WHY ARE YOU IN THAT RELATIONSHIP?

WORDS BY TAYO ADEJUMO

For any lady, whether we secretly acknowledge it or not, we all want to be in a relationship. We all desire the prefix ‘MRS ‘before our name. Likewise the dudes, you want someone to love you genuinely. You pray to have an understanding wife,a ‘perfect’ wife that will be the envy of those around you . All of these desires are common grounds for most of us, but our reasons for desiring are different.

This piece is basically directed towards outlining the wrong reasons people go into relationships
. First things first, THE WRONG EXPECTATIONS-

Going into a relationship should be based on love, and compatibility. When you have the wrong expectations, disappointment sets in which leads to hatred and frustration. If you are with him because he's rich or you are with her in order to guarantee yourself financial security, most definitely there will be a glitch .Whilst dating, its easy to be infatuated, when infatuated, everything seems right and perfect, then you have your own PROJECTIONS of him or her, you believe some certain things because you are carried away, you fail to weigh your options, you fail to see his pros and cons. You keep projecting awesomeness. At the end ,you start seeing the real ‘picture’. You see the real him or her, and problems set in, you start looking for a way out .Which might eventually lead to infidelity on your part.

I once had an experience way back in England. This guy I was dating had a girlfriend of 5 yrs in Nigeria. During our conversations her name always comes up. I am always so furious that in spite of me being with him, yet he is still emotionally connected to a girlfriend he hasn’t seen in a long while. I wanted to win him to me, and make him forget about his girl friend. When I achieved my aim, I realized we were not compatible.

A while back a friend of mine told me about a caption on the cover page of a Real estate magazine, which reads: “I need a man to marry to solve my accommodation problems" .if she indeed finds a man to marry, and get her dream house she will realize accommodation is going to be the least of her problems because human needs are unlimited. She will then have so many other needs that might not be met because she was blinded by her problem and went into a relationship for the wrong reason. She will then start wallowing in anger and pain because of her unmet expectations.




I have read stories of individuals who went into a relationship in order to secure their ‘Green card’ and live happily ever after. On the flip side, happiness eludes such people because behind their wrong motive, is a life of misery and confusion.

In Conclusion, friends don’t rush into a relationship. Work on yourself, know your desires, and be sure you have the right motive before you go into that relationship. Love yourself. Do this first, and you will soon attract that special loving other. Keep being your best self , while waiting. Waiting time is not wasted time.

Nigerian politics: A needless multiparty system .-Words By Wale Odunsi

By Wale Odunsi

wodunsi@yahoo.com

Prologue: Francois Hollande, a moderate Socialist was elected president of France on Sunday narrowly defeating the incumbent, Nicolas Sarkozy, a conservative in a TWO MAN run-off vote put at about 52 to 48 percent. Case closed. No fraud claims, no litigations. I had prepared the original of this commentary few days after the 2011 presidential election, but did not publish. At that time, I was in Jos, Plateau State for the mandatory one year National Youth Service. Providentially, the issue raised is still relevant thirteen months after. Enjoy the revised version.



Democracy is the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, practiced by electing representatives of the people by the majority of the people. But the sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, felt the above definition was an overdose of English language. He consequently put it simpler by defining it as “the government of the people, by the people and for the people”. His view which is generally accepted has ever since been regarded as the most accurate and comprehensive.

Our democracy was restored over a decade ago, after many years of torturous autocratic rule. We heaved sigh of relief having witnessed disgusting tyranny at its crest. We stood united knowing full well that the chance to get out of the hitherto doldrums was here. While hundreds of defenseless citizens especially journalists and human rights crusaders were assaulted and thrown into the gulag, others became martyrs of liberty as they paid the supreme price.

Irrefutably, one of the key hallmarks in the tenets of democracy is the choice of expression and association. In fact this is considered as the single biggest gain of a democratic regime. However, the multiparty system currently practiced in the country appears to favor only a handful to the detriment of a strong and competitive polity.

In the 1999 general elections, three parties namely Alliance for Democracy (AD), All Peoples’ Party (APP as then known) and Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) contested. After a keen battle of wits and vigor, the PDP presidential candidate General Olusegun Obasanjo was declared winner and return elected consequent upon the defeat of Chief Olu Falae candidate of a joint AD/APP ticket. Even as a youngster who was yet a legitimate voter, the furore that surrounded the electioneering was noticeable. The candidates were conspicuous and the general public was abreast of anything and everything about the polls.

Prior to the advent and eventual registration of new political parties, not a few analysts perceived the idea inessential. Expectedly, the proponents not only kicked but threatened fire and brimstone. Their braggadocio got inordinate by the day. They went further, dubbing critics “bad belles” and enemies of progress. It is against this backdrop that one is tempted to ask: Where are the political parties?

