Hello I am kind of new here. I registered to become a member of this forum because I believe it is a gathering of present NYSC members and ex-corps members who have a wealth of experience in the fields they are specialized in.

However, before I state the purpose of this thread, I would like you to know that the use of the word 'Dummies' is in no way intended to insult anyone, it's just a word that can accurately describe a person who is new to an idea and the experiences that come with this idea

I rounded of NYSC in February this year and I was amazed at the number of unemployed youths that appear for interviews. As a solution to this I opted to build up a business plan and find a mentor I can look up to, instead of waiting for a white collar job.

I know most would be entrepreneurs think that getting capital to start a business is a major challenge, but I beg to differ because I know that if you do not have a carefully planned business plan then you are planning to go fail if the capital is eventually provided for the startup.

I would like this thread to be a topic of interest for would be entrepreneurs and established entrepreneurs amongs us. Please feel free to post your startup experiences, also feel free to drop a word of advice for those looking to start a business or even if you are a resource person with experience in things like this, your contribution will go along way in helping someone.

[ via Android ]

You got a perfect post here. The importance of a perfect biz plan canot be overemphasized when it comes to biz success. Lets plan to create jobs instead of searching for one. Plan to let money work for you, instead of you for money.

[ m ]

Yes, I agree with you. I admit it is not easy starting up a business, but I know the initial hurdles won't matter if eventually success is recorded. I started this thread because I know there are people who will benefit from the experiences of other entrepreneurs. Nice to meet you.

[ via Android ]

Nice write-up. I equally enjoyed an article written here @ 3-roadblocks-stopping-you-from-starting-a-business-t2250.html by another inspired member.
Keep up the good work, @Mscrackles. Hoping to tap a lotta knowledge from ya.

[ m ]

@mscracles! I love u (male or female...wateva). You've really been sensible up there. You pick your words so carefully. Actually not everyone can be entrepreneural. And even many of the few ones jst dabble into businesses they know nothing about especially those with the initial capital. Yo welcome to the community and hoping to get more from you. 'Let me now take you on a visit to the king of the community' #Winks

[ m ]

weldone bro.

@ Boma, I understand that not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. But this should not rule out the possibilty of earning money outside the monthly income.

Investments can be made in profitable ventures which will yield extra income for the person who decides to invest in a business and not dabble into something he knows not how to run.

@ Ibo-boi and Boma, thanks for your input. BTW I am female.

[ via Android ]

Am sooooo impressed.

You can check out this websites, it has alot of helpful articles on entrepreneurship.

On these websites you can get extensive guidiance on how to write a business plan, check list for starting a business amongs other things.

With time I will be sharing some of my business ideas (atleast the basics) etc. But that would depend on how active this thread is.

Could not post the links.

[ via Android ]

mscrackles wrote:Could not post the links.

Take a peep at posting-url-links-on-best-naija-t8038.html
Thats why you couldnt post the links. Thanks for sharing.
If you so desire in the meantime to share your websites etc, make these into your signature which appear bello every post of yours and in your profile. Good luck!

Why not get a job and start a business simultaneously? That way starting your business will seem less intimidating.

eship wrote:Why not get a job and start a business simultaneously? That way starting your business will seem less intimidating.

Great point. Starting a biz while still working is the best combinative start ever. Anyone read 'Before You Quit Your Job' by Robert Kiyosaki?

[ m ]

@ eship, Having a job and running a business would be a good idea, depending on the nature of the business.
However, I started this thread to motivate people who have the zeal to start a business and not wait on the Government to provide jobs for them.
Whether we choose to admit it or not, the Government can not employ everyone.
Most of the private companies we all submit CVs to are built by entrepreneurs. If you have noticed, most of these companies already have a number of staff that they are satisfied with.
If we can not create jobs, then we should not just expect to wake up and get any well paying job we want before we consider having businesses along side the jobs.

[ via Android ]

Topic classified as impressive, relevant and thus 'stickied.'

[ m ]

@ mscrackles:
you did great, setting up this thread and inn deciding to take the proverbial "bull by the horns," regarding your life and future, so plenty kudos.
im soooo glad you chose to start with a business plan and to get a mentor, i can see, especially
from your comments that this entrepreneurial path has increased your capacity for success..
And yes, government, no matter their good intentions, cannot provide jobs for every unemployed Nigerian so have to buckle-up. Most of us (Nigerian youth) shy away from the demands of running a legitimate business, forgetting the benefits and success possibilities of same. Forgetting also that entrepreneurship does not belong to a select few, it can be learned!
The question arises, do you continually want to, "feed" or "be fed," "employ" or "be employed," be "independent" or be "dependent"?
Now, as a contribution...
Contrary to popular opinion, and like you pointed out, lack of funding is not the no. 1 need of the Nigerian business person, whether just starting or having run the business for some time.
Over 10 years combined experience of starting and running some businesses, for myself and helping clients do same, shows that the no.1 Need of the Nigerian business person is a lack of KNOW-HOW...
For instance;
Many people are not sure what their next move should be or how to go about it;
Most people who have funds to start a business are not sure what area to go into while most of those who think they do not have funds to start may just need redirection towards certain possibilities;
Most would-be business owners/start-ups don't even know what steps to take in starting a business in the first place;
Most would-be business owners/start-ups do not know that it is crucial to get relevant info about the area they want to start a business in;
Most would-be business owners/start-ups do not realize that it is extremely important to get place their plans in writing, not just locked-up in their heads...
I could go on but I think the point is made..
Self-employment is a surer bet and know-how should be a business owner/starter's 1st priority!
Hope this helps?!

Thank you for your response Miw. I thought this thread has packed up and gathered dust

Thank you for sharing your views. I will be back to give you guys feedback on the journey so far. Adios.

Android

Miw wrote:Self-employment is a surer bet

I like that. To self-employ is just the bet. It will give you your life back.