by Johnson Temiloluwa | Mar 16, 2021 | Business & Finance
Are you a Nigerian? Do you want a start a business here in Nigeria? You might wonder, “how can I make a business out of this 10k with me?” Oh, or do you even have less? Well, I am here with uplifting news – businesses that you can start with 10k or less in Nigeria. Just read on.
In a country like Nigeria, there are lots of businesses that you can set up with 10k or even less. Here are a few of them:
Businesses You Can Start with 10k or Less in Nigeria
1. Freelance Writing
Do you weave words to make readers feel every word used or do you have a delivery that gets readers hooked? Then here is your complete guide to starting freelance writing. With less than 10k you can start up your writing business either by creating profiles on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork; or pitching to blogs or just creating sharable graphics for the services you offer and let your mutuals know.
2. Hair Making Business
Do you perhaps know how to make hair? This is for you. You could start up a hair business with 10k or even less. You could start making hair for people at the front of your house or your backyard, you don’t need a shop to begin.
3. Plantain Chips Making
If you love plantain as I do, and you’re looking to make a business out of it; making plantain chips is a profitable business you can start with less than 10k. Plantain chips are virtually everywhere; supermarkets, shops, streets, by the roadside, and even traffic hawkers. You could make yours exceptionally well and go to deliver to people that will sell them.
4. Importation of Used Clothes
The mini-importation business is one of the lucrative businesses now in Nigeria. It takes a lot of diligence but no expertise is much needed. It is also one of the many businesses that can be started at the comfort of one’s home.
Every business needs a good outlook and packaging, I’m sure you must have seen the word “thrift wears” or “thrift shop” around. It’s a trending business and it makes a lot of good cash. It takes 10k or less than to start.
5. Recharge Card and Data
Did you know that there are about 188 million mobile subscriptions in Nigeria? That is, 188 million active SIM cards which people buy airtime or data on every day. Don’t you think you can make something out of those numbers? With 10k, you can make a lot of profit from recharge card and data business.
6. Poultry Business
This is one of the most profitable businesses you can start with 10k. The poultry business is a very popular business in Africa and it has a lot of ways to work around it. Although, you need to exercise patience and do a lot of studies to know what works for the kind of birds you’re trying to rare.
7. Food Business
Are you worried about the cost of food items? You don’t have to buy a whole bag of rice to begin to sell rice. You can start small with less than 10k and grow as the profit comes in.
9. Mobile Car Wash
A car wash can be made mobile. It will involve you transporting yourself to the clients’ house and washing their car(s) in the garage or drive-ins.
It’s a business you can start with 10k. All it takes is trust-building to land more jobs though as there is insecurity in the country and potential clients have to be sure they can trust you before inviting you to their garage.
Your personality and communication skill comes to play a lot in this business. Knowing how to make people like you and want to work with you is also key.
10. Home and Office Cleaning Services
This involves the cleaning of homes and offices of clients. It will involve dusting, mopping, washing the rooms and floors of the home or office. There are also ways you could agree with your client, wiping appliances, counter, and washing toilets might be included to increase the cash to be gotten.
Conclusion
The good news is, you don’t need much capital. You only just need transport fare to move around to clients’ locations and relatively affordable cleaning services. This is quite a good business to venture into if you have the flair for cleaning and arranging.
by Happiness Hassan | Mar 16, 2021 | Personal Growth
The 7 C’s of communication are sets of guidelines and principles for effective written and spoken words. However, communication is an inseparable act of our everyday activities.
Hence, the main aim of the 7 C’s of communication is targeted at enhancing a quick understanding of what Is been communicated.
What are the 7 C’s of Communication?
1. Clarity
It’s difficult for the human brain to assimilate series of complex words at the same time. Hence, clarity as a key factor of the 7 C’s of communication entails your spoken or written words are not ambiguous. The simplicity of content helps to reduce uncertainty while communicating.
Perhaps, you have lots on your list to communicate, begin with grouping your words into sections to aid a quick understanding of your listeners. Learn more about the tips for effective communication.
2. Concise
Almost everyone is guilty of violating this principle of communication. However, been concise implies you go straight to the point without the inclusion of the needless. To master this act, you must value your listener’s time and be disciplined not to waste it with unending talks. Learn to be brief and communicate the necessary words.
This reminds me of how I messed up my project presentation due to my inability to summarize my points within the allocated time slot. Unknowing to me, I kept on speaking about what I felt was important. Not until I decided to go into my presentation proper, then I realized I had a few minutes left. I lost my composure immediately because I had not made emphasis on what my presentation was all about in detail. The supervisors and listeners assumed I wasn’t prepared and asked me to leave the podium. But that wasn’t the case. Rather the issue was my lack of conciseness.
3. Complete
No one is propelled to take action when what has been communicated is incomplete. The next course of action of many listeners is to discard what has been heard. Immediately assume you’re simply entertaining them.