During the course of build up to the 2011 elections, most of the parties were as good as not being in the race. Of the registered fifty-two parties, less than half fielded candidates for all the elective posts. And of the sixteen parties that presented candidates for the number one seat in the land, less than six were serious contenders. Save for the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and a few others that were visible, the rest were egoistic bystanders who were either too vague or equivocal. In spite of that, they refused to establish a coalition either by merger or alliance.

In the light of the foregoing, it is apt to say that a wise alternative to the charade of the opposition at the last general polls is for us to return to a two (or not more than three) party system. A situation whereby parties are unable garner one percent of votes casted is repugnant. How will the leadership of a party explain the inability of its candidate to secure a quadrant of ballots albeit he is from that area! The ambition of such aspirant was prima facie, a failed adventure right from inception. For instance, there is a party where the father is the national chairman and his son, the national secretary. What can a party like that offer other than intermittently organize tea revelries?

The PDP has been the ruling party at the federal level since 1999 for we have pampered it. In 2011 total votes, it proved its dominance by getting 58.89 per cent, while the Congress for Progressive Change got 31.98 per cent, Action Congress of Nigeria got 5.41 per cent, All Nigerian People’s Party got 2.40 per cent, and the remaining parties that participated got less than one per cent each. From the analysis, what we had was a minor contest. I cited the French election because it was not a one-horse race like we had here. It drew massive attention; it was very intense and unpredictable.

Now that the elections are over, the kindergarten ‘parties’ are asleep. Their alarm is set to quarter to next election year, while supposed members are back to normal business. To ensure sanity, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should in the same way it did some months ago, descend its hammer on more indolent political parties. I hope the jokers will in earnest throw in the towel. They should seek de-registration before they are humiliated. Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something. The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success. Futile political parties should either take a bow or be forcedly shown out! Nigeria as a politically active country is too big for clowns who tirelessly wander the polity despite woeful outings in elections.

7 COSTLY MISTAKES ENTERTAINERS MAKE

He who heeds counsel is wise’

-Proverbs 12:15


Quite often ,the people who move ahead, break barriers, and make a name for themselves in any sphere of life are individuals who yield to counsel.Obeying counsel is the pathway to greatness.Many are taking snail steps in their careers because they are too proud to do what works and bury the strategies they’ve grown to love to the extent that they are unwilling to change , even though its not setting them up for success.In this piece I will be sharing with you 7 costly mistakes entertainers make.These mistakes are drawn from my interactions with them and observations from the entertainment industry.



1.CHOOSING THE WRONG NAME

What’s in a name?.A name is an identity.Its a distinguishing element that sets you apart from the crowd.As an entertainer, a wrong name can repel people from your brand.I have seen artistes change their names at the peak of their careers,leaving their fans confused as to how to identify them from the army of artistes in the Nigerian entertainmnent world.

-- Black face of the defunct plantashun boyz changed his moniker to Blackface Naija

- Dat Nigga Raw changed his moniker to Mr Raw Nwanne.

I doubt if their fans call them this names.

The most important career decision you will ever make is what to christen yourself.Make sure your name represents the essence of your brand.


2.UNRESOLVED LEGAL BATTLES

It is suicidal to have an unresolved legal issue hanging on your career.Ignoring the legal terms of your career can ruin it.Upcoming entertainers are always in a rush to showcase their talents to the extent that they underestimate the legal terms of their contract.This reminds me of an experience I had with an upcoming artiste who told me all he desires is a label to sign him.In his words:’I am not bothered about these contract issues, I just need a label that can foot my career bills.’Before you sign that contract, make sure you contact a knowledgable lawyer.The legal issue Asa had with her erstwhile label almost ruined her career, thanks to her indomitable spirit.



3.NOT SAVING FOR THE RAINY DAY

Yes, you may be may be driving an hummer today, wearing expensive jewelries and footwears,living in the best mansion in town,but remember success has a short lifespan if its not multiplied and replicated.We have read stories of entertainers who made mega bucks from their careers but are struggling today, because they refused to invest their funds.It is not what you make that matters, but how much you invest after you’ve made the money.Save for the rainy day.



4.NOT UPPING YOUR GAME

The likes of Psquare,Asa, Tuface,Darey,Genevieve,Kunle Afolayan, are still relevant today because they didn’t rest on their oars.A writer once said:’The music industry is very much like my ex girlfriend.You are dumped in a hurry once they are tired of your presence’.Where are the likes of Marvellous Benjy, Azadus, Eddy remedy who were once the cream of the crop at a time?Entertainers like other professionals burn out quickly when their last hit, or last movie appearance is still their only claim to fame and relevance.Keep raising your game, and embracing personal development.Good is the enemy of great.


5.UNDERESTIMATING PUBLICITY.

