Dear Nigerian Entrepreneur, You Need Passion

In several interviews and conversations I’ve had with entrepreneurs who have created successful businesses, one thing has really stood out for me: their passion for what they do. From these interactions, I have learnt that one of the most important ingredients for success in business, whether small, medium or large, is passion. This is especially true for Nigerian entrepreneurs who have to deal with a hostile economic climate and lack of basic infrastructure. Very few businesses can achieve considerable longevity without passion. Passion for what you do makes the steep learning curves easier to handle and helps you stand by your decision to become an entrepreneur, even during the roughest of storms. Successful entrepreneur Clate Mask puts it this way: “Stop and ask yourself: What is your true passion? What makes you excited about what you are doing? The difference between those who push through difficult times and those who do not is passion.” Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but passion protects you as an entrepreneur and propels you to forge ahead and focus on your success, not on the possibility of failure. Personally, I’ve learnt that passion is indispensable in business. When it comes to starting a business, choosing something you are passionate about and will enjoy is vital. Passion helps you identify your niche, especially if you’re someone with varied interests or multiple talents. When faced with options regarding what you should do, passion is a good guide because guess what? Building a business will never be a bed of roses. Just as it is in relationships, where everyone will hurt you at some point so you’ve got to figure out who is worth suffering for, so it is in business also. The road will be rough. There will be thorns that would make you want to quit, from wearying disagreements and meetings to exhausting research and logistics. So if you’re having difficulty choosing, ask yourself, which of these am I willing to endure discomfort for? Which vision would I walk on thorns to get to? Follow that passion. Go after it with all you’ve got. Passion fortifies you. It gives you the strength to climb your mountains. And it allows you to be the best you, which reflects in your services. When you’re passionate about your business, you’re always thinking of ways to get new clients and serve your existing clients better. You’re always trying to come up with solutions and new packages that will boost your brand. Your conversations online and offline are peppered with mentions of and references to what you do. Whenever you’re customer-facing, you’re fully turned on. Passion fuels you to channel your energies into becoming the absolute best at what you do. Passion also attracts help to you, because it’s visible. People can see it emanating from you and this sparks curiosity, which in turn can attract the support you need. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson says, “When you believe in something, the force of your convictions will spark other people’s interest and motivate them to help you achieve your goals. This is essential to success.” Dear Nigerian entrepreneur, you need passion to stay afloat and to thrive. Be enthusiastic and passionate about what you’ve chosen to do, and the people you’ve chosen to serve. Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm. Looking to connect with other passionate entrepreneurs? Attend Connect Nigeria’s business fair! 

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This article was first published on 31st December 2017

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