African creative businesses Archives

Bellafricana published in africa, business, Community February 23, 2024

Tips To Navigate Through Economic Downturn

I want you to picture this: a storm raging on what was supposed to be a sunny day. You know the feeling, right? Suddenly, everything seems a bit uncertain.

So, what exactly is an economic downturn? It’s like when everything is going well, the economy looks stable. and everybody seems fine when suddenly, things start to slow down. Prices are increasing every day, people aren’t spending as much, businesses aren’t hiring, and before you know it, the whole economy seems to have a negative effect on people’s finances

Economic downturns can be tough. Jobs become harder to find, and prices go up. But here’s the thing: just like the seasons, economies have their ups and downs, and while economic downturns can be rough, they’re not the end of the world.

So that’s why I have come up with these tips that will help you navigate through these uncertain times, and definitely you would come out stronger.

Let’s dive into it.

1. Prioritize Essentials:

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything that’s going on, but now more than ever, it’s important to focus on the essentials. Identify the products or services that bring in the most profit for your business. Once you’ve identified them, double down. Allocate your resources; it can either be time, money, or manpower. Focus on these key areas.

But don’t stop there, there is somewhere else I want you to look at. Think efficiency. Now is the perfect time to streamline your operations, optimize processes. Look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Ensure that you’re focusing your time and energy where it matters most.

2. Get Creative:

There is a saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get creative,” and that’s never been more true than it is now. In this uncertain time, one of the characteristics of successful business owners is that they can adapt and innovate.

I want you to think outside the box and explore new ways to generate revenue. Also, keep an eye on market demand and look for innovative ways to meet those needs.

3. Get Closer to Your Customers:

Your customers are so important right now, they are the lifeblood of your business, Now is the time to strengthen those relationships with them. Reach out to them, listen to their needs, and find innovative ways to meet their needs.

You can also try providing personalized support, showing your customers that you’re there for them can go a long way towards building loyalty and trust. And I can tell you that this will pay off in the long run.

4. Be Flexible to Change:

Change can be scary, but do you know it can also be an opportunity for growth? Also, don’t be afraid to pivot your business strategy if you need to. What worked yesterday might not work today, so please stay open-minded and be willing to adapt, embrace change, and remain flexible.

Do you know what will happen in the long run when you do this? You’ll be better equipped to weather any storm that comes your way. I’m telling you exactly what will happen to you.

So, if you’re feeling a bit anxious about the economic downturn, I get it. But also remember, storms don’t last forever, and neither do economic downturns. Hang in there, keep your chin up, and before you know it, the sun will be shining again.

Bellafricana published in Articles, business, Business Tips, Entrepreneurship February 6, 2024

Why Email Marketing is Essential for Businesses

Today, let’s talk about something super important for your business: email marketing. Now, I know what you might be thinking, isn’t email kind of old-school? Well, think again! In today’s digital world, email marketing is a great way of communicating. It’s all about connecting with your customers in a way that’s personal, meaningful, and, dare I say, human. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into why email marketing is essential for businesses more than ever.

The Human Connection

Okay, picture this: you’re scrolling through your social media feed, bombarded by ads and sponsored posts left and right. It’s overwhelming, right? That’s where email comes in. Unlike social media, email is like having a one-on-one conversation with your customers. It’s personal, it’s direct, and it allows you to really connect with your audience on a deeper level. Whether you’re sharing helpful tips, telling your brand story, or offering exclusive deals, email gives you the chance to show the human side of your business.

Beyond the Inbox

Email marketing isn’t just about sending out the occasional newsletter or promo – it’s a whole journey. From the moment someone signs up for your list to the time they become a loyal customer, email is there every step of the way. It’s like having a virtual assistant that guides your customers through the entire buying process, from discovery to conversion and beyond. And with smart segmentation and targeted campaigns, you can deliver the right message to the right person at the right time, making every interaction feel tailor-made for them.

Data-Driven Decisions

Now, I know what you’re thinking – how do I know if my emails are actually working? Well, that’s where the magic of data comes in. With email marketing, you’re not just shooting in the dark and hoping for the best. You’ve got real, tangible data that tells you exactly how your campaigns are performing. From open rates to click-through rates to conversion metrics, you’ve got all the info you need to make smart, data-driven decisions about your marketing strategy. It’s helps to show you exactly what your customers want. Don’t you think this is amazing, right?

