O.Y.O IS YOUR CASE
You are ON YOUR OWN. The security that comes with paid
employment is gone. You have to hustle and hustle very hard. Twice I have had
to sell my phones to pay salaries because I couldn’t afford to delay salaries
as my integrity was on the line.
YOU WILL SEE MONEY
THAT YOU CANNOT SPEND
Once you start getting patronage, you may get too excited
and think you have free money. No you don’t. For instance in my kind of
business, I get paid in bulk but I have to share that money to cover 4 months
salaries for staff.
YOU WILL BE CHEATED
ON
Being a newbie sucks big time. I mean someone sold something
worth N500 for N7, 000. I had a heart ache for 2 weeks. Plus I recommended the
person to my mum…so we both got duped
YOU WILL LEARN TOUGH
LESSONS
You will form close relationships, people will let you down,
you will have to summon courage to let people go. Armed robbers carted away
with valuables from the premises. I had to be strong. The show must go on. Its life
YOU WILL BE HAPPY………..THEN
SAD
You will be deliriously happy finally walking in your
purpose. You finally have a reason to jump out of bed every morning to impact
your world. But then again your expectations will may not be met and it can get frustrating. But
as they say, great things take time. I’ve learnt that consistency is key. Great
things they say take time. Keep working hun
PEOPLE SEE EVEN WHEN
YOU CAN’T SEE THEM
I’ve learnt that you must keep putting in the work even when
you are not making profit. You are doing this for the future. People are
watching and these are the people you need to advertise your business. For instance,
I got a referral from a notable figure around where my school is located. He doesn’t
have kids in my school neither do I speak to him but because of proximity, he
sees the work I put in. You need people.
YOUR COMPETITION WON’T
BACK DOWN
Nope!!! I’ve had my banners torn and some of customers being
cajoled to leave. I’ve had things some of my competition said and they have
never even met me. I’ve heard some of my ideas which are very original being
practiced in these schools. Probably from staff who were offered higher money
to leave. People will feel threatened. You also cannot afford to take a break
or back done. You can’t. I have learnt to keep churning ideas, so much so that
they can’t keep up.
YOU CANNOT WALK ALONE
You need family and friends that can support you with money
and services. In my business, I’ve had family and friends teach music, dance,
etc. I couldn’t afford to pay for these things when I started and I need to do
them so I had to hunt for free services…lol. Of course, I plan to return the
favour. P.s Doreen is baking a free cake for our end of session party on the
condition that I will patronize her when I can afford it. That is partnership
people
YOU WILL DOUBT
YOURSELF
You will not have it together all the time. Many times I asked
myself if I made the right decision quitting my 9-5. Then, I expected my salary
at the end of the month, now people expect their salaries from me at the end of
the month. Shet!!!! That is A LOT of pressure. It is tough but you will get by.
You will, trust me.
24 HOURS ARE NOT
ENOUGH
Because you will be very committed to growing your business,
you may neglect other things. You need to find time to rest else your health
will suffer (I learnt the hard way). You also have to make time for other
things that must come first..God, family, fitness, etc
YOU ARE YOUR OWN BOSS
Yikes!!! I can go out when I please. No more sign of the
cross drama just to ask permission from my former boss. That feels soooooooo
good. But then again that means being the one to pay myself. So I had a
conversation with myself. I and me (see what I did there? Lol) decided I’ll
have N10,000 as my salary monthly. We later cut it down to N5, 000. It later
dropped to N2, 000. Lmao.i’ve had to deny myself the good things of life. The struggle
to pay salaries is real yo. I just jejely bought my N700 sandal to be knacking everyday. So am I really a
boss? Hmmm
FRIENDS WILL HAIL YOU
‘Chopping money things’ ’Madam at the top’ ‘Send me
something now’ ‘Biggest boss’ These are some of the things you will hear. You better
don’t let them deceive you, na only you know
wassup.
Through it all ladies and gentlemen, you will feel immense
satisfaction. A lot of people have ideas but only a few get up and do something
about it. Get up and make it happen! 5 years from now you will be glad you did.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second
best time is now. – Chinese proverb
If you enjoyed this, let me know in the comments and maybe I’ll
share more lessons I’ve learnt with you.
Peace, love and sunshine
xo
