Tuesday, December 16, 2008

How to Get Paid to Write and Earn Residual Income with Your Writing

Writers can make a nice living writing online. Freelance writers can not only earn direct income and upfront payments for their work, they can also earn residual income. Both direct payments and residual income have their benefits.Writing for the web isn't like writing for print.
Print markets pay more and those that have previously written for print might be intimidated or offended by the differences in pay for web writing. Writing for the web can actually bring in more income than print writing, over a period of time, for the same article, where the print article would be a one time payment.If you are looking for a one time payment for your writing on the web, there is always a market for writers to write and sell their work.
There are many clients who will outright purchase your work, some that will simply pay for using your article, some who will give you a byline, and some that won't give a byline.
A good place to check for daily freelance writing jobs is Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs at http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com.
Often however, a client will want full rights to the article or articles. In the past, this was known as selling away your copyright. Today, it's better known as ghostwriting. The problem with this type of writing is that once you sell it, it's no longer yours. You can't claim it, use it as a sample, make any further profit from it, etc. It belongs legally to the one you sold it to, even if you wrote it for a mere $5 fee. Some see no problem with this. Some see it as selling yourself very short.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

CURRICULUM VITAE OF BASOLA VICTOR

CURRICULUM VITAE/ RESUME



OF



BASOLA AYODELE VICTOR
(msp, maces)

CAREER VISION

A world-class and result-laden career in the application of Winning Business Ideas supported by cutting edge marketing strategies for the overall Business Development and Turn-around of Individuals, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Corporate Bodies, Institutions, Nation-States, Regional Entities and the International Community.

1. PERSONAL DETAILS

NAME: Basola Ayodele Victor
NATIONALITY: Nigerian
DATE OF BIRTH: September 26th 1986
STATE OF ORIGIN : Ondo State
MARITAL STATUS: Single
LANGUAGES: English and Yoruba


2. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

(i) Omo-Olu Nursery and Primary school Ile-Ife Osun State . (1988-1992)
(ii) Chinkelly, Nursery and Primary School, Warri, Delta State . (1992-1995)
(iii) College of Education , Demonstration Secondary School , Warri, Delta State .(1996- 2002)
(iv) Delta State University , Abraka, Delta State , Nigeria BSc (Hons), Biochemistry. (2003-2007)


3. SELECTED CONFERENCES PROGRAMMES AND COURSES ATTENDED:


(i) Vision and Leadership challenges for the Nigerian Youth
(Junior Chamber International, Delsu Abraka Collegiate.) September, 2006

(ii) 8 Streams of Multiple Income (Benson & Edwards, Lagos )
July, 2006

(iii) Effective Public Speaking (Nigerian Speakers Institute, Lagos )
December, 2006

(iv) Life After Graduation; What To Do When The Job Is Not There (The Youth Entrepreneur. Delsu, Abraka) September, 2006


(v) 7 Habits of Highly Effective Leaders
(Bash Concepts International)
May, 2007


(v) Undergraduate Business Conference
Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research University of Nigeria , Nsukka.
July 2007
(vi) Effective Leadership Skills
(Leadership Empowerment Movement Worldwide) July, 2007

(vii) Delsu Leadership Conference
First Born International in conjunction with;
Student Affairs, Delta state University, Abraka, Delta State .
October, 2007
(viii) Rebranding Nigeria- The role of the Nigerian Youth.

Junior Chamber International, Delsu, Abraka Collegiate Chapter.
November, 2007
(ix) Starting Your Own Business

BASH Concepts International, Abraka, Delta State , Nigeria .
March 15th, 2008

(X) Small Business Solutions (A one Month Certficate Course on Entrepreneurship and Business start-Up)
September 6th – October 6th 2008
BASH Concepts International, Abraka, Delta State .


4. SHORT PROFILE

Basola A. Victor is an Author, Marketing Expert and Business Consultant. He is presently the CEO of Bash Concepts International, a Marketing Expertise and Business solutions firm dedicated to become a one stop source for overall business development. He is young, dynamic and quick to express His passionate belief in the Human Resource Potentials that Nigeria possesses and He has expressed this at various local, national and regional fora through his speaking opportunities with over 400 audiences over the years.
He is a dynamic, entertaining and highly sought-after speaker, his dynamic influence in the area of Leadership, Business Start- Up, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Youth Empowerment is Unrivaled.
He has authored four soon to be published books including “60 Business Ideas You Can Do With Little or No Money”, and “How To Sack Your Dad”.
He writes for different Newspapers and Magazines including, Pointer Newspapers, Society Mail Newspapers, Soaring Standpoint, The Enthusiasm Magazine, Beacon of Wisdom Magazine, e.t.c

5. CORE EXPERIENCE

(i) National Association of Nigerian Students, Delta State University , Abraka Delta State .
(Executive Secretary) 2006-2007

Responsibilities

·Handling of correspondence, files and important documents.
·Effective recording of meeting proceedings and liaising with other cultural organizations on campus for maximum success.

