Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Understanding The Factors of Production

This thought-provoking piece is exclusively borne out of my desire to bailout Nigeria’s budding entrepreneurs from the “silly” mistakes which many committed in the past that frustrated their efforts in establishing viable enterprises. Of course, running a business and owning a viable business system are two different things. God help anyone who does not know the difference in these interesting times we live in... As a Certified Trainer, it worries me greatly when I observe how bright chaps are struggling and scraping for survival in sectors where the “less-qualified” make things happen with relative ease. And if the outcome of my recent survey of the emerging business terrain is anything to go by, then the situation may likely get worse in the days ahead; except deliberate steps are taken by relevant stakeholders to tame the ugly tide.

Every break of dawn, both the educated and not-too-educated folks go out seeking ways of turning their dreams into reality in the “neutral” marketplace. Interestingly, the latter seem more determined and focused than the former in hitting their target goals. The game of politics is no different either; particularly in our clime where most of the top gladiators are money bags with average education. And that explains why a Professor would accept the position of a ‘mere’ Publicity Secretary of a political party; a PhD holder would become a ‘mere’ Personal Assistant to a Governor’s Wife or, worse yet, a ‘mere’ aide to a Politician who cannot recite Nigeria’s National Anthem. Certainly, these scenarios go a long way to buttress the fact that Raw Determination beats Formal Education any day; that Courage beats Talent any time; and that Responsibility also beats Sincerity every time... We are all living witnesses to these “disturbing” realities today!

“Interestingly, you too can become
one of the few exceptional souls who
are rising above human limitations and,
by extension, advancing their purpose.”

Nevertheless, the above development is not surprising to me. This is so because things like Security, Sincerity, Certificates, Playing Safe and other variables that most people rely on today are not factors of production. They are weak and dependable variables. Of a truth, all these put together cannot take you far in today’s highly treacherous marketplace that is saturated with shield-folks who would do just anything to maintain the status quo. The earlier you brace up to the real challenges and confront the inherent complexities with appropriate tools, the better for your BIG dreams. And in case you really want to know; I’ll tell you that the KEY FACTORS of PRODUCTION in this age are Personal Responsibility, Impressive Dynamism, Inspiring Courage, Sharp Sight as well as a Clear Head. Take it from me: you must possess and effectively deploy these essential traits before you can successfully challenge and rattle the mafia who currently manipulates your field of endeavour.

The cabals who dominate the critical sectors of our economy are making it extremely difficult for average Nigerians to get “lucrative” jobs or contracts that could give them a decent life as well as a true sense of belonging in society. In fact, these people have a way of ensuring that all juicy positions and jobs are reserved for their children and acquaintances. The good news, however, is that anyone who’s DISCIPLINED ENOUGH to possess and deploy the aforementioned traits can indeed rise above the constipation of their antics; with or without adequate resources. Interestingly, you too can become one of the few exceptional souls who are rising above human limitations and, by extension, advancing their purpose. But that would only happen if you take personal responsibility for your advancement; if your dynamism can be impressive enough to give you an edge; if your courage level can truly inspire you to take major risks; if your sight is sharpened to identify real opportunities; and you must be able to clearly think-through fresh ideas with a view to come up with purposeful products.

“People not your equal in intelligence are
penetrating the system and they are
getting compensated as a result of their
resolve not to give excuses for failure.”

WARNING: Do not be cajoled by what happens on the surface. Look deep and decode the source of the issues militating against your advancement in the marketplace. I tell you: there are specific actions you must take (consistently) before your plans begin to bear fruits. I know so because as a Journalist back in Port Harcourt, my researches on individuals exposed me to how the rich, the middle class and the poor go about their daily, weekly, monthly and yearly pursuits. The first group is very consistent in taking major risks; the second group is only committed when it is comfortable to do so, while the third group relies wholly on instant gratification.

CLUE: Since the rich guys around you are not known to have risen to their enviable status through extreme dependence on carefulness, certificates, sincerity or security; why then should you keep deceiving yourself? Why think that your advancement in the marketplace is tied to those factors? No way! The marketplace certainly does not answer to such “weak” variables. They are important, agreed. But they are just not enough! People not your equal in intelligence are penetrating the system and they are getting compensated as a result of their resolve not to give excuses for failure. My dear friend, if you want to be truly comfortable, you must prove yourself worthy by taking deliberate steps in conformity with your dreams. Certainly, it takes something much more than what you already have for your medals to be delivered. HERE IS THE ANSWER: in order to advance in today’s marketplace, one must be Responsible on all fronts; be Dynamic in all ramifications; be Courageous at all times; and also be Streetwise to an extent.

Take up the character of a committed Goal-getter. What meaningful products or services would be traced to you in the next 36 months (three years) from now? If you want to be a successful supplier, devote time to study the strengths and weaknesses of the leaders in that field. Go into your closest, sit on your desk and plot business strategies that would help you secure a good chunk of the market. Don’t get it twisted: most of your prospective customers are already clients to those you intend to compete against. And you must be able to deliver quality on a consistent basis in order to win them over, particularly the big clients... Supply business is just one example. The same thing should apply in whatever line of trade you’re engaged in. Build your acumen in preparation for the big league. There are some doors you will just knock to penetrate, but there are others you must breakdown before ever you can BREAKFORTH into your dream world. (You’ll get the REAL exposé in my DIGITAL MOTIVATIONAL MATERIAL coming very soon)

“The RICH is very consistent in taking major
risks; the MIDDLE CLASS is only committed
when it is comfortable to do so; the POOR
relies wholly on instant gratification.”

THE MORAL: No matter how much you know and how much sincere you claim to be; you must take and keep taking major risks and consciously stay faithful on that part. If for any reason you fail in this regard, be rest assured that you cannot grow into the likes of... Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jimoh Ibrahim, Otunba Balogun, Alhaji Rano, Alhaji Sani, Tony Elumelu, Dele Momodu, Ebitimi Banigo, Raymond Dokpesi, Kenneth Kobani, Ben Bruce, Ali Baba, Arumemi Johnson, Kenny Ogungbe, Tuface Idibia, Don Jazzy, P-Square, Jim Ovia, Nduka Obaigbena, Genevieve Nnaji, Lulu Briggs, Chris Uba, Young Alhaji, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Jim Iyke, D’Banj, Nkem Owoh, etc... Wondering why I had to mix the Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Well, my trainings have taught me that every generation will parade ample characters in each of the three categories. At least, they help in spicing up the stage of life.

After all said, whatever you intend to achieve in your life time will either be realised or not, subject to where you are operating from on the Chess Board of success. Take a right position and play skilfully without fear if your desire for a beautiful, successful and fulfilled life must to be realised.

Be Dynamic...
Be Responsible...
Be Courageous...
Get Streetwise!

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