Also read: Skills Every Creative Entrepreneur Should Have

Building Trust and Credibility

In today’s world, trust is everything. And guess what? Email marketing is like the trust-building guru of the marketing world. By consistently showing up in your customers’ inboxes with valuable content, helpful tips, and genuine interactions, you’re not just selling a product; you’re building a relationship. You’re showing your customers that you’re not just another faceless corporation; you’re a real person who cares about their needs and wants. And that, my friend, is how you build trust and credibility that last a lifetime.

The Power of Automation

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m all about working smarter, not harder. And with email marketing automation, that’s exactly what you can do. Whether it’s sending out welcome emails, following up with customers who abandoned their carts, or nurturing leads through a drip campaign, automation takes the grunt work out of marketing so you can focus on what really matters, which is growing your business. It’s like having a virtual assistant that works 24/7, so you can spend less time on busywork and more time on growing your business.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, the lowdown on why email marketing is essential for businesses. It’s all about connecting with your customers in a way that’s personal, meaningful, and, most importantly, human. From building trust and credibility to driving sales and growing your business, email marketing is the secret weapon in your marketing arsenal. So, if you haven’t started using email marketing, what are you waiting for? Your customers are waiting to hear from you, so go ahead, hit send, and watch your business soar! 🚀

Bellafricana published in africa, bellafricana, Community, Entrepreneurship, Handmade, February 1, 2024

Skills Every Creative Entrepreneur Should Have

Being a creative entrepreneur is like embarking on an adventure filled with challenges and triumphs. To succeed on this journey, you’ll need a unique set of qualities and abilities. Let’s explore some essential skills every creative entrepreneur should have that can help you navigate the exciting world of creative entrepreneurship.

1. Embrace Taking Risks:

Creative entrepreneurship is all about taking chances and exploring new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Taking risks can lead to exciting discoveries and unexpected successes along the way.

2. Build Strong Connections:

Connections are key in the creative industry. Cultivate your networking skills by meeting new people, joining communities, and forming meaningful relationships. You never know where a connection might lead you or what valuable insights you might gain from others.

3. Understand Your Finances:

Money matters can be intimidating, but it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of your finances. Learn how to budget, track your expenses, and manage cash flow effectively. Being financially savvy will help you make smarter decisions and keep your creative business on solid ground.

4. Stay Flexible and Resilient:

The creative world is ever-changing, so it’s essential to adapt and bounce back from setbacks. Stay flexible in your approach, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing forward. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

5. Be Creative:

Your creativity is your greatest asset as a creative entrepreneur. Nurture it by exploring new ideas, experimenting with different techniques, and staying open to inspiration from the world around you. Your unique perspective is what sets you apart from the crowd.

6. Communicate Effectively:

Clear communication is essential for building relationships and getting your message across. Practice active listening, express yourself clearly, and be receptive to feedback. Good communication skills will help you connect with clients, collaborators, and audiences more effectively.

7. Manage Your Time Wisely:

Time is precious when you’re juggling multiple projects and deadlines. Learn how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and organize your schedule efficiently. By managing your time wisely, you’ll be able to stay focused and productive, even when things get busy.

8. Never Give Up:

Building a creative business takes perseverance and determination. Stay motivated, stay positive, and keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. Remember, every setback is a chance to learn and grow stronger.

Conclusion:

As I conclude about the must-haves for every creative entrepreneur, remember this: it’s not just about being talented, but also about having the right attitude and skills. By being open to taking risks, making friends in your field, understanding money basics, staying flexible, being creative, communicating well, managing your time wisely, and never giving up, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. So, keep believing in yourself, keep learning, and keep going after your dreams. You’ve got this!

Bellafricana published in africa, bellafricana, business, Community, Entrepreneurship, January 29, 2024

Google SEO Course With Bukky Asehinde

Getting noticed online might feel like a challenge, but The Invisible To Page One Google SEO Course with Bukky Asehinde is here to make it easier. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this course helps people and businesses step into the spotlight on the first page of Google search results.

Finding Your Way Online:

Navigating the internet can be confusing, especially if you’re invisible to Google search engines. The Invisible To Page One Google SEO Course will be your guide, showing you the ropes of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how to get noticed.

Understanding SEO:

SEO might sound like a techy term, but this course breaks it down. You’ll learn the secrets of SEO and gain practical skills to boost your online content and climb up the Google search engine ladder.

Creating Content that Works:

Content is crucial, but not all content is created equal. The course teaches you effective content strategies, so you can create engaging, relevant, and search-friendly content that speaks to your audience.

