Is this wrong? This OPRAH WANNABE is very ambitious and in order for me to get it right with one of my many business venture ideas (if not all), I have to have my fingers in many pies… right? Some may say this is greedy, but is it? I’m 29 years old so I’m still young enough to have the energy to juggle several things at once. (Well this may not be the case since I had ‘boss lady’ and lost my brain cells during pregnancy and they haven’t all return during post pregnancy), but you know what I mean. I’m determined to be successful in my endeavours and with my ambition, comes a brain that doesn’t stop working overtime, trying to developing yet another business ideas which could possibly work. You know, the money focussed ones, not the ones which I have a particular passion for or interest to. Those ideas I will do regardless, as they bring happiness to my life and is what I enjoy.
I used to be quite an open individual, telling anyone who would listen my life plans. One day a friend of my ex, who I was close to at the time, said he loved my openness and my fearlessness. Openness to talk to anyone and fearlessness towards the people I was open to, stabbing me in the back with things we had discussed. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t and am not stupid enough to tell my life story and personal stuff to any old Tom, Dick or Harry, however, I do believe in giving people a chance and having a bit of trust up front… does this make sense? It’s the way my parents raised me… (Even if I do feel they both allow people to walk over them!) Anyway, my openness to talk about my business endeavours, life goals etc, skewed slightly when I started trying to build on my many ‘business ideas’ and those, or should I say one person in particular, who I considered to be closed to me, starting ‘watching’ me with his/her green eyes. Why can’t people just be happy for each other? Scrap that, why can’t people who you consider to be ‘friends’ just be happy for you. Instead when you phone or speak to them to let them know how you’re progressing in life, you hear or see in their eyes, that ‘green light’ flickering. I’m able to spot it almost immediately nowadays and the times it happens, I’m extremely pissed off in the first instance. Eventually my vexness turns to motivation, but its annoying this happens amongst our peers, surely we should all support each other? I mean, all of my close girlfriends are ambitious, all doing their own thing and I know when they are excited, gushing over their recent achievements, I’m there gushing with them, after all, there is nothing like a successful woman. So why isn’t everyone like this? And why is it when I had a conversation with someone about my business plans many moons ago, they said to me “you’re greedy, you have your fingers in too many pies”…
…In the words of the infamous So Solid Crew... “So many haters”…
Thursday 23 October 2008
WAKE UP! DRINK THE DAMN COFFEE!
I’m so annoyed. During my 5 years working for my ex employer I refused to drink the drug they call coffee. Instead I would just open my big mouth, yawning to my hearts content then put my head back down to work. Fast forward to now, I’ve reached the age of 29, am a mother of a 9 month old baby girl, a house girl, girlfriend to a 30 + year old boyfriend, house girl, entrepreneur and a house girl. (For all you NON Africans reading this, a ‘house girl’ is basically the house skivvy who cooks, cleans and does everything else, you can’t be bothered to do). Anyway, I’m now struggling to stay awake past 11am and have been fighting this for the past three months or so. With the PR business doing well (thank the Lord), I’m getting busier each day, so in order for me to remain professional and meet all client targets/deadlines, I’m having to drink this poison. Vex, vex, vex.
Wednesday 15 October 2008
AUNTY DID YOU LIE?
Do you remember when Cheryl Cole was reported in the national tabloid press for apparently beating up on an ‘Aunty’ in the toilets of a night club? It’s like it had the same effect on black Britons. All of us routed for her on ITV’s reality show Popstars, when she was battling it out with the other Girls Aloud wannabe’s to make the band. I even remember voting for her and I only vote for those I truly like on this addictive but oh so necessary reality show! She came across so down to earth and was a popular choice by all, including the black general public. So when pictures of this Ghanaian Aunty appeared in all the red tops, I with every other black person was absolutely gutted, she had been reported to have APPARENTLY committed such an attack on another human being… especially an ‘elder’. You know how we have to have respect for our elders!
So, you can imagine the pain I’m now going through to stop myself from liking her, now she’s on The X Factor. Damn her! She comes across so personable, funny and REAL, which is why I’m sure we all liked her in the first place. I’m ashamed to admit, but I’ve even gone to the length of trying to justify my new like towards her, that maybe the media just sensationalised what happened. Maybe she did have an argument with ‘Aunty Comfort’ whilst in the club toilets and then Aunty claimed she was beaten up by her as she knew who Cheryl was! God I’m so fickle… I’m ashamed.
