CONT ENTS REGULARS
10 HEALTH: WHY YOU NEED TO DONATE BLOOD BUSINESS: 07 HOW TO START A BUSINESS WITH SMALL CAPITAL
SPOTLIGHT
RELATIONSHIP: 08 101 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR LOVE LIFE
MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BIG TV STAR, AYO MAKUN
HOW TO
START YOUR BUSINESS WITH LITTLE OR NO CAPITAL
EXCLUSIVES
Small business you can get into quickly without heavy funding
04 20 TIPS TO CHOOSE A CAREER
FEATURES
06 THE NEXT BIG THING CEO KART EVENTS
TIPS
INFORMATION
Choosing or changing careers can be fun or a huge pain depending on your situation and your attitude.
Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person the gift of life
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TIPS
CHOOSING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER PATH 1) Be patient, change takes time. I know that sounds like a nobrainer but I also know you are probably impatient to get your new career up and running. That drive will serve you well. But sometimes change happens more slowly than you would like and getting frustrated about it won’t help. 2) Consider having a portfolio Are you a web designer who wants to become a marketing consultant? A writer who wants to teach? An accountant who aspires to be an online entrepreneur? There is nothing wrong with having a portfolio career while you transition (in fact you will be part of a growing trend if you do this). 3) Stay open to opportunities. In my experience job opportunities don’t always show up in the way you might expect, so it pays to keep an open mind. I know how easy it is to get fixated on a particular job opportunity or revenue stream and then get all down on yourself if it doesn’t work out
4) Build your support network & get a mentor.
8) Research Further Career/Job Advancement Opportunities
This was one of the mistakes I made when I first set up my freelance writing business many years ago. I had no network built up and no mentor to guide me. This time around I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing and very generous people in the industry.
One of the really fun outcomes of career planning is picturing yourself in the future. Where will you be in a year? In five years? A key component to developing multiple scenarios of that future is researching career paths. Of course, if you’re in what you consider a dead-end job, this activity becomes even more essential to you, but all jobseekers should take the time to research various career paths — and then develop scenarios for seeing one or more of these visions become reality. Look within your current employer and current career field, but again, as with all aspects of career planning, do not be afraid to look beyond to other possible careers.
5) Networking is the key to success. You’ve probably heard the saying ‘your network equals your net worth’, and this is even truer when you are changing careers. It’s never too early to start networking. 6)Set Career and Job Goals. Develop a roadmap for your job and career success. Can you be successful in your career without setting goals? Of course. Can you be even more successful through goal-setting? Most research says yes. 7) Explore New Education/Training Opportunities. It’s somewhat of a cliche, but information really does lead to power and success. Never pass up chances to learn and grow more as a person and as a worker.
opportunities don’t always show up in the way you might expect, so it pays to keep an open mind.
PROFILING.. FULL NAME Oluwafemisola Jacobs A.K.A Femi Jacobs or Mr M
DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH
Born May 8 somewhere on planet earth
EDUCATION Mass Communication, Lagos State University; Marketing Management, Lagos Business School
CLAIM TO FAME
Popular for playing Makinde Esho in the film The Meeting
WE LOVE . . His Twitter! He is one of the few celebrities who employs social media as a tool for inspiring their fans with true talk not just selfies
FULL NAME Kemi Adeosun
DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH Born March 9,1967 in the United Kingdom
EDUCATION Economics, University of East London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Financial Management, University of London
CLAIM TO FAME Popular for her appointment as Commissioner of Finance in Ogun State and current position as Minister of finance
WE LOVE . . Her grace and her smile. Her career path from 1989 - 2010 insinuates focus, determination and a drive for success
FEATURE
THE NEXT BIG THING: KART EVENTS Through the life of Okunade Olubusayo Damilola , Event Manager and Decorator
I sold pure water at MFM headquarters in Lagos
T
ell us about yourself (educational background, family background) My name is Okunade Oluwabusayo Damilola, Am from Ogun State, Am the 2nd child from a family of 8. Am a graduate of History and International Relations from Lagos State University. Married with kids and I'm an Event Manager. How was it like growing up? If am to talk about life growing up, we will write a full book lol.
Do you mind shedding more light? Well, Life growing up for me wasn't a bed of roses. I'm from a broken home, My dad was an Architect and my Mum is a Business Woman and she also had a Salon. While my parents were apart, they were both taking care of us in their own way. I lost my dad when i was in secondary school, my mum shop also got burnt also at the same time and we were left with nothing. There was nobody just myself, my mum and my siblings. My mum was too devastated, so my siblings and i had to start fending for ourselves.
Once i close from school, I will go and help a woman who sells food in our neighborhood to wash plates of customers and at d end of the day she will pay me 200 naira. That's what my family will use to feed that night. My elder brother too was also working on different building sites and still going to school. On Wednesday and Friday evenings I sold pure water at MFM headquarters in Lagos. At that point, surviving was all that mattered. This kept going for a long time and I was determined to go to school. So after Secondary School, I kept working to save money to go to the university and we have to be fine at home too.
