Entrepreneurship Archives - Page 4 of 4

Jemimah Iwok published in bellafricana, Entrepreneurship June 24, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bellafricana Membership Platform!

Hello there, how are you doing today? I’m doing fine, thank you. Did you know that we launched a Membership platform for Bellafricana members? Oh yes, we did!

Why? Because for a very long time, our focus has been to make our members products globally accessible. While that is still our aim, we got to realize that we were ignoring one key thing: The fact that creative business owners lacked the empowerment, and the right resources, to help their business grow fully.

And so, we rolled up our sleeves and worked tirelessly until May 11, when we launched the platform.

See Launch video below:

👇🏾👇🏾

Now, we also anticipated (and have been asked) some questions about the platform which we would like to address. Are you ready?

1. What exactly is this Membership Platform?

Well, It’s a website that gives our members access to a vast library of masterclasses, tools, Guides and Templates, Checklists, and other resources that will help business owners make better decisions.

2. Is this Membership platform open to everybody?

Unfortunately, this membership platform is one of the many perks of being a member of the Bellafricana family. So, what that means is that you have to become a Bellafricana Member to use the platform.

3. How can I sign up to the platform?

Visit www.bellafricana.com/members-signup, then click on the “Click to join the family now” button.

4. Does the membership platform access come at a cost?

Yes it does. However, we have very flexible subscription packages so that you can select the package that is pocket friendly. To check out the packages, click here:

5. Is the membership platform an App?

No, it’s a web-based platform, and once you’re on-boarded, you get your unique login details for you to gain access to the platform.

6. You talked about webinars . How can I get access to the past webinars I missed?

Well, the good news is that you can get to watch masterclass recordings, as they are regularly uploaded to the platform.

7. What’s the period for subscription?

Well, we have quarterly, bi-annual and annual subscriptions.

These are some of the questions we get. See below some testimonials from our members who have used the platform.

You got some more questions that you would like answered? Then leave a comment, or send a message to +234 909 367 0222. You can also sign up here.

Jemimah Iwok published in Entrepreneurship April 9, 2020

How your Business can stay relevant during the Corona Virus Pandemic

The widespread impact of the Corona Virus on the world has been nothing short of utterly devastating. The planetary scale pandemic since its outbreak about a few weeks ago, has caused an unprecedented plummeting of business and economic activities.

Due to the alarming spread-rate, a lot of countries have been forced to shut down all non-essential business exchanges and this has left a lot of business owners reeling in uncertainty as to how to mitigate risk, protect employees and still retain the customers’ attention.

If you are a business owner in this class and you have really not planned out ways you can mitigate risks, cut down on losses and get your business to stay relevant amidst the lock-downs and curfews, here are a few things you can implement right away:

Go Remote

You should really comply with any physical business activity restrictions placed by the government and shift your work base to the safety of your houses.

If you have several employees working under you then you want to avoid organizational loopholes by ensuring that there is an optimal (digital) means of communication set up so as to enforce cooperation and also monitor progress on all fronts as you would on a normal business-on-site day.

2. Shift all Marketing Strategies Online

The goal is to ensure that your business makes it through the pandemic without suffering any long-term damage to your brand or your customer base. If you have paid little or no attention to online marketing strategies for your business before now, then now is the time you really want to leverage on digital platforms to break through the noise, keep brand to consumer engagement, increase your online customer base and even pool in profit.

https://cloudinary.hbscdn.org https://images.unsplash.com/ — *Multiscreen*

Anything from hosting online events and webinars to email marketing could prove to be the most effective way to make the most out of the situation and give your brand a popularity boost.

3. Communicate transparently with your Audience

It is really important to recognize that your clients understand that you are also affected by the Corona Virus situation. Hence, you should be open and transparent about what your business is facing at the moment.

Now is the time you want to let them know what you are doing about it, steps you are taking to mitigate risk and how you are involved with helping the community. This act alone is sure to bring a more favorable perception about your brand and distinguish you as an industry leader.

4. Drive Social Media Engagement

It is a fact that at this time, the bulk of the world populace (somewhere between 65% – 70%) turn to social media in order to have access to trending news and fresh content. It then becomes extremely important that you reach out to your audience regularly by creating content pieces around the situation. But be careful here, you want to make sure you don’t come off as “Unempathic” to your clients by being so aggressive with marketing your products, they are also as badly hit as you are. It’s a delicate balance you want to keep.