Plus, it doesn’t help that when she’s not busy looking like a W.A.G, which by the way is a look I can’t stand… All that big hair and oversized sunglasses which are clearly too big for their lollipop heads, I just don’t get. However, everyone has their off days and I believe of recent, Cheryl has more than made up for these fashion faux pas. Just check out these pictures of her looking, classy, pretty and on trend. Aghhh! I’m so gone! Fickle, fickle, fickle… that’s me. Hey, but seriously, Aunty could have made the whole thing up, I lie?
ETHNIC BUSINESSES WHO ARE FAILING TO MAKE USE OF VIDEO ONLINE ARE LOSING OUT.
It's not only 'fun' stuff I write about on my blog, remember I'm an 'OPRAH WANNABE' and if you're a follower of my blog, I'm sure you are one too - so get reading the brief article below. Not only is it interesting, it may give you food for thought for your business.
VIDEO HAS BECOME AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF WEBSITE DESIGN, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS AND SALES GENERATION. Many Black & Minority Ethinic (BME) businesses affected by the credit crunch are restructuring and re-assessing their online activities, whilst print, radio and tv audiences are dwindling, they are looking for more cost effective ways to market, network, promote and find new areas of to develop their businesses.
An Ofcom study by the government reported findings showing that, of all internet users in the UK, a higher proportion of people from Ethnic Minority Groups have broadband (80%) than the UK average (74%).(*1)
With the Ofcom report providing further information about mobile usage and DVD ownership, this study information would proved a useful in gaining insight into consumer trends, to leading to new sales opportunities and revenue.
Those businesses outside the BME sector are getting involved in the web video revolution, with the rise of the Google owned Youtube, many saw the benefits of properly managed video marketing campaigns, those same businesses are using all web platforms to get their brand, staff, marketing and promotion out there, generating new business, new leads and sourcing competitive suppliers.
HD Productions an online media production and web video marketing company, that advises business and provides training for those looking at creating a more effective web presence, got involved with creating video for the internet for clients, gave a few reasons as to why video is as important as a website.
“ We felt that, many people in the business world are hearing the buzzwords like - ‘podcast’, ‘web 2.0’, 'RSS', ‘social networking’, and wonder how they can market their products and services with them, we're able to simplify the jargon and show how it can work for their business. It's not hard having to explain the benefits of an online 24 hour sales presence.”
“Even newspapers such as The Sun, The Mirror commission and use video online to promote news items and reach out to a larger audience, than their paying readership. More recently *The BBC announced that they will launch six new Youtube channels, as a way to getting a larger audience via a multilingual news service.”
Web video as an advertising, sales and marketing tool, is more cost effective than television, radio or print.
With some of the world’s largest companies are now marketing their products extensively through the internet through video, at sites like YouTube, MySpace and other social networks.
It is up the BME businesses to take note or get left behind in the ever increasing online market, with web video topping 12 billions views in May, this figure has several more years to get even larger and accounting for more than fifty per cent of internet traffic by 2012. It would be wise to seek advice at the earliest opportunity to get your web video strategy right.
The above article was taken from a recent post on www.ethnicnow.com
VIDEO HAS BECOME AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF WEBSITE DESIGN, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS AND SALES GENERATION. Many Black & Minority Ethinic (BME) businesses affected by the credit crunch are restructuring and re-assessing their online activities, whilst print, radio and tv audiences are dwindling, they are looking for more cost effective ways to market, network, promote and find new areas of to develop their businesses.
An Ofcom study by the government reported findings showing that, of all internet users in the UK, a higher proportion of people from Ethnic Minority Groups have broadband (80%) than the UK average (74%).(*1)
With the Ofcom report providing further information about mobile usage and DVD ownership, this study information would proved a useful in gaining insight into consumer trends, to leading to new sales opportunities and revenue.
