need to understand the synamics of promoting brands.

Here is a brautiful infograph to inform your brand promotion  strategies

based on researh by aytm (Ask Your Target Market). Enjoy

Source: AYTM Market Research

1. The Public is Back!

Yes, the public relations is no more about what you can do improve
communication with your target audience and stakeholders alone, you need to pay
attention to how the publics can now influence your organisation and its
interests. Stakeholders are now more empowered to respond to organisations’ decisions,
policies and people in a record time and in a massive way.

The multiplicity of communication platforms has also thrown lots of
challenges in the way of the reputation manager. Having a customer’s article
about poor service showing up in Google search results before your
organisations’ website is guaranteed to make you lose customers. Online
Reputation Management, Social Media Engagement, Search Engine Optimisation and
Marketing skills are the new competence levels and it is the business of a
public relations manager to be abreast of consumer touch-points and the various
ways in which consumers can provide feedback on organisations products and
services.

 2. The Rise of New Influencers

Trust agents used to be opinion leaders, community heads, monarchs and brand                                                                                                     ambassadors – but not anymore. Across industries and sectors, new influencers are rising and
it has little to do with their educational or professional certifications.
People in your industry with huge social media followers have become powerful
influencers and those with the knowledge of marketing and promotions are fast
turning themselves into marketing and advertising professionals.  A
quick example is the rise of Nollywood Love, an online YouTube channel that
streams Nigerian films online. The organization and its founder have become big
players and influencers within the industry and he didn’t start by showing up
for auditions. With the democratization of information, everyone has become a
potential publisher and the owner of big media houses are paying attention.                                                                                                                                The major lesson is this; today everyone has the power to influence the perception                                                                                                                   of your brand.

3.  Time is no longer money

If you still quote ‘time is money’, it has become an old fashioned
assumption. Really time now costs you more – it is influence, authority,
authenticity, originality and all the leverage that huge amount of money may
never buy back. Letting news about your organisation or client travel faster
that you can respond will cost you more than you think. In our 24/7
customer-centric world, social media has increased the potential for negative
outcry to gain visibility faster than your brands’ media efforts. The challenge
of the PR professional is to be well-informed, methodical, think fast and be
proactive about every public relations issue that affects your organisation’s
reputation.

4. Researchers are Smiling

The speed of information sharing is faster than ever before and PR professionals
have access to a wealth of content that can be shared with consumers seeking
solutions to a problem. Creating a simple keyword based search on Twitter and
Facebook can connect companies with people at exactly the right time to serve as a helpful
resource. By engaging proactively, PR teams can create new opportunities to
create a favorable brand impression that can lead to the beginning of a potential
business relationship.

Social media has also positively influenced the long standing dynamics of the PR-Journalist                                                                                         practice. Journalists seek information from online sources and PR professionals have also                                                                                             benefited from the added access to available channels. Account planners and researchers can                                                                                               also use digital polls management platforms to conduct their research and analyse results.

5. Digital Reputation Management

Since people are going online to find out about brands and product, it is
only natural that brand managers will be concerned about their online
reputation. They will demand that their Public Relation Consultants expand
their level of competence online and to ensure that traditional communication
channels are extended into online communities.

Rankings of negative comments, opinions and perceptions of your brand (or
product) in search engines now become important to your business.

The business of the reputation manager is now more complex, dynamic and
evolving – the time to rest on the oars can’t be now.

6. Conversation is the new Communication

The word ‘mutual understanding’ a consistent  feature of the definition of Public
Relations? Social
media  has added more tools and re-structured the strategy
and execution of successful two-way communication.

Two-way conversation. PR pros can no be information peddlers that puch information into the
media and sit back and expect to succeed. you can be assured that your PR press release will                                                                                              be answered quickly and in a personal manner, faster that all the time you took in developing it.

Timely, two-way communication is the “new normal.” Listening, engagement and thought
leadership are now three areas that PR pros manage.

7. Analytics, Methods and Tools

PR pros need to understand and use emerging social media tools.
Analytic tools can help track return on investment, including direct costs of staff time spent                                                                                                using the tools, social media marketing efforts and measurement of the traffic it drives to a                                                                                            company’s website.

Social media tools is already becoming the main interphase between
journalist s, PR professionals and the publics. There are many tools onlinen to
help achieve this.

