Believe That You Are His Beloved

One of the most common and indeed dangerous of thoughts that runs through the mind when life is tough - be-it financial, fear of remaining single, fear of not having children, or fear of not getting a job - is 'what is wrong with me?'.

This question is neither from God nor you.  

Satan is a wiley old character; and one of his greatest tricks is to slip such negatives suggestions into our minds, disguising them as our own. Add the daily guilt and self condemnation of past mistakes and failings and we have a fairly big problem. For it results in believing that God is somehow withholding his blessings from our lives, as a result of past sins and mistakes. 

Unfortunately our churches' emphasis on what we must do to earn God's love and righteousness further accentuates these negative thoughts and fears; enabling Satan to have a field day. 

"In your anger do not sin". 

Ephesians 4 vs 26

'what is wrong with me?' -  leads to God is withholding His blessings from me - which leads to anger and resentment of both God and yourself. And what happens when anger and fear reign in our hearts and minds? We rebel - or as the bible puts it, 'sin in anger'. 

In other words we say "you know what Lord, I'm tired of this. If you're not going to help me, then I may as well do whatever I want, any way I want."

God is not withholding His blessings from you because of past mistakes. The bible says that He remembers your sins no more. 

You are His beloved child; and you don't have to do anything to earn that, because Jesus has already done everything. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. That thought is not from you, and it most certainly isn't from God.

You are and always will be His Beloved Child. 

More On The Perfect Sales Pitch

A couple of days ago, my business partner and I attended a meeting with the Group Head of Human Capital Management of one of the banks.

Although a very pleasant lady, she put the ball entirely in our court, thereby forcing us to do most of the talking for the first five minutes. Conscious that we were doing far too much talking without a clue as to what was going on in the mind of the lady in front of us, my business partner cut me short in mid sentence and said to her;

"You know what, we obviously have a fairly good idea of how your participation in our upcoming conference can add value to your organisation. But what's more important is how you see it. Does this conference interest you? And in what way do you think it can add value to your organisation?"

The Group Head smiled, and then proceeded to give us her views on Sexual Harassment in the Work Place, as well as how she believes her organisation can contribute. 

Not only did we build considerable rapport with her, but we were able to tap in to her views, desires, and needs. 

Think less of giving a Perfect Sales Pitch, and more on Listening, Conversing, Identifying What is Needed, and how you can Add Value.

Below is today's CEO Sales Tip

"A good sales person always watches very closely the body language of the prospect, the environment, his / her mood, and those around him /her, before going in for the kill."  Joseph Edgar, Managing Director / CEO, Aquila Asset Management

There's No Such Thing As A Perfect Sales Pitch

Many weeks ago I asked the question - "What is the Perfect Sales Pitch?"

Answer - There's no such thing as a perfect sales pitch. 

Your aim should never be to enter a meeting / presentation and talk your socks off. 

Rather, attend meetings / give presentations with the intention to Listen to, Understand, and Find Winning Solutions for your prospects' /clients' problems, needs, and desires.

This is especially important during periods in which many companies are experiencing financial constraints. Too many sales personnel go into meetings to sell the same products as their competitors without  thinking about what their prospects / clients actually need.

This is why I love today's tip by the Group CEO, Primera Africa Finance Group.

"Two things - Product and Approach. The product isn't necessarily what the client needs; and it's most likely the same product /service that everyone else is offering. Sales personnel need to take a lot more time to understand what makes prospects / clients tick."

Boye Olawoye, Group CEO, Primera Africa Finance Group

Believe

Whilst reading the story of David and Goliath yesterday, it occurred to me that Goliath's armour was probably worth more that David's entire family - and quite possibly the entire Israelite infantry. 

But this didn't deter David. He believed God was on his side and advanced. 

Last week I pointed out the importance of being honest with one's self and others regarding one's situation. But this doesn't mean one should wallow in self pity. It's vital to keep believing, and to keep moving forward - no matter what.