(ii) Living Water Campus Ministry, Delsu Abraka.
(Technical Director) 2005-2007


Responsibilities

· Handling all musical and technical instruments of the fellowship; maintenance, repairs as well as making it available for use as and when due.

(iii) Orile-Agege General Hospital , Lagos
(Industrial Trainee) 2006-2007
Responsibilities

· Carrying out relevant laboratory test using aseptic techniques and making results available to the Head of Department for scrutiny and eventual release to patients.

(v) National Speakers Institute, Lagos
(Public Relations Officer) Jan 2006- December 2006

Responsibilities

·Corporate branding and packaging of the speakers Institute.
·Organizing press Reviews, conferences and correspondence withy other institutes and corporate bodies alike.


(vi) Undergraduate Business Conference (UBC)
(Action Partner, Delsu) March 2007 – Date

Responsibilities

·Corporate marketing, publicity and coordination of students of delta State University , Abraka to participate in the Business Conference.

(vii) Emical Nigeria Limited, Warri, Delta State .
(Marketing Consultant) June 2007-September 2007

Responsibilities

·Training and sales coaching for marketers and sales staff of the company.
·Corporate Restructuring and branding of the company.

(viii) Lian_Syl Kreations Warri, Delta State .
(Marketing Consultant) June 2007-September 2007

Responsibilities

·Strategic Planning, Branding, Publicity, Corporate Restructuring and Fund raising for the Warri Fashion show

(ix) The Youth Entrepreneur Nigeria , DELSU, Abraka.
(President) 2005- December 2007



Responsibilities

·Administration, Development, strategic planning and organization of human resources.
·Visioning and expansion of the youth empowerment NGO


(x) BASH Concepts International, Abraka, Delta State .

(a) (Marketing Manager) March 2005-September 2005

Responsibilities

·Corporate branding, Market penetration and Business Development.

(b) (Manager) September 2005-March 2006

Responsibilities
· Visioning, Strategic Planning and Turnaround Management
·Staff Development and Training
(c) Principal Consultant / CEO March 2006-Date

Responsibilities

·Human Capital Development and Financial Restructuring
· Visioning, Business Development and Image Management
· Corporate Planning and Repositioning

(XI) OYENIYI O. L (Mrs.)
Public Relations Officer, Delta State University , Abraka, Delta State .

(Personal Assistant) August 2006-Date

Responsibilities

·Branding and Corporate Assistant

·Image Management and Business Development


(XII) POINTER NEWSPAPERS, ASABA DELTA STATE

GUEST COLUMNIST
July, 2008 till september 2008.

Responsibilities

Creation and Management of a Business Column Tagged “Small Business Solutions” every Thursday.

(XIII) SHELL Nigeria Eploration and Production Company (SNEPCO)

FINOPS VENDOR MASTER DATA TEAM MEMBER

October 2008- (Ongoing) Six Months

RESPONSIBILITIES
· Liasing with vendors and reporting back to the vendor sservices division.
· Entering and updating relevant data on vendors into the database using Ms word excel.
· Public relations and convincingly getting data from vendors.


6. RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

·Anti Oxidant effect of Xylopia Aethiopica on Cycas induced Cancer in Rats, December 2007. Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University , Abraka Delta State .

·Pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes Mellitus; Impaired Insulin secretion Vs Impaired Insulin Sensitivity, September 2007. Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University , Abraka Delta State .

7. BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS:

·6o Business Ideas You Can Do With Little Or No Money
Unpublished

·How To Sack Your Dad.
Unpublished

·Author of several articles published in National and International Magazines, E-zines and Publications archived at www.basolavictor.blogspot.com


10. MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS/COMMITTEES

(i) Member, Alliance of Change Empowerment Speakers (aces) Nigeria (ii) Member, Nigerian Speakers Institute.
(ii) Member, Young Action Partners For Change (YAPD)


11. INTERESTS

Writing, Public Speaking, Traveling, Drumming, Strategizing and Driving
12. PERSONALITY TRAITS:

Amiable Social Disposition
Excellent Communication skills
Good Marketing Skills
Strong drive for Achievement and Result
Nose for Opportunities
Loves Challenges

13. REFEREES

1. Mr. G. O. Ossai

Director, Bank-Link Technologies, Port Harcourt


2. Uju Onyechere
CEO, Benson & Edwards, Lagos
National President
Toast Masters International (Public Speaking School)

3. Oyeniyi O. L (Mrs.) (FINHR, MNIM)
Public Relation Officer.
Delta State University , Abraka, Delta State .
4. Mr Festus Isichei
General Manager
Pointer NEWSPAPERS, Asaba, Delta State Nigeria

*Contact of referees available on request


14. Contact Address and Phone Nos:
C/O

BASH CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL
Suite 001 , Elshaddai House Off Umono Rd. Abraka
Delta State , Nigeria
(+234) 07035121346, 08078957783
bashconcepts@yahoo.com
www.basolavictor.blogspot.com

BASH CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL (CUSTOMER PROSPECTUS)

BASH CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL

Bringing Your Imagination To Life


CUSTOMER PROSPECTUS

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission is to become a world class Company providing quality Marketing and Business Consultancy Services in order to meet the need and taste of our various clientele without prejudice to Ethics of the noble profession thereby bringing our clients imagination to life.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1.
Quality Comes First


We have passion for our clients and their business. They are the reason for our existence and we do not compromise with quality.