That’s why Bellafricana came up with a 30-day Challenge for Creative Business owners. This Challenge has presented the perfect solution to tactical marketing and a deeper sense of connection with the audience as a way of saying:” Take that Corona Virus! You’ve got nothing on us!” Read more about the Bellafricana Creatives challenge here

Which of these Tactics will you try? I can’t wait to hear from you.

Jemimah Iwok published in bellafricana, Entrepreneurship April 2, 2020

Bellafricana challenges creative Business owners during the COVID-19 season

The world is slowing to a stop. There’s so much panic in the air. Business owners are scared, worried, frustrated. They are beginning to feel the effect of this global pandemic on their businesses. Organizations are shutting down or have had to resort to working remotely.

Some countries have even implemented periodic long lockdowns. Now more than ever, creative business owners will have to fight for online visibility. They will have to get more personal with their audiences should they want to make sales. They have to get more creative with marketing lest the competition swallow them up. Businesses will have to sell more tactically or risk being labelled insensitive.

Sometimes last week, the Bellafricana team had one of the usual strategy sessions to brainstorm ways which we can help our creative members thrive this period. As you know, Bellafricana is very passionate about helping, supporting, and empowering creative business owners in whatever way we can. So we kept thinking: “How can we eliminate these problems business owners will face?, or atleast reduce it and keep their minds positive”

Then the Light bulb moment struck and the Idea was born. Now, don’t get too impatient. Everything will start to make sense now.

We came up with a challenge to all creative business owners out there. Will they give in to the fear this season brings? Or will they fight the negativity?

Known as the Bellafricana Creative’s Challenge, it is a 30-day challenge containing daily tasks that participants (business owners especially) are expected to take part in.

Where is this challenge taking place?

It is held primarily on Instagram. However, business owners are allowed to do the challenge on other platforms as well.

What will this Bellafricana Creatives Challenge do for you?

It will help you:

connect with your customers on a personal level.
have massive sales on standby the moment the restrictions are lifted.
get to rediscover more about your business and gather more creative connections.
Stay relevant and at the top of your customers’ minds, seeing that majority will be online this period.
Have lots of fun while maintaining a positive mindset.

Check out some samples of the daily challenges below:

Isn’t it so amazing the great works Bellafricana is doing for the creative community? If I can say so myself.

If we can each be a positive voice in our community then we stand a better chance of spreading more encouragement.

Connect with Bellafricana here: @bell_africana, a community platform enabling creative indigenous businesses thrive. To become a member, click here

If you are a creative entrepreneur, you can also take part in the Bellafricana Creatives Challenge? Click on this link to get your your own calendar:

What do you think about this challenge, would be lovely to hear from you? Let me know in the comments.

Jemimah Iwok published in Entrepreneurship, Gift Items, Meet The Founders March 28, 2020

Lessons learned from Mrs Achenyo Idachaba, founder Mitimeth Nigeria

It is interesting to note that businesses exist, who have managed to sprout amidst the creativity drought in today’s African business space. One of such businesses is Mitimeth (a Bellafricana member), founded by Mrs Achenyo Idachaba.

Thanks to her initiative, an invasive water weed (known as the Water Hyacinth) which obstructed water ways, depleted water nutrients, thereby reducing the population of fish (and by extension, the livelihood of fishermen) found use in a much more sustainable, eco-friendly way.

This “Eco-preneur” (Achenyo) has been featured on CNN, and her TED talk has garnered over a million views.

After reading the full story here, I thought of so many lessons and I wanted to share some of them with you:

1. Perspective is Everything

After reading her story, one word came to mind: Perspective.Thanks to my Boss, this one word is something I doubt I’ll ever forget.Where others saw a menace, Achenyo saw a business opportunity. This reminds me of a quote by Alphonse Karr :“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”

Sometimes, a positive outlook on a seemingly threatening problem is all the boost we need to turn things around for the better.

2. Passion first, reward later.

I’m quite certain that we’ve reached that point in our careers/ businesses/ lives that the only thing stopping us from just packing up and leaving, is that 7-letter word.

Passion is that burning fire that should never be extinguished.This is because, when all else fails, it is the one thing that stands the test of time.