Last Saturday morning I went for a 10km run. I usually do a much longer distance on Saturday mornings but I hadn't been feeling too well for most of the week so I decided to take it easy on myself. When I first started it I felt so unwell and weak. Every part of me wanted to return to my bed. But I visualized the route of my run and visualized myself getting to the finish line. In truth it was probably one of the most painful and horrible runs I've ever been on. But when I got to the finish line I was ecstatic, and I instantly realized something; at times during life's journey, everything around you can look totally horrible and insurmountable. But if you just keep going, keeping your eyes on the goal, you'll be shocked by what you can achieve.

So my message for you today is to fear not. Things may look bad and impossible right now, but keep going, and believe that God is with you.

You will get to your desired destination.

From Frying Pan To Fire?

To give you an idea of what so many people are going through at present, here are some quotes and scenes that I've encountered during the past couple of weeks;

"Mate, I've been in a bad mood for over three weeks. Every night I go to bed in a desperately crappy mood because things are so difficult; and every morning I wake up in the same mood. In-fact my bad mood has gone on so long that it's become normal".

"Segs, everybody is struggling right now. I can't recall a period as bad as this."

"At least when people were chopping money there was a trickle down effect."

"In a few months you'll be seeing rows of empty shelves in most supermarkets as a result of an inability to bring in goods."

"I go to bed by 9pm on most evenings so that I don't think too much. Otherwise I'd go nuts. Going to bed early is now my escape."

"Everywhere just dey kaja (everything is just at a standstill)"

"I'm no longer certain this government knows what it's doing. Whenever I speak with any of their people they just seem totally clueless as to what can get this economy moving again."

"Bro, if this goes on much longer people will hit the streets in protest. I'm not sure how much more people can take."

"I'm even tired of saying next year will be better. We've been saying that since 2008."


A few days ago I visited a client to discuss an impending transaction. On entering his office I found him with head in hands; when I greeted him he lifted his head to reveal bloodshot eyes that only tears of agony can cause. 

Recognising the futility of discussing our transaction at such a time I spent the next forty five minutes trying to encourage him. Little did he know the fears and anxieties that were running through my own mind.

And as for Me?!

Let me just say that a dear new female friend of mine called me out of the blue on Wednesday to say that she when she woke up her spirit urged her to call, in order to pray for and encourage me (so refreshing when you come across someone that isn't just 'me me me'. To coin a phrase from an old Janet Jackson song, most ladies one meets these days are only interested in "what have you done for me lately?!" Lol). I can honestly say her timing was astounding, and her concern most appreciated. 

And finally,  to not mention the diabolical traffic and the alarmingly high level of armed crimes that have shackled Lagosians in chains of frustration, fear, bewilderment, and outright anger, would be insensitivity of the most grotesque proportions. 


I'm not pointing fingers but ever since Fashola left, Lagos no dey work again-o. 


So is this the new Nigeria?

An all-be-it commendable fight against corruption and Boko Haram coupled with non existent economic direction???

What needs to be done to ease our financial pain?

What can be done to get this economy moving again?

Or have we simply jumped from frying pan to fire?

More Tips For Sustaining Sales In A Harsh Economic Climate

"Focus on improving your Value Proposition, so that when things improve you are well positioned. ‎"

‎Yinka Sanni, Managing Director / CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank

"It's really tough out there. Everybody is struggling right now, including your clients and prospects; so you need a lot of courage. Focus less on yourself, and more on how you can get some quick wins for your clients."

Jude Chiemeka, Managing Director / CEO, United Capital Securities

Maintaining Sales During Tough Times

In a challenging economy such as we're experiencing at present, ensure you grow the following;

1. Humility

Because it's a brutally difficult economy at present, the buyer / customer / client is even more of a king than he normally is. The tougher the economy the more cut throat things become; in order words prices and rates will be slashed by your competitors. Whatever happens, don't get upset or balshy. Be Humble; adapt as and when necessary. 

2. Relationships

As the famous phrase goes, 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. It is during the toughest times that you find out who your friends are. The same applies to business relationships. Now is the time to be a reliable and value adding friend to your clients. The very least they'll do is remember you when things change for the better.

3. Big Picture

Keep your eye on the big picture.

- client comes first

- always want what is best for the client

Over the next few weeks you will receive tips from CEOs of some of the nation's leading organisations. Today's tip is from the CEO, Axa Mansard. 

" This is a time for you to really know your clients, and seek to add value."