It is the business of PR professional not to get lost in
this season of digital disruptions.

It’s time to step up to the game!

Social media in particular has become an epidemic that is transforming every business and economic sector. The impact of these new technologies and systems throw up new challenges and opens up opportunities to most professional especially  Public Relations professionals and those who are in the business of promoting brands on the Internet. For people and individuals seeking resources and websites, I have decided to post this comprehensive list provides by Bschool, an online resource for business professionals on interesting websites and posts on Social Media and PR.

1. PR Daily: Provides the latest PR news stories through this great tech-focused blog. Recommended post: “Report: PR pro is the second-most stressful job.”
2. PR Newser: If you’d like to see what other companies are putting out in press releases, this site is the place to do it. Recommended post: “The Ten Myths of Creating Web Content.”
3. Prnewspros: Check out this blog to find news geared especially towards those who are trying to build a career in the PR field. Recommended post: “Your PR Career: What Your College Coursework Doesn’t Teach You About Succeeding in the Workplace.”
4. PRSay: The Public Relations Society of America maintains this blog, chock full of the latest news and views on everything PR-related. Recommended post: “The Nine Lives Of Public Relations?“
5. PR News: From advising you on how to make business calls to providing the latest news on business, this PR blog has it all. Recommended post: “PR News’ Going Green: Outstanding Green Business Practices.”
6. Everything PR: Follow the public relations field as a whole when you read this blog and learn a bit more about global news and pop culture that can help your business. Recommended post: “100 Media Monitoring Tools for PR.”
7. PR Fuel: This blog will teach you about the power of a press release and offers up some ideas on how to get the most out of online press release sites. Recommended post: “30 PR Experts You Should Follow on Twitter.”

For PR Pros

These blogs will help to educate you on things you’ll need to know to get ahead as a professional working in the field of public relations.

8. Wired PR Works: Barbara Rozgonyi offers her expertise on getting your business noticed, finding new clients and building a better business community here. Recommended post: “3 YouTube and Video Marketing Tricks You Should Not Miss.”
9. ComPRehension: Explore the field of PR with some experts in the Public Relations Society of America through this blog. Recommended post: “Annual Grunig Lecture: Remembering The “Relationship” In PR.”
10. Strategic Public Relations: Learn a bit more about public relations strategies both online and off from this blog. Recommended post: “Starbucks’ In-Store Wifi Leveraged Into Branded Media Network.”
11. The Publicity Hound’s Blog: Looking for some publicity for your company or clients? Then check out this blog for some tips, tricks and tools that can help you get all eyes on your business. Recommended post: “9 ways to spy on your competitors online.”
12. 6 A.M.: This PR firm shares their business strategy and some great PR pointers, a great read for anyone interested in establishing their own business or trying to get ahead in their field. Recommended post: “A Word to the Wise.”
13. POP! PR Jots: Jeremy Pepper, the author of this blog, works in PR and communications. Through this site, he shares his own commentary on the biz and offers some great insights to newbies and seasoned vets alike. Recommended post: “PR Pitching and Blacklists.”
14. A PR Guy’s Musings: Stuart Bruce’s blog touches on a wide range of PR topics, from social media to business basics to politics. Recommended post: “Public relations is about reputation, not SEO.”
15. The Flack: Through this blog written by Peter Himler, you’ll be able to learn how PR impacts fields like politics, pop culture, business, entertainment and more. Recommended post: “Long Live PR (and the Press Release Too).”
16. National Public Relations Examiner: Valerie Merahn Simon, Senior Vice President at BurrellesLuce media monitoring and measurement, maintains this blog that is the perfect place to learn about some of the biggest issues in PR today. Recommended post: “What are the major differences between B2B and B2C social marketing?“
17. Murphy’s Law: Blogger and PR guy Tom Murphy shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics related to PR, social media and CSR on this site. Recommended post: “PR + CSR = Just Good Business.”
18. Valley PR Blog: This blog from a PR firm is maintained by several experts in the field who comment on topics like social media, marketing, the world of PR and current events. Recommended post: “The REALITY of publicity.”
19. PR at Sunrise: From working with difficult clients to navigating the strange new world of social media, you’ll find a wealth of advice for PR pros here. Recommended post: “Top 10 Signs You Are The Official Social Media Nerd Of Your Company.”