Mastering Keywords:

Keywords are like the secret codes for Google search engines. The course teaches you how to find and use keywords effectively, making sure your content matches what people are looking for.

Understanding Analytics:

Success is measurable, and the course emphasizes the importance of analytics. You’ll learn how to read data, track your progress, and make smart decisions to keep improving.

Community and Friendship:

It’s more fun to share the journey. The Page One Course creates a community where you can connect, share your experiences, and learn from others who’ve faced similar challenges.

Setting You Up for Future Success:

This course isn’t just about today; it’s an investment in your future online success. By giving you the skills to navigate the digital world, The Invisible To Page One (IPO) Google SEO Course empowers you to stay visible and relevant in the years to come.

Going from invisible to the first page of Google search results is a big deal. The Invisible To Page (IPO) One Google SEO Course is like a friendly guide, helping individuals and businesses not just be online but stand out in the vast digital world. And also become top and trusted in your industry.

Bellafricana published in business, Business Tips, Google, Growth, Uncategorized January 25, 2024

Why You Should Rank On The First Page of Google

Introduction:

Ever wonder why everyone talks about being on Google’s first page? This blog post breaks it down into simple terms, explaining why you should rank on the first page of Google.

Easy to Spot:

Imagine the first page of Google as a busy street. Being there means your business is right in front where everyone can see, making it easier for people to find you.

More Sales in Foreign Currency:

Being on top means users see you as a top choice. You also get more clicks, meaning more people visit your website. And this translates into more sales.

Trusted Brand:

People tend to trust businesses at the top. If your business is up there, it gives off a trustworthy vibe’, making users more likely to click and check out what you offer. Showing up on the first page again and again makes users remember your business. This trust often turns into more people becoming your customers.

Top in Your Industry:

Beating competitors to the top is a big win. Users see top results as the best, giving your business an edge. It’s like being the star in a crowded marketplace.

Accessibility:

Users like things quick and easy. Being on the first page ensures they find what they need fast. This simplicity not only makes them happy but also boosts their engagement with your business.

Being on the first page of Google Is a smart move for any business wanting to stand out online. From easy visibility to trust-building and long-term success.

Are you ready to take your brand to new heights? click here to read about The Invisible To Page One Course with Bukky Asehinde.

The goal of the course is to get Creative Entrepreneurs on the first Page of Google in 30 days so they can get found (globally) online and become industry leaders WITHOUT bothering about social media algorithms.

The course will have everything you need to know about getting on the first page of Google (in 30 days).

Bellafricana published in africa, Arts & Crafts, business, Business Tips, Community, January 12, 2024

Bellafricana’s End of Year Round Up

Reflecting on the past 12 months, our 2023 end of year round up is a journey through the highs, the lessons, and the growth. Join us as we revisit milestones, celebrate achievements, and look forward to what this year holds. It’s a moment to appreciate the collective journey and the stories that have shaped our year.

We kick off this with a Letter from our founder Mrs Bukky Asehinde, to you;

As we bid farewell to 2023, I find myself reflecting on a chapter that almost didn’t happen – a chapter I was almost ready to close. I sat on my laptop about the same time last year ready to inform you that Bellafricana was shutting down!

I share this not just as a founder but as a companion on this winding entrepreneurial road.

Exactly a year ago, at the verge of giving up, I faced the daunting prospect of letting go of Bellafricana. Relocating to the UK with my young family added to the weight of uncertainty.

If you’re a dream carrier who recently relocated, the struggle might hit close to home! Balancing the need for a stable income against the pursuit of your entrepreneurial dreams can be a real challenge.

In pursuit of what seemed like a promising detour – 7 months of searching for a job, finally getting a new job as a Community and Marketing Manager – I walked away after just one month. Little did I know that this detour was a divine setup for a remarkable comeback.

At this juncture, I realised my passion for realising the Bellafricana dream had transformed into an unyielding obsession to achieve it.

This year, I dared myself to dream again: Have a look at the milestones summary –

Re-Opened the Bellafricana tech-enabled community FREE in March 2023, a home for more creative entrepreneurs.
Launched Bellafricana Pop-up Store in Nigeria in April 2023.
Introduced Bellafricana Travels in April/May 2023.
Launched Bellafricana UK with a pop-up event on London’s Oxford Street in July/August 2023.
Introduced my first official course, the Invisible to Page One Google SEO Course in November 2023.
Embarked on one-on-one business coaching sessions, charging at least £100 an hour, in November 2023.