2.
Clients are the Reason for our Existence

They must be convinced that our services provide value and are superior to those offered by our competitors.

3.
Continuous Improvement is Essential to our Services

We continuously strive for excellence in every thing we do. Continuous improvement is our watch word.

4.
Integrity is Never Compromised

The conduct of our company is pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for our integrity and positive contributions to the society.

5.
Going the Extra Mile

We always go the extra mile to ensure that we exceed our clients’ expectations and delight them.


ABOUT US

Bash Concepts International is a Marketing expertise, Business consultancy and Ideas solution firm designed to provide wining business ideas supported with cutting edge marketing expertise dedicated to bringing you imaginations to life. We are registered here in Nigeria to provide professional services in various areas. These services include Business Consulting (including management, investment and financial advisory services), Training and Human Resources Solutions.

CORE SERVICES

· Idea-Preneurship
· Staff Recruitment & Training
· Business Consultancy
· Marketing Expertise and Publicity.
· Project Management & Evaluation
· Seminars & Workshops
· Publishing of Business Manuals, Magazines, E-zines & Learning Materials
· Drafting of Business Documents
· Website DESIGN and Hosting
· Information Technology (IT) Solutions

· IDEA-PRENEURSHIP

Ideas are the cells around which any business organization revolves and in Bash Concepts, we help you find what your customers need, ideal product or service that will meet their specific demand and also help with Pre business research, packaging of winning Business blue prints and plans that will aid our clients in achieving their specific goals. All you need to succeed is an Idea and that sound and winning Idea is what we will help you generate and package.


· STAFF RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

In Bash Concepts, we believe that no organization or corporate entity can outgrow the mental and productive capacities of its employees and staff force. We recognize that people within an organization are the key drivers of processes and as such must be adequately trained for optimal performance. Bash Concepts International is highly referred in the following specialized areas for which we have packaged detailed proposals and can customize to meet your specific requirements. Our Business consulting services help clients maximize their business performance by integrating business development and financial advisory services, thus ensuring increased shareholder value.

SEMINARS AND WORKHOPS DESIGNED FOR STAFF EFFECTIVENESS AND PROFITABILITY


v Starting Your Own Business Monthly Seminar Series

v Relationship Management

v Marketing/Selling Skills

v Customer Care

v Personal Effectiveness for Peak Performance

v Profitable Negotiation Skills

v Teaming and Bonding

v Corporate Governance in Business

v Effective Presentation Skills

Other areas for which detailed proposal would be provided upon request.

· Creative and Lateral Thinking

· Management Retreats

· Leadership Skills

· Personal Financial Planning
· Marketing and Financial Services


· Business consultancy

In BASH Concepts International, we believe business is more than getting a product at a lower price and giving it out at a higher price and pocketing the change, hence we help our clients with what they need to set sail. From finding the right idea, to helping with Business Start up skills, Branding, Concept Packaging, Staff Recruitment and Training to finding the right marketing strategies to suit the kind of concepts our client is involved in. In all we help our client to do all that they need while they rest as we are committed to Bringing their imaginations to life.


· Marketing Expertise

Marketing is the soul of Business. When no sale is made, then there is no Business. We are skilled in branding and packaging cutting edge marketing strategies to help convey your message to your customers. We do more than just marketing as we also help in the creating of marketing and sales channels, branding and publicity of your goods, services and ideas so as to help you achieve your desired goal.
In BASH Concepts International, we believe in connecting you to your prospective customers as we bring your imaginations to life.


· Project Management & Evaluation

Long Term and Short Term Projects are instrumental to the Success of any Corporate Body and Effective Management and Evaluation of such projects is what we ensure. We have successfully managed such projects as BEYOND DELSU in Conjunction with Insight for Africa Development (IFAD), MAY 2007; Undergraduate Business Conference in Conjunction with Centre For Entrepreneurship and Development Research (CEDR), UNN Nsukka, September, 2007, Vice-Chancellors Award, Delta State University, Abraka on Conjunction with Don 2 Dammy Productions. June, 2006; Warri Fashion Show in Conjunction with Lian_Syl Kreations and GLITTERATTI International Magazine, December, 2007, WORSHIP & FAITH in Conjunction with Search Heart Music Ministries, DELSU, Abraka. Our Numerous Clients would testify of our Speed, Efficiency, Prompt and proper delivery of our promises.


