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Biggest Fears of an Entrepreneur

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Setting out as an entrepreneur and making a success out of it is not a task for the faint-hearted. This reality is more pronounced in a peculiar business terrain such as Nigeria.

Indeed, most entrepreneurs have the mind-set of an orphan as the pains of failure is borne all alone. This is why success is a driving force for all entrepreneurs.

This alone is what gets them widespread adulation and praise.

Yudala, the largest online and offline retail chain examines some of the biggest fears faced by entrepreneurs…

Fear of not being good enough: Many encounter this particular self-doubt at various stages of the entrepreneurial journey.

It is a fear that continually gnaws away at the confidence to take bold steps. During difficult times and especially when set-backs occur, the mind will often come up with various reasons why you don’t have what it takes to cut it at the top.

The key to overcoming this is to remember that this fear is not alien to other entrepreneurs. Competitors will always be out there with better connections or financial muscle than you. Remain consistent in chasing your passion and allow it work for you.

Fear of re-inventing: Success as an entrepreneur often involves the ability to innovate; to constantly re-invent and fine-tune your offerings, business processes and solutions to meet changing times and needs.

A lot of entrepreneurs, including the successful ones, face the fear of evolving at one time or another. This often happens when entrepreneurs grow their business to a certain point and feel comfortable with the position or status attained.

In such situations, it becomes difficult to face what needs to be done when faced with the idea of expansion or re-invention.

As an entrepreneur, the ability to constant re-invent or engage in positive disruption is a quality that sets you apart. Embrace it!

Fear of failure: This is perhaps the biggest fear faced by all aspiring and established entrepreneurs. The immense burden, shame and psychological effects of failure not only weighs down an entrepreneur; it also creates a huge mental block in the minds of many aspiring ones, preventing them from venturing into business or giving their passions a try.

Interestingly though, one of the secrets of most successful entrepreneurs, is their view of failure: it is not an end in itself. Although still prone to the fear of failure, they do not allow it shape their thinking and actions.

Fear of the unknown: Entrepreneurs function in a system that is heavily susceptible to market forces, currency fluctuations and government policies. These factors lend a measure of unpredictability to the business environment.

Investment decisions could go south as a result of an unfavourable or sharp shift in any of the afore-mentioned factors.

As a result, entrepreneurs live in constant dread of the unknown. This should not in any way reduce the entrepreneurial zeal or the drive to pursue your dreams. As the Holy Book says in Ecclesiastes 11: 4: “He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.”

Fear of betrayal by trusted associates: Life as an entrepreneur often involves an element of partnership or entrusting certain core responsibilities to others.

However, the experience of most successful entrepreneurs usually takes in one or two incidences of betrayal or let-downs, often by trusted associates and/or business partners.

This fear is real and one that a lot of entrepreneurs have to deal with on the way to success. This should not, however, prevent you from reaching out or giving people a chance to prove themselves.

A healthy dose of optimism is one quality that has helped some of the best entrepreneurs cope with this fear. Caution and due diligence also come in handy here.

Fear of ideas drying up: This is a fear that confronts most entrepreneurs who rely heavily on making fortunes out of their ideas. A perfect way of overcoming this fear is to observe other successful entrepreneurs. One quality they all have in common is that scarcity of mind does not afflict them. These are the individuals who are constantly thinking up new ways to make money, more good people to hire and with whom to work, new ventures to invest in or investors to pitch ideas to…

The beauty of being an entrepreneur in a country such as Nigeria lies in the numerous opportunities that abound to create and sustain wealth.

Despite the peculiar challenges encountered by aspiring and established entrepreneurs, many agree that the Nigerian economy arguably remains one of the few around with the potential to transform a hopeless start-up into a multi-million-dollar business in a few years’ time. This should be the motivating factor for every struggling entrepreneur out there.

 

 


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FG to Fnalise National Intellectual Property Policy  Soon– NCC Boss

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Dr John Asein, director-general, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has said that the federal government is taking steps to finalise its National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for the country.

FG to Fnalise National Intellectual Property Policy  Soon– NCC Boss

Asein disclosed this on Friday while commemorating the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’’ in Abuja.

The that the Day is observed every April 26 to celebrate the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights to encourage innovation and creativity.

The director-general was represented by  Mr Emeka Ogbonna, director of Legal.

NCC boss said the policy would serve as a blueprint for a more efficient modern and responsive legal and administrative framework for the country to leverage on its creative and innovative potential.

He said that the day underscored the power of innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for humanity.

According to him, the SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.

“IP rights play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. They provide the framework that encourages men and women to develop new solutions that address global challenges.

“It is the lynchpin for incentivising the use of creative and innovative ideas to solve many of the challenges that confront humanity.

“This year’s World IP Day reminds us that intellectual property can be a powerful tool for social, economic, and environmental development.

“It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to leverage IP rights to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities.

“By aligning our intellectual property policies and strategies with the objectives of the SDGs, we can accelerate their achievement,’’ NCC boss said.

He said in the spirit of the “Renewed Hope Agenda’’ of the present administration, government had also shown appreciable commitment to the creative industry as a major sector of the economy.

“As one of the agencies responsible for the wholesome development of the creative sector, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to provide the needed institutional, legal and administrative support for the protection, promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright.

“The commission will pay particular attention to using the copyright system to advance Goal 1 (No poverty); Goal 4 (Quality education); Goal 5 (Gender equality).

“And Goal 8 (Decent and economic growth); Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships to achieve the goals).

“We are aware that the goals would have to be adapted to fit the peculiar needs of intellectual property which is an intangible asset.’ ’he added.

The director-general, who said that the commission focused on the 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges, called on authors, innovators, users, IP experts and other stakeholders to reflect on the vulnerability of the nation’s fragile knowledge and creative ecosystem.


