How to Overcome Challenges and Obstacles as an Entrepreneur

The day you make up your mind to start a business, that’s the day your name will be written in the ‘’book of world changers’’.  Being an entrepreneur isn’t as easy as some people think. If it was, we would have a high number of job opportunities.

If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner reading this content, congratulations! You’re indeed a blessing to the world.

Without mincing words, here are 9 ways to overcome obstacles and limitations as an entrepreneur.

1.     Move with Positive Thinkers

If you’re surrounded with positive minded people, you’ll focus more on achieving your dreams even when the going seems tough.  If you move with negative minded people, your mind would be corrupted, and soon enough you’ll lose zeal and focus.

Ignore naysayers and build a network of positive minded people. Don’t make ‘’anyhow’’ friends, build relationships with people that share the same goal and vision.

2.     Go Back to Your Roots

It’s easy to lose focus and start doubting your mission as an entrepreneur. Anytime you feel like you’re discouraged, don’t give in. Go back to your roots and re-think (or re-analyze) on why you started the business at the first place.

Write down your goals and put them on the wall (a visible area), and meditate on it.

Soon enough, you’d be energized and more determined to face any obstacle.

3.     Don’t Give Up, Keep Trying

Do you think we would have been able to have all the nice and beautiful things we have today if people like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs had given up their businesses?

Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page started from a University dormitory but today, they control the biggest firms in the world. I know it’s not easy to be an entrepreneur but, you must understand that it is not where you are that matters, but where you’re going.

Keep trying even when the going seems tough. Never give up!

4.     Change Your Thoughts–Meditate on the Right Things

Thoughts are pictures or images of the mind with constructive or destructive meaning. They are machines of the mind that can either grow or destroy your business. Your thoughts determine whether you’re go far in business or not.

If you desire to become a world-celebrated entrepreneur, change your thoughts!

Re-frame your thoughts by moving with positive thinkers, reading inspirational and motivational books, listening to inspirational messages, and meditating on the right materials.

Pro tip: Change your thoughts and become a successful entrepreneur.

5.     Change your Perception Towards Challenges

Challenges are your best business partners so, don’t see challenges as a personal affront; see it as a stepping stone to your promotion.

6.     Don’t Overwork Yourself–Outsource

As an entrepreneur, you like doing everything 24/7. Not only are you doing what you love, you’re also working on projects you’re not good at. If you’re someone like this, my advice to you today is to outsource the areas you’re weak at to save eons of time.

Pro tip: This may sound stupid or absurd but it’s the truth, you’ll be more productive if you outsource your weaknesses (the things you’re not good at).

7.     Make Tenacity your Friend

‘’Where there’s a will, there’s a way”…

My top tip for overcoming limitations as an entrepreneur is to believe in YOU. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will! Believe that there’s nothing you can’t achieve.

Stand up tall and say, ”I believe in the possibility of a bright future”.

8.     Think BIG!

The universe does not support small dreams.  Make your dream big so that the universe would be part of it.

9.     Work Smarter, Not Harder

When I first started out online as a guest blogger, I worked so hard and within the space of 4 months, I published over 100 guest posts. After about 3 weeks, I met a fellow entrepreneur (a guest blogger) who doesn’t write as much as I do, but gets a large chunk of organic traffic and makes 5 figures guest blogging.

If you think that working hard is the secret to becoming a successful entrepreneur, you’re wrong. If it was, why are Carpenters and Bricklayers not the richest people in the world today?

I invite you to follow me on Twitter @olugabs

Source Under30CEO

Explanation: How Brain Training Can Make You Significantly Smarter

As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice that their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be.  We suddenly can't remember where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance's name, or the name of an old band we used to love.  As the brain fades, we euphemistically refer to these occurrences as "senior moments."

While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a detrimental impact on our professional, social, and personal well-being. 

It happens to most of us, but is it inevitable? 

Neuroscientists are increasingly showing that there's actually a lot that can be done.  It turns that the brain needs exercise in much the same way our muscles do, and the right mental workouts can significantly improve our basic cognitive functions.  Thinking is essentially a process of making neural connections in the brain.  To a certain extent, our ability to excel in making the neural connections that drive intelligence is inherited.  However, because these connections are made through effort and practice, scientists believe that intelligence can expand and fluctuate according to mental effort.

Now, a new San Francisco Web-based company has taken it a step further and developed the first "brain training program" designed to actually help people improve and regain their mental sharpness.  Called Lumosity, it was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford University.

Lumosity, is far more than an online place to exercise your mental skills.  That's because they have integrated these exercises into a Web-based program that allows you to systematically improve your memory and attention skills.  The program keeps track of your progress and provides detailed feedback on your performance and improvement.  Most importantly, it constantly modifies and enhances the games you play to build on the strengths you are developing--much like an effective exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and vary your muscle use.

Does it work?