· Publishing of Business Manuals, Magazines, E-zines & Learning Materials

In BASH Concepts International, we believe in the dissemination of vital information and knowledge to Entrepreneurs, Business owners and Corporate bodies and as such, we publish and print such business manuals and learning materials such as;

v Starting Your Own Business Monthly Magazine
v How To Write a Wining Business Plan
v How To Write a Winning Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
v 60 Business Ideas You Can Do With Little Or No Money
v Why Most Nigerian Businesses Fail e.t.c
v Hiring And Keeping The Best Staff
v Starting Your Own Business (Entrepreneurs Guide)
v Effective Marketing Strategies
(These materials are available in Paper back, CD, Electronic format,)


· Drafting of Business Documents

Business documents are vital tools to the Success of any Organization or Corporate individual and in BASH Concepts International we help our clients to draft and build such vital documents such as;

v Curriculum vitae/Resume
v Memorandum of Association/ Constitution
v Sponsorship Proposals
v Business Plan, Research and Layout e.t.c

· Website DESIGN and Hosting

We have being delivering comprehensive web solutions to clients across nearly every industry and business classification. Since our inception, we have evolved to expand our competencies to offer clients a comprehensive solution to acquire customers and generate a measurable return on investment.From developing and hosting web sites to E-commerce web-base solution; we have the tools, experience, and expertise to develop professional and innovative website for your Organization.


OUR TEAM


We use a crop of highly professional and experienced people who have excelled in their professions and who bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to bear on our programmes. Details of our facilitators and team members are attached.

1. BASOLA A. VICTOR ( mnsi, maces)

Basola A. Victor is a Best Selling Author, Marketing Expert and Business Consultant. He is presently the CEO of Bash Concepts International, He is a dynamic, entertaining and highly sought-after speaker, his dynamic influence in the area of Leadership, Business Start- Up, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Youth Empowerment is Unrivaled. He has authored four books including the award winning “60 Business Ideas You Can Do With Little Or No Money”, and “How To Sack Your Dad”.
He is the Founder and Project Manager of Rural Development Initiative Nigeria (RDIN), a body committed to the financial empowerment and moral revolution of community youths, women and children through the organization of financial empowerment seminars and workshops, HIV AIDS awareness campaigns and implementation of Rural and Micro-Credit Schemes.

1. 2. OSAZEE THOMPSON
2. Osazee Thompson who was formerly a Marketing Director for Jessa Communications limited is a refined Human Relations Expert, Motivational Speaker and Successful Intra-Preneur. He is a member of Alliance for Change Empowerment Speakers, ACES Nigeria, and he holds a Degree in Business administration from the Prestigious Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. He is currently the Marketing Manager for BASH Concepts International.
3.
4. 3. REBECCA BENJAMIN

Rebecca Benjamin has over 5 years of working experience as a Marketing and Business Development expert having worked with different firms, she has a rounded and diverse knowledge base making it possible for her to easily connect individually with people. She holds a Degree in Business administration from Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. She is a Human Resource Specialist and consults on Human Resource Management.

CONTACT US

For further information, please contact:
BASH CONCEPTS INERNATIONAL
SUITE 001, ELSHADDAI HOUSE OFF UMONO RD,
ABRAKA, DELTA STATE.
PHONE: +234 (0) 70351-213-46, 07037801666, 08050316236
E-MAIL: bashconcepts@yahoo.com
Website: www.bashconceptsinternational.com


Friday, December 5, 2008

FREE MARKETING: How To Attract All The Customers You Need For Free!

FREE MARKETING: How To Attract All The Customers You Need For Free!
By
Basola A. Victor

In business and industry, you are paid based on your ability to sell the superiority or quality of your work to the people whose opinion is most important in determining your success (customers). Entrepreneurs who market themselves the most effectively move ahead far more rapidly in the business than others who do not, even though they may not be more talented and they may not be producing more or better product or services.
It’s all about marketing. How much of your business are you selling even in your sleep! If you have not gotten the idea I want to put across to you today then look at the topic again;
FREE MARKETING: Most entrepreneurs spend a fortune on expensive advertising that could cripple them even from the onset. Such expensive advertising may feed your Ego but it necessarily is not going to feed Your Bank Account.
There are inexpensive ways to attract customers. There are free ways to create visibility and you can even be paid for marketing yourself.
Here are three (3) specific strategies:
[A] SELL WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT AND ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR
Let’s assume you’re starting a new business or you have a great idea for a new product or service. It’s terrific, it’s creative, and it’s wonderful. It’s unique. It is probably the greatest idea you’ve ever had! Therefore it will sell right? Guess again.
The problem with this kind of thinking is that you are assuming your customers have the same wants, needs and taste and view of the world as you do. While that may or may not be true, to assume it’s true is taking a blind and dangerous risk.
“You don’t get rich selling what you love alone; you get rich selling customers what they want”.

