Once in a while we will like to share the testimonies of our participant at the SS EDC so you can get with the entrepreneurial spirit and not get left behind. so, here goes...

Elder Dr. E.J Akpan, the CEO of the well known EJASCO supermarket and cosmetic shops in Calabar, Nigeria  is highly excited about his experience at the  SS EDC, Just 2 weeks into the program. Ejasco cosmetics has been in existence for over 30 years and has more than 12 staff in its employ but it really needs the fresh and fantastic ideas i am getting from the EDC now. He says.. "Even though we have been in existence this long, there is so much i did not know which i thought i knew. I can't wait to put this knowledge into practice. I came to  the EDC to gain knowledge and i have learnt so much."
His advice to all existing SME owners is that they should come out to the EDC and learn so that their businesses can be catapulted to the next level. "Nobody should put himself through starting a business in the first place without going through the EDC programme".

STRUGGLES OF AN ENTREPRENEUR

Entrepreneurship is beyond an act it’s an ART and a SCIENCE. No matter how long you dream big or come up with the best ideas until you do something, put your ideas to work, all you are is a dreamer. Entrepreneurship is HARD-WORK and I mean really hard work. You think your job is frustrating well you ain't seen nothing yet.

 People prefer to see entrepreneurship as the basic cash machine you go in and cash out while others like to see it as the dungeon house, you go in and get stuck. Well, let me just say it’s neither, it’s not a cash machine, not a dungeon house, it is a LIFESTYLE, it’s the right thing to do. It’s not as simple as white or black you just know it is to be done and you do it. It’s like when you have kids no matter how old your kids are they will always be kids in your eyes. You will endure and sacrifice almost anything for them because it’s the right thing to do. So is entrepreneurship you'll endure and sacrifice because it’s part of you. Are you willing to endure?

THE VOICES OF NAY SAYERS? Imagine a fly hovering over your head and its buzzing and buzzing and buzzing and you keep driving it yet it just won’t stay away, sometimes you even hit yourself in the process of driving it. That's exactly the scenario to explain. People talk, we all know that but when you decide to strike out on your own, multiply the talk by 1000. Family, friends and everyone (though they really mean well) they try to talk you down. Do you have the money? Do you know what it entails? How on earth could you quit your job? What were you thinking!!!!!!

To make it in the world of entrepreneurship, you must learn to ignore the flies.

COMPETITION IS UNFRIENDLY. You have an idea and you are all excited about it... GREAT, you launch into the market with the enthusiasm of a little boy at his first daddy and son game. Getting the picture? Well, you get there all excited only to be reminded that you are a newbie and the big guns are still around, you try to market and people laugh, like literally laugh in your face. That little part of your mind begins to see how rusty and rugged your packaging is and then there is that question 'was this a really good idea'.

Trust me, if you make it through this storm you are half way to becoming an entrepreneur. DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!!! There is no gain without pain and no glory without a story. It’s even these times that are most important so you can look back as say VENI... VIDI... VICI... (I came... I saw... I conquered)

Give a shout out to at least one entrepreneur, let them know that we feel them, we understand and appreciate where you have been.

WE ARE PROUD THEY ARE ONE OF US.

Authored by: Funmike Adeleye

Let’s be honest, there comes a point in life when one tends to wonder, is this how it's going to be, 8 to 5 everyday, no time for the kids, friends, heck ! No time for yourself. Demanding employers who do nothing but sit back in their chairs and bark out orders in any language conceivable. It is at this point, this dying moment that my dear friend ENTREPRENEURSHIP comes all smiley saying " hey dear, need a hand?”

Entrepreneurship is not as scary as it looks. Yea, statistically, about 3 out of every 10 start-up businesses survive after the first 3 years, BUT, BUT, BUT let’s be positive if you do everything right, the right way and at the right time all will be well.

Frankly, why would anybody want to be an entrepreneur? Don't be deceived it is not just about the money, the money will come, and true, but entrepreneurship is a lifestyle that causes you to make an impact on the world. It's this mentality that keeps you going when things get rocky in the world of "E".

I think one of the best things about being an entrepreneur is

YOU CALL THE SHOTS: That's just awesome. You get to do what you want, what you like and what you have passion for BUT on your own terms. Entrepreneurship is not a bed of roses but it’s not a crown of thorns either it’s a building process. You take decisions yourself but you take responsibility too. Basically, YOU ARE THE BOSS... (You call the shots but you also take the shit...)

The satisfaction of being referred to as a business owner is priceless. Have you ever been out for drinks with friends, they start talking about your work then you go 'oh that's my place' and they say ' I know you work there' and you are like 'oh no... I own it...' for those 30 seconds everybody is literally speechless like "ARE YOU KIDDING".

Being a business owner has a sort of prestige to it. Whether the business is booming or not people just appreciate the fact that you are doing your own thing.

Yea ... well, that's just the fun side of entrepreneurship. Check out my next post because entrepreneurship is no smooth sailing it can bring on some nasty storm but when the going gets tough...

Please drop your comments below and lets interact.

Author: Funmike Adeleye