Communication

Whether it’s with clients or with the general public, there’s no doubt that communication is a key component of public relations. These blogs will give you an idea of how to improve your communication skills and be a savvier PR pro.

20. SteDavies: This PR blog is a great resource for professionals hoping to learn a bit more about the role of communications in PR and find some fun and engaging articles about everything from business to finance. Recommended post: “10 Trends of 20-Somethings.”
21. PR Communications: Learn more about marketing, social media and the internet on this blog from marketer John Cass. Recommended post: “Corporate Blogs in the Fortune 500.”
22. Public Relations Matters: Dr. Barbara B. Nixon posts to this blog about a number of public relations and communications issues. Recommended post: “Five Ways to Keep Current in Public Relations News & Trends.”

New Media Marketing and PR

These blogs are focused on using the latest technology to get the word out about brands, campaigns and businesses.

23. A Shel of My Former Self: Focused on communication and technology, this blog by Shel Holtz is a great read for any PR expert looking to take their business digital. Recommended post: “Business-produced content could fill the sharable-content gap created by paywalls.”
24. The Future Buzz: Find commentary on media, marketing and PR from Adam Singer on this blog. Recommended post: “19 Reasons You Should Blog And Not Just Tweet.”
25. aimClear: This blog offers up some great articles that can help you promote your brand or business through search engine optimization. Recommended post: “Blog Optimization, Post Title SEO & Deadeye Targeting.”
26. 360 Days in Our Circle: With several contributing bloggers in the PR business, this blog offers some multifaceted insights into PR in the digital age. Recommended post: “Email and Social Media- A Match Made in Marketing Heaven?“
27. ProPR: CEO of firms Thornley Fallis and 76Design Joseph Thornley writes this blog. Check it out to learn more about building strong client relationships, implementing creative designs and latching onto the power of the internet for PR. Recommended post: “Six keys to success in social media.”
28. What’s Next? Blog: B.L. Ochman is an expert on new media marketing, and she shares some of that expertise, as well as her commentary, though this blog. Recommended post: “Five Reasons Why Companies Should Not Block Employee Access to Social Networks.”
29. Deirdre Breakenridge: From using Facebook to cyberbranding, Deirdre Breakenridge shares her thoughts on all things PR 2.0 on this blog. Recommended post: “PR 2.0 Sharing With Your Competition.”
30. Diva Marketing Blog: Get some tips and tools for better marketing your brand, especially using digital media, on this site. Recommended post: “RSS Beyond Blogs.”
31. Media Culpa: These Swedish bloggers follow media and public relations on their site, posting about topics like Twitter, blogging, branding and much more. Recommended post: “Flickr reaches 5 billion photos.”

Social Media

Social media plays a huge role in most businesses marketing and PR work these days. Learn more about how you can better implement it in your own work through these blogs.

32. PRSarah Evans: For advice and information on getting your business rolling with social networking and online media, check out this site. Recommended post: “STUDY: The Future of Content.”
33. Dave Fleet: This blog, by PR professional Dave Fleet, discusses communications, PR and social media. Recommended Post: “57 Social Media Policy Examples and Resouces.”
34. PR Squared: Learn more about social media and marketing from blogger and public relations expert Todd Defren on this site. Recommended post: “Facebook Marketing: Success Factors.”
35. Danny Brown: Need some help understanding what role social media and online marketing should play in your business? This expert may be able to help. Recommended post: “52 Cool Facts About Social Media.”
36. Chris Abraham: Chris Abraham, the president and COO of a social media marketing firm, shares his insights into using online tools for business promotion here. Recommended post: “Best Practices of Social Media Marketing.”
37. The Proactive Report: Help your business stay ahead of the curve by reading this blog written by Sally Falkow. It focuses on social media, but also contains general advice about online PR. Recommended post: “Are Your Customers Too Old for Social Media — Not a Chance!“
38. Fresh Influence: Learn more about social media and word of mouth marketing from this 360 Digital Influence blog. Recommended post: “10 Stunning (And Useful) Stats About Twitter.”
39. Convince and Convert: Here, Jay Baer shares information on using social media and online content in PR marketing. Recommended post: “Develop a Social Media Strategy in 7 Steps.”
40. prTini: If you’ve got an interest in better utilizing social media to promote your business or product, give this blog by Heather Whaling a read. Recommended post: “The 5 Cs of Blogger Relations.”
41. Peter Shankman: Social media entrepreneur and consultant Peter Shankman offers some business advice on using social media to its fullest on this blog– much of which can be quite useful to PR professionals. Recommended post: “Is your social media expert really an expert?“
42. Communications Conversations: Get a leg up in the social media marketing world by reading some of the tips Arik Hanson has to offer here. Recommended post: “5 LinkedIn groups for PR pros.”