Being talented is not enough.You have to publicize, and have all of the components of a great publicity campaign. You can be on a million social networking websites and social media websites, but people in the media are often times busy people – they do not have time to click on links to your social websites, without at least being enticed to do so. You have to have a press kit, biography, press releases…that is what will get you out there to the world.Expecting the media to automatically cover your new movie, event, song ,is not a proactive way of pushing your talent.I once approached a rising female rapper for an interview.She thought it was her right and not a privilege.She told me to call her manager before the interview can be granted…..playing the diva card on me.I forgot all about the proposed interview.Publicity is an ongoing activity that musn't be underestimated.


6. STAYING WHERE YOU ARE(THE LOCATION CHALLENGE)

One of the greatest threat to your talent is your environment.Everything God created has an environment where it can thrive.This is what I call your comfort zone.Newyork is the hub of entertainment in America.In the same vein, Lagos is the hub of entertainment in Nigeria.Entertainers make the mistake of not being flexible enough when they refuse to relocate to an environment that will open their talents up to more opportunities and make them gain visibility.This was what ruined the music career of stylplus who decided to stay in Abuja ignoring the counsel of colleagues to relocate to lagos.On the flipside the careers of Banky W, Tiwa savage,M.I, Iceprince, Tuface,witnessed a turnaround when they relocated to lagos.In Real esate, location is everything.It is your location that determines your allocation.



7.WAITING UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE(IGNORING YOUR HEALTH)

The phrase Live fast, die young and leave a good-looking corpse, originally spoken by actor John Derek in Nicholas Ray's Knock on Any Door (1949), emphasizes how unfulfilled promises have always been fascinating and intriguing for many of us. While some great artists lived up to their full potential, sometimes through decades of fruitful careers, others have passed away long before that.Taking care of your health is critical to how far you go in your career.Your dream of becoming a superstar can,t be achieved if you don’t take care of your health.Your body is a tool for living life, and if its in a bad shape,it will hamper your career.Therefor do not make the mistake of ignoring your health at the expense of your quest for wealth.Pay attention to your health.Always go for medical check –ups.

I hope this article has done justice to the outlined costly mistakes.Your career will blossom and rise above career threatening mishaps.Go make it happen!

Kehinde Ajose is a Talent development coach, publicist, and writer.Follow him on twitter @ splendidkenny.

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT SUPERMAN'-ERIC TAYLOR

For many, the actor who epitomized the character “Superman” is Christopher Reeve, and as millions know, at the height of his career he suffered a tragic accident that left him totally paralyzed, unable to care for himself or, initially, even to breathe unassisted.

With the support of his wife, Dana, Chris persevered and battled back, becoming a vigorous advocate and the public face for research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The foundation that now bears his name has awarded over $55 million in research grants to the world’s best neuroscientists and Quality of Life grants worth over $7 million to nonprofit organizations that help improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries.

Christopher Reeve redefined courage and hope. His strength, determination, and compassion inspired the world, but what I think is the superhuman part of the story has not been fully told. There’s more to this story for me and greater lessons for us all—in fact, 10 of them.

It was my distinct privilege to produce Chris’s last public appearance in New Jersey, where he filled a baseball stadium. I’ll never forget it—or him. He died 10 days later. He is my hero.

Chris Reeve taught me 10 lessons on that day. I know that they apply to you, and when you decide to take them to heart and act on them, they will change your life, too.

1.Empower yourself first! The only way to truly connect with another human is to connect with yourself first. Compassion, rapport, and caring all come from allowing, understanding, and knowing yourself first.

Action Idea: Take time out of each day (even if by self-appointment) to reflect on the day, week, month, or year, evaluate the words you chose to speak and the actions you chose to take, and ask yourself the critical question, “Am I being congruent with what I truly believe and value?”

2.Refuse absolutes. There are no absolutes! Anyone who says “that will never happen” doesn’t understand faith, persistence, and belief. The world was once thought to be flat; Christopher Columbus debunked that myth and created a paradigm shift for mankind. Christopher Reeve should not have survived as long as he did and accomplished as much as he did after his accident.

Action Idea: Have you embraced false absolutes with “security thinking,” believing that absolutes actually exist? Remove all self-imposed limitations and boundaries that you or someone else have placed in your mind.

3.Become a respected and feared competitor. Both are equally important. Have the respect of your peers, but be sure that they are aware that you are playing to win every time!

Action Idea: Get close to your competitors, and let them get close to you—but only in physical proximity! Treat them with kindness and respect, but keep your eye on the prize.

4.Get moving as soon as possible. There is never time to get ready. When you set a goal, make a decision, or experience adversity, get moving on it immediately! Christopher’s tragedy was something for which he could not have prepared. Chris knew that if he didn’t take action immediately to find a cure and to move toward walking again, he might begin to think that death was a better alternative.

Action Idea: Decide! Once you make up your mind to achieve a desired outcome or goal, never let anything or anyone stop you.