FEATURE
I worked at a Business Centre, Monday-Friday, 8am - 8pm. Later, I moved to Video club, working Monday-Sunday, 8am-10pm, When i realised the Video club job wasn't giving me anytime for reading i left and got an Office Assistant job in a primary school. I also did ushering jobs while at it, just to make ends meet. There, i had enough time to read for Jamb and applied for Part-time course in LASU. That was the only way i could get a University education I so desired and because there was no help from anywhere, I had to work and school. Despite all these challenges getting into school and more challenges while i was in school, i refuse to let any of it get to me, I focused on the big picture and i kept reminding myself that life will be much better with education.
Why Events Management? What actually inspired you? Lol, like i said i studied History and International Relations in the university, which means Events Management wasn't in the picture from the beginning. Although, had always loved and have passion for decoration. I believe God has my life all planned for me because I never thought i could do it as i thought it requires much capital. While i was in the University, i had a classmate that was working in an Events Company, She tags me their Events pictures on facebook often, that grew my interest even more so i decided to beg her to get me a job there. I started working with them as a receptionist and my salary was 30k, I wasn't really pleased with the receptionist job, i wanted to be part of their Events management and decorators team. One day all the Sales Managers were out for meetings and I had to walk in clients and sell to them which I did and was able to complete the deal on the spot!.My boss was so impressed because i had no training on Event management or Customer Relations at that time. So he moved me to Sales department and that was how it all began. At the end of that year i left and decided to start on my own, after which I traveled abroad to further my study's in Event Management.
How challenging is the industry? There are so much challenges growing in the Industry. There are times you would have put many resources into planning an Event and then the Event got cancelled or taking one's profile to companies only to say they have an insider already. Event industry is hard for people like us, who are trying to get up because you might have to know someone that knows someone that knows someone. But once you breakthrough and you do good jobs, your jobs will sell you. you will surely get more jobs on referral. How did you get the major break? I didn't leave to start my because i had millions, i left because the salary wasn't forth coming and we were working endlessly. At the time i started my business, I had no office, No materials No money and No source of income what so ever. I started this business with less than 200k. I remember my 1st job was just decor, i spent all i was paid on the job and even spent my personal money because i wanted the job to come out well. I rented all materials, paid labour, transportation and all. The job came out lovely and i got another client at that same venue. But my major job is from a friend of mine, she was getting married and contacted me, with the experienced I had gather, I gave her a bill and i got the job, I was super excited I got the job and it's a major one because she gave me the A-Z of her Events, from Management, Catering, Decoration, etc. It was a big deal for me. I was able to buy some materials. And here i am today to the glory of God, I don't know anyone, I don't have any top contact. I have just been working very hard, overnight jobs, several meetings and all.
My greatest achievement is how far God has bought me, am doing exceedingly well in my business, I have a loving husband and wonderful children. Also, am glad I followed my passion, am glad I am doing what i love and enjoying every bit.
BUSINESS
BUSINESSES YOU CAN START WITH SMALL CAPITAL Interior Decoration Market your talents to building contractors. People purchasing new homes can often be overwhelmed with the choices and possibilities in home decoration.
Recharge Card Printing If you have not heard of recharge card business before, perhaps you are still living in the cave of KUVUKI land. A recent study shows that the average monthly money spent on voice and data in Nigeria amounts to N445Billion
Football Viewing Center Television programs has never eluded the Nigerian viewers again. Soccer being a unifying sport has created an avenue for prospect in viewing centers, people love to watch football where they could shout, argue and make fun or jests of other club supporters
Cleaning Services Many home-owners and apartment dwellers will welcome help at "house cleaning'. Charge a flat fee for the amount of work that must be done. Make arrangements with firms that provide labour for tidying up office environment, cleaning carpets, dusting the furniture, polishing, etc. and collect a commission from them.
Day Care Center If you are the type that naturally loves kids around, this is an opportunity for you to tap into. Perhaps you have children of your own and the idea of taking care of a few more for part of the day appeals to you.
