Promise is a debt!

Dear business owners, I'm here again. To my fans who said they enjoyed reading my newsletters, thank you so much. If only you could see the way I am walking right now with my shoulders high????? I'm excited to feel like I'm making an impact in my own little way. I appreciate you!!!

You know sometimes you spend plenty of time crafting that marketing message. Your website shines like Aso Ebi, on social media too you "pepper dem" with hot content, and we see your adverts everywhere we look.?

Then, Customers rush in, eager for this thing you promise. But then, oh boy! The product is not exactly like what you promised, or the delivery takes longer than LASTMA wait time, and customer care leaves them feeling like pounded yam that's not smooth.?

Just like that, your marketing that looks like a fancy ‘gele’, collapses!

But wait! There's actually another way. Imagine your marketing talk is a true one. You promised what you could deliver, and even added an extra "Jara". This one is better dear friend, your business name should be synonymous with trust, strong like a kola nut that we share for important matters. This one is the marketing that is just like Zuma Rock - “e no dey shake”!

See ehn, it's time to ditch the empty promises and build marketing that'll stand strong no matter what!

All I've been trying to say is this, don't sugarcoat your product or service. Be upfront about what it is and what it can do. It is better to give your customers more than they expect. Throw in bonus content, free ebooks, or early access to new products. Make them feel like they're getting awoof!

By following these tips, you can build a marketing strategy that's strong and reliable. Your customers will become your loyal supporters, spreading the good word about your business throughout the marketplace. Or don't you want it?

Here’s what I have for you today.

• Our next Edition of the Business Growth Series is Here
• Opportunities Galore
• Trending Business News?
• Entrepreneurial Origins
• Enterprise Chat

BUSINESS GROWTH SERIES IS HERE!!

The Business Growth Series is four days away!????????????

This physical edition of our BGS event Themed: The Forward-Thinking Entrepreneur, is a dynamic event designed to equip YOU with the tools and insights to propel your growth and thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Venue: ICAN BOI Hub Yaba/ Ebute Metta Lagos State, Nigeria.?

Time: 10 am.

For those outside Lagos, don't worry there'll be a link to join live. We got you covered!

Here's a taste of what awaits you:

??Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from industry leaders on topics like scaling your business, securing funding, and navigating the unique challenges African entrepreneurs face.

??Actionable Insights: Gain practical strategies and tactics you can implement immediately to propel your business forward.

??Network with Gamechangers: Connect with a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, share ideas, and build lasting connections.

??Freebies Galore: Be in the running to win exciting prizes and resources to fuel your entrepreneurial journey!

Don't miss this transformative event!

Limited spaces available. Register HERE?

Opportunities Galore?

Call For Applications: Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award (€25,000 Cash Prize)

Are you a trailblazing woman entrepreneur making a significant impact in your community? The Bayer Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the Women Empowerment Award, celebrating and supporting outstanding women changemakers like you!

With a generous €25,000 cash prize, this award aims to recognize and honor women who are driving positive change, fostering innovation, and empowering others through their entrepreneurial endeavors. Apply now and take the next step towards making your vision a reality!

Call For Applications: Burning Heroes Africa Startup Awards Contest 2024

Are you an African or Middle Eastern entrepreneur with a game-changing startup?? Calling all talented founders! The Burning Heroes Africa Startup Awards Contest 2024 is your chance to gain global recognition and launch your business to the next level. This is your opportunity to join a thriving community, connect with investors, and win exciting prizes. APPLY HERE ? ?

Call For Applications: Women Digital Entrepreneurship Program (WDEP) 4.0 A Business Growth Initiative to Equip Women With Digital Skills.

Female entrepreneurs! Are you looking to take your business online or grow your existing digital presence? The Women Digital Entrepreneurship Program (WDEP) 4.0 is your chance to gain the skills and resources to thrive in the digital world. This program equips women with the knowledge to launch, grow, and monetize their businesses online. Here's the link to apply?

Call For Applications: Société Générale Women in Africa (WIA) 2024 Responsible Entrepreneurs Competition for African Women Entrepreneurs.

Are you a passionate entrepreneur driving positive change in your community? The Société Générale Women in Africa (WIA) 2024 Responsible Entrepreneurs Competition is looking for YOU!??

This competition honors and empowers African women leading businesses that create significant social, economic, and environmental impact. Apply today?

Why not also check out other juicy and breathtaking opportunities HERE? Don’t sleep on it!

Trending News

NITDA to Partner with eVillage for Technology Innovation and Sustainability Of Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announces a partnership with Entrepreneurship Village (eVillage) to foster technology innovations and inclusivity in Nigeria. Read HERE

Founder Institute Lagos Celebrates Graduation of Cohort IX, 15+ Week Virtual Program for Entrepreneurs

After a rigorous 15+ week program, Founder Institute Lagos announces the graduates of Cohort IX!? 47 entrepreneurs started with passion and determination, but only the 12 strongest emerged victorious. Get the rest of the story here?

Glovo and Visa Partner to Empower 40,000 SMEs with Digital Skills Training Program

Glovo partners with Visa to launch a digital skills training program for SMEs! By working together, Glovo and Visa are helping SMEs future-proof their businesses. Read more here

Moove Secures $100 Million in Series B Funding Round to Drive EV Expansion Plan

Mobility fintech Moove reaches $750 million valuation with $100 million series B funding! Funding from global investors like Uber and Mubadala fuels the growth of Africa's leading fintech for mobility. Here's the details?

MoneyMaster Promotes Financial Literacy for Global Money Week 2024

MoneyMaster is going all out to teach youngsters about money management during the 2024 Global Money Week! From March 18-24, MoneyMaster will be educating young people about the importance of financial literacy and how to manage their money wisely. Read more here

Entrepreneurial Origins?

Last week's trivia?

Which of the following African entrepreneurs is known as the "Father of African Innovation"?

A) Aliko Dangote

B) Strive Masiyiwa

C) Elon Musk

D) Mo Ibrahim

Answer: D- Mo Ibrahim. Mo Ibrahim is credited for his contributions to telecommunication in Africa.

Today's Trivia?

Question:? Who among the following entrepreneurs is known for founding a revolutionary fashion brand that celebrates African heritage?

A)? Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave (Fintech payment platform)

B)? Aisha Buhari, founder of Aisha Buhari Foundation (NGO)

C)? Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank

D)? Thuli Madonsela, South African lawyer and anti-corruption activist

Enterprise Chat

We live in a world that is constantly changing, and as the dynamics of how we conduct business change over time, it is essential to adopt fresh concepts and innovations to stay ahead of the competition.

Ihotu Eritosin-Gregory, Lead, and Coach, The Scratchboard answered questions on:

? How to come up with fresh ideas effortlessly

? Steps to take in validating your ideas

? The Role of Technology in Overcoming Barriers to Ideation

Watch it HERE

Subscribe to the YouTube channel (if you haven't done that yet):.?

MSME Africa Tip of the Week

Nurture your network to grow your business!

Networking is a critical part of growing any business, and it's especially important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By building relationships with other business owners, you can gain access to new opportunities, resources, and knowledge. So make sure to invest time and energy into nurturing your network! Here are some ideas to get started:

- Attend industry events and network with fellow business owners like our Upcoming Business Growth Series.

- Connect with other SMEs on social media and share useful information.

See you next time,

Ododoola for MSME Africa?

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