Debbie Larry-Izamoje
Growing up I always
wondered why my parents shared their business ideas with us before
proper implementation. With age and running my own digital agency, I
have come to realize the importance of seeking opinion on business ideas
before implementation even from sources and people that might not
necessarily be vast in that area. A basic chat sometimes creates the
inspiration you need.
One of my greatest inspirations
has therefore been children. If you watch your child closely you’ll
realize that he/she mirrors some of your greatest leadership and
business lessons. If you do not believe me yet, then read below
- Be Inquisitive
A lot of adults find it very
difficult to ask questions or simply admit that they do not have
solutions to certain problems. We try to present this façade that we
have attained the highest levels of success. And this sometimes limits
us even in getting the help we need in reaching the next level of
business.
Kids on the other hand are
never afraid to ask questions. Actually they ask questions to the point
where they exhaust whoever it is they are investigating. And be rest
assured that they will ask questions till they have reached a point of
satisfaction. This is probably why Simon Sinek tells us constantly that
in business you have to start with the “why?”
The why is really the game
changer of any business model. It is what causes you to do the things
you do. It is the first step to discovery in business. This shows that
business requires people to be inquisitive, to ask questions. In doing
so you gain knowledge and notice tiny details which very often make up
the big things.
- Don’t Take Everything So Seriously
This should probably have
been my first point. Children are great at letting things go. You scold
them this minute and the next minute they are back in your arms like
nothing ever happened. This can also be applied to business, as business
can barely be done without stepping on a few toes. You will hurt people
and people will hurt you. You simply have to learn to let go.
On my radio show for business
owners, I once discussed emotional intelligence and the feedback was
incredible because this is an aspect of business that we sometimes do
not think deeply about. As a professional, you simply cannot have an
emotional reaction to everything that is being said or done to you.
Kids are constantly learning
even when not in school. We must learn that the key to success is
working smart and not necessarily hard. Like kids you should learn to
seek new opportunities, mix work environments and have fun on the job! A
mind, which is more relaxed, is usually more productive. Do not stress
the little things.
- Do Not Be Afraid to Start
When I was younger I joined
so many co-curricular clubs. Not because I was the best or I had so
much time free time after school. The truth is that I never
second-guessed myself. If there was a new club in school and I had
genuine interest in it, there was no stopping me.
In short, I had signed up for
so many clubs that my timetable crashed. And so for those clubs that the
school had restricted me from participating in due to my other
responsibilities in other clubs, I was simply attending some of their
meetings to watch and learn or even support my friends.
My friends and I had that
“what’s the worst that can happen” mentality. And this should be applied
to business. Nothing is ever really a failure. If that business venture
does not excel, you can be sure that the lessons you will learn cannot
even be paid for in the Harvard Business School. You must resist that
fear of failure. If not controlled it may take root and will limit other
areas of your life.
- Have a Support System
My parents have always been my
support system. The truth is growing up, they were a huge motivation
behind most things I managed to achieve. I always wanted to go back with
an award just so they could say they were proud of me.
We need this too in business.
That one person that motivates us, or gives us that pep talk before we
go out into any battlefield. That one person we always want to win
awards for just to hear them say how proud they are of us. This is
someone who keeps us accountable, someone we can be real with. If you do
not have one please start building relationships like this. They are
very crucial while running your business.
- Success Happens in Stages
Kids first learn to crawl
before they walk and then run. It’s a process and we just need to learn
to trust it. You must learn to be patient and never give up no matter
how difficult the process is. A kid while learning to walk may cry when
they fall, but they always stand up some how even if it means seeking
the support of their loved ones. They never let a fall deter them from
their goal of walking. We must all reflect on this and implement it into
our businesses.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debbie Larry-Izamoje AKA The
Entrepreneur’s Best-Friend, holds a BSc in Information management from
the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. And Msc in management from
University College London (UCL). She has also secured certificates in
user innovation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and
Innovation and strategy from Harvard University.
She is on a mission to raise a
generation of young established or soon to be established professionals
who are more vocal about business difficulties while providing solutions
through public speaking, article writing, training, workshops and
coaching.
She is the founder of Image Boosters a
Communications and strategy agency aimed at assisting SME’s, with core
services in social media management and business strategy consultation.
Website: www.imageboosters.com.ng Instagram: @dee_larry @imageboosters_
Email: contactus@imageboosters.com.ng or debbie@imageboosters.com.ng
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