Be Inspired

Quotes

“Challenges are not stumbling blocks, but your stepping stones to success.”

“You are more powerful than you think … give yourself some credit.’

“Thinking is not painful, do it before you act.”
“You can’t please the world, no one has and no one will, just be yourself.”

“…don’t say it doesn’t matter or I will manage it, thrive for excellence and not mediocrity.”
“Stop comparing yourself with others, be you. A fearfully and wonderfully made masterpiece.”

Be Inspired

Importance of working for a one man business
It is only natural for most people to aspire to work for big companies like the multi-nationals that pay handsomely, such as some of the major oil & gas companies, banks and telecommunication brands. But the reality is that it is not possible for everyone to be an employee of these companies.

Benefits of working for One Man Businesses
1) Opportunity to acquire hands on skills and training from on the job experience.
2) Creates opportunities for development of leadership qualities and skills in decision-making.
3) The possibility of growing with the organization as a pioneer staff and being in top management is higher compared to working in larger organisations.
4) Opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Reasons why most people resent working for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), One Man Business
1) The salary is not competitive compared to that of major companies. Money is very important but skills and experience are more important.
2) They see SMEs as family businesses. All companies start out as one man businesses or partnerships.

Things to avoid
1) Avoid comparing yourself with others and concentrate on yourself. Building a career, acquiring skills and exposure that working for an SME offers are enormous. The job or responsibilities that someone with 5 years experience is exposure to in a structured or bigger company, someone with lesser years of experience will be performing such tasks or jobs in an SME.
2) Do not allow public opinion or comments to mislead you. Be focused and determined most of the millionaires in the world today, Nigeria inclusive started their careers from working with SMEs before starting their own businesses.
3) Be humble, tolerant, patient and understanding. The salaries and working conditions offered by SMEs may not be the best but on the long run, you will eventually see you have gained a lot and not lost anything.

Example (factual)
Florence (fictional name) started her career in an SME, that unlike other colleagues she took her work seriously even though the salary and working conditions may not be conducive.

Today, with her contributions to the company is now a player in the oil & gas industry and Florence is now the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Career success is not determined by how fast or early one starts earning a fantastic salary but how well you plan, focus and manage your resources and challenges you may face on your career journey.