5.You have more talent and gifts than you realize. You possess all of the resources to lead an extraordinary life. Accept the gifts, and use them to serve.

Action Idea: Ask “what if” questions. “What if I could discover the cure for AIDS?” “What if I could run a three-minute mile?” “What if I give love first without expecting anything in return?”

6.Give yourself a chance—you are worthy. Let the people who love you, love you. Share your dreams and desires with those who can, will, and want to help you. Don’t beat yourself up when you fail or create an undesirable outcome.

Action Idea: Everything is an experience, not a test. The events that take place in our lives are not a thermometer to gauge our self-worth. The most important opinion you must possess in your life is the opinion you have of you!

7.Nothing is impossible—use your personal power, and have faith that you can overcome and achieve anything you set your mind to. The phrase “nothing is impossible” is a mind-set each of us should embrace.

Action Idea: Faith equals persistence. If you believe you can, you can. Walt Disney said, “You will see it when you believe it.”

8.Ignore your own feelings of inadequacy. There is always someone doing better than you are. What’s more important is what you are doing and what your goals are. The grass always looks greener on the other side, and it is almost always a false assumption. If you honor self-promises and stick to your dreams and goals, your time will come. Beware of negative self-talk and negative thinking. The real truth is that the glass is always half full, and it is always partly sunny. These small distinctions can pay huge dividends in your life.

Action Idea: Protect your mind and your body and what you allow to enter it; they are your most prized possessions.

9.Negativity will kill empowerment. Avoid negativity at all costs: negative people, negative news, negative thoughts, and all the things and people in your life that are dream-stealers. You are a leader. Become a leader in your life first.

Action Idea: Just as empowerment begins with you, positivism in your world begins with you as well. Negativity drains energy, diminishes hope, blocks creativity, and steals faith and one’s ability to persist. Surround yourself with everything and everyone that makes you feel good. Life is too short not to be happy.

10.Giving up is not an option. After Dana told Chris, “I still love you, you are still you,” his giving up was not an option. He knew that he had only one choice and one life to leave his legacy. Quitting does last forever—quitters never win, and winners never quit. You are not automatically entitled to everything in this life, but you are entitled to become your personal best. What will your legacy be? What will you create? What is your purpose for being here?

Action Idea: If you have yet to discover your calling, get excited! It is about to be discovered. If you know your calling, go there with passion and serve!

Those, in a nutshell, are the 10 life and leadership lessons I learned from Superman—my real-life hero, Christopher Reeve. I strive to live them every day.

There’s one more quote from Chris that takes a bit of thinking to understand, but I’d like you to consider it.

If there is no great glorious end to all this, if nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do.

Now, go forward!

** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life”, visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/greatways.html

THE L.I.N.D.A FACTOR

THE L.I.N.D.A FACTOR

(Business Lessons From Linda ikeji’s rise from Obscurity to Blog Domination)

You must know that in any moment a decision you make can change the course of your life forever…the very next movie you see or book you read or page you turn could be the one single thing that causes the flood gates to open, and all of the things you;ve been waiting for to fall in place- Tony Robbins

Success leaves clues, and in a fast paced world like ours , it is amazing how much one can leverage on the power of the internet and the social media and make a success out of it.Welcome to the world of Linda Ikeji-Nigeria’s renowned blogger.Love her or hate her,this young Nigerian lady didn’t just sleep a blunder, and woke up a wonder.She climbed the ladder to the top of her game and still striving to remain relevant.According to Alexa ranking, her blog is the most visited in Nigeria garnering massive traffic.Though she started out in 2006 from a personal journal, she has since grown it into a brand name.Linda can be decribed as an ex model, author, and entrepreneur.In her words:’ I didn’t set any goal. I just started the blog out of my passion for it. I made it my hobby. You know, while growing up, I wanted to be a journalist, but I wasn’t successful. I see blogging as a close substitute for journalism, which was my dream job. I just love meeting people, reading their stories, interviews, and the rest. I never knew that four years later people will be begging to pay for what I enjoy doing. I never thought that I will be making millions from blogging, but I thank God that what I enjoy doing is now making millions for me.’

So let’s leave the class corridor and move to the lecture hall as I unveil to you THE L.I.N.D.A FACTOR …Business Lessons we can adopt from her rise to the top of her craft using her name.

1. L-Leverage
Archimedes claimed that with a long enough lever, a single individual could lift the entire world. In mechanics the longer the distance, the less energy required to do the same amount of work (think of a door – The handle is always placed at the furthest point away from the hinges, if the handle was placed on the side of the door closest to the hinges it would require a lot more effort to open the door).What am I saying?Leverage simply means doing more with less.Linda does not go out there scouting for news on the streets she just sits back and leverage on third party contents (newspapers, magazines, other people’s blogs), and gives due credit to them.In the same vein, every entrepreneur should maximize the power of leverage.Maximizing the social media is a powerful tool to attract and retain customers.That is leverage working for you.