Tosin Runsewe, CEO, Axa Mansard

Keep It Real

Can someone please tell me why Naija Christians always say things are great when they obviously aren't???

What am I talking about?

Try asking two or three people today how work / business / life is, and you'll most likely hear them say, "All is well", or "I am blessed", or "we thank God". Yes of-course we are blessed, and of-course we should thank God in all things, but does that really mean we shouldn't tell things the way they are?

Anyone that says life is great right now is lying their socks off. Life in today's Nigeria is excruciatingly tough. The economy is dreadfully difficult, and for most people things are painfully challenging; stress and worries galore!

So say it as it is, and you just might get an opportunity, or some help as a result; or at least someone to remember you in their prayers.

Furthermore there's nothing wrong with telling your unconditionally loving daddy in heaven things are tough, and that you're feeling a little fed up. I'm not saying you shouldn't praise Him or be thankful, but for heaven's sake keep it real.

Do you really think He doesn't know what's going on inside you?

Jesus lived on earth for 33 years, so He knows how tough life can be.

The Holy Spirit dwells inside you, so he's definitely in the know.

God loves you unconditionally - no matter what you say or do.

So for pete's sake, tell Him how you really feel. He'll not only comfort and assist you, but also show you the way to go. 

Keep It Real. 

And Now For Something Completely Different

I was supposed to write this article several weeks ago. In-fact I remember conjuring up several paragraphs in my head as I ran along Boudillon in the middle of a 25km run on a rainy Saturday morning.

My topic?

The mind blowing evolution of Island joggers. 

When lekki and ikoyi residents first started running on the bridge it was mostly a case of jug to the other end and back again, then make your way home. 

How things have changed!

Now you're just as likely to spot  frequent joggers on Boudillon as you are on the bridge. A circuit or two of the bridge is no longer enough. As bodies and lungs have adapted to varying degrees of self torture, most joggers now continuously seek longer and more arduous routes. 

So there I was at the beginning of the Lekki end of the bridge, having already ran about seven kilometers; rain drops falling with increasing speed and intensity (I so love running in the rain. Totally energises me), and effortlessly getting into my rhythm when all of a sudden some tall chap mercilessly whizzes past me; as though I was stationary!! Being ever so slightly competitive I immediately looked up, feeling more than a touch irritated, to see who it was. It was my friend Yemi. I couldn't believe how fast he was running. I thought I was quick, but he left me for dust. Then I remembered that he ran the Madrid marathon earlier this year; and as I'm currently training to do my first marathon next year I decided that trying to catch up with him probably wasn't a good idea. So I slowed down again - telling myself to go at my own pace.

Then  a few minutes later a young female runner whizzes past me. Again, as though I was stationary!! Try as I might to keep calm and go at my own pace I couldn't let this one fly. Plus she had a superb figure and I had no doubt she would be pretty, so this would be a great chance to flex my own skills so to speak. 

But try as I might I simply couldn't catch up with her. All the way along Boudillon to falomo, and back again to the other end of Boudillon; I tried and I tried, but the more I stepped it up the further away she got. Had this lady been sent by my enemies to completely mess with my head? Thereby completely screwing up my run, and hence consigning my whole weekend to one of doubts and torment? Or had Bourdillon wickedly turned into a large mass of treacle?

It wasn't until I had very unsuccessfully attempted to chase her down for about 7km that I realised she was a highly skilled and experienced long distance runner. At least that's what I told myself. 

I could go on and on about the heights and trials of jogging in Lekki and Ikoyi. But all I really want to do is say a big 'Nice One Guys' to all those joggers that have kept going; that have increased in speed and distance, and found a new seemingly healthier addiction.

To that fat bloke that used to slowly and ever so painfully crawl to Ikoyi and back but now jogs at an alarming pace, I say "Nice one sir!".

To Nigeria's latest marathon runners - Temi, Femi, Yemi and co I say "Awesome!"

To those ladies whose figures are getting better by the  second, and who make for riveting sight seeing I say "Chai!!! And thank you!".

To my dear buddy whom I hope to run the Berlin marathon next year with I say "We can do it bro!"

To my dear Emma, who I inform of every increase in distance as soon as I regain my senses I say "I think I can actually do it love!"

And to all aspiring marathon runners I say "Keep going! Next year we'll be in a league of our own!!"

