Don’t be a rigid entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs should be like sponges – always soaking information in.

No knowledge is lost, they say. If you’re curious and vigilant, your repository of knowledge can help in spotting needs and creating solutions for them whilst making profit. Thus, young entrepreneurs are often advised to take note of lessons shared by experienced business leaders.

Recently, top Nigerian media entrepreneur and CEO/editor-in-chief of Genevieve Magazine, Betty Irabor, shared some of her experiences. Irabor, who is also a mentor on Nigeria’s biggest entrepreneurship community, Mara Mentor, revealed some secrets which young and aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria should imbibe.

1. She believes that an education is very essential but nothing beats learning on the job – the experience of falling down all those times and getting back up. Nothing beats that; so the earlier you start, the better for you.
2. No doubt, having been on the receiving end of many raised eyebrows and scepticism due to her ‘late’ debut into the business of publishing, she would tell you that ‘Whenever you wake up, that is when your morning starts.’ Never listen to discouraging comments from people who don’t see what you can see or believe that you’re too young or old to start.
3. Don’t be rigid as an entrepreneur. You must keep moving, changing, and evolving. Genevieve wears an edgier look now because she is stepping back and allowing her editors to bring in content that readers love and new trends that they want to see.
4. There are always new grounds to break. Don’t get complacent because of your present level of success, arm yourself with great foresight and be ready to take the lead today and tomorrow.
5. To become a successful entrepreneur, you’ve got to keep going even when you’re afraid. Betty Irabor says, “The trick is to do it afraid.”
6. How about passion? She recalls that one of her first investors did not really get the idea she was putting to him, but still bought into the passion he saw in her as she spoke with him. You have to be able to see the unseen and believe the intangible as an entrepreneur.
7. In the face of business challenges, the questions that matter are: How badly do you want this? How hungry are you to take it to the next level? Is it just a passing fancy? The answer to these questions will determine your success or failure.
8. The challenge is not so much hitting the high notes as it is sustaining the note. Doing things right is a challenge but doing things right consistently is even a greater challenge. Focus on excellence for yourself, and keep striving to maintain that standard against all odds.
9. You don’t have to be phenomenal to do phenomenal things. Don’t assume it will be an easy ride. There will be mountains to scale; be ready to deal with them, and be consistent. Perseverance is key!
10. Always think of what you wish to be remembered for. This should keep you grounded and focused.

For more inspiring stories and resources on entrepreneurship, join the largest entrepreneurship community in Nigeria on www.mentor.mara.com or download the Mara Mentor app on Android and iOS stores. For inquiries, email: support@mentor.mara.com