A small town radio station in rural Mississippi was undergoing a financial down turn. The owner has spent a fortune on the station but could never make a profit. Why? He insisted on his station playing on the music he loved, Lawrence Wolk, Guy Lombard’s and soft instrumentals. The playing of rock, country and gospel music was forbidden because he didn’t like it. Well you can just imagine what size of audience that drew in a small mission town in the mid sixties. Few people turned in and because the audience was small, few people paid to advertize on the station.
On the other hand, a nearby competing station owned the market because the owner had a totally different mindset. He said “I hate listening to my station because I can’t stand the music, I just tell the manager to play what the people want and we keep making money.


[B] CREATE VISIBILITY!
In addition to selling what customers want, you need to get their attention and convince them that you are the best person to buy it from. To do that, you have to become visible. People can’t buy from you until they know you exist. Here are some strategies I use to create visibility for free of course.

i. WRITING :
Write an article or several articles and get it published in journals, magazines and news papers where your potential customers will read it. The article should be related to what you do and give readers some information that will help them solve a problem. Finally be sure to let them know how they can contact you.
Remember, writers are always viewed with high esteem and your customers will think you are the best or at least among the best. Well established papers might give you trouble but it can try your hands on upcoming ones and remember do it for free

ii. SPEAKING :
Volunteer to present a free seminar for a School, Organization Churches or Company that stands to benefit from your offering the information to their students or members. If participants include potential future customers, it’s another way to create visibility at no cost.
When you speak, leave a trail of tangibles. Pass out at least one piece of printed information that the members of the audience can take with them and that includes the name of your business and how to contact you.
It could be a wallet sized card, a pamphlet, a reprint of an article you have written or even your customer prospectus.
Whatever you leave, make it something valuable enough to potential customers that they will take with them for future purpose and you know what that means don’t you?
iii. GET INTERVIEWEED ON RADIO AND T.V
It’s not as difficult as you might think. Talk shows are on the increase and always looking for new guests who have something to say that will attract and hold an audience. The key to making it effective is to target the shows whose listeners and watchers are your potential customers.

iv. WRITE A BOOK TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR EXPERTISE
If your book addresses a problem or subject that interests a large number of people and it is well written, a publisher could buy it from you and publish it, promote it and distribute it for you.
Your visibility and credibility as an expert in your business will sky- rocket. You will be interviewed on radio and television shows. And instead of volunteering to speak, you’ll be paid handsomely which increases your visibility and sells more books. If you are an effective speaker, giving a good speech usually results in additional paid speeches.
In short you will find yourself being paid to market yourself.

v. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR CUSTOMER SOMETHING FREE EACH TIME THEY BUY FROM YOU :
Customers are always attracted to FREEBIES especially when it is given to them by the business they like buying from.
Create free products which contains your information; it could be a product packaging material like;
i. Branded Nylon
ii. Branded Hand kerchiefs
iii. Free service for their kids if you run a home service related business
iv. A free health club or information club where they can get helpful tips monthly for free just by buying from you.
v. Key holders e.t.c

vi. CREATE YOUR PROMOTIONAL MATEIRALS AND ALWAYS HAVE IT HANDY!
Your promotional materials are your mobile salesmen and you never can tell how far they can reach because people migrate. The materials e.g. your complimentary cards, ID cards, Stickers, Customer prospectus, handbills, flyers etc. could be your advocate someday, somewhere.
A prolific author and sales man Joe Girard once said “I shake hands with everybody, meet daily and every body gets a copy of my Business Cards.
Think of all the thousands upon thousands of people that Joe has shaken hands with down the years. Each one of this people have a material of Joe Girard. No wonder he is well known.

[C] GIVE YOUR CUSTOMER QUALITY PRODCTS AND SERVICES

Quality, prompt delivery of service and customer satisfaction creates a lot of referrals to you. A satisfied customer will not only come back but will bring other friends and partners to enjoy what he/she enjoyed from buying from you.
Never give out low quality products or treat your customers without care. When you lose them, you’ve not only lost them but all the money they would have brought. A happy customer becomes your unpaid advertiser. Likewise, an unhappy customer spreads the news like wildfire.

These are three ways you can create visibility and promote your business with little or no out of pocket cost for you. Of course, they really aren’t totally free. You are paying for the exposure with your time and with the hope that the visibility will translate into sales. From experience, that is worthwhile investment.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

GETTING SPONSORSHIP FOR YOUR BUSINESS IDEA

These is the most important thought, question or even challenge every young and aspiring entrepreneur must face in his or her quest for business success. How do I get a sponsor for my Business Idea?
The idea is good, profit is guaranteed but you do not have the necessary cash to implement it. Well you are not alone as today, we will be dealing with this challenge and also get possible solutions, all I advise you to do is drop that “I have tried it before mentality and keep your mind open for fresh ideas as you go through today’s article.