This makes me want to go back and do a thorough self assessment. What made me start this in the first place? If the monetary reward were eliminated, would I still be motivated to do it?

3. Add Value

Today, Mitimeth has empowered over 400 people with skills to provide them with daily sustenance, and hopes to do more.

While we might not be in the position to achieve similar feats, we can apply this in our business dealings with our customers (both prospective and current). John C Maxwell says : “Adding Value to others is the best way to add value to yourself”.

4. Enjoy the Process

These days, people appear to be focused on the end result, and rightly so. I mean, why start up anything if you don’t have the end goal in mind. Right?

However, understanding that the journey is a very integral part of the destination will help us live in the moment, thereby refueling that zest that will take us to the end.

I hope to let these four points be my guiding principles henceforth. Will you do the same?

Jemimah Iwok published in Entrepreneurship March 9, 2020

What to consider when planning a collaboration

“Effectively, change is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation, and consensus.”

-Simon Mainwaring

A business collaboration is an excellent way of getting things done for your business, especially when you are looking to leverage on the audience and resources of other businesses to actualize your business dreams or idea.

Collaborations could throw in a lot of relief in solving a business challenge. They also present opportunities to build the network you need to massively grow your business.
In truth “one tree cannot make a forest”. However, just before you decide to go all in to enjoy the benefits of collaboration, there are certain questions you should not only ask yourself but also have well defined answers for.

WHAT VALUE YOUR INTENDING PARTNER WILL GET FROM

Collaborations are not “parasitic” schemes where one party spends and the other party grows.

Rather, they are more “symbiotic” in operation and are mutually beneficial to both parties at the long run.

So, while you look after your own interests, you also want to think of what benefits the other party would gain partnering with you.

Make sure the value you’re offering is one you’d like to receive if the roles were reversed.
HOW WELL IT TIES TO YOUR GOAL

The pressure to “flow with the tide” when it comes to working with others could escalate. This might force you as a partner to agree decisions and ideas that could turn out to be detrimental to your own business goals.

What are your business goals? Does your intending partner have similar goals?
Knowing all of these will ensure that you both are in the same league.

3. HOW IT WILL WORK OUT ON A SMALL SCALE

A whole lot of excitements envelopes the thought of “available resources” when it comes to collaborating with the “big fishes”.

Yes, you want to get right to work and finally bring that idea to fruition, you want to start with that fantastic project that no one has done before, Nice!

before you go all out and invest your time and resources into an idea with your collaborators, you might want to try it out on a smaller scale and see how it performs.
Doing that will help you determine if its something you want to do in the long run.

4. HOW MUCH TIME YOU’RE WILLING TO INVEST

Collaborations can be time consuming, especially with a poorly selected strategy.

It becomes a serious risk when targets have been set and deadlines for delivery have been put in place and you cannot put in the extra number of hours required to pull it off.

This could lead to frustration and ultimately loss of money and investments on both ends at the long run.
So, determine beforehand, how much time you are willing to spend (planning and preparation), and how much of your regular business time you are willing to spare.

5. THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

This is the most important part of any form of business agreement. All parties are to be well and duly informed of the legal implications of their actions in business. This is to be done by a lawyer.

When collaborations fail, all parties tend to go emotional about loss and hence things could go awry between both parties. That is why it is very important that both parties come to a legal agreement binding all parties involved and the course of action that should be taken as pertaining to the existing business law of the country at that particular time.

After considering these factors, you’re well on your way to planning a collaboration that will hugely boost your business.

The Bellafricana community is a platform where you can foster collaborations which can help drive great results for your business. Click on this link to sign up to our membership platform

References

https://www.fastcompany.com/90472869/why-tim-ferriss-focus-on-daily-habits-is-not-the-real-secret-to-success

https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/strategy/factors-consider-partnering-business/

Jemimah Iwok published in Entrepreneurship February 26, 2020

Why should creative businesses join a community?

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”

– Helen Keller

Many businesses today play the solitude game, and it has become profoundly important to drive conversations that spell out the need for creative businesses to join relevant business communities.

It is especially important for small businesses trying to sell and carve a niche for themselves locally to leverage on the inummerable benefits that come along with being part of a community where focus is directed more on partnerships, collaboration, and positive work culture.

