does with his time, his reply was simple; 'I read and think.'
The basis for action is thought, and our thought is determined by what we hear, see, or feel. Thoughts can be rational or Irrational depending on the source. But a prevalent thought that is eventually expressed through action is determined by once values or conditioning.
Thinking is the ability to deliberately engage once mind power and focus it to get solution to a problem or make a situation better. But, because of the way many have been conditioned by the rat-race, they prefer to take the quick approach to solving a problem instead of thinking through it. So, the business challenge they have keeps showing Up shortly after every quick fix.
Thinking for many is the slowest approach to getting result, so, we end up asking everyone to give us answers that already exist in us, but clouded by anxiety. And then, finally, after we have wasted so much time, we sit down with ourselves only to realise that the answer had been with us all along, only waiting for us to spend some quality thinking time.
Thinking is a deliberate exercise. People who take a quick fix approach to solving business leadership or management issues, are just running on their foot. But, people who spend quality time thinking, might look like time waters to others, but, when they set out, they take a flight and arrive their destination, while the people running are still years behind.
Productive Thinking:
Coming Tomorrow. Watch Out!!!
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Think-A-bi-lity
“Think before you speak, Read before you think.” ~ Frances Ann
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right.” ~ Henry Ford
Someone once said that the problem with having an open mind, of cause, is that people will come and try to help you put things in it.
When you don't determine what you think upon, circumstances or people will.
When Bishop David Oyedepo was asked once, what he does with his time, his reply was simple; 'I read and think.'
The basis for action is thought, and our thought is determined by what we hear, see, or feel. Thoughts can be rational or Irrational depending on the source. But a prevalent thought that is eventually expressed through action is determined by once values or conditioning.
Thinking is the ability to deliberately engage once mind power and focus it to get solution to a problem or make a situation better. But, because of the way many have been conditioned by the rat-race, they prefer to take the quick approach to solving a problem instead of thinking through it. So, the business challenge they have keeps showing Up shortly after every quick fix.
Thinking for many is the slowest approach to getting result, so, we end up asking everyone to give us answers that already exist in us, but clouded by anxiety. And then, finally, after we have wasted so much time, we sit down with ourselves only to realise that the answer had been with us all along, only waiting for us to spend some quality thinking time.
Thinking is a deliberate exercise. People who take a quick fix approach to solving business leadership or management issues, are just running on their foot. But, people who spend quality time thinking, might look like time waters to others, but, when they set out, they take a flight and arrive their destination, while the people running are still years behind.
Productive Thinking:
Coming Tomorrow. Watch Out!!!
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Friday, October 3, 2014
Creating Opportunities
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Creating Opportunities (Lesson from Steve Jobs, Wozniak and Bill Gates)
'All Stand, Sit!'
Back in my primary school days, this was a body warm up exercise instruction. Also, each time a teacher entered the class, the class captain would Instruct; All Stand...! Greet! And you'll hear; Good mor...n..ing sir.., God bless you!
As far as I can remember, most times, I was very unwilling to stand up, but had no option, as sitting down while others were standing would earn you some strokes.
I wasn't alone, a larger percentage of us were always unwilling to stand up. Our situation was like the Joke about a young student who was forced to stand up to greet his teacher, and when he eventually stood up, told the teacher that, 'though, physically, I'm standing up, but, in my mind, I'm sitting down, and even crossing my legs.' Very funny!
In life, assuming and staying in a resting position like sitting, sleeping, relaxing, and catching fun are easier to do than standing up to solve a problem.
People who don't like problems and do everything within their capacity to avoid them rarely make good entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs are problem lovers and solvers. Sometimes, not because they want to, but, because they have to.
The good news is, anyone can develop good problem loving and problem solving ability.
A larger percentage of people have problem coping ability. Living with a nagging wife, working with a difficult boss etc., Nigeria is enough challenge in itself to cope with. You are better than that! Start solving all these problems, and, Instead of just coping up, stand up!
Creating Opportunities
When you Identity a problem you would love to solve and start solving it by turning it into a business, it will Open the eyes of other people to the problems they can solve as an extension of the one you have solved.
When Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak decided to put a computer in every home, Bill Gates saw the opportunity that each of those computers will need a software to run them. So, he created a business from that.
You can allow others solve the 'Hard' problems while you look for the 'Soft' problems to solve. And, Bill Gates eventually became richer.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Creating Opportunities (Lesson from Steve Jobs, Wozniak and Bill Gates)
'All Stand, Sit!'