I give all the glory to God for turning my test into a testimony. He has a way of working it all out for our good.

Why am I sharing this? Because I know the weight of uncertainty, the frustration of unmet expectations, and the contemplation of letting go. If you’re at that crossroad, let me be the voice that says, “Your detour might just be a setup for a remarkable comeback.”

Hold on, dear entrepreneur. Trust the process, the detours and the unique journey that is yours. It’s not always about the speed but the direction.

May your year close with hope, renewed courage, and the unwavering belief that, indeed, the best is yet to come.

Rooting for your journey,

Bukky Asehinde (Founder, Bellafricana).

January 2023

We started the year 2023 with our members meet-up. We are always keen on having our members start the year on a high note and the meet-up is put in place to have them come together to network, collaborate, and set goals together.

By now you should know that Bellafricana isn’t just a community that helps creative business owners grow, we are a family.

The wellbeing of our members is as important to us just like the growth of their businesses and we are so glad that our members are always able to draw strength from one another to keep going.

February 2023

In February, our founder, Bukky Asehinde visited the Pure London Fashion Week in Olympia London (an event that brings together the brightest minds in the fashion and lifestyle industry twice a year) together with some Bellafricana members and used it as an opportunity to collect buyers & key supplier’s contacts for members

March 2023

We kicked off March with an extraordinary news that our dynamic CEO, Bukky Asehinde, has not only caught the spotlight but has soared onto the esteemed African Founders list of 100 Most Inspirational Female Founders in Africa.

Bukky Asehinde’s journey has been a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Being recognized among the most inspirational female founders is not just an accolade, it’s a celebration of her relentless pursuit of excellence.

In a bid to deepen our commitment to the African Creative community, we opened up our doors to even more creative entrepreneurs to come into the Bellafricana family for FREE.

We did this to allow us serve more people, grow the community, and provide the support and resources creative entrepreneurs need to succeed. In just days of opening, we recorded over 2000 more members join the community.

Bellafricana got attention through various press releases, shining a spotlight on our unwavering commitment to supporting creative entrepreneurs.

The press release is a testament to Bellafricana’s dedication for its pivotal role in championing the cause of creative entrepreneurs. It emphasised our tireless efforts in creating a nurturing ecosystem that empowers and uplifts creatives entrepreneurs.

We hosted impactful webinars, with remarkable entrepreneur who graciously shared their journey through the world of creativity and business.

They took us on a journey from the inception of their creative venture to the strategies they employed in overcoming challenges. Their story resonated deeply, providing a firsthand account of the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.

The impact was profound. demonstrating the power of determination, innovation, and passion within the creative business landscape.

If you would like to get some of the recap, click here

We understand how every creative business owner with amazing products constantly ponders on how to increase sales and that was why we had a webinar with the founder of Naijasalesmaker on “how to sell out your creative product and increase your sales in 30 days”.

The best strategies to increase sales were taught, and the impact on community members was very profound.

March left us on a sad note with a heavy heart as we bid farewell to a beloved founding member of our community, Ghaneeyah Sulaima-Olokodana.

April 2023

In April, we launched Bellafricana Travels, we wanted to encourage as many entrepreneurs as possible to explore the world and see the endless possibilities outside their Country of Residence.

Our first destination on the map? The vibrant city of Kigali.

Our first journey to Kigali was nothing short of spectacular, with 18 travellers from Nigeria (60% first-time travellers).

We were greeted like kings and queens in Kigali, where we reveled in the joy, beauty, and positive energy.

For us, this journey was very important. From the amazing sights of Kigali to the intriguing encounters. Click here to see the throwback.

We’re already thinking ahead to the next trip while we reflect on this amazing one.

Stay tuned for additional updates on travel in 2024.

In the continued spirit of empowering our creative community, we hosted another impactful webinar, this time featuring the founder of Happy Coffee International, this visionary entrepreneur generously shared her journey. From ideas to the strategic moves that propelled her venture to where it is today.

We had an online fashion workshop and it was all about the theme “Business of Fashion. We learned how to rock the fashion world without breaking a sweat. CEO Bluvelvet Consulting shared smart tips on selling clothes online, how to get noticed, and the secret sauce to make your fashion business shine.

We also learned quick tricks for online success and simple strategies for making your fashion dreams come true.