2. I-Influence

Ynaija, the popular Youthculture webzine recounts Linda’s growing influence:’T his lady who walked into the American embassy and got a visa ‘cause they checked out “the most influential blog in Nigeria” and she popped. From #ABSURape to Mercy Johnson, Linda owns the day. You can’t ignore Nigeria’s number one blogger’.Linda is not just all about gossip she has also used her blog to influence worthy causes.A case in point is that of Okeoghene Ighiwotho – the diabetic patient who lost his toes and was bedridden for six years.Influence is key to making impact in the business terrain.Your enterprise must be able to impact the lives of your target market , that’s how to be on top of your game.

3.N-Never lose your focus.

For all of her influence, Linda has done an amazing job of focusing on her blog.She has been on it for years and hasn’t left it to start another thing. According to her,:’ I am number 26 in Nigeria as a whole. I’m actually the first in entertainment in Nigeria. ‘.This is as a result of her consistent focus.For entrepreneurs, it is important to follow one course till you are successful.Never introduce a new product or service when you haven’t made a success out of the old.

4.D-Dare to bounceback

Inspite of her several blogging frailty like the Susan Peters Blackberry porsche story, celebs calling her a failed model and the current story(Toke Makinwa crying out that she is not worthy to be called a rolemodel), linda has managed to bounce back from them all.Challenges are not places of residence , but places of reference.Once you can learn from your business breakdown , it is essential to bounce back and move on! Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford.


5. A-Address customer’s demand

Linda is a a master at giving her readers what they want. When she finds something that works, she keeps using it again and again.From hot timely gossips, to fresh reports from the news,she is always quick to break sizzling stories that will get the attention of her readers. Like Linda , If you find a product your customers love, maybe you should consider expanding in that direction even if it’s not where you originally planned to go. If customers are asking for a service you don’t currently provide, maybe you should consider doing so, even if it means letting go of another part of your business that isn’t proving as profitable as you’d hoped.

I hope you’ve been able to learn tips and strategies from Nigeria;s famous blogger that will help you become the game changer in your business.Go make it happen.

HOW TO DO BUSINESS LIKE JESUS CHRIST-BY TITO PHILLIP JNR

How To Do Business Like Jesus Christ
by Tito Philips, Jnr.
How Did Jesus Do Business?

What is Jesus Christ to you?

To some, he’s the greatest human who ever lived.

To others, he’s the saviour of the world.

To me, he’s the greatest entrepreneur ever!

WHY?

Because he invented SALVATION and helped mankind solve our greatest problem ever; eternal life!

Jesus didn’t just die so you can make HEAVEN. He died so you can also reign on EARTH by building a business that matters, change the world and profit from purpose!

The 7 Business Principles Of Jesus Christ

The story of Jesus Christ is the most told story in the whole of human history. This is because it contains so much valuable lessons that have powerful impact on people.

In the spirit of Easter, I bring you 7 unusual business lessons from the life of the greatest entrepreneur ever -Jesus Christ!
1) PURPOSE – why do you exist?

This is where it all begins in business as well as in life. Unless the end is as clear as crystal, it’s impossible to achieve greatness.

Jesus had a clear purpose for coming into the world – to save humanity from eternal damnation and give eternal life.



“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so ever believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” –John 3:16

As entrepreneur, Jesus knew what is business was; to die so that you and I can have eternal life.

Great entrepreneurs begin with the end in mind. They have a clear purpose why they are in business. As a matter of fact, they started business to fulfill that purpose.

To them, business is how they fulfill purpose. You can only build something great if you started with something great in mind.

To discover your purpose as an entrepreneur; click here to download your copy of our FREE manifesto; “The Entrepreneur’s Journey”.

* You will learn how to awaken the spirit of business within by discovering your purpose.
* You will learn how to start and build a business that matters.
* You will learn how to change the world and profit from purpose.

Click here to grab your free copy now!


2) MESSAGE – what is your gospel?

Gospel means good news.

As an entrepreneur, Jesus had a gospel [message] he really wanted people to hear. His message was very compelling;

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you”. –Matt. 6:33

This is a very compelling story. The idea of going after only one thing [kingdom of heaven] and having every other thing else is definitely a good news many people would love to hear.

As an entrepreneur, what is your message?

I talked about the importance of having a compelling message in this unusual article; The 3Ms Of Highly Effective Marketing.

Having a compelling message is crucial to your entrepreneurial success. A message is the foundation of all your marketing and the essence of your brand. Without one, your marketing will be ineffective.

Here’s the link again, The 3Ms Of Highly Effective Marketing.
3) POSITIONING – who are your target market?

No one business can single-handedly meet the needs of everyone. The whole world is not your target market; even Jesus recognized this brutal fact.

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” –Matt. 9:13

As an entrepreneur, this is a major mistake you must avoid. Not everyone is your potential customer.