Also, suspense kills the eagerness to listen or read further. Hence, complete as one of the 7 C’s of communication ensure that all communicated words are whole encompassing all the necessary details.
4. Correct
This aspect of communication emphasizes the importance of structure and organization of grammar, diction, punctuation, and vocabulary while communicating. Ensure your words are well spelt, have no errors, and are pronounced correctly.
Incorrect spelling and pronunciation mislead the listeners and creates doubt concerning what has been communicated. Endeavour to cross-check your words before delivering them.
5. Courteous
Maintaining a good manner and regard for others while communicating saves you from the stress of arguing with them.
Always check out your tune while communicating because calm and gentle words are effective tools for convincing others and eliminating misunderstanding. Likewise, your physical behaviours such as your body language should portray respect for your listeners.
A courteous attitude is crucial while communicating most especially those in charge of customers services in various organizations. Indeed, six out of every ten calls received are from customers who are angry and dissatisfied with a particular service. The best way to resolve their complaints is by responding to their needs with courtesy instead of responding harshly, aggravating their anger.
6. Concrete
The 7 C’s of communication also deal with the accuracy and reliability of what is being communicated. In essence, concrete means that your words are based on a precise source and not an assumption attempting to convince others.
Some years back, I was a victim of a false product advertisement communicated by a group of persons who claimed their products were antidotes for facial inflammations. Meanwhile, they were merely interested in the sales of products. Their information was not rooted in any reliable source. And lots of persons fell victims and experienced worse facial conditions than the Initial state.
7. Cohesive
Every statement communicated should aim at a particular objective and not be spoken haphazardly without focus. Therefore, been cohesive while communicating requires a flow and connection between words either spoken or written.
You can attest to the fact that no one enjoys reading a novel in which its scenes are not well arranged with links from one story plot to another. This is because you end up been confused without understanding the main storyline of the book.
How Do You Remember the 7 C’s of Communication?
Your brain gets to familiarize itself with the 7 C’s of communication as you read them frequently. Moreover, If you’re a salesperson, a boss at the office, or an employer. You must master these principles to maintain a mutual relationship in your business and office. Next, become Conscious, have these principles in your mind as you go about with your daily activities.
Finally, practising makes you remember the 7 C’s of communication faster. Don’t wait until you are asked to deliver a speech at the office or an occasion before you practice these keys. Start immediately with your family, friends, and neighbours. And to the larger society.
Conclusion
The application of the 7 C’s of communication is often difficult to practice all at the same time. But then, you can improve drastically through the realization that all the principles are interconnected. For instance, you need to state what you want to buy in a simple and brief manner, containing the exact details of what you want, well pronounced and communicated with etiquette to the seller. Likewise to every other aspect of life.
Therefore, share with us some of your applications of the 7 C’s of communication in your daily activities.
by Happiness Hassan | Mar 16, 2021 | Personal Growth
Our world would be left in confusion if humans are unable to communicate with each other. In essence, effective communication fosters advanced social interaction which creates global and local development. It’s based on communication we’re able to express ourselves resulting in a lasting relationship, eliminating misunderstanding. Hence, communication goes beyond mere words and the transfer of information rather it entails we understand the emotions and intentions behind what is been communicated. That’s why it’s important all humans learn the tips for effective communication to prevent communicating haphazardly.
But Before That Let’s Consider Real-Life Experience
During last year’s Eid al-Fitr celebration. I accompanied my friend Mariam to pick up a few things from the market a day to the celebration. On entering the market we decided to patronize the first seller on the lane. So, we approached his shop and greet him. His frowned looks made us uncomfortable coupled with his harsh response to our greetings. Although we ignored his manners and assumed he was having a bad day.
Next, he brought out all the goods we requested, and we started bargaining. Within the twinkle of an eye, he flared up. According to him, we had under-priced his goods and were not ready to purchase the items. In no time he was asking us to leave his shop. I and Mariam in shock looked at each other and quietly took our leave.
However, on getting to the next seller, our experience with him was a total contrast to the first seller. The second seller welcomed us in a friendly manner. We bargained amicably and were ready to depart. Due to curiosity we stopped and inquire about the first seller attitude. He shook his head and replied; That’s how he behaves all the time, he lacks communication manners which is gradually affecting his sales.
At that moment it dawned on me that communication is one of the keys to success. Hence, in this post, I will be discussing seven tips for effective communication.
Here are the Tips For Effective Communication
1. Understand The Opposite Perspective
A large percentage of persons are quick to say whatever pops up in their minds. And express exactly how they think a situation should be addressed without considering what the listeners think and feels. Hence, for you to communicate effectively consider the reaction of your listener before speaking.