Whenever my clients approach me with this kind of problem, (idea, No cash) I always and will continue to recommend the following steps which off course I have practiced and will still practice whenever I want to birth any of my brain child.

PREPARE A LIST OF YOUR POSSIBLE SPONSORS

Different companies and individuals have different areas of interests and they produce goods and services for different classes of people in different strata of the society. List out companies or individuals that produce goods and services in line with your idea or Business and will be willing to sponsor you. Take for example; our Television programme which is centered on Children, you would do well to list out Companies or individuals and also Government bodies that render services that targets children. You will want to meet companies that produce products like Indomie, Bournvita, Chi-vita, Ribena e t.c. You could list out Churches; NGO’s that Focus on Children, Children evangelical Ministries and Government agencies that cater for Children, Women and Youths alike.

Such Individuals, Corporate bodies and Non governmental organizations will like to participate simply because “Your Idea Targets their Target”

BREAK DOWN YOUR GOALS OR NEEDS INTO SMALLER ONES AND FIX A SPONSOR PER SECTION

This makes your goal and needs easily accessible, surmountable and achievable. If you are planning a TV programme as discussed earlier, you probably would need, Airtime, publicity before commencing the programme, Resource persons e.t.c
When you have broken them down, approach a sponsor per segment. If you do not have a sponsor that agrees to foot the bill. Sponsors can never be too much but not all of them must have a financial reward. You can reward them with Publicity/moral reward.

PREPARE A SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL

A Sponsorship Proposal is like a business plan for your idea. It is a well documented detailed on the purpose of your idea or Business. How it will run, its duration, your target audience, benefits of the idea to your would be sponsors and above all, a detailed Financial analysis. You can write your Proposal like a Business Plan, type it neatly, spiral bind it and make it attractive.
“Please do not make photocopies; use a neat printer so as to give you a good Image”.
If for example, you are seeking sponsorship from a Bank or Corporate firm to Launch a Television programme for Children, your sponsorship proposal should follow the Format below;

i. Cover page
ii. Declaration by the board of Directors or Management Team
iii. Executive Summary of your company/Outfit (About Us)
iv. Management Team (who they are and their Capabilities or expertise)

v. THE IDEA
v Theme or Purpose of your idea (Its aim and objectives)
v Organization (How it will run)
v Duration of your Idea
v Proposed Date of Kick off
v Choice Television Station

vi. Benefits of Sponsorship
v Why should they sponsor you
v What will they benefit
v Would it be better if they kept their money in a Banks fixed deposit account.
vii Financial Analysis/breakdown

This must be detailed, no assumptions. Conduct your research very well and do not overshoot as they may decide to pay for the service themselves and if they discover the overshoot, they may decline.


APPROACH THEM

This is the most challenging part of the game, meeting face-to-face with those stern looking people sitting across the desk obviously not interested in what you are talking about. They probably are not looking at you, rather they want you to “Talk and Go”.
Before approaching your sponsors, conduct a survey and get relevant contacts and phone numbers. (Try as much as possible not to make a cold call). Call them and book an appointment or if possible send them a letter requesting for a visit to the company. They do not know you and they will likely give you audience thinking you are a prospective client. Of course, you are, do not disclose you intent on phone, it makes them prepare a defence. Make the call, reserve the appointment and go meet them armed with everything you think you need.
Always go first to the Head/CEO or most important person in the organisation that can take a decision, even though he has to redirect you to a lower officer in charge.
It saves time and energy rather than coming from bottom to the top. “Sometimes, your Proposal might get Lost in Transit”. Never go to any company and just drop your proposal with the Company secretary or receptionist, it will end up in the Trash can or probably, they could grab your idea and implement it without your consent.

Talk your Proposal through before dropping it and more still, get relevant contacts so as to follow up on them until you succeed. Be courageous, determined and keep trying for not all sponsors will attend to you initially.
A manager once opened his door to an insurance agent and said to him; “you can count yourself lucky, I have refused to see 7 insurance agents today”. The Insurance agent replied him smiling “I know; I am them”.

He got his appointment because he pursued his goal unflinchingly.

ASK FOR WHAT THEY CAN EASILY GIVE YOU WITHOUT FEELING IT

I always recommend this to young Entrepreneurs. Try as much as possible to put money behind you. If you are too money conscious, your sponsors will notice this in you and that will make them skeptical about committing their funds to you.
Always ask for service if possible. Take for example, if you approaching a Transport company and you probably need transportation for your “children” to and from a location; it will be a lot easier for the Transport Company to give you a Bus for that purpose instead of giving you cash. At least fuelling the Bus can come from a Petrol Station (another sponsor).
This is a very important principle; ask for what they could give you easily without feeling it. It’s like plucking a leaf from a big tree.