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NITDA, ICF Train 100 Schoolgirls in ICT Skills

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Illmi Children’s Fund (ICF) have trained 100 schoolgirls in digital and Information and Communication Technology skills training.

Mrs. Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin, ICF Executive Director, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

The graduation followed the training of the schoolgirls in ICF and NITDA’s DIGITGALS 2.0 programme, a collaborative initiative aimed to equip adolescent girls in Abuja with critical digital and ICT skills.

Augie-Abdukmumin said the DIGITGALS 2.0 centred around essential digital literacy, programming fundamentals, digital marketing and communication skills, and cybersecurity awareness.

She added that the girls were equipped with the confidence to compete and excel in a globalised digital economy. The graduation was in commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day celebration on April 25.

DIGITGALS 2.0 is in its second phase and empowered 100 senior secondary school girls selected from five government schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

The girls aged between 15 and 18 years were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital world and address the growing demand for ICT skills in the 21st century.

Augie-Abdulmumin reiterated the importance of bridging the digital gap in the country starting with the girl-child.

“This graduation ceremony on International Day of Girls in ICT is a powerful symbol of our commitment to closing the digital gender gap.

This programme made possible through our partnership with NITDA, and signifies a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap.

It also fostering a future where women are active leaders in the tech industry. This is also an opportunity for these girls to take charge of their own future,”.

Mr Kashifu  Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, commended the collaborative efforts of ICF in making the DIGITGALS 2.0 a reality.

According to him, building a diverse and inclusive digital workforce is critical for Nigeria’s success.

“We are proud to collaborate with ICF on DIGITGALS 2.0 to empower these young women to become active participants in the tech industry. This programme showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital gender gap.

These girls have been equipped with essential digital skills, and ICF and NITDA are confident they will become active contributors to Nigeria’s thriving tech landscape,”.

ICF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, from underprivileged backgrounds, through education, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship initiatives.

NITDA is a public service institution established in 2007. It functions as the ICT policy implementing arm of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.


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Confronting the Google Monolith: Survival Strategies for Online Businesses

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By Reuben Kalu.

In the vast expanse of the digital realm, Google looms large, an omnipresent force shaping the way we navigate, search, and conduct business online.

From its humble beginnings as a search engine to its current status as a multifaceted tech behemoth, Google has entrenched itself deeply into the fabric of the internet.

Its influence is undeniable, its reach unparalleled, and its ubiquity seemingly inescapable. But can you truly run an online business without Google?

The answer, in today’s digital landscape, is a resounding no. You have no choice.

Google’s dominance extends across multiple facets of the online world, making it virtually impossible for businesses to thrive without engaging with its ecosystem.

From search engine optimization (SEO) to online advertising, email services to analytics, Google’s suite of products and services permeates every aspect of the online business landscape.

Attempting to operate without Google is akin to swimming against a relentless tide, fighting an uphill battle fraught with obstacles and limitations.

At the heart of Google’s influence lies its search engine, the gateway through which billions of internet users navigate the vast expanse of online content. .

Google’s search algorithms wield immense power, determining which websites rank prominently in search results and which languish in obscurity.

For businesses seeking to attract organic traffic and expand their online presence, optimizing for Google’s search algorithms is not merely advisable—it’s imperative.

But Google’s influence extends far beyond search. Consider Google Ads, the company’s advertising platform that enables businesses to reach targeted audiences through paid search, display, and video advertising.

With billions of searches conducted on Google each day, Google Ads provides unparalleled reach and visibility, allowing businesses to target potential customers with pinpoint accuracy.

Attempting to compete in the online advertising arena without leveraging Google Ads is akin to entering a battle unarmed—a futile endeavor destined for failure.

 

Moreover, Google’s suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Workspace, has become indispensable for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and enhance collaboration.

With seamless integration across devices and platforms, Google’s productivity tools offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency, empowering businesses to work smarter, not harder.

Attempting to eschew Google’s productivity suite in favor of alternative solutions is not only impractical but also unwise, depriving businesses of the tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Furthermore, Google Analytics stands as the gold standard for web analytics, providing businesses with invaluable insights into their online performance and audience behavior.

From tracking website traffic and user engagement to analyzing conversion metrics and customer demographics, Google Analytics offers a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing online marketing strategies and driving business growth.

Attempting to gauge online performance without leveraging Google Analytics is akin to flying blind, devoid of the critical data needed to make informed decisions and drive meaningful results.

But perhaps the most formidable aspect of Google’s influence lies in its role as a gatekeeper of information and access.

With billions of users relying on Google’s platforms and services each day, the company wields immense control over the flow of online traffic and the dissemination of information.

For businesses seeking to connect with customers and expand their reach, Google’s dominance presents both a tremendous opportunity and a formidable challenge.

Attempting to circumvent Google’s influence and establish an online presence independent of its ecosystem is a Herculean task, fraught with uncertainty and risk.

In essence, attempting to run an online business without engaging with Google is akin to swimming against a relentless tide, fighting an uphill battle fraught with obstacles and limitations.

While alternative platforms and solutions exist, none possess the ubiquity, reach, and influence of Google’s ecosystem.

To thrive in today’s digital landscape, businesses must embrace Google’s dominance and leverage its suite of products and services to their advantage. You have no choice.

In conclusion, Google’s pervasive influence permeates every aspect of the online business landscape, making it virtually impossible to escape its grasp.

From search engine optimization to online advertising, productivity tools to web analytics, Google’s ecosystem encompasses a vast array of products and services that have become indispensable for businesses seeking to succeed in the digital age.

While alternative solutions may exist, none possess the ubiquity, reach, and influence of Google’s ecosystem.

To thrive in today’s digital landscape, businesses must embrace Google’s dominance and leverage its suite of products and services to their advantage.

You have no choice.


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