Next stop - Lagos Half Marathon - 21st November!

Lord please make it rain!!!‎!!

More Phrases You Never Hear From Successful Sales Men/Women

4. "I can't do this. I give up."

Giving up should never be an option. Successful sales people keep going, no matter the hurdles, and no matter how they feel, until they get the desired result. 

5. "He'll never agree. He's too difficult."

There's no such thing as 'never' or 'impossible' in business or sales. Successful Sales men / women recognise that the battle is in the mind. They know that if they believe, then they can achieve anything. Their unwavering belief is not only what energies them but also what enables them to keep going when everything is against them. 

6. "We just don't get on. I don't think she likes me."

There is nobody that you can't get on with if you really want to. You simply need to listen more acutely and decide which version of yourself best suits the prospect / client. 

Successful Sales men /women recognise the fact that everybody is loveable. You've just got to listen.

Phrases You Never Hear From Great Sales Men /Women

This week we'll be identifying some statements/phrases that never come anywhere near the mind of a Successful Salesman/woman.

1. "That's the way I talk. I naturally talk quickly."

Never EVER think like this, let alone say it.

It's not about you. It's about the prospect / customer. Therefore the onus is on you to listen to your prospect's Speed, Tone, and Volume of communication, and harness yours with hers. 

2. "I'll do it tomorrow."

Tomorrow may either be too late or never even arrive. Successful sales professionals pounce instantly when they spot an opportunity. They never procrastinate or rest on their laurels. 

3. "But we discussed it a few days ago so I didn't think I needed to follow up with you."

Successful Salesmen /women are very meticulous and pushy when it comes to following up with colleagues and bosses in order to get results. Whether this means a thousand follow up reports, emails, or texts, is irrelevant. They don't care how others may respond to them as a result of having to pester them. All that matters is that the job gets done thoroughly and well. 

Apology Accepted

I still can't believe it took me one hour and thirty minutes to...sorry I have to repeat it because I'm still struggling to comes to terms with it - One Hour and Thirty Minutes -  to get from Lekki first roundabout to the frigging toll gate. At a point despite the fact I was the one driving I had to step out of my car and take a walk, whilst chatting with other extremely miffed citizens.

I was all set to air my anger today when someone told me that the Vice President apologised for the inconvenience caused by his visit to Lagos. But once I heard about his apology my anger dissipated quicker than the few seconds it takes a Lastma official to trick his way into the car of an unsuspecting traffic offender.

I don't think a President or VP has ever apologised for causing us inconvenience before. So for this refreshingly new experience

‎I am most grateful. 

Apology accepted Mr. Vice President.

But the apology doesn't douse my concern for the chaos that ensues whenever Presidents or Vice Presidents visit Lagos.

Must everything always come to a stand still whenever these guys come into town?? Must their visits always decimate the plans of millions of people going about the daily business?? It's been happening for years; although in all my years in Lagos I don't think I've experienced anything quite as bad as yesterday's madness. 

Surely this absurd disturbance of people's livelihoods can be avoided by simple consideration and planning!?

Of even more concern is the increasing traffic in Lagos State during the past few months. 

Whether it's tanker drivers causing mayhem on Ikorodu road, the snail paced ascent to the international airport, or lekki /ikoyi bridge daily resembling the blackpool tunnel, the fact remains that it's someone's job to make the lives of innocent, hard working citizens a little more comfortable. As if this bleaker than bleak economy isn't enough to deal with!

Why is Lagos so chaotic all of a sudden? And who's to blame?  

Buhari's Ministers

So we finally have PMB's first list of ministers (or should I say former governors?!). I'm not sure why, but something inside me doesn't quite gel with this notion that only a select few are capable of running the affairs of this nation.

Not that I have anything at all against the former governors cum federal ministers, but don't these same individuals have a few strange clouds hovering over their heads?! 

An Optimistic Nigeria Independence Day

So I've been sat in a taxi for over an hour, experiencing Lagos's most recent interpretation of incomprehensible go-slow whilst listening to various callers' assessments of Nigeria's progress or lack of during the past 55 years on the radio, and one question continues to  trouble my tired and perturbed mind;

Do I really care?

Sounds a little unpatriotic?