SHOW THEM HOW THEY WOULD BENEFIT

Human beings are naturally selfish and corporate bodies alike have a nose for profit. They would likely not listen to you if they will not benefit anything from your idea or Business proposal. If you can show your sponsor in clear terms how your Business idea will benefit them, they will listen to you. If your idea will make them better off, they’ve got no choice.
“If you need anything from a man, show him how it will benefit him and he can do anything for you.”

DOCUMENT AN AGREEMENT

Definitely, we all know that no Business transaction should be done without proper documentation or a mutual agreement. Meet a Lawyer to help you draft a simple but encompassing one. Your sponsors or would be sponsors already have the money and can carry out or implement your Idea if not well Protected. I have tried it before and my fingers got burnt. It’s a bad thing for you to see your idea being implemented by another person you went to for help. Your idea is your Brain child; Guard it.

APPRECIATE THEM

Yes! Send them a thank you Letter; Publicize them before and after the event. Send them a Branded Plague, card, an Award, Write about them in your Magazine or do anything that Promotes their Brand. It will keep communication lines open and you can go to them again.
Remember, Never you burn the Bridge if you intend to cross it again.

Till we meet again,
Go be the Solutions to your World!

About The Author

Basola A. Victor is the CEO of BASH Concepts International, a Business solutions firm dedicated to becoming a one stop source for overall Business development.
P: +234(0) 703-5121-346
E: bashconcepts@yahoo.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

MY FIRST DAY IN SHELL

HELLO everybody, it's been along time sicne you aqll heard from me. well i have been alittle busy offline but i got good NEWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS FOR YOU ALL.
I HAVE JUST BEEN EMPLOYED BY SHELL as a Data Base Analyst (Big english) my job na to copy and paste. oops
i resumed yesterday 20th october 2008 and i met with my supervisor and good team members (Kayode, stella and bRidget.)
i am ecxcited and happy

Basola A. Victor
Master Data Team Warri

Shell

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Life After Graduation, What To Do When The Job Is Not There

SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION; WHAT TO DO WHEN THE JOB IS NOT THERE
Basola A. Victor

A student’s dream and aspiration is to graduate with Good Grades and Get a Good/Dream Job that will put an end to all their life’s problems. Whenever they are asked about their life ambition, they are quick to answer “To Graduate, Get a good JOB and raise a family. Their definition of a Good JOB is one that pays them around 50,000-100,000 for a start and they will take nothing less even though they do not possess the equivalent expertise to justify the salaries they Crave for.
Amazingly, their Definition of a Good Job becomes a Mirage as the few available spaces are occupied and the GOVERNMENT minimum wage is a far cry from their Dream Salary. The lazy ones sit at home; blaming the Government and circumstances; but the dogged and tough take advantage of the situation and they forge Ahead. Do you fit into the picture above; are you a fresh graduate in need of a good job that’s eluding you? Then follow through, use the information that you need, discard the ones you do not need and do not forget to contact me when you are done.
“He who knows why will get a job, he who knows how will be his Boss”.

(A) LOOK INWARD

The reason most of us are Jobless after high school is probably because we went into school to study a course that was foisted on us either by our parents, JAMB, PRE-DEGREE or CIRCUMSTANCE. We did not really study what we like and will like to work with. Hence our certificates are mere “Rubber Stamps”. The real you is inside. The needed skills, gifts, talents and endowments needed to succeed are in you waiting for discovery. “If you can discover what you are naturally good for and stay there; you stop struggling. You just wake up daily and be your normal self?

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING?

This is a question I often ask my clients and the answer provided often signifies the hidden wealth in them. Just imagine yourself doing that thing you love and people are paying you for it. You stop working; you start Enjoying Yourself and people pay you for Enjoying Yourself.
WHAT ARE YOUR NATURALL SKILLS
It’s almost natural for your inborn skills and abilities (which makes us distinct) to be in line with what you love. No matter how crude or insignificant or unsellable you think those skills are just get a sheet of paper and list them out. It could be Singing, Playing an instrument, Talking, Organizing of parties, Reading, acting, sports, Playing video games, Hair plaiting, Barbing and a host others. All we need to do is

POLISH THEM

If you have seen Raw Gold before, with your untrained eyes, you probably would have mistaken it for dirt or stones. Nothing is appealing and market worthy in its raw form. Those skills need HORNING. Yours could be Selling/Marketing. You’d probably need to work on your Grammar/speaking skills, people skills and learn some simple marketing tips that could help you. Yours could be to become a stand up comedian like Basket mouth; you don’t expect Nigerians to pay you now what they pay him. The difference between the two of you is Knowledge, Exposure, Development and Time.
You do not necessarily have to go to school before you polish your skills you can school yourself by getting yourself Mentors (People who have achieved what you want to achieve and are willing to help you), Good Books, Good Tapes, Watch other Good Comedians and learn everything you think you need.
“You will be the same person now and 20 years later save for the people you associate with and the books you read”.
Before you go on, I will suggest you put that your skill or ability of interest though what I call The ACID TEST.