You have to differentiate and position your business so that those who will value what you are offering [product/service] can identify you easily.

Jesus didn’t stay in the church like a pastor would; he was on the street in search of those who were lost. The lost don’t come to church, they are in the world and Jesus understood this perfectly.

Positioning is about identifying your target market and going to them where they are with a message they want to hear.

Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Be something to someone -POSITIONING!




4) DISCIPLESHIP – who are your vision partners?

No great thing was ever achieved single-handedly by an individual.

Jesus didn’t attempt to save the lost all by himself despite all his divine powers. He enlisted the help of others who were gifted in diverse areas.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” –Matt. 4:19

Why did he do this?

The reason is so simple, but not so obvious.

Jesus realized he wasn’t omnipresent –being everywhere at the same time. He knew he was going to die on the cross for the sin of mankind.

He had to raise others who would succeed him and carry on the gospel [message] while he was gone. These were his 12 disciples.

As an entrepreneur, are you trying to go it all by yourself?

This is how many end up in the deadliest business trap ever. You must realize that you are not going to be here forever. What you build should outlive you. The best way to do this is to institutionalize your business by working with a team of vision partners.

While I do understand that at first you might start out alone, this is no excuse not to seek out vision partners along the way.

Great businesses are not the result of an individual, but the collective efforts of several individuals.


5) INNOVATION – where are your signs and wonders?

Being great is not by mouth.

Being great is a function of impact –signs and wonders.

Great entrepreneurs are great because they make great things happen.

Jesus is the greatest entrepreneur ever because he was the most innovative ever.

Jesus healed the sick.

Jesus made the blind see.

Jesus walked on water.

Jesus turned water to wine.

Jesus rose the dead.

Jesus rose up from dead.

Above all, Jesus invented salvation, mankind’s passport to life after death.

As an entrepreneur, your greatness is tied to how much great things you can make happen. Jesus made great things happen. He performed signs and wonders. He made impossible possible.

And here’s what he has to say to you about innovation;

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father”. –John 14:12




6) PROFITABILITY – how much souls/customers are you winning?

Great entrepreneurs build profitable businesses.

As there are two kinds of business; good and great. There are also two types of profit; kind and cash.

In Jesus’ case, his profit was in kind.

His profitability is measured by the number of lives he saved. His business is saving lives so his bottom-line is measured in kind not in cash.

As an entrepreneur, part of building a business that matter is being profitable. As a matter of fact, the more your business matters, the more profitable you become.

Businesses that matter make these two types of profit; kind and cash.

Your profit in kind is the ‘good’ [impact] your goods and service is having in people’s lives.

Your profit in cash is the money you are paid in exchange for the goods and services you provide.



Both are essential to your entrepreneurial success. In fact, your profit in cash is determined by your profit in kind.

The origin of both types of profit is value. It’s the good in your product/service that attracts people to pay you money in exchange for it.



“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” –Prov. 11:25


7) LEGACY – what will you be remembered for?

The true mark of great entrepreneurs is their ability to leave a mark in the sand of time.

Every December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Every April, we celebrate his death and resurrection.

This is a man who lived over 2000 years ago and yet the world hasn’t ceased to remember him year after year.

Why?

Because his legacy leaves on.

Jesus is not the only entrepreneur who has been able to achieve this feat. There are others like him whose legacy transcends their lifetime and are remembered throughout history.

But in his case, he gave his life to fulfill the purpose of the business.

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matt. 20:28

Great entrepreneurs use their lives to fight for a cause.

What are you prepared to die for?

What cause are you fighting with your life?


Conclusion

To do business like Jesus, you have to follow his 7 business principles;

1) PURPOSE – why do you exist?

2) MESSAGE – what is your gospel?

3) POSITIONING – who are your target market?

4) DISCIPLESHIP – who are your vision partners?

5) INNOVATION – where are your signs and wonders?

6) PROFITABILITY – how much souls/customers are you winning?

7) LEGACY – what will you be remembered for?

CULLED FROM:NAIJAPRENEUR.COM

LOVE IN OUR TIME ( 2)

LOVE IN OUR TIME (2)

WORDS BY TAYO ADEJUMO

Love isn't about finding someone that you can live with, it is about finding someone that you can't live without. It's astonishing how many of us want to be independent, and never want to be in that position where they will be tied to that one person who makes there heart beat faster. But why won't anyone want to fall in love? Love is the most beautiful and the strongest force in this world not even anger can withstand..

Many people say, " I once fell in love but I was left with a broken heart" I find that cheesy and flimsy of an excuse, it's like saying, Oh I tried knowing how to run but I fell and I didn't even bother to get up. Love is to find, you can't find what you are not looking for.The word find wont apply when you see something you aren't looking for if its of no value to you. Even if it's valuable you will never know the worth. But when you find love after many heart breaks, you will cherish it, because you know what it looks like, you recognize it, and you won't let go. Letting go of your past and memories of your broken heart are also extremely hard. Even though old memories can be tormenting, yet you might hold on to the past and refuse to move forward. by refusing to let go of the painful past, it'll only serve as a roadblock in finding love.