For instance, you want to convince an uncivilized man on the reason why he needs to embrace civilization. This might become a tug of war for you and perhaps result in an argument. At the same time, you can communicate effectively to him by understanding his perspective owing to the fact he had lived his entire life practicing certain kinds of lifestyle.
2. Focus Helps You Communicate Better
Effective communication is achieved when the receiver understands what has been communicated otherwise, the aim of that communication is fruitless. How do you achieve this? Start by being focused, if possible maintain mutual eye contact while communicating, paying maximum attention to the non-verbal signs of your listeners.
Also, do away with every form of distraction and interruptions while communicating such as diverting from the subject, answering phone calls, excusing yourself to pick a thing or two, and lots more.
3. Applying the C’s of communication
Applying the 7 C’s of communication promotes effective communication and also terminate the gaps and misunderstanding between individuals at workplaces, home, schools, and offices. These include: clarity, correctness, conciseness, courtesy, concreteness, consideration and completeness.
4. Study the Atmosphere While Communicating
The consciousness of your listener’s emotions enables you to communicate effectively. Always study their reactions as you speak, sad listeners will appreciate you more when your words communicated cheers them.
Instead of listening to a long boring speech, attempting to convince them to buy your products. It’s best you cheer them up first before asking them to buy your products.
5. Always Engage the listeners During Communication
This is another crucial tip for effective communication. Learn to carry your listeners along, avoid being the only one doing the talking. At regular time intervals, take a break and listen to what the other person has to contribute on the subject of discussion.
6. Don’t Criticize When You’re on the Listening End
Communication is a two-way act that involves a listener and a speaker. Hence, when you happen to be on the listening side, be careful not to criticize or pass judgmental comments about the speaker and what is been communicated. This behavior results in disorderliness distracting the atmosphere. If you must make corrections do it with courtesy after the speaker is done talking.
7. Select Your Words Before Speaking
You shouldn’t speak because you feel like talking neither should you communicate from the standpoint of anger. Select the kinds of words you use in addressing various listeners to avoid igniting misunderstanding and creating the wrong impression.
Conclusion
Communicating effectively is crucial and applicable to all aspects of life from academic to business to family to friendship to career and personal life. Also, the tips for effective communication can be applied vice versa for both listeners and speakers. Lastly, avoiding distractions and interruptions during communication. Instead, learn to listen more and maintain focus.
Finally, head on to the comment section and share your previous communication experiences.
by Fatima Sheikh | Mar 13, 2021 | Personal Growth
Listening is the act of concentrating and paying attention to action or sound. As simple as this might sound, how good are we at listening? Do we only hear what we choose to hear or do we listen actively with our ears, mind, and body while deciphering and comprehending information? At the end of the article, you should be learning five new tips to improve your listening skills.
The act of active listening can be the solution to so many communication errors in all phases of our lives. Imagine a world where parents actively listened to their children, children listened to their parents, leaders listened to their followers, couples mastering the act of active listening, or individuals like you and me being taught active listening in school. More than half of the problems of the world will be solved, if only we mind to know how to improve our listening skills. In addition, there will be less divorce rate, community conflict, and possibly fewer or no wars at all. The world will be a far safer place.
Mastering the skill of listening will not only help you communicate effectively professionally but also transform your relationships, friendships, and marriages.
Tips to Help You Improve Your Listening Skills
1. Practice Silence and Sound Exercise
With so much noise around us, paying attention to every single sound or concentrating during a long conversation has proven difficult. Practising listening to the silence and sound exercise every morning for five minutes will help sharpen your listening concentration before you start the day.
Silence Exercise
Get a quiet spot. Sit calmly and listen to the silence. Listen to yourself. Reset your ears to hear the quiet and stillness.
Sound Exercise
Every day, for a minimum of five minutes, pay attention to the sounds around you. Pick individual sounds out. This can be the sound of water running from the tap or the wind blowing or even the sound of you brushing your hair. This is a great way to start the day especially if you look forward to having a conversation or meeting. This will help you concentrate better during the session.
2. Face the Speaker and Maintain Eye Contact
Paying attention during a conversation can be very tiring, particularly if you have a short attention span, you might drift off easily. To curb this challenging situation, you should look straight at the speaker with your whole body and maintain straight eye contact throughout the conversation.
Following their body movements and eye contact will keep you at the moment thereby, enhancing your concentration to listen actively.
3. Visualize What the Speaker Is Saying
Listening is the missing half of communication. We have two ears and a mouth solemnly for this reason; we cannot communicate effectively when we are not fully listening to the person talking. While listening, look deeper into what the party is listening to. Try to feel what the speaker feels. Listen to the real message that he/she is trying to communicate but is not saying out. Put yourself in their shoes and picture every word they are saying and every circumstance or situation they are describing.
Also, pay attention to the nonverbal cues.