Niche

From tracking your stats to learning from the mistakes of others, these blogs focus on some niche areas of PR.

43. Brian Solis: Want to learn more about new media and how it’s affecting those who use it? This blog from research firm professional Brian Solis is a must-read. Recommended post: “The Rise of Social Commerce.”
44. Young PR: PR isn’t just for businesses. Learn a great deal about using social media, technology and marketing to help a non-profit through this blog. Recommended post: “PdF Audio: Using Social Media for Non-Profit Fundraising.”
45. SpinSucks: PR has a bad reputation for being manipulative and dishonest. This blogger shares some ways that PR professionals can get out of this mindset as well as posting about topics like social media, communications, advertising and more. Recommended post: “Five Signs A Social Media Star’s Reputation Is Spin.”
46. Bad Pitch Blog: Read this blog to see bad PR pitches get called out and to learn what you shouldn’t do in your own work. Recommended post: “PR People: Stop Being Bad at Stuff and Read This.”
47. PR Measurement Blog: Learn how to more effectively monitor the impact of your online marketing, public relations, internal communications and more with the help of this blog. Recommended post: “The originial HITS = How Idiots Track Success Speech.”
48. Spinning Around: This blog is a fun place to see some creative marketing campaigns for other brands. You may just be inspired to come up with your own. Recommended post: “The UK’s Top Marketing Weblogs.”
49. PR Disasters.com: Want to see some PR campaigns gone wrong and big PR snafus? This blog is the place to do it. Whether they make you laugh or cringe, you’ll get an idea of what not to do while you’re on the job. Recommended post: “Five lessons from Nestle’s Facebook PR disaster.”
50. Personal PR: While you’re sure to find some great PR tips here, this blog also offers up some ideas on how to be more productive and get ahead in your career. Recommended post: “27 Secrets to Linking LIke a Master Networker.”

Guest blogging means many things to different categories of people. To internet marketers and bloggers, it is a powerful way of helping boost internet rankings and generate traffic/leads. To organisations, it is the opportunity to create a platform to engage site visitors, it also to provide that personal connections that static websites have not achieved. Guest blogging will soon be well pronounced with more organisations creating blogs and platforms to engage fans and customers alike. Most reality shows have engage tdhe services of a independent bloggers in managing communication on their platforms.

Meet Mr. Dele Onilabusi, a 18-year old blogger born on December 22, 1993. he presently makes about $3,000 monthly blogging about guest blogging, affiliate marketing,buying and selling online. He succeeds in smiling to the bank making about $3,000 monthly doing this.

Excerpts:

1. How long have you been blogging?
   I have been blogging for 18 months now, but my main blog, YoungPrePro.com is only 14 months.
2. How many blogs/forums do your manage presently?
   I presently own and manage only one blog, the blog can be found at YoungPrePro.com.
3. How long does it take for you to write a post?
   That depends on the type of post I want to write but most of my posts take me an average of 2-3 hours.
4. 4. Do you ever get stuck when writing an entry?  What do you do then?
   I get stuck sometimes, but if I get stuck I simply don’t write because I know my readers won’t enjoy the post
5. How did you get into blogging? Did you start with the purpose of making income?
   I started blogging after reading a blog post by Steve Pavlina on how to make money blogging. I started my blog because I wanted to help people, I wasn’t motivated by the money.
6. You are fast becoming an authority in guest blogging, in simple terms, what is guest blogging and how did you get to land in this niche?
   Guest blogging is the process of writing for another blog and in return you can get a link back to your blog. I started guest blogging around 3 months of me starting blogging when I read that it can be very effective and it has since never disappointed me.
7. Plug-ins have been used to enhance weblogs and its functionality. Which are your favourite ones?
   I have no favorite plugin, sincerely; I’m okay as long as my blog is perfectly running!
8. 8. The money it is said is in the list. How important is a mailing list to any organization that wants to succeed on the internet?
   Your mailing list is as important as your internet marketing career. Focus on it!
9. Do you make money directly from your blog and how do you promote it?
   Yep, I make money from affiliate marketing and I just launched my guest blogging consulting service which will be supplementing my income.