Apparently it does. In randomized, controlled clinical trials, Lumosity was shown to significantly improve basic cognitive functions. One study showed students improved their scores on math tests by 34 percent after using Lumosity for six weeks, significantly greater gains than those made by other students in the same class, who were not training with the Lumosity program.

The company says its users have reported clearer and quicker thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, increased alertness and awareness, elevated mood, and better concentration at work or while driving.

While many of the games at Lumosity are free, a modest subscription fee is required to use the full program over the long term.

However, Lumosity is currently offering a free trial of their program to new users so that you can see how well it works before you decide to subscribe.  The trial is completely free (no credit card required) and the company believes the results will speak for themselves.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter @olugabs

source how life works

How to use recharge cards on Nigerian mobile networks

Nigerian networks have various denominations of recharge cards. 

MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria recharge cards are yellow in colour. To recharge an MTN SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format: *555*PIN# Send/Ok. MTN Nigeria' recharge card PIN has 12 digits. If the PIN is 2345 5478 1110, input *555*234554781110# and press Send or Ok. Dial *556# to verify account balance.

Etisalat Nigeria

Etisalat Nigeria recharge cards are black in colour and contain a 15-digit PIN. To recharge an Etisalat SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format:
*222*PIN# Send/Ok. If the PIN is 580 389 318 308 778, input *222*580389318308778# and press Send or Ok. Dial *232# to check account balance.

You can also recharge your friend or family member's Etisalat line with a recharge card, directly from your Etisalat line. To recharge another person's line straight from your phone, dial *222*PIN*Recipient'sNumber#. If the PIN is 580 389 318 308 778, and the beneficiary's number is 08090001111, dial*222*580389318308778*08090001111#. Subscriber  08090001111 will be credited and be notified of the transaction.

Airtel Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria recharge cards are red in colour and contain a 16-digit PIN. To recharge an Airtel SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format: *126*PIN# Send/Ok. If the PIN is 2345 5478 1110 9999, input *126*2345547811109999# and press Send or Ok. Dial *123# to check account balance.

Glo Nigeria

Glo Nigeria recharge cards are green in colour and contain a 15-digit PIN. To recharge a Glo SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format: *123*PIN# Send/Ok. If the PIN is 2345 5478 1110 777, input *555*234554781110777# and press Send or Ok.
Dial #124# to check account balance.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter @olugabs

How can you deliver a great customer experience?

Start by making your subscribers and customers smile!

1) Reward Positive Responses

When subscribers contact you with happy comments or post positively about you on social media outlets, let them know

you appreciate their input.

Reward them with one of the following:

* Offer them discount.

* Send them a small gift.

* Give them a gift certificate.

* Feature their responses on your site or in your email.

* Post them prominently on your Facebook page.

* Send them a Thank You note.

2) Smile, Smile, Smile

Smiles are catching! And when you smile it improves your mood according to psychologist.

What's more, Swedish scientist have found people actually have difficulty frowning when they see others smiling!

So include your smiling picture in your emails, on your web site and on your social media pages.

Post smiling faces of your customers and your friends as well. The more smiles you share the happier your customers will be.

3) Be Humorous

Yes, it's okay to tell tasteful jokes and share comics with your subscribers and customers.

We all love to laugh.

In fact a lot of the best emails I receive are jokes. When I receive a funny email you better believe I pass it along. I also appreciate the individual who sent along the humor.

4) Give Compliments

When communicating with subscribers and customers let them know they are special. Give praise and tell them thank you

People who feel good about themselves when in contact with you are going to feel good about your business.

An honest compliment does wonders at improving your customers' experience!

Don't be shy. Tell others you think - "They're grrrreat!"

5) Follow Through and Follow Up

Be sure to keep your promises to customers and subscribers.

When you say you will do a task, be sure to follow through and deliver on your word. You show your subscribers and

customers their worth when you keep your word to them.

Follow up with your subscribers and customers as well.

Contacting subscribers and customers after they've signed- up or made their purchase lets them know they're still

important to you.

The follow-up email is a perfect way to give a compliment, send a thank you or share a smile with a humorous note.

Don't pitch your wares; just be friendly.

Nothing brings a smile to someone's face more than feeling appreciated and remembered!

I invite you to follow me on Twitter @olugabs

How to use mobile technology to enhance your sales

Over the past few years, mobile web usage has considerably increased to the point that web developers and designers can no longer afford to ignore it. The demand for access to business information and applications through mobile technologies such as the Apple iPhone and iPad, devices running Google Android and Windows 7 Mobile or using RIM Blackberry is surging as consumer preferences.

However, a large increase has also been seen when people have skipped over buying PCs and gone straight to mobile. The shift is being fueled by faster mobile broadband connections and cheaper data service.

The integration of mobile devices such as laptops, tablet computers, PDAs and smartphones, along with their various applications and software, make it easier than ever for workers to collaborate and businesses to communicate with staff, customers, and vendors.

Mobile technology allows people to use company data and resources  without being tied to a single location.

