I once had a conversation with a friend who is an entrepreneur. She was frustrated because her business wasn’t attracting customers, despite being located in a busy area of Lagos surrounded by offices and businesses. “This place is not good for business,” she complained. I sat her down and asked her to rethink her approach. …
I recall launching my first product, a batch of freshly baked cupcakes, at a local market in Lagos. I priced them at ₦50 each, thinking I was offering a great deal. However, I soon realized that I had made a costly mistake. I had underestimated the value of my product and priced it too low. …
I recall the early days of my startup. Passion, determination, and a clear vision drove me. However, I soon realized that having a great idea was just the beginning. To succeed, I needed to design, build, and lead my business with intention and purpose. Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, writes in “The Hard Thing …
Providing constructive feedback to employees, colleagues, or even partners is crucial for growth and improvement. However, delivering criticism can be challenging, and if not done correctly, can lead to defensiveness and hurt feelings. This is where the Sandwich Method comes in – a powerful technique for giving feedback that is both effective and respectful. In …
As a young Nigerian entrepreneur, you’re probably tired of living paycheck to paycheck. You want financial freedom, but don’t know where to start. I’ve been in your shoes. Growing up, my grandmother’s wisdom stuck with me: “Owo ni koko, koko ni owo” – “Money is the foundation, the foundation is money.” She sold vegetables at …
Build a Strong Online Presence As I reflected on my experience with The Cozy Cup coffee stand, I realized that its strong online presence played a significant role in its success. After discovering The Cozy Cup, I decided to explore its online presence. I found that the owner had created a visually appealing website, engaging …
Develop a Solid Business Plan I recall a conversation I had with a friend who had just started a new business. She was excited about her product and had already gained some traction in the market. However, when I asked her about her business plan, she replied, “I don’t really have one. I’m just winging …
Are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? With the ever-changing business landscape, it’s more important than ever to have a solid foundation for your startup. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the essential steps to launch and grow a successful business in 2025. …
In the bustling city of Kano, Nigeria, there lived a young entrepreneur named Aisha. She was known for her delicious tuwo shinkafa, a traditional Hausa dish made from mashed rice. Aisha’s passion for cooking led her to start a small food business, catering to local events and parties. Initially, Aisha’s energy and enthusiasm drove her …
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s foremost advocate for entrepreneurship, has officially opened applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes! This is an incredible opportunity for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across Africa to access world-class training, expert mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital to bring their business ideas to life or scale existing ventures. Programmes Open for …