Those businesses outside the BME sector are getting involved in the web video revolution, with the rise of the Google owned Youtube, many saw the benefits of properly managed video marketing campaigns, those same businesses are using all web platforms to get their brand, staff, marketing and promotion out there, generating new business, new leads and sourcing competitive suppliers.
HD Productions an online media production and web video marketing company, that advises business and provides training for those looking at creating a more effective web presence, got involved with creating video for the internet for clients, gave a few reasons as to why video is as important as a website.
“ We felt that, many people in the business world are hearing the buzzwords like - ‘podcast’, ‘web 2.0’, 'RSS', ‘social networking’, and wonder how they can market their products and services with them, we're able to simplify the jargon and show how it can work for their business. It's not hard having to explain the benefits of an online 24 hour sales presence.”
“Even newspapers such as The Sun, The Mirror commission and use video online to promote news items and reach out to a larger audience, than their paying readership. More recently *The BBC announced that they will launch six new Youtube channels, as a way to getting a larger audience via a multilingual news service.”
Web video as an advertising, sales and marketing tool, is more cost effective than television, radio or print.
With some of the world’s largest companies are now marketing their products extensively through the internet through video, at sites like YouTube, MySpace and other social networks.
It is up the BME businesses to take note or get left behind in the ever increasing online market, with web video topping 12 billions views in May, this figure has several more years to get even larger and accounting for more than fifty per cent of internet traffic by 2012. It would be wise to seek advice at the earliest opportunity to get your web video strategy right.
The above article was taken from a recent post on www.ethnicnow.com
DID YOU KNOW...
BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups make up 7.9% of the UK’s population, 29% of London’s population.
By 2051, 29% of the population will be from an ethnic background.
Since the expansion of the EU in 2004, over 600,000 Polish people have arrived in the UK.
Black African and Bangladeshi are the fastest growing ethnic populations in the UK
BAME groups have a spending power of £32 billion a year, set to rise to £85 billion by 2010.
Londoners speak over 300 languages and belong to 14 different faith groups.
There are over 250,000 ethnic minority businesses in the UK.
By 2010 ethnic minorities will be in the majority across all the UK’s major cities
By 2051, 29% of the population will be from an ethnic background.
Since the expansion of the EU in 2004, over 600,000 Polish people have arrived in the UK.
Black African and Bangladeshi are the fastest growing ethnic populations in the UK
BAME groups have a spending power of £32 billion a year, set to rise to £85 billion by 2010.
Londoners speak over 300 languages and belong to 14 different faith groups.
There are over 250,000 ethnic minority businesses in the UK.
By 2010 ethnic minorities will be in the majority across all the UK’s major cities
Monday 6 October 2008
SOMETHING TO INSPIRE ALL OPRAH WANNABE'S OUT THERE
Inspiration to stay focused on your goals comes in many forms. From reading an inspirational book or watching and inspirational film. From talking to friends and family, throwing ideas back and forth, or observing your daily surroundings. My inspiration of recent has come from a British born Nigerian living in the UK, named Paula B Sofowora. A lawyer for financial services organisation Zurich, Sofowora has created a book called "Discover Nigeria". It’s a book to help readers explore the West African country and discover what it’s really like. With an exciting range of colourful photographs and up-to-date information, the book covers all aspects of Nigeria, from history and geography to family life, ethnic groups, sports and cooking. It also touches on famous Nigerians all around the world, such as musicians Seal, Fela Kuti and Sade, mathematician Phillip Emeagwali and Hollywood actors Sophie Okonedo, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Sofowora says, “Discover Nigeria gives those with an interest in learning about different countries the opportunity to discover the history, language and culture of one of the richest countries in Africa”.
“Discover Nigeria” is the first volume of the “Discover” series which Sofowora has written and is a useful resource to support the National Curriculum in Citizenship, Geography, History and Religious Education at Key Stages 2 and 3. She has also written two brightly illustrated picture books about Ijapa, a Nigerian trickster, for children aged 5- 9 and is editor of the quarterly online magazine Naija Konnections which can be found at www.amlappublishing.com.
