7 Secrets To Unstoppable Success

For many Nigerians, this is a very terrible year, the economy is on a downward trail, and on top of all that's happening, there’s barely enough transportation fare to eat free food at a friend’s house; by the way, people don’t celebrate as much in communities. Bye, pary jollof.

If you are running a business, or trying to start one, the economic situation might make you want to back out and try something else. I get it because I have been there myself. However, have you thought for a second that this might be an incredible opportunity to grow and scale your business? It all lies in the power of your imagination.

Success can mean many different things to many people. For someone, a scholarship to study in Canada is a success, and for another person, starting a P.O.S stall is a success. All these are valid, as long as it brings you fulfillment. But how do you get to the point where you are fulfilled when so much is happening and it is more difficult to focus on one thing? The 7 C’s of success is a proven concept that will keep you dedicated and help you take more steps towards achieving your goal. Let’s jump right into it

Confidence

I started selling things at an early age, I used to pick mangoes from our backyard then and sell them to my classmates in school. This helped to shape my selling techniques because I knew who to take my product to. Fast forward to over 10 years later, I had launched a product and needed to take them to supermarkets. That’s where I got stuck. I started with enthusiasm and went to the one major supermarket in my state, where my product was rejected and I got demoralized. I could not do much marketing after that because I kept wondering how the shop owners would react.

That was my reality until I had a moment of realization one day when a customer begged me to produce on short notice when the factory was on break. It suddenly became clear that I was offering value and those who valued my product would not talk down or embarrass me. So I got a confidence boost. I will tell you more about my marketing journey. But for now, it is important to note that your confidence is a major ingredient in success. Without it, you most likely will give up on your dreams. Have confidence in yourself, and have confidence in your product, if what you are offering (academically or materially) is not there yet, take a few more classes, go back to the drawing board, and make it awesome.

Courage

This is what Chimmamanda had when she left medical school to start a career in writing. To be successful, you definitely should have the guts to do crazy things (I mean this is a good way though).

Consistency

Ask any successful person how they became successful and you will hear “consistency” somewhere in their story. Imagine leaving your home at 7:30 hoping to get breakfast at your favorite cafe or masa spot only to find out they didn’t open again for the 3rd time this week. Chances are that you will not go back there for breakfast for fear of disappointment. You can not have repeat clients if you do business at will or at your leisure time. If you are on this table, then I suggest you take a 360 and evaluate your priorities. It is possible that you fancy the idea of a business but can’t run one. Note that successful people do not give excuses!

Concentration

It can be very difficult to get my four year old to study, that is because he is usually distracted by a lot of things. To get him to read, I sometimes turn off the Tv, let him know he can not have his toys until he is done with school work and sometimes even threaten to seize his ipad. Once all the distractions are gone, getting him to study is so much easier.

Many of us are like that, we do not realize it yet because we do not have anyone that notices how distracted we are. We are adults after all, and it means we are responsible for our actions.

Distractions reduce the time you are productive and leaves you unfulfilled at the end of the day.

You might need to set some ground rules for work such as turning off your data during work/business hours and keeping only work-related activities in your office or workshop.

Character

Your character can be a major spice in your business. It is what makes people want to come back. Being friendly is nice, but not too friendly as it might put some people off. Have professional responses like these;

Instead of saying: we never finish your work or we are running late,

Say : “I apologize for the delay. We’re working diligently to resolve the issue. You can expect an update by tomorrow. Thank you for your patience”

That gives your business class and good customer relations.

If you are a tailor with a customer who is requesting something you can not offer,

Instead of saying: “No, I can’t do that”

Say: “I appreciate your request. Unfortunately, we can not accommodate it at this time”

Your customers do not want to pick a fight, they want their needs met. Help them navigate how they can meet their needs through you.

Commitment

This is where your integrity will be tested. If you promised to deliver in a week, keep to your word and do so. You may need to set up reminders to help you do those tasks early. Many apps on your phone can help you to be more productive. No be only WhatsApp (lol, okay that was a joke obvs)

Creativity

If you have not started a business or decided what to do with your life, maybe it is time to get creative. There are billions of things that can be used to earn a living. People need you to figure out what they need so they can pay for it.

I will end this post with two amazing quotes.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect” -Mark Twain.

“Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination”- Oscar Wilde.