HOW TO START A BUSINESS By Jacob Walker
According to Wikipedia, a news article discusses current or recent news of either general interest (i.e. daily newspapers) or of a specific topic (i.e. political or trade news magazines, club newsletters, or technology news websites). A news article can include accounts of eyewitnesses to the happening event. It can contain photographs, accounts, statistics, graphs, recollections, interviews, polls, debates on the topic, etc. Headlines can be used to focus the reader’s attention on a particular (or main) part of the article. The writer can also give facts and detailed information following answers to general questions like who, what, when, where, why and how. Quoted references can also be helpful. References to people can also be made through the written accounts of interviews and debates confirming the factuality of the writer’s information and the reliability of his source. The writer can use redirection to ensure that the reader keeps reading the article and to draw her attention to other articles. For example, phrases like "Continued on page 3” redirect the reader to a page where the article is continued. While a good conclusion is an important ingredient for newspaper articles, the immediacy of a deadline environment means that copy editing often takes the form of deleting everything past an
RELATIONSHIP
RELATIONSHIP
101
BY JESSICA ROBERTS
These days what we hear and read is about series of failed and broken relationships and this is sometimes caused by neglect and refusal to improve on our relationships. A relationship involves two different people with different perspective and opinion, well you might say oh my partner and i are the same, but i'll say the fact that you're of different genders is enough difference. Here's my 101 tips on how to improve your relationship and i hope you find it helpful. God Making God the center of your relationship is the first step to having a successful relationship and the best way to improve your relationship. No one can understand you better than your maker, so tell him everything, always ask him to teach you how to love your partner and its works magic, so try it. Forgive quickly Try not to carry a grudge to the next day, note that you might not always have the same conclusion on a particular issue, so learn to respect each others personalty and accept each others opinions.
Communication Talk everyday about everything our mobile phones makes communication easy. Chat, send text messages and call each other often. Its important to know you're not in a relationship with a mind reader and even if you are, please open up about your feelings, you shouldn't assume that your partner knows what's going on in your mind, so express your thoughts and concerns freely. Friendship Lets face the fact, there are few times that you might not feel like been in love, those times you'll only need your friend. Its important to establish a good level of friendship, be each others best friend and confidant. I can tell you that a relationship with your best friend is the best. Have fun Spend time with each other as often as you can, you don't necessary need to tear your pocket to achieve this. Sometimes, staying indoors is more fun, watch movies together, go to the park etc just get to know what you both enjoy doing and have fun with it. Its not just about what you're doing or where but the wonderful moments you make out of it. In addition to the above tips be supportive of each other, don't miss an opportunity to pass a compliment, be patient, be sensitive, be honest and again put God first.
INFORMATION
Why Donate Blood? The many ways donating blood can improve your health and the lives of others
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CAN ANYBODY DONATE BLOOD? Blood donation is an exercise that follows a routine of checks to detect if the individual is fit and capable of donating without any consequences or adverse effect. So, yes, anybody that is of age and medically fit can donate. The routine checks include:A detailed form in which the donor is encouraged to fill and be truthful about it.Blood pressure is checked.Packed cell volume count is checked to know if the individual have sufficient blood.The weight is checked to know if the individual is fit Refreshment is given to the individual to ensure the individual is health safety compliant After all these routine checks, the individual can then proceed to donate blood, which takes 5mins or a little more. After blood donation, the donor is counseled on what to eat, do, and do not. They rest well before leaving the premises. It is this act that makes them HEROES, because they have contributed to the availability of blood, which in turn makes many lives to be saved. However, there are different periods for all individuals to donate, depending on the gender. Male donates every 3 months while every four months for female, due to their monthly menstrual cycle.
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Blood as some would say, it’s life. Without it, the person is pronounced dead. No metabolite activities could be successfully carried out, the body is also defenseless, even without it, the man cannot be sexually active ( in terms of erection). However, as important as the blood is, we were given without asking. Right from the womb till death, the blood keeps circulating with the help of the heart pumping it continuously throughout the body. If the blood pressure is high, it becomes a problem, also when it is low, it must be maintained at constant pressure. Blood scientifically is a physiological salt solution i.e. it act as a buffer (a solution that as a constant acidity and alkality). Now the question is “why should I give out such an important fluid from my body?”The total volume of blood in an adult male or female is approximately 6litres. It means, blood remains in the volume except if the person has a cut, and starts to bleed. The lost blood is replenished within days, e.g. 3days for a healthy person. And not until then, new blood cannot be formed. It means if the person did not sustain any injury, the blood is intact throughout life time. But this is an old blood which is thick and gives the heart much work in pumping it throughout the body. The individual suffers the following:Persistent headache or migraineInsomnia (inability to sleep at night)Tiredness, etc. But, when an individual donates blood, they are exposed to many benefits:Easy pumping of bloodLighter blood which encourages easy flowNew antibodies are producedGood night sleep etc.Blood donation has been encouraged because many patients in the hospital die because of unavailability of blood. Pregnant woman loses her baby(ies) because blood unavailable, accident victims loose their lives just because of blood in which we were given without asking, etc. KONECT MAGAZINE | 17
BE THE CHANGE. There are groups of young, vibrant, and dedicated youths, who have volunteered their resources to making sure blood is always available. They belong to a circle which is opened to anybody willing to join. They are called CLUB 25. They are committed to donating blood until the reach the age limit. In most cases, they continue AFTER 25
Written by Olatayo Ishola
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