I've had the privilege to have viewed all three of Sofowora's books before they reached the shelves at Waterstones and Amazon and I can tell you they are impressive. It's not often I've personally come across a black individual producing a product, who has simultaneously been able to carry themselves professionally, whilst having produced an equally professional product, which they plan to sell to the general public. There is normally some excuse... due to lack of time, resource, whatever - they are unable to produce a squeaky clean quality looking product. Listen up peeps. There is no excuse for laziness when it comes to work. Be the best you can be as I'm sure there may be other factors the general public or potential employer may plan to scrutinise you on, even if their reasons for doing so are unfair – that’s life. Don't give them the opportunity to embarrass you on something you could have rectified before hand.
Sofowora has a day time job which I would imagine is extremely stressful. A lawyer at a financial services company? Of course she's stressed, with next to no time to do anything else. Especially in this CREDIT CRUNCH climate. However she knew for her to be taken seriously in the publishing world and as a black woman, she would need to come correct. She should be an inspiration to all Oprah Wannabe's. If she can do it, why can't we?
“Discover Nigeria” is published by Amlap Publishing and is available from December 2008 at all major bookshops and on line at www.amlappublishing.com, retailed at £14.99. ISBN 978-0-9546116-2-0. If you found out a bookstore doesn’t stock the book, make sure to leave the book details so they CAN start stocking it. Remember… its all about supply and demand
ESTATE PLANNING
Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the
family business.
When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.
One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Her natural beauty took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary man, he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit 20 million pounds".
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.
Women are so much better at estate planning than men.
Too funny! This is something that was forwarded to me which made me laugh out loud and some may say it is right up my street as an Oprah Wannabe. Not that I would actually do this... Or would I? "Babe what did you say your friends, cousin's Uncle was called again? You know the millionaire"?
family business.
When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.
One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Her natural beauty took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary man, he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit 20 million pounds".
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.
Women are so much better at estate planning than men.
Too funny! This is something that was forwarded to me which made me laugh out loud and some may say it is right up my street as an Oprah Wannabe. Not that I would actually do this... Or would I? "Babe what did you say your friends, cousin's Uncle was called again? You know the millionaire"?
EMPOWERING YOUR PEERS… STARTING OFF WITH THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU
Something which I absolutely love is my circle of friends. Apart from the obvious reasons as to why, like listening to each other bitch or moan about our other halves, (not that I partake in such nonsense chit chat babe, should you be reading!), but I also love my friends for the support we all give one another on issues which are separately important to us. Whether it is personal development, health and fitness or careers focussed, the instant support given, is ‘oh so’ refreshing.
My friends and I regularly discuss what we want to achieve in the aforementioned areas and there is always one (if not all) offering those encouraging words of support and advice in a bid to help push the other to excel in their pursuits. Whilst I, this Oprah Wannabe, believe I have the drive and focus which is required for me to cross out the individual entries I have listed on my “where I wanna’ be by the time I’m 30, 35, 40 and so on list” re my business endeavours, just having my ladies there to give me that EXTRA PUSH I find really empowering. Can’t thank you enough guys. When the house in Dulwich with the massive garden, walk in wardrobe, I mean, dedicated room for fashion and double en suite is here, cookouts will be at SE21 every weekend, promise!
Wednesday 1 October 2008
THE DAY AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF MY LIFE
Ok, yesterday was the first day of the rest of my ‘business’ life, however I have been self employed now since December 2005. I’ve been working in PR for the past 10 years and worked for the last 5 at a fantastic London agency called Shine. I decided it was time to go it alone for many reasons, after working my arse off as a Senior Account Manager for some great clients like Timberland, Ted Baker, FCUK, Quiksilver, Roxy, Paramount, ECB (English Cricket Board) and Channel 4. Plus, I was also fed up with office politics, but that's another story. Anyway, I’ve been freelancing ever since as well as setting up the beginnings of the business empire I hope one day to resemble the likes of great entrepreneurs who have inspired me such as Russell Simmons, Rachel Bell and Ms Winfrey (of course).