You might ask yourself, what is so important about love that I keep talking about?, it's not a big deal after all, I'll tell you this love is Magic, love is beautiful, love is great, when you are in love the world seem like a better place.Everything seems perfect .It's like snow making things beautiful, even the ugly stones. Love is like that. You smile, you shine, you glow, when you catch the love fever. When you shine and ooze of happy aura you are attracted to good things, you are attracted to positivity, because all you thoughts are good, all your imaginations are fantastic and positive, the law of nature sees this vibe in you and all the good things will come running to you and that my friend is the law of attraction. Love is a beautiful flower, when bright and pretty, it attracts the butterflies ( the more good and beautiful things)


Love can move mountains, can make the impossible possible, love is kind, love is pure in Mark 12 :33 the Bible talks about love "And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices". What Believer are you without pure love? When you are in love with someone, it makes you see the beauty in everyone and in everything else, it makes you fall in love with everyone and it makes everyone fall in love with you too plus it gives you a better soul.


Love as a Christian or Muslim is the fastest way to seek favor in the sight of God and get the best out of life. LOVE God with all your heart. To Love him unconditionally, to love him for no reason, to love because of his constant love for you. Love him back genuinely and see the transformation your life will take. Deut 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that LOVE him". Not to those who fast and pray the most, Solomon has most record of concubines and wives, yet God loved him so much. He is the richest and the most intelligent man that has ever lived, WHY? because he LOVED God.


Find love and you will find joy, wealth, health, and above all you find will peace of mind.

Be a better person today. Find love within yourself, find love in your partner, and see love in everyone and everything and notice how things will turn around for Good for you.Keep the flame of love burning!

LOVE IN OUR TIME

LOVE IN OUR TIME
WORDS BY TAYO ADEJUMO





Once upon a time, I used to get love letters, had poems written and composed for me by my numerous admirers, a smile their way is mostly enough reward to them, holding hands literally meant we are an item, we barely kiss, and whenever we do, it meant am his and he's mine till the end of time.

Now, love is complicated, love has lost its meaning, I no longer know what’s what. There's deception everywhere, even when you choose to love your partner against all odds you discover he's with you for "some reasons" how do you handle that?

Where love ,sex, and passion means marriage, when proposing or being proposed to becomes magical, where you'd want to live and die for each other ,when nothing else's matters but your love for each other, where Celine Dion's lyrics seems as though she could see through your very hearts. That's how I used to feel but now I one date three guys without even blinking

I ask myself have we all lost our conscience or do we no longer own souls within us? Or are we too hurt and heartbroken that we have gone numb in the heart?

There are so many girls in the world who have lost their dignity in the name of love. It's really sad when you choose to abstain from sex while you are in a relationship, and no one cares. It's heartbrreaking that being a virgin means nothing , you are even called lame for being one. it's sickening when guys looks at you and see no treasure or value.

I wonder where we got it wrong. In India, the family of the girl arranges her marriage and then goes to the husband’s house to pay his dowry and hope for them to fibs love in eachother overtime. In Nigeria once upon a time, women marry their high school sweetheart , and amazing when they celebrate 50th years anniversary culminating their relationship.

Love in our time is based on reasons, it's challenging and complicated from both sides
I wonder what the challenge is, or how to bring back the lost glory and pride in being a woman. Am a love believer ,I love to love, I love loving, but am scared to love now cos I have had it thrown back at my face many times.

My good and decent girl character didn't compensate for true love. What has love turned into in our time? This are the constant ringing questions in my head, what happened to the bubbly love feeling you get when you are with him? what happened to him making confessions and loving genuinely? What happened? Where did it all go wrong? How do I bring back love like we once felt and knew?

Susan Peters, Adaora Ukoh, Goldie, Toyin Lawani throw their weight behind the Business Women’s Workshop

Women with small businesses are about to experience the much needed boost as celebrities give their full support to the upcoming Business Women's Workshop.

The Business Women's Workshop is a great avenue to meet with fellow women striving to take their businesses from one point to the very next. It affords participants the chance to network effectively with other women in (small) businesses and learn their tricks, appreciate their hustle, recognise the similar challenges that they all face, and passionately garner strength from one another towards improving the quality of their businesses.

With the sponsorship of key celebrities, young women and their young businesses are given the necessary push.

This first edition, participation will give every woman the opportunity to market to over 30 women and gain more customers!

With only 30 seats available for women passionate to grow their businesses, the Business Women's Workshop will give women the essential networking tools to get new customers that will sustain the growth of their businesses and drive their brands to heights unimaginable.