How community membership benefits your business

A Sense of Connection

One major benefit a community provides is a unique support network for businesses (and individuals) that lends something that we all look for: a sense of belonging. That feeling of being connected and accepted by your peers is important for our personal growth and development.

By feeling like you belong, you have the confidence to take risks and try new things – which is the only way we can grow as a business and as a professional.

Access to seasoned professionals

Another major advantage of belonging to one of these communities is getting access to seasoned professionals who have seen it all and have some great “war stories” to share.

Not only do these mentors have great advice about proven best strategies, but these more experienced professionals also know a lot more people than you do and are often willing to connect you to additional resources.

Numbers are the real strength of a community. While being an entrepreneur can be exciting and satisfying, it’s also challenging, so it helps to know you have the support of an entire community.

Strength in Numbers
Whether you want to form a coalition to challenge industry regulations or just need someone to listen, having peers to support you is critical.

Leadership/ Training Opportunities

Actively participating in community groups will eventually get you the chance to step forward and distinguish yourself as a thought leader within your industry.

You can help others, teach them, guide them to achieve more with the help of your unique experience. You’ll

Attention to industry trend movements

It is easy to work in a vacuum, handling daily operations, putting out fires, and living and breathing your own business.

However, you may find that it distracts you from what is going on around you, including events and breakthroughs that impact your industry or the overall business environment.

Joining a community keeps you attuned to what is happening that could impact your business, as well as to ideas that might change your strategy or perception of what your customers need and want.

If you’re a creative business owner, and need a supportive community where you can get access to perks like:

Trading funds without collateral

Discounts and notifications on exhibition on Opportunities

Trainings to help grow your business, and lots more, you need to join the Bellafricana family.

The Bellafricana community boasts of a network of like minded creative businesses, who look out for each other, and treat one another as family. See what a Bellafricana Member has to say about this:

To join our community of audacious, talented and creative african inspired businesses, click on the link here

Bellafricana published in Entrepreneurship January 19, 2020

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

It’s a known fact that Entrepreneurs have to cultivate the habit of reading, here are 5 books every entrepreneur should read.⁣ You will agree with me that reading is important to everyone. Well except, those who are content with remaining in the same spot forever.

Joseph Addison says :“Reading does to the mind what exercise does to the body”

If you’re an Entrepreneur or with an entrepreneurial mindset, you must have read a couple of books that have proved invaluable to you and your business.⁣

Haven’t started reading any books and don’t know where to start? Or you need to add more to your stash?

I would be glad to suggest a couple of books that come recommended (and written) by renowned Business strategists and successful Entrepreneurs.

PS: This List is not Exhaustive. Feel Free to add to the list.

Let’s get to it…

1. Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin

This book will help you see why keeping your existing customers satisfied is a very important obligation to fulfill, before you consider expanding. It also shows the “not so rosy” side of starting up, and venture Capitalism. If you’re afraid of the truth, don’t read this book.

5 books every entrepreneur should read, Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin — Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin

⁣2. Rework by Jason Fried and Heinemeier Hansson

This book emphasizes the importance of Time management, Spending less time on competition, and being flexible with set plans.

5 books every entrepreneur should read,Rework by Jason Fried a must read book — Rework by Jason Fried a must read book

3. The 7 habits of Highly Effective People

This book just had to be on the List. It’s a self improvement book that helps you develop qualities that can help you build better relationships, and grow your business exponentially.

5 books every entrepreneur should read, the 7 habits of highly effective people read book — The 7 habits of highly effective people read book

⁣
4. The Culture Blue Print by Robert Richman⁣

This book is a systematic guide to how a workplace can help people grow, inspire amazing service, and ultimately drive revenue through amazing culture.

5 books every entrepreneur should read, The culture blue print book to read — The culture blue print book to read

5. Leadership and Self- Deception by the Arbinger Institute.⁣

This book captures you by using an entertaining story about an executive facing challenges at work and at home to expose the precise psychological processes that conceal true motivations, intentions and trap you in a “box” of endless self-justification.

Leadership and self deception book to read

⁣
Did you find these books useful? Have you read any of these books? What other impactful book would you recommend for Entrepreneurs or Startups? ⁣Please share in the comment section below.

Images source: Amazon & Microsoft Bing

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