Also in this time I’ve been through a mini messy divorce (close friends might say), lost all contact with my soon to be adopted son (not by choice), moved out of my co-owned flat and moved in with my sis and her husband, got friendly with a family friend of 15 years, kept it a secret from my family as it was 6 months after leaving my ex (yes, I know, it was too soon, BUT there was no stopping it), fell in love with said friend of 15 years, got pregnant (not advisable for the daughter of Nigerian parents, especially the ‘not being married bit), attended various 'family meetings' to help resolve the so called shame I had brought on the family, had a beautiful baby girl and that brings me to now…
There are many things I want to achieve in life, help the homeless, help those living in poverty back home (Nigeria), basically set up a organisation which covers the above. I also want to continue working in the fickle world of fashion as I just love it, but in a different capacity - other than a fashion PR. I’ve always wanted to own a vintage/retro store – a cross between Urban Outfitters, Yellow Dirty Bastard Rat (New York), JoY (London) and Ambience (San Francisco). Also I have a few other ideas under my sleeve which will remain there… well, for now… I’m still in the process of working them up.
Anyway, today has been a good day, work wise. I was given a new business lead a few weeks ago for a fashion client. We met up the other week, had a great meeting – we just seemed to really get on. So well she didn’t feel there was a need for me to present credentials and ask me to go straight to developing a PR proposal for her expanding business. So, that’s what I’ve been working on today, pulling the proposal together. I’ve been at it since 6.30am this morning. Boss lady decided she was happy to watch a bit of GMTV and LK Today whilst sat on her play mat, so I dare not disturb her. At least I have been able to have some time to pick up where I left it and start writing up the presentation slides. She’s now with my parents so it’s all good.
It’s was approaching 4 o/c when I started writing today’s post. I was feeling tired and losing concentration on the proposal (boss lady woke up at 5am this morning for her daily 30 minute moan whilst STILL being fast asleep), so I decided it would be a good time to blog… (Especially as my good friend DF had told me off yesterday for not adding to my blog THE MUSINGS OF A BLACK SISTA (which I’ve since deleted) for quite a while. I suppose I can say she is the one who gave me a kick up the arse in regards to getting back on the blogging thing which resulted in this blog… (she’ll be happy with that). Anyway, long enough break from the daily grind… back to work.
Also in this time I’ve been through a mini messy divorce (close friends might say), lost all contact with my soon to be adopted son (not by choice), moved out of my co-owned flat and moved in with my sis and her husband, got friendly with a family friend of 15 years, kept it a secret from my family as it was 6 months after leaving my ex (yes, I know, it was too soon, BUT there was no stopping it), fell in love with said friend of 15 years, got pregnant (not advisable for the daughter of Nigerian parents, especially the ‘not being married bit), attended various 'family meetings' to help resolve the so called shame I had brought on the family, had a beautiful baby girl and that brings me to now…
There are many things I want to achieve in life, help the homeless, help those living in poverty back home (Nigeria), basically set up a organisation which covers the above. I also want to continue working in the fickle world of fashion as I just love it, but in a different capacity - other than a fashion PR. I’ve always wanted to own a vintage/retro store – a cross between Urban Outfitters, Yellow Dirty Bastard Rat (New York), JoY (London) and Ambience (San Francisco). Also I have a few other ideas under my sleeve which will remain there… well, for now… I’m still in the process of working them up.
Anyway, today has been a good day, work wise. I was given a new business lead a few weeks ago for a fashion client. We met up the other week, had a great meeting – we just seemed to really get on. So well she didn’t feel there was a need for me to present credentials and ask me to go straight to developing a PR proposal for her expanding business. So, that’s what I’ve been working on today, pulling the proposal together. I’ve been at it since 6.30am this morning. Boss lady decided she was happy to watch a bit of GMTV and LK Today whilst sat on her play mat, so I dare not disturb her. At least I have been able to have some time to pick up where I left it and start writing up the presentation slides. She’s now with my parents so it’s all good.
It’s was approaching 4 o/c when I started writing today’s post. I was feeling tired and losing concentration on the proposal (boss lady woke up at 5am this morning for her daily 30 minute moan whilst STILL being fast asleep), so I decided it would be a good time to blog… (Especially as my good friend DF had told me off yesterday for not adding to my blog THE MUSINGS OF A BLACK SISTA (which I’ve since deleted) for quite a while. I suppose I can say she is the one who gave me a kick up the arse in regards to getting back on the blogging thing which resulted in this blog… (she’ll be happy with that). Anyway, long enough break from the daily grind… back to work.
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