Back in my primary school days, this was a body warm up exercise instruction. Also, each time a teacher entered the class, the class captain would Instruct; All Stand...! Greet! And you'll hear; Good mor...n..ing sir.., God bless you!
As far as I can remember, most times, I was very unwilling to stand up, but had no option, as sitting down while others were standing would earn you some strokes.
I wasn't alone, a larger percentage of us were always unwilling to stand up. Our situation was like the Joke about a young student who was forced to stand up to greet his teacher, and when he eventually stood up, told the teacher that, 'though, physically, I'm standing up, but, in my mind, I'm sitting down, and even crossing my legs.' Very funny!
In life, assuming and staying in a resting position like sitting, sleeping, relaxing, and catching fun are easier to do than standing up to solve a problem.
People who don't like problems and do everything within their capacity to avoid them rarely make good entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs are problem lovers and solvers. Sometimes, not because they want to, but, because they have to.
The good news is, anyone can develop good problem loving and problem solving ability.
A larger percentage of people have problem coping ability. Living with a nagging wife, working with a difficult boss etc., Nigeria is enough challenge in itself to cope with. You are better than that! Start solving all these problems, and, Instead of just coping up, stand up!
Creating Opportunities
When you Identity a problem you would love to solve and start solving it by turning it into a business, it will Open the eyes of other people to the problems they can solve as an extension of the one you have solved.
When Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak decided to put a computer in every home, Bill Gates saw the opportunity that each of those computers will need a software to run them. So, he created a business from that.
You can allow others solve the 'Hard' problems while you look for the 'Soft' problems to solve. And, Bill Gates eventually became richer.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 2, 2014
How To Recognise Business Opportuties
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: How To Recognise Business Opportunities
Opportunity means different things to different people. To the man who is not looking out for it, opportunity might appear as an ordinary occurrence or a problem to be avoided. But, to the man who is looking out for it, though, it may appear as a big problem too, but, for him, there is big money to make from the big problem.
It is true that many eyes look, but only a few see. And, of the few that see, only a chunk of them are the entrepreneurs amongst us.
I once heard of a Nigerian ambassador to the United States who said that when you walk the streets of Nigeria, there are Opportunities everywhere, but the citizens don't see them. That, though, they are in the US, they can see opportunities from there. And when he's done serving, he is coming back home to invest and do business here. Just Imagine!
“Opportunities comes but once only to people who don't see or use them.” ~ Paulvan
How Do You Recognise Opportunities?
1. Look At The Unlikely Places:
You have an area of interest. Everyone does. Look for what people don't look for, or run from in your area of interest and do them.
2. Look In The Likely Places:
Not everyone has the ability to see what others can't. Some have the ability to make things better. So, look at what everybody is looking at and make it better.
3. Increase Your Exposure: Mr Warren Buffet believes he makes the right decision often and less mistakes because he spends more time reading and thinking about business.
Read a lot about your business and other people's. Attend conferences, do new things and make new friends.
My Father, Rev' Femi Akinola will always tell me; your money is in the hands of other people, you must create a product or service to collect it. That's very profound.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Business Linking And Knitting
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: Business Linking And Knitting.
Success secrets are always available, but only to people who never stop searching.
When you stand alone in life it is easy to fall, but when you stand with destiny contacts, it is almost impossible to fall.
It can be very difficult for a business to success alone just as it can be impossible for an individual to success in isolation without any help.
The 'I can do it myself ego' has put limit on too many businesses especially in Africa, Nigeria in particular. At least, that's the one I know very well.
A lot of African business owners/entrepreneurs don't know how to hire and retain entrepreneurs, instead, they are better at firing them. In my opinion, until you can attract, develop and turnout better leaders than yourself, you are yet to become a great leader.
Linking:
Linking up begins when you start creating the connection between you and people who will play very useful roles before and after your business starts.
The first level of partnership actually begins before your business does if you follow due process. People who give very helpful information through feasibility studies to you before you start out in business are like independent partners. Keeping a relationship with them will go a long way in the long run as feasibility studies is not a one time thing, you'll always need it when you need to re-brand.
It's wrong to have the habit of 'we need people only when we need them.'
Another coded level of partnership begins when your business starts to employ people.
You need to hear the way some business owners talk to their employees, because that's the way they see them, as employees, not as partners.
