Success is not an easy step in the business world. It takes a lot of effort and determination to make it as a successful business man or woman and only a handful have been able to hit that mark. Among the people who’ve made it so far is, one of the richest African women, Folorunsho Alakija. Her success story is rather inspiring as she gradually rose from grass to grace. The business mogul Alakija, has over time shared the secrets of her success never failing to mention that it has all been God’s doing. Her reference to God in all her affairs is astonishing. Who better to give success tips than someone already at the pinnacle of her success?
Here are a few success nuggets from the world’s famous Folorunsho Alakija;
Do not accept no for an answer
Alakija says that she was able to get to where she is now because she never backed down. In the business world you need an healthy backbone to survive. Your zeal should be made of steel as you doggedly pursue your dreams. Don’t take no for an answer.
Take challenges, go the extra mile
If it’s not challenging you, you’re probably not making progress. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be scared of going one extra mile. You’re never going to stand out if you continue doing things the way others do it. What makes you stand out are the things you do differently. Go an extra mile no matter how difficult it is.
Be determined to succeed as there is always a way where there seems to be no way. Only the persistent and diligent find it.
There are times when you’ll want to give up, when you’ll feel like you can’t go on. You’ll want to quit. If we quit each time we run into difficulties we wouldn’t be able to rise above our peers. Be persistent. Be diligent. If you run into walls, look harder, you’re bound to find some cracks in those walls.
Enjoy what you do because it’s the passion that will keep you going
If you can’t find pleasure in what you do the chances of longevity in that business are next to zero. You may not have the wherewithal to do what you love but it’s entirely up to you to decide to love what you do. Let passion become your drive and you’ll scale heights you thought to be impossible.
Time is money
Until you place value on your time you won’t be able to achieve much. Time management is one of the most important tools to success there is. Learn to put your time to good use. Avoid time-wasters at all costs.
Find mentors for practical guidance in your chosen career
The role of mentors should not be undermined. No matter how book-smart or business-savvy you are, we all need that one person to steer us in the right direction. We need someone to show us the path when we step out of line (which we’ll find ourselves doing from time to time). Get someone who is knowledgeable in your chosen field or career; someone influential that you can trust and who is worthy of emulation.
Always remember that anything worth doing is worth doing well
Whatever is worth an effort should be worth going all out for. If you’ve made up your mind to do something then do it the right way and with determination. Don’t take the shortcuts because they almost never end well. Be focused and put your 100% into what you’ve started.
Alakija certainly didn’t become one of the richest African women by folding her hands and sitting at home. She started as a mere secretary but look her today controlling billions of Naira. If these nuggets worked for her then they certainly will work for you. Let’s get working.
