by Paul Ategie
Being successful is a highly relative term.
I don’t know if I can call myself successful or not, but I will share with you a couple of things I do as an entrepreneur in Lagos to stay afloat:
1. Develop a skill, an art, or trade.
Lagos, like many major cities in the world, requires you to be able to solve a problem and unless you want to always outsource, you need to develop the right skills.
2. Understand the terrain.
Lagos is an urban reflection of Nigeria. Nigeria has its challenges, and you cannot overlook those challenges. Some of which are electricity, government policies, people attitude, etc
3. Create a cash-flow balance.
You CANNOT spend more than you earn and be successful. No way. You cannot have an expense chart bigger than your revenue. See why you need to have skills of your own? It’ll help you save cost in the long run.
4. Be open to growth and partnerships.
Accept the fact that other people have values they can bring to your establishment, and always be willing to listen to proposals.
5. Take calculated risk.
Don’t be shy to take risks. But be assertive about them. Lagos is for the daring and daunting.
6. Learn how to network.
Not multilevel marketing though.
Build strong networks and belong to progressive networks. Seek mentors who have semblance to your ideals. Remember, a rich mentor isn’t always the ideal mentor.
7. Stay humble. Stay Sharp. Stay woke. Stay hungry.
Good luck and see you at the TOP!
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Paul Ategie is a solutions architect and proud citizen of the world.