Some potential entrepreneurs may never become business owners if they find the right entrepreneurs, as they will own the business and fulfil their own vision in it.
Start to treat your workers as partners and you'll be amazed at the sudden turn-over.
The Marriott Hotels business slogan is very true; “ When you take care of your staff, they will take care of your customers.”
And I think they would do much more than that - they'd take care of the company too even when you're not around.
Knitting:
Linking can happen between you and anyone with a good heart who just likes to be of help.
You can link up with people who will serve as Independent or temporary staff/partners. Knitting is a heart thing. It starts to happen when you meet destiny contacts, or when Independent partners or temporary staff/partners begin to show tendencies of becoming destiny contacts.
Destiny contacts are people who will help you build your business until it fulfils its purpose as they also fulfil theirs alongside.
The real challenge though is locating them as you don't see them with your ordinary eyes, you find them with the eyes of your mind.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Title: Business Linking And Knitting.
Success secrets are always available, but only to people who never stop searching.
When you stand alone in life it is easy to fall, but when you stand with destiny contacts, it is almost impossible to fall.
It can be very difficult for a business to success alone just as it can be impossible for an individual to success in isolation without any help.
The 'I can do it myself ego' has put limit on too many businesses especially in Africa, Nigeria in particular. At least, that's the one I know very well.
A lot of African business owners/entrepreneurs don't know how to hire and retain entrepreneurs, instead, they are better at firing them. In my opinion, until you can attract, develop and turnout better leaders than yourself, you are yet to become a great leader.
Linking:
Linking up begins when you start creating the connection between you and people who will play very useful roles before and after your business starts.
The first level of partnership actually begins before your business does if you follow due process. People who give very helpful information through feasibility studies to you before you start out in business are like independent partners. Keeping a relationship with them will go a long way in the long run as feasibility studies is not a one time thing, you'll always need it when you need to re-brand.
It's wrong to have the habit of 'we need people only when we need them.'
Another coded level of partnership begins when your business starts to employ people.
You need to hear the way some business owners talk to their employees, because that's the way they see them, as employees, not as partners.
Some potential entrepreneurs may never become business owners if they find the right entrepreneurs, as they will own the business and fulfil their own vision in it.
Start to treat your workers as partners and you'll be amazed at the sudden turn-over.
The Marriott Hotels business slogan is very true; “ When you take care of your staff, they will take care of your customers.”
And I think they would do much more than that - they'd take care of the company too even when you're not around.
Knitting:
Linking can happen between you and anyone with a good heart who just likes to be of help.
You can link up with people who will serve as Independent or temporary staff/partners. Knitting is a heart thing. It starts to happen when you meet destiny contacts, or when Independent partners or temporary staff/partners begin to show tendencies of becoming destiny contacts.
Destiny contacts are people who will help you build your business until it fulfils its purpose as they also fulfil theirs alongside.
The real challenge though is locating them as you don't see them with your ordinary eyes, you find them with the eyes of your mind.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
How Hungry Are You? Part 2
2 Minutes Business Article
Title: How Hungry Are You? Part 2
“The time/season of an unprepared dreamer never comes.”
Do you have great Ideas, dreams plans, but still at a spot because you feel you lack the resources to bring them to fruition? You are simply not hungry enough!
Contrary to the approach most people adopt, you don't wait until it's time before you start working on your Ideas or goals. You work/prepare while you wait.
The reason why its important for you to work on your dreams while you wait is because, there's the need for your dreams to work on you too - to build character and staying power in you. You must have heard it said before that, “the things we achieve are not as important as what we become in the process of achieving them.”
No matter where you are, who you are, and what you have at the moment, no matter how celebrated or how frustrated, how wealthy or how broke or incapacitated you are, if only you have a genuine dream and are hungry enough, you will definitely find a way to begin small and start making progress from where you are on the way to where you want to be.
And just in case you are still asking, 'how can I be hungry enough?' Ask a man who has not eaten for two days. No, ask yourself what it feels like to be without food for two days.
When its real hunger, everything waits until the hunger for food is satisfied. Every truly hungry man will find a way to get food no matter when or how. That's the concept of hunger Les Brown advocates. A man will either live for something or die for nothing. Often, when push comes to shove in matters of destiny, the hard way is the only way, doesn't have to be the wrong way.
PLConsulting...
BB: 265A987A
@Paulvanplc
www.leadership-plc.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)