Marketing is made more effective by this customization, and because most customers / potential customers always have a mobile device handy, their exposure to advertisements is increased. Don't loose the interested prospect by having a clunky landing page that's not mobile optimized!

Mobile Marketing Solution - with mobile technology advertising and marketing for businesses worldwide as a new dimension. Potential customers now see business advertisements on mobile phones through a wide variety of mobile marketing technologies including: SMS (text) messaging, mobile websites, mobile applications, banner ads, QR codes, IVR messaging and more.

Using mobile devices to track inventory - It can also help you deliver a better, richer overall shopping experience. Busy customers who don’t find what they’re looking for on the shelves don’t want to wait for store owners to check in the back. Mobile devices let customers track down items for sales – whether in the store or at another location – within seconds.

Mobile content delivery - Mobile content purchase and delivery mainly consists of the sale of ring-tones, wallpapers, and games for mobile phones, and is evolving into the purchase and delivery of full-length music tracks, video, books and more.

Mobile Purchase - Merchants can accept orders from customers electronically via mobile device through mobile websites and/or apps. In some cases, catalogs delivered via mobile.

How to use Twitter as part of your marketing strategy

Twitter marketing can be an effective way to increase the scope of your business while gaining new customers along the way. The volume of information flowing through Twitter can be overwhelming, but there are ways to embrace it and join the conversation. Many people and groups, large and small, use Twitter to share valuable news and tips to influence change.

If you aren’t leveraging Twitter’s potential for improving your sales, you are missing out on a great opportunity to grow your business.

One of the ways companies and causes can work together is through the use of Twitter. Twitter can be an invaluable tool for promoting your cause marketing program. Here are some things to like about Twitter for cause marketing

Twitter is commonly used as a quick and easy way to microblog in 140 characters or less about the goings-on of one’s personal life. More and more businesses and organizations, however, are coming up with creative ways to use Twitter for effective online

Twitter marketing strategies you should be using now.

1. Get on Twitter – setup an account with a name that makes sense, is easy to spell and matches the name of your organization, business or services. If someone is already using your name then you have to get creative and come up with an alternative spelling or add a dash between two words etc.

2. Create a Twitter Marketing Strategy – Figure out how you can best use Twitter to your advantage and come up with a plan for how you’ll roll out your strategy including how you’ll get followers, the types of people/companies you’ll follow, posting frequency, posting content type, landing pages, on and offline promotion, etc.

3. Promotional Tweets - By using Twitter as your company’s personal marketing channel, you can help increase traffic levels to your blog or website. For example, you can post links on Twitter to pages on your website, such as press releases, blog posts, new product arrivals and the like, thereby drumming up additional business and highlighting important news.

However, it’s important that you don’t use Twitter as only a self-promoting tool. Instead, space out your promotional tweets with personalized, one-on-one conversations with your followers.

By combining your promotional tweets with interactive tweets with customers, you’ll be able to harness the power of Twitter as a marketing tool without turning people off to your company by seeming too self-serving. Plus, consumers enjoy seeing the “behind the scenes” working of a company, because it allows them to connect with your business on a personal level.

4. Setup Twitter Landing Pages on your company or organization’s website to optimize conversions when you drive people from your twitter page to your website.

5. Promote Your Twitter Address on your company or organization’s website, facebook page, in your email signature, etc. Even consider having your tweets publish directly to a section of your website or have your website blog posts publish directly to your Twitter account

6 Follow your Target Market

To use Twitter effectively as a marketing tool, it’s important to follow those who are a part of your target market. Simply following anyone and everyone in the hopes they’ll follow you back is absolutely useless if the content you provide isn’t relevant to them.

With that being said, track down your target market on Twitter and follow those people. Of course, you can’t just follow them and ignore them. Instead, actively follow them by commenting on their tweets, follow their conversations and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions with you.

You can also follow those who are talking about your company, and make sure to leave a thank you if you’re receiving a lot of positive buzz. This will help you use Twitter as a successful marketing tool and build relationships with your potential customer base.

7. Use Keywords

Make a list of keywords that best describe your business and/or industry. Then, every time you sit down to compose a tweet, make sure to use some of the keywords you’ve listed in your tweet so people can find you easily.

This doesn’t mean you should cram each and every tweet full of keywords that don’t make sense; you still want your tweet to be readable and relevant. With that being said, make sure every tweet you do write count. Keywords are an important way to drive traffic, and if you want to share your useful content with your Twitter audience you need to make sure you are using keywords that relate to what you are promoting.

8. Tweet Regularly

As with any other marketing strategy, you need to make sure you are regularly putting your name out there and connecting with your target audience. However, you want to avoid bombarding your followers with too many tweets – that’s a quick way to ensure the loss of followers, i.e., potential customers.

As I mentioned above, you want to make sure each tweet counts. So, while you want to tweet regularly, make sure what you are tweeting is actually of interest to the people you’re trying to connect with.