After visiting the bookshop several times thinking whether to buy the book or not, I finally got my copy. Leke Alder is my guy any day, though he didn’t blow me off my chair when he came to The Platform (a programme organized by Covenant Christian Center, Nigeria on the 1st of October 2008), I still was glad like everyone, even Bishop Oyedepo could not hide his impression with this conceptual individual. He addressed the questions with a classical display of wisdom and intellect, that made me wonder why his speech/talk did not move me that way, I will probably find out one day.
Now to the book, the cost is a bit on the high side, but the print quality is one thing you cannot complain about. Of course, when the print is good you get to appreciate the content. I think he should create some books that will be easily cost-accessible to the new young and aspiring students to which the name Alder is fast becoming a buzzword. I personally was interested in him when I got to read his “Nigeria, a sigh in the dark”, as an undergraduate at those times when it was free on the internet. The black book on business, which is about 153 pages physically defeats the normal business books and manuals you find on most book shelves. Well, the black reveals the depth of pragmatic thinking you will find in the book. The mixture of colours and pictures used in the book reminded me of Re-imagine, another book which is focused on management and marketing. The idea is to make it more appealing to a generation in love with pictures, sights and sounds. Well, it’s working.
The book is divided into 4 parts, which covers the various insights on starting and managing a business; UPFRONT, FUNDAMANTALS OF STRATEGY, MANAGEMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS. They may not be business management topics, but nonetheless, without these insights even business scholars might nosedive their businesses. An example of this insight is the philosophy of underachievement, which I had previously blogged about (check here).
He began by asking a fundamental question in his first chapter; what do you really want? You know there is a difference between making money and building a business. You need to really ask yourself these questions before even thinking about the idea you want to follow. He shared his story on how a seemingly simple seminar changed his life…you’ll learn that those who live on excuses assign luck to those who dared. He went on to classify the genotype (business) of business starters and exemplified on the 10 passions of the business entrepreneur; creativity, drive, peace, emotional energy, and 6 other traits.
His second subdivision saw him moving in for the kill after subtly welcoming us with subtle tips. His brand genius comes to light as he explores the fundamentals of business vision, mission, values and business culture; and pulls an author’s stunt by teaching us how to relax.
Under the Strategies of Management, I loved the Technology of money. Actually, I wanted a part renamed the technology of poverty, but he named it- biodegradable technology. He identifies the struggles of business start-up by telling how to balance between the big-money projects and the small projects earning money bits on your road to stable business. The ever insightful Molue 101 points out 12 important business lessons.
The man behind Alder then moves on to flaunt his stuff. Do not be deceived by the topics chocolate boxes, table end analogy and the Y, YO, YYO, YOYO scenarios. Page 122 lists the 100 business lessons you know, but always somehow forget. Then the analogy of an entrepreneur, and the four drives that hold the key to conjugal and matrimonial bliss. He went ahead to point out the importance of relationships in business management, and highlighted the 4 portraits of lust. He rounded up by exemplifying 40 lessons on thinking big.
It’s a powerful book, especially if your business is up and running and you plan to blow it big. The insights are timely at a time when most businesses are starting up and failure rate is high. Leke Alder’s book is particularly impressive in that it is coming from someone who did a career switch as a lawyer and started business as a “credibility-deficient” entrepreneur. He teaches business management in a simple and strategic manner that show this man knows his stuff.
Leke’s book is an awesome buy that will not only add to your armoury of books. it will refine your business intelligence.
