Navigating Business Success: Insights from a Nigerian Entrepreneur

(The post was initially shared on LinkedIn)

It was a well-lit conference hall with an attentive audience.
The stage is set with a podium.

As he works up the stage, you can tell he has something up his sleeve.

He is not your regular speaker; here is a man who has seen the two sides of the river.

Many who have heard him speak will tell you he rose from the ashes to where he is today.

Well, a sudden applause interrupted my thoughts as he greeted the audience with his famous smile.

For about 15 seconds, I could tell he was speaking, but no one was hearing him, as the sound of the applause couldn't let anyone hear the sound he was making.

But finally, it all faded, like it had not happened.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! He muttered."

It’s an honor to be here today to discuss a topic that’s close to my heart: business strategy.

The audience reacted. But this time, not with the clapping of the hands. But with cheers and smiles. Some even called out his name.

"I will start by asking this question:

"Why Strategy Matters."
The next ten seconds of silence kept me wondering if no one had heard of strategy before.

Then he continued:

"You see, strategy isn’t about making plans; it’s about making the right plans. It’s the compass that guides us through the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship."

The audience was silent, taking it all in.

As if to awaken us all, he asked,

"Do you have a strategy?"
I could have said yes, but what strategy is he talking about? I muttered to myself.

"It is the step-by-step plans you have to accomplish your goals; this factors in the challenges and unpredictable nuances of stuff you will encounter on your way to the top. This is what I call strategy."

By now, it has begun to sink in with the majority of the audience, including me.

He took a sip and continued:

From the beginning of your strategy, be as clear as you can be, and you will see “The Power of Clarity.”
"Let’s talk about clarity. As business leaders, you must be crystal clear about your

vision,
mission, and
values.

"Without clarity, we’re like ships adrift without a destination.

While clarity helps you know where you are headed, agility is the propeller.

Hence, the need to embrace agility.”
Agility is your secret weapon.

In Nigeria, we face challenges daily.

Power outages,
Poor network connections,
Bad roads,
Unaffordable bandwidth prices,
Difficulty with international payments,
Bureaucracy,
You name it.

But agility allows us to adapt swiftly.

"Remember, it’s not the strongest that survives; it’s the most adaptable."

At this time, I can tell that the audience can relate to what he is saying. Then I heard his next words, which started with 'Local'

“Local Insights, Global Vision”
"Our local context matters. Nigeria is a vibrant market with unique dynamics.

But don’t stop there. Think globally.

Our businesses can transcend borders. Let’s blend local insights with a global vision.

Despite all the seeming disadvantages, you have all the resources needed to make a difference. That you are here listening to me is proof that you have what it takes to build the future you want."

“Collaboration beats competition.”

In Nigeria, we say,

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
Collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, industry peers, and even competitors.

Together, we rise.

Then I say to you all, Don't be afraid to fail, but “Fail Forward.”

Failure isn’t fatal; it’s feedback. Learn from your mistakes, iterate, and keep moving. Our resilience as Nigerians is our greatest asset. "Let’s fail forward."



"In conclusion, my fellow entrepreneurs, let’s push our dreams into the essence of Nigeria’s economic growth. Our strategies matter—not for our businesses but for our future."

Thank you!

My name is Echez O'Ford, I am a writer making a difference with my written word.

Most times, I use my writing to help businesses and brands reach buying audiences. At other times, I talk about social issues.

If you want us to talk about anything business, check my bio/profile or send a DM

If you share this now, you might just be helping that Nigerian next door to see a reason to continue.

Boom Did_It!!!

Na God oh, If I say otherwise the truth is not in me.

He's been so faithful of a truth I have never had enough all my life as I have this period, money just dey pursue me.

caesymore:
Boom Did_It!!!

Na God oh, If I say otherwise the truth is not in me.

He's been so faithful of a truth I have never had enough all my life as I have this period, money just dey pursue me.

Good to hear that my friend, keep doing what you are doing, and if you have the chance, share tips so that others can learn too. There are a lot of Nigerians who need help.

Echezo:


Good to hear that my friend, keep doing what you are doing, and if you have the chance, share tips so that others can learn too. There are a lot of Nigerians who need help.

I share tips to, for those that had the mind to do same