CHANGING THE NARRATIVES ABOUT JOBS IN AFRICA
When my mother returned from Canada for this Christmas holiday 2020 in Cameroon, we had a conversation about my 3 months old small Chips and other Snacks business that I started and that almost broke my heart. This is how the discussion went.
Mama : Ma pikin, she asked, you di plan for do this your small business so for how long?
Me : i di plan for doam sotae e kam ton into some big company.
My mother : for this very country Cameroon ? You don see who doam? Just Forget that tin.
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| Master of Event at Javnyuy Joybert's Master Class |
She then advised me to do the business for a while, then use the profits to find a way and travel abroad where i could work for handsome paychecks. The conversation ended up in a disappointment on both sides since there was no compromise. It was very evident that Her way is not my way.
After recapitulating and recollecting on this dialogue of me and my mum, I came to an Understanding that thisis one of the reasons why most entrepreneurs and innovators in Africa get stranded. They lack support from the people closest to them and family.
I definitely agree with a certain article I read from the Lenjval Blog on How to use your family to raise capital for your business (https://lenjvalblog.blogspot.com/2020/12/how-can-youths-raise-capital-for-their.html).
4 Ways Through Which You Can Succeed as an Entrepreneur in Africa.
1. Know the reason why you are an entrepreneur in the first place. When You have a strong WHY, distractions of any kind cannot make you lose your focus.
2. Be willing to give in your all. You will have to give in your all because at the start, you will definitely have only yourself to depend on. Hoping for support from family and friends will draw you back and drain you.
3. Work diligently every day. In your quest to be an entrepreneur worth celebrating, know that it is going to take years and you must work consistently and passionately on your vision every day, every time until it is accomplished.
4. Intentionally network and collaborate with people who have succeeded in your area of interest. Be humble and learn from them. Build relationships because it is a pertinent asset for long term achievements.
5. Cultivate a learning culture. Be willing to pay for and learn the skills you need to succeed in your business. Attend workshops, seminars and trainings to boost your know how. Just like Mahatma Lenjval would quote “To have a long life, Read, Learn and Write everyday”.
" Establishing long-lasting relationships with peak performers is one of the guarantees that you will rise above average and step into the community of pace setters." Fru Glory.
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| SS snacks. company founded in Douala Cameroon by Fru Glory |
Fields I think you should venture in as Africans in the 21st Century.
All the same, remember the fact that you are you and each and every one of us has a unique purpose on earth. So I call upon all my readers to find their purpose and serve it irrespective of what others think.
Author: FRU GLORY
Our ability to stand strong and be steadfast to our dreams is the only way to succeed. Family and friends here in Africa serve rather as a stumbling block to enthusiastic youths. We need to fight fight fight till the end.
ReplyDeleteMost atimes we are discouraged because of those around us. Never the less, it's good to encourage ones self. And keep being persistent.
ReplyDeleteI love the article, keep up