4. Ask Questions Only to Ensure Understanding
While you are supposed to be paying attention all through the conversation, make some gestures at short intervals to indicate you are listening. In fact, listening will demonstrate to the speaker you are in reality listening and present. When the speaker pauses during the conversation, ask clarifying questions only to ensure understanding. This will encourage the speaker to simplify further, thereby achieving the main aim of communication.
5. Don’t Impose Your Solutions
According to a research by Roland Barthes,
Listening can be understood on three levels: alerting, deciphering, and an understanding of how the sound is produced and how the sound affects the listener.
Roland Barthes
These stages of interpreting information while listening can differ from person to person. As a listener, you must keep a very open mind during a conversation. Do not interrupt or impose your judgments. Be attentive and relaxed even if you do not agree with the opinion of the speaker.
Taking a moment to decipher, understand and comprehend the message might shade more light on the matter. If you seem to have a different opinion after analyzing the message, give constructive feedback instead.
Conclusion
Listening, as straightforward as it might sound, is a skill most of us lack. We live in a world where listening will help us understand the other person and message, connect and build rapport, trust, and care.
Listening can be a useful skill for different problems, but it is essential to solving conflict, poor listening can lead to misinterpretations thus causing conflict or a dispute.
Wikipedia 2019
Make it a habit to actively listen. When you listen to yourself, you can listen to people better. True communication is listening. Finally, what method helps you listen better? Tell me in the comments section below. Thank you.
by Fatima Sheikh | Mar 6, 2021 | Personal Growth
Are we born public speakers or do we have to work on building our public speaking skills? This is the question, many ask. This is also the excuse introverts like me use to hide in their shell. In one of my posts, I wrote briefly about my leadership journey and how leadership roles helped me with my public speaking phobia. Have I become extroverted and less nervous during a public speaking session? The answer is No… But I have learned to build strategies and techniques that help me act more confident and relaxed during public speaking. In this article, I will be sharing with you the best tips for public speaking.
Important Skills that Can Help You Learn How to Become an Effective Speaker
1. Practice More Often
When it comes to public speaking, there are never many times enough for practice. Make it a habit to always practice before any public presentation. Never assume you are good to go. Overconfidence is always the biggest cause of public speaking mishaps.
When practicing my speech, I will stand in front of a mirror and assume I am in front of an audience. Before your next speech, watch pre-recordings of your speeches or practice with a friend or family. Practicing is always the shortcut to a successful public speech.
2. Know Your Audience
One of the biggest blunders speakers always make is to assume different audiences to be the same, thereby using similar speaking strategies for all talk situations. Your speech is about them, not you. Make extensive research on your audience, their age group, ethnics, environment, believes, and laws.
You should not use the same speech technique on elementary school kids with working-class adults who might probably know more than you do. Don’t give a talk on the importance of beef in India. Be lucky if you make it out alive.
3. The Act of Public Speaking Demands You Discover Your Style
In my post on leadership, I emphasized the importance of having a mentor or a guide you aspire to be like. Regardless, ensure you discover your style before emulating a role model. Are you a calm soft-spoken person or an outspoken person with a burst of energy? Make your public speaking style in a manner that goes with that flow. Either way, don’t forget to share some stories and jokes with your audience, this keeps them listening with all attention.
Do what you know will make your speech stand out and feel natural.
4. Be Calm, Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.
Roy T. Bennett
As weird as it might sound, I have built the habit of loving failure because failure is the biggest teacher you can ever have. The word Glossophobia was not invented due to your error, and it simply means the fear of public speaking. This condition affects four out of 10 people. Calm down and don’t beat yourself up for making a mistake, you are not alone on this journey.
Learn from your mistakes and do better the next time. Act calm and confident anytime you miss a word or stutter.
5. Listen to Your Body Language
The stage is all yours and yours alone. Don’t stand still, move around the stage at a calm confident pace. Use your voice and hands naturally. Don’t give out nervous gestures. Don’t stand at the corner of the stage like a wet scared bird, that won’t look good on you. Stand straight, articulate your speech accurately and win over the crowd.
This is one of the tips for public speaking worth noting.
6. Ask for Feedback
During my public speaking sessions at the toastmaster club, the feedback always helped me in my next presentation. The format was Commend-Recommend-Commend style. Constructive feedback and recommendation by your audience will be a great advantage to you to prepare better for your upcoming public speaking sessions.
The audience always sees and observes things you probably missed during your rehearsal.
Conclusion
Consistency is always the key to perfection. There is no easy way out of public speaking. Discipline yourself and make it a habit to practice, learn from books, videos, and great public speakers. Don’t be afraid to fail, practice with friends and families or join public speaking clubs in your town.
These tips I shared will not only change your personality but help you build the unique public speaking techniques that will make you stand out and act confident during a public speaking session.
Finally, were there times you were afraid of speaking in public? If yes, tell us about it and how you overcome it.