Bellafricana Marketplace pop-up store in Victoria Island (within the Good Beach) officially launched for small creative brands to showcase their products. Making it easier for them to be able to sell to a wider audience.

We gathered for an unforgettable Easter meetup at the good beach, and oh, what a day it was.

We had a blast at the good beach! From beach games to chilling under the sun, it was all about fun, play, and pure relaxation.

It was really an unforgettable moment.

We set off on a creative trip together for 7days. Creative brands jumped at the chance to showcase their amazing works, build new relationships with customers, and increase visibility and sales during our 7-Day Creative Challenge.

We had over 250 creative brands, who were part of the creative challenge.

May 2023

We had a family virtual chat, which gave us a great chance to be together, connect, and work together on a range of subjects that are important to all of us.

The goal of the virtual conversation was to establish a welcoming environment where we could exchange thoughts, perceptions, and firsthand knowledge, all while strengthening our community of like-minded people.

The monthly virtual expert drop-in session was created specifically to help our creative community get in touch with seasoned pros and advance their artistic endeavors.

June 2023

Our Father’s Day pop-up event in the Bellafricana Market Popup store was fantastic! It was all about creating a unique and unforgettable Father’s Day experience.

We organized an exclusive course titled “Dollars and Designs,” which focused on creating a strong financial plan for your creative enterprise.

The program focused on the specifics of funding creative endeavors and was led by the founder Kobaaccountant, who is a seasoned financial expert.

Dollars and Designs go hand in hand in the creative industry. The purpose of this class was to equip you with the financial knowledge necessary to fuel the growth of your creative enterprise.

Imagine spending time online with seasoned creative entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles, broken through barriers, and successfully monetized their creative visions. That’s exactly what happened during our virtual events.

Our guests talked about how they achieved success in the creative industry. It was an incredibly entertaining and enlightening conversation. We discussed business, creativity, and the keys to overcoming adversity and succeeding in life.

We launched a masterclass together with Princess Adeyinka Tekenah, founder of Happy Coffee International on Grant funding for Creative Entrepreneurs who are searching for the basic key to unlock financial support for their business.

In May, we launched our monthly expert drop-in sessions, exclusively for members of our fantastic creative community. This was an opportunity to network with industry experts and advance their artistic endeavors.

Not one, not two, but four experts were on call in June! They were all ready to answer any of your urgent queries on grant funding, branding, PR, accounting, sales, and marketing.

July 2023

The power of a determined mind is this tremendous force that can propel you past obstacles and lead to amazing accomplishments.

We held a revolutionary webinar titled “Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Fear of the Numbers in Your Business”. It was an incredible session designed to help them overcome those obstacles and acquire the financial self-assurance required to succeed in business.

We had yet another fantastic Instagram Live session! We had the privilege of speaking with three amazing creative entrepreneurs, and I can tell you that they gave some really insightful information about their backgrounds and experiences.

These tales serve as fuel for your own adventures, regardless of where you are in your creative journey. Learning from people who have been there, and done that, has a certain enchantment.

We were overjoyed that Her Network honored our CEO, Bukky Asehinde, for her exceptional accomplishments and services.

Her Network is a platform that champions and celebrates the achievements of women across various sectors, shining a spotlight on those who are making a difference.

According to their statement, “In the bustling world of small creative businesses, there is one name that stands out as a beacon of hope and support: Bukky Asehinde.

With a passion for uplifting and enabling creative entrepreneurs, Bukky has become a renowned champion and ambassador for small creative business owners around the world.”

We are incredibly happy for the CEO’s well-earned accolades. Our staff and the entire creative community are continually inspired by her dedication and vision.

We understand that, particularly if you’re choosing to keep things quiet, it’s easy to feel a little alone despite being a part of a community.

Our meet-up in Lagos mainland was more than simply an occasion; it provided an opportunity for community members who had never before interacted to become friends. Envision the delight of finally putting names to faces, the relationships, the ease, and the laughter.

Our founder got featured in her first International Podcast on Third Culture Africans. Click here to listen…

Bellafricana officially launched and registered in the UK. We held one of London’s biggest pop-up events in Oxford Street, and it was a huge success. With a record of 21,000+ shoppers over the 7-day pop-up event. It was a celebration of culture, creativity, and community rather than just a spectacle.

But there’s still more! We provided the entertainment with activities that made everyone laugh, a karaoke session, and, of course, a mouthwatering spread of food that satiated every appetite.

August 2023

Our CEO discussed how businesses may thrive by prioritizing community in a critical talk with Founders Institute.