10.  What is your advice to someone who wants to start a blog?
Get started with what you think you’re best at and always live by the principle of giving value first before expecting results.

11.  What do you think are the Key Measurements for a site to measure success?
There are  no specific results because success depends on the achiever but to me a successful blog is a blog with an active community and that is making the owner more money than is needed to maintain it.

12.  Google and Facebook may soon be slugging it out offline for the Nigerian market? What does that portend for internet entrepreneurs?
Google? Facebook? It comes to advertising revenue. I think if Google and youtube still rank among the first 3 in terms of search in the world, Face book has a lot to do. But then tou have to consider the amount of specific details that Facebook has, it makes them a potential superpower….

13. Kindly share your favourites;

Color: Blue

Movie: Supernatural

TV Show: None

Book: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Time of day: Saturday

Tweeting or blogging … which is cooler? Blogging by all means

Thank you so much Mr. Dele it’s been nice having you on my blog.

It’s my pleasure.

Though life is calibrated and measured in years and accomplishments, the outcome of those times will depend on the little details of our lives – in days, hours, minutes and seconds. The key to success in life is getting to do little things correctly, all the time, every time, so that the summation of our actions will yield a balanced, structured end result which is a brand of impeccable and sound quality.

Even in my work, where I demonstrate a passion for work and idea generation, I have come to appreciate that commitment to quality and relentless attention to details are essential hallmarks of excellence. Attentions to details save organisations a lot of time, frustration and money. Most organizations and people that have enjoyed the greatest success understanding that it takes hundreds of small, seemingly insignificant details repeated day in and day out to create an unforgettably excellent experience.

Lesson #1: Train your brain, but back it up

Some clichés become so common they often lose their significance like it is often said that the shortest pen remembers better than the shortest memory. I have thus learnt to carry notebooks about wherever I go. I have notebooks for my work plan, personal projects and ideas, meditations and church notes- and I use them.

It’s not that the devil is in the details, but that every detail we forget contain a seed that can potentially make the difference between success and failure. If the benefits of your work, prayers and efforts will be reaped, attention to detail is an absolute necessity.

Lesson #2: Write your life

Even when you have a notebook, make sure you put things down- the stupid, necessary and the critical. Most time we can’t track our progress because we don’t care to measure it by writing it down ab initio. It doesn’t matter the information, put it down (and keep sensitive details secure!). The reason why the history of global development is western is that Africans propagate history by word of mouth which eventually gets lost in transmission.

Lesson #3: Order

Anyway you look at it; they’re going to be times within your job or life where your attention to details will save you. One of the key issues to being exact is orderliness. Having an organized desk, room or life may seem minor, but when the outcome of a circumstance clean and organized desk it’s easy to find papers quickly. And just like your desk, the rest of your job should be organized and neatly projected that so that little things like going over budget don’t get by you.

Lesson #4: Do things immediately

One of the reasons we lose details is usually the ‘I will do it later’ syndrome. The idea that there is a convenient time to do things always makes us rely on our memories to keep us up to speed.

Putting off tasks till later is half leaving things undone.

Lesson #5: Learn how to do things right the first time

No matter what business or personal activities you are involved in, you will be confronted with greater challenges that could have been prevented if you had paid closer attention to the details in the first instance.

Lesson #6: these things are a reflection of your leadership and personality

I was told of someone applying for the post of a financial analyst who was called to an interview. The man was astute in his presentation and was heavy on pedigree, but he forgot his CV and credentials at the venue of the interview when he left.

Excellence in any endeavor is a production in which every little detail tells a story about one’s personality, commitment, and character. Pay attention to the small stuff. Consistent attention to details produces excellence and that’s why every detail counts!

“The magic behind every outstanding performance is always found in the smallest of details.”

I would really just want to know how you felt, what went through your mind, how you currently feel about the value system in Nigeria and how you intend to further tackle the issue of wrong values. I look forward to reading ur reply.

Thank you.

