Sales For The Nigerian Business Person: The Sales and Marketing Blueprint

Corporate Accounts: Building Trust and Credibility with Your Clients

Selling Yourself: Job Interviews, Follow-Ups, and Building Lasting Connections

Referrals are the lifeblood of many successful businesses. A warm introduction can cut through the noise, build instant trust, and significantly increase your chances of landing a new client. But how do you effectively leverage the power of referrals? In a recent podcast episode, I delved into this topic, sharing insights from my own experiences and those of my sister-in-law. Understanding Referra...

We've all been there. You get an email or a message: "Let's schedule a meeting to discuss how I can help you." Sounds promising, right? But what if you don't even know who this person is, or if their services are relevant to your needs? This happened to me recently, and it highlighted a crucial lesson in sales and business development: qualify before you schedule. I recently received a pitch from...

I recently recorded a podcast episode that was intended to be a conversation with Divine, a dedicated entrepreneur selling perfumes and body oils in a bustling university town in Nigeria. Unfortunately, our schedules didn't align, and the conversation didn't happen. However, the insights I prepared for Divine are too valuable to keep to myself, so I’m sharing them here. Divine's primary challenge...

Starting a business is a thrilling yet daunting experience. It's a leap into the unknown, a journey filled with both excitement and apprehension. Many aspiring entrepreneurs grapple with the question: "Do I have what it takes?" Often, this translates to "Do I have enough confidence?" But what if the key isn't confidence, but something more fundamental: courage? In a recent podcast episode, I delve...

Recently, I had the opportunity to answer some insightful questions from listeners on my live radio show, and I wanted to share those discussions here. We tackled everything from the fundamental principles of building a successful business to the intricacies of exporting charcoal. Let's dive in! Chimisi Business Wisdom: Systems, Timeframes, and Trust First up, Chimisi called in with a powerful mes...

In today's hyper-connected world, it's easy to get swept up in the idea of a global market. With the internet at our fingertips, we often forget that for most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed professionals, business is primarily local. Think about it: Apple and Samsung can afford to think globally, manufacturing in Asia and selling in Africa. But for your average service...

Stop Mass Messaging, Start Connecting: The Service Provider's WhatsApp Strategy

Closing Deals and Avoiding Disasters: The Feedback Formula

Recently, I found myself in a situation that highlighted a crucial lesson for anyone in the service industry, especially those in the event space. A close friend's mother had passed away, and given my past experience with event photography, they asked for my assistance in finding photo and video providers. I reached out to my network, connecting with talented photographers and videographers in Imo...

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Cynthia (not her real name), a remarkable young woman who's currently navigating her mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Lagos, Nigeria, while also building her own business. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of finding relevant, local business advice. Cynthia, a recent law gradu...

In today's digital landscape, content is king (and queen!). But simply churning out posts isn't enough. To truly leverage content for business growth, you need a strategic playbook. In my latest podcast episode, I dove deep into this topic, and I'm sharing some key takeaways here. What is Content, Really? Let's start with the basics. Content isn't just blog posts. It encompasses: * Visuals: Photos...

In today's competitive market, simply attracting customers isn't enough. You need to maximize the value of each interaction. That's where upselling and cross-selling come in. What are Upselling and Cross-selling? In simple terms, upselling and cross-selling are about providing helpful options to your customers, and enhancing their experience. * Upselling: Encouraging customers to purchase a higher...

We've all been there. That unsolicited, lengthy WhatsApp message from a "consultant" offering a laundry list of services or training programs. You scroll, you sigh, and you likely ignore or block the sender. It’s a common occurrence, and it’s a perfect example of how not to do outreach. Let's dissect a recent outreach attempt I received, and why it failed miserably: The Offending Message: "Good Da...

"Are you a content creator?" It's a question I get asked a lot. And honestly, I don't really like the label. Why? Because the reality is, very few people make a sustainable living purely from content creation. Most of us create content to support something else – to sell a service, market a product, or build a business. Think about it. Sure, there are exceptions, like Pastor Jerry Eze, whose conte...

Recently, I received a WhatsApp message that sparked a thought-provoking conversation. It went something like this: "I came across your business on Google and really liked what you offer. I noticed you don’t have a website yet, and I wanted to ask—have you considered having one to increase your online presence?" My immediate response was, "No." And that got me thinking. The core benefit being sold...

The Gate Man's Sales Secrets: Lessons from a Nigerian Neighborhood

Stop Overthinking, Start Selling: Pricing Your Online Products with Confidence

Selling with Grace: A Guide for Beautiful Women

Attract More Customers: The Power of Direct Response Copy and Strategic Planning

How to Run Effective Client Meetings

How to Introduce Yourself, Network, and Grow Your Business

How to Hire, Train, and Manage a Successful Sales Team

Networking, Credibility, and Differentiation: Keys to Corporate Dealmaking