Consider a discussion where the topic of the importance of community to startup success was raised. Our CEO gave tips, tactics, and experiences on how to take a community-first stance.

Talking with Founders Institute gave her a chance to add to a larger discussion about building community, connection, and cooperation within the startup ecosystem.

September 2023

Bukky shared how she pulled off a successful pop-up London event on Oxford Street to community members as a means of encouraging them to DARE-to-dream-BIGGER.

We hosted a mindset webinar together with a mind hack coach who shared about the mind, money, and business.

We released free ebooks on getting funding for African Creative Startups and on how to boost sales to further enable our community members. See them here…

All work and no play, they say?…

We hosted a virtual movie night with Bellafricana members so they could chill, relax, and take a break from running a business.

October 2023

In October, we teamed up with the team at Waffles AI to host a webinar called “From Chat to Check out: Mastering eCommerce Growth with Whatsapp’. A workshop to help them understand how to sell more online via WhatsApp.

Bellafricana showcased and promoted some black artists, creatives, designers, and entrepreneurs within the community across our various marketing platforms. This gave us an opportunity to not just celebrate and encourage them but to also have other members be inspired by their creativity.

November 2023

Bukky Asehinde launched a Google SEO Course Program focused on showing creative entrepreneurs with handmade products how to rank on the first page of Google so they get found (online) globally and be in the top 10 in their industry without bothering about social media algorithms.

26 founding members got the opportunity to learn and join the Invisible to Page One Google SEO Course Program.

Can’t wait to join the next Cohort? Click here…

December 2023

December started on a high note. Talk about ending the year with gratitude. Bellafricana was honored as one of the top 100 fastest-growing SMEs in Nigeria for 2023 by Business Day.

This award was a celebration of every creative in Bellafricana, every entrepreneur, every customer, and every partner who has been a part of our journey.

As a norm in the Bellafricana Community, we like to end the year with some warmth and extend an act of kindness amongst our members. We re-introduced the December Gift Exchange, where members of our community pick their fellow members to gift them as a way to appreciate and encourage them for the year ahead.

This always has a huge impact on our members…

The year is definitely one we would never forget.

Thank you for staying with us throughout the year and being a part of the Bellafricana journey.

Let’s countdown to the year 2025 (Happy New Year in advance). I can’t wait to send you letters.

Oh yes! Before I leave, here are 4 major focus for our first quarter of 2024:

1. Bellafricana eCommerce in the UK is coming…

2. Bellafricana storage and fulfillment solution for creative business owners who are ready to expand in the UK and global markets.

3. Invisible to Page One Google SEO Course Cohort 2 is coming..

4. The Bellafrica Pop-up London 2024 is coming..

Excited? We are too..

Thank you for reading.

Bellafricana published in business, Business Tips, Entrepreneurs & Apps, Entrepreneurship January 9, 2024

Six Skills To Have As A Creative Business Owner

Six major skills that would take you to your next level in business

Running a creative business is like steering a ship in uncharted waters, and having the right skills is your map to success. As a creative business owner, you’ll need six essential skills to make your journey smoother. From working well with your team to making smart deals, let’s explore these skills that can turn your creative passion into a thriving business

1. People Management and Leadership

Leading with care and guidance is vital for effective people management. It’s about understanding, supporting, and inspiring your team to succeed together. In a creative business, this creates a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

2. Negotiation

In creative business, negotiation is like working together on a puzzle and finding solutions that make everyone happy. It’s about talking, understanding each other, and creating partnerships that go beyond just a simple deal, setting the stage for success we can all share.

3. Sales and Marketing

Marketing gets attention, and sales steps in to seal the deal, creating a cycle of new customers and growth. It’s like a tag team where they each have a role, making sure your business keeps growing and bringing in more happy customers.

4. Decision making

Decision-making is like being the boss of choices. It’s about thinking, picking the best option, and steering towards success. In business, it’s not just one choice it’s a bunch of them that lead to growth and success, like driving a ship to where you want to go.

5. Innovation

Innovation is like having awesome new ideas to make things better or create something totally new. It’s the key to progress, helping businesses grow and stay ahead by finding smarter and cooler ways of doing things.

6. Money Management

Handling your money is a bit like being the boss of your wallet. It’s about making smart choices, like saving up and planning for what’s ahead. Whether it’s saving a bit each month or being careful with how you spend, good money management is like steering your financial ship, making sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

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?

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