Sincere regards

xyz xyz”

As I read his mail, many things came into my mind. I remember the unending bad publicity about the double standards and scandals that have continued to rock most of the respected leaders in the society. From of Tiger Woods, Juanita Bynum, T D Jakes and Paula White to Nigeria’s respected leaders both in the political and religious sectors of the polity, we are fast losing role models to scandals- from sex to money.

So many thoughts have ran through my head as news and rumours have managed to form an odd mixture that continually batters the conscience of people who once believed in the few leaders who have managed to stand up to what is true. Why are these leaders failing?  Are there still true mentors? Here are my thoughts

Role models didn’t choose themselves – we chose them.

Mentoring is defined by someone whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. We choose them, we make them celebrities, we form our opinions of them through the things they have achieved, their pedigree, credentials and we develop and form an opinion of the code of life they should follow and when they intimately cannot follow them, we get disappointed and blame them for not being up to the standards.Role models are not necessarily mentors- we chose them because of what we heard, read and our opinions of them, then we can’t blame them for our idolizing them.

The best of men are still men at their very best

No matter how great a mentor or role model is, he/she is till man/woman at his very best. I was conducting an interview for someone two weeks ago and he made a profound statement. If there were no checks and balances, even a holy man can fail. I personally don’t idolise people and my Pastor totally abhors it. I’m pastored by Tunde Bakare and though I’ve been ministered to by him for over ten years, I still have a room for him to fail. The only problem we have is usually that we have equated some people to the nature of Christ himself. We listen and respect and learn from men, but ultimately we follow God. If your CEO, Pastor, Role Model falls, we don’t have to fall with them, pick up yourself and follow Christ Though as we move in life, we tend to focus less on the things we shouldn’t do and to focus on the things we should do; we still need to give men room for the frailty of the human nature. Broken promises, backstabbing, heart breaks are all a result of putting too much trust in the infallibility of the human nature.

Most times role modeling can be addictive.

When you’re a role model, the primary focus is on you- I mean people can’t have enough of you. You speak here and there and you suddenly think having moments in front of the large audience and microphone and are tempted daily to present the polished and structured part of their lives. But when you become a mentor, the primary focus is on your protégés. The time commitment of role modeling is simply the life you lead, with everyone free to observe. Your actions continually speak and everyone can consciously predict where you stand even when you have not spoken. The time commitment of mentoring is a personal involvement in the lives of a select group of protégés. As a role model, you say: “Here’s a way to live that you might want to emulate.” As a mentor, you say: “Here’s a way to live that you might want to emulate…and let me share the details of my journey.”

Role Models must mentor

While a role model is “someone whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others” a mentor is a mentor is “a trusted counselor, guide, tutor or coach”. Mentoring is a progression of role modeling. Most times we chose mentors we do not have an idea of why they do the things they do, we only see them at their best- giving speeches, smiling on red carpets and well scripted books they probably never wrote a line of it. If role models communicate, they become mentors. Role models must share from their heart the things that have influenced their lives, how they have navigated the difficult choices of their lives (not only the ones that yielded results). People are not tending to find role models among the people they relate directly with and those who have the opportunity to influence their lives.

Finally we must communicate. Since our mentor-deprived generation is desperately searching for one, we hardly encourage peer communication as we even navigate our own challenges and even churches can be very guilty of this. Most times we talk about every thing except the things that matter to us. Look and search for a mentor, they may not have time, but create it. We need them, we need friends.

Selah.

This I am thankful for.

Today is my birthday and I’m alive. It is a luxury that if I had all the resources of the presidency, I still can’t buy it. This I am Thankful for.

I studied Microbiology in school. After deciding hospitals and test-tubes were not the way to go, all hell broke loose. Today, I do something I enjoy and I have no regrets. This I am thankful for.

At the height of all hell breaking loose, I sat down under a tree depressed.  two ladies approached me and thanked me for talking to them in JSS2 six years ago. It was one moment I’ll never forget. I was re-fired to continue to do well. This I am thankful for

I made many decisions last year. For every door I dared to knock last year, they opened. When not qualified, I outclassed. Even ones I bungled I got a second chance. It’s a good feeling, God can we do this again? This I am thankful for.