CAN YOU DO IT WITHOUT MONEY?

If money is your primary aim of choosing your line of business then I bet you that business will not out live you. Your primary aim should be an inborn passion to express your gifts and talents to the world. Among Your Favourite pastimes there are some which you love doing and can happily continue doing even without pay for the rest of your life.
That’s the click, and amazingly, that’s where your Real Hidden money is; DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.

(B) LOOK AROUND

What is the basic need of your immediate environment, if your skill and talent is going to fetch you money, then it must solve people’s problems; it must create value. Wealth flows in the direction of value. Men will happily pay you if you solve their problem and meet their needs. So your Talent/skill must be centered on a need of your environment and I bet you if you can find out that BASIC NEED that naturally suits your skills, then you are on your way to WEALTH. If you can find a need and meet it customers will knock down your Door.
Probably or possibly, person’s or companies have been meeting those needs before it is now left for you to identify what the people Crave for that those existing companies are not giving them.

HOW CAN YOU DO IT BETTER

There is no fun in going into an existing line of business and doing it the same way. It is going to be boring and less profitable. People crave for new ways of doing things. There is no entirely new idea, only a Rebranding and Repackaging of old ones.

(C) GET A BUSINESS NAME

Your business name should not be organized or gotten in a hurry. Your Business name should be meticulously thought out for it will make customers want to know more if well crafted. Your Business name must create a stir or raise a gossip. A business name gives you class, it becomes your Brand. If a customer is provided with two options Okere Community bank and Eagle Flight Micro Finance Bank, two banks, same services, different names; your guess of his choice is as good as mine. It is not a must that your Business name must be your name and that of your wife or Brother. Think of something exquisite, something sizzling that connotes class and your name will soon become a song on your customer’s lips. If you are going into the clothing line instead of Madam Comfort Boutique how about DRESS RITE or SEW TO FIT; you know names that will sell your idea immediately.

(D) REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME

It’s cheaper now to register your Business name with corporate affairs commission than ever, it’s now 5,000 naira to do a business name registration and this enables you to open a corporate account in your business name and makes you a recognized corporate body by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

(E) PACKAGE YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

Ø Your Office.
Ø Advert Banners/ T.V Jingle/Newspaper Averts.
Ø Complementary Card.
Ø Flyer and Handbills.
Ø Bill Boards etc.
Don’t be scarred or frightened about the big things you just saw. I know the question on your mind. How do I get the money to do all that, yes I know you are a young graduate.
“The most important thing you need on that list for now is your Complimentary Card”.
Try as much as possible to print a Complimentary Card that will provoke enquires. It must not necessarily be expensive but it should be a Complimentary card not a complimentary handbill, simple, precise and beautiful.
Talking about on office what I will advice you to do is;

CONVERT YOUR DWELLING PLACE IN A PROFITABLE ASSET

You already have an office just separate your house, put a table and chair some where and hang a Notice inscribed “OFFICE” with your business name attached. Weird you might think but most of the great brands you see today stated likewise until you grow enough to rent a befitting and well located Business premises.
(F) SHOUT IT LOUD
If you have extra money after printing your complimentary cards, you could afford to;
Ø
DIRTS KILL
Let us kill’em before they do

CORPORATE LAUNDRY

07035121346

Corporate laundry@yahoo.com

# Suite 001 Elshaddai House, Abraka
Business Advice to arrest their Interest
Your Business Name [in another Colour]
Phone No
E-mail
Office AddressPRINT small Banners with your business Name, an advice and your Business INFO, you can have something like this;







Then HANG IT AROUND TOWN; at busy Junctions popular spots etc.
Ø
I HAVE KILLED MY DIRTS

“Thanks to”

(CORPORATE LAUNDRY)

07035121346 / corporate laundry@yahoo.com
Boldly InscribedPRINT car sticker and Give to your customers as they patronize you; something like.




Ø Print your Name on you best shirts and wear them when ever you are going out for business.
Ø Always carry your publicity materials wherever you go;
You never can tell where you’d meet your clients so always arm yourselves with your mobile sales men (your publicity materials).
They can travel far you know.

(G) BE THE BEST
Your company should never stop learning, improving growing and innovating. You need constant growth and improvement to be the best in your field and Remain tops. Remember, the higher the quality, the higher the demand and this means that your sales will sky rocket if you step on your quality.
Till we meet again, go practice these simple steps and do not forget to write me, your questions will be answered and published.
Go be the solution to your world.
Basola A. V

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Basola A. victor is the CEO of BASH CONCEPTS international, a Business solutions firm dedicated to becoming a one stop source for Overall Business development
Phone No: +234 (0) 7035-121-346, 0807-8957-783
E-mail: bashconcepts@yahoo.com
Website: www.basolavictor.blogspot.com