It is a Networking, Brainstorming, Interactive, Strategic ideas, Practical Solutions, Opportunities for expansion forum.

P.U.R.P.L.E IS THE COLOUR OF COMEDY...

P.U.R.P.L.E IS THE COLOUR OF COMEDY

6 THINGS REMARKABLE COMEDIANS DO THAT OTHERS DON’T

Yes I know I got your attention with the title of this piece. That aside, what comes to your mind when you think of colour purple? Purple signifies deep passion, royalty.in Japan it signifies wealth and position. According to studies, people who like colour purple are creative. So what’s the relationship between colour purple and comedy? Take a chill pill. Any comedian who desires to be a royalty in the comedy terrain, making mega bucks, and also making impact, must exemplify what colour purple stands for. Jokes apart, a vivid look at Nigeria’s blossoming comedy industry is a pointer to the fact that any craft can be grown into a money making venture with the right skill set.

We’ve seen comedians become brand ambassadors, anchor popular TV game shows, host their own sold out comedy concerts, and publish their own magazines. It only goes to buttress the words of Ben Murray Bruce:’ I am almost driven to excel, and I think that is the difference between me and the guy next door.I always want to be innovative and different’ and that is simply what remarkable comedians do. They stand out from the crowd to become outstanding. So let’s look at the word .P.U.R.P.L.E as the pathway to becoming a remarkable comedian.

1. P-Public speaking

To be a remarkable comedian that boasts of clientele from the corporate world you ve got to gain mastery in your communication. The truth is that you are first a communicator before you are a comedian. The days of speaking ‘Pidgin English’ throughout an event you are compeering , is fast coming to an end.Take a course in public speaking, read books on public speaking, observe excellent public speakers. The likes of Julius Agwu, Koffi, TejuBabyface, are not just ordinary comedians, they’ve overtime gained mastery in their communication. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.



2.U-UNDERSTAND.. . that comedy is more than a joke, it’s a business.

It pricks my heart when I see some comedians carry themselves with the demeanor of a contractor, lobbying for shows to perform. That’s not bad in itself if you are just starting out, but with a proper business structure you can soar beyond that level.A.Y has over the years proven that comedy is more than just having a talent. From kicking off his open mic comedy competition, to his comedy concerts, to the A.Y show, to the A.Y magazine. What A.Y is selling is not comedy, A.Y is selling a brand with a strong business foundation. Dear comedian, if you are going to be taken seriously, you need to have a business structure for your talent.Aside that, it is also important to have products that helps to increase your market value.For a Tejubabyface, it his show, for a Basketmouth its his ‘Lord of the ribs comedy show’, for a Gbenga Adeyinka, its his’ Laffmattazz show’.Have a product that pushes your brand.



3.R-RESEARCH

Ignorance is not an excuse .You’ve got to stay aware and abreast of the trends, events, new developments in your area of expertise.Ali Baba’s leadership edge is not just because of his pioneering efforts , but because of his passion for knowledge.He is known to have a huge library that houses books from various spheres of life.Being sought after requires an investment n knowledge which pays the best interest.





4..P-PUBLICITY

In this business, your visibility is more important than your ability.People only do business with individuals who have gained name recognition through publicity.A new comedian must be capable of generating favorable publicity in the media or it wont have a chance in the market place.How do you generate publicity for you?Firstly get in touch with a publicist who will be responsible for creating visibility and the right perception for you in the media.Secondly, do something new, fresh, unique…When your brand can make news it’s a chance to generate publicity.

5.L-LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The true measure of a wealthy man is not his wealth, but that he enriches others.Good comedians are funny, great comedians raise other funny comedians in order to create a multiplier effect.I have heard stories of Alibaba buying cars for different comedians, paying rents and school fees for other comedians.He is simply multiplying himself in others, that is what great leaders do.. they raise others to be leaders too.Same principle applies to A.Y,who has been able to raise a host of young comedians to make a living for themselves. Jesus taught 11 men how to do what he did. Then he left them to carry on while he moved on to other things. From the simple act of one man teaching 11 others, a church and the largest, most influential religious movement the world has ever known was born.




6.E-EVERYONE COUNTS

People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.Its critical for you to upgrade your relational skills.The fact that you are being shown on TV and make good money doesn’t give you the right to talk down on people and undervalue your fans an friends.Your success is tied to how you treat your fans, colleagues, and even those you don’t know who love you for what you do.Always treat people right.I have personally met comedians who have a monster sized ego.

I hope this tips will help you make an indelible mark as a comedian.See you on the P.U.R.P.L.E stage!

Kehinde Ajose is Nigeria’s foremost Talent development coach and publicist, who helps individuals to deploy their talents in order to create wealth and become global brands.He is reachable @ splendidkenny01@yahoo.com or follow him on twitter @ splendidkenny