I had traveled to Benin for a meeting but was running late. The bus broke down around 11pm on Benin-Ore expressway. We slept in the rain praying we won’t be preyed upon by thieves. We got another bus and got to Benin. This I am thankful for

Thank you for giving me Damilola. Relationships require smart work and a balance of love, passion and commitment. I didn’t need to be sweating in hard labour to build this one. Over the years I thank you. This I am thankful for

One thing I have never lacked in my entire journey- The support of people who believed and encouraged me, especially at those times when I found it hard to believe in my self. I have in turn helped many to find encouragement on their pathways in life. This I am thankful for

Last Sunday, I couldn’t drive to Church so I took a bike. 15 minutes later, the bike man skidded under a 911 truck while I stood watching. I later saved the bike man from being crushed by the vehicle. I later went on my way. This I am thankful for

This coming year is starting and I know I have to begin to thank God for successes I have recorded in it. When I thank God the earth and everything will respond to me. This I am thankful for

Thank you to everyone who made last year a glorious one. I have been embarassed by text messages, wall posts,  cals , thanks all…. this I am thankful for

Pens up!

The effect of the Global Economic Crises is closing in on Nigeria gradually. A recent report predicted that 18 percent of Nigerians would further be classified as being poor in 2009. That mean the gap between the poor and the rich will get wider still. But then, it is said that if the riches of the world were shared between the rich and the poor, in 30 years, those rich would still be rich and the poor would have returned to their normal position. Apparently, the poor and the rich seem to have habits that consistently make them remain in the same position. These habits would be analysed based on assets and liabilities. What is an asset? An asset is whatever you acquire that gives you money to maintain you and your purpose on earth, while liabilities are things you have that require more money to maintain them.

Those called rich are the people whose assets are more than their liabilities, while poor people have more liabilities than assets. What do the poor do so exceptionally well?

1. Value liabilities more than assets.

If you value liabilities more than assets, it is likely you would be poor if you are not already. If all you seek or aspire to have are all liabilities instead of assets, you are most likely poor. It is notable that more students and poor people use more good looking phones than rich people. Cars, clothes, phones are all liabilities and these are things most poor people aspire to have as a status of being rich.

2. Acquire liabilities with income.

Supposing you use your hard earned cash to purchase a car, don’t doubt it- a car is a liability, if we follow our previous definition above- except if you have a mobile shop. If income is directed at obtaining liabilities which requires more money to maintain them, then you have just bought a pipe through which all your hard-earned income would be drained. The issue with rich people is that they earn faster than they spend.

3. Spend income maintaining liabilities.

Definitely once the money is spent on acquiring liabilities, you would require more money to maintain or continue to use them. Poor people spend a large part of their earning maintaining the liabilities they have. Imagine having four cars, it requires more money to maintain the four cars, while assets make more money for you.

4. Spend and try to save leftover.

The spending pattern of the poor is also evident in the fact that once they earn some money they spend them on liabilities and save the left over. After expending all the money on liabilities, the little money saved would be used to settle the debts or costs incurred on maintaining the liabilities they have bought.

5. Save to expend on liabilities.

Poor people may have excellent saving culture, but they may spend it on liabilities. Imagine spending time and life going to work, and saving only to buy a car to use to go to work. A car may not be bad when you have assets in excess of the money you earn in a year.

When saving towards anything, be sure it is towards an asset that may bring more money into your pocket, rather than a liability that would take more from you.

6. Play today, pay tomorrow.

The mindset of delaying gratification is only found in the dictionary of the rich. A poor man/woman would prefer to enjoy the pleasantries of life as soon as some cash enters into their pocket, only for them to regret those decisions in years to come.

If you find a seventy year old woman begging on the streets, what readily comes to mind is to ask what she has been doing? There are too many cases of “have beens” in the earth, who are worth nothing today.

7. Their children inherit debt.

The thirst to acquire more and more might even drive some people to take loans from banks. Other people love to admire such; flashy cars, houses, glamorous clothes and accessories only for them to die and put their children in line for paying back debts owed or for credit card abuse

This is intended to x-ray our behaviours as we position ourselves on the way to the future. We should look at our habits and choices and have no doubt where we hope to end up.

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Ekiti people have proven once again they are the fountain of knowledge, (I jokingly call it – state of emergency). I see the dramatic events of those days being a message written to every other state, the electorates, contestants and particularly for the coming 2011 elections for which so many governors had previously abandoned governance to campaign for.

I would like to share lessons in form of messages, which the Ekiti re-run has taught us all.