WHY AM I IN THE MALL TODAY?

I needed inspiration to write

I'd been home all day and I was bored and feeling quite grumpy

I needed something exciting,something to tickle my senses

So i got up,dressed up and embarked on that 5 minutes journey to the mall

I first went  upstairs to the bookshop,realised I didn't want to buy a book and left

I came downstairs and started walking about

I passed through the food court where people sat eating amid conversations,while others waited for their food

I felt like Alice in Wonderland

What was I doing here?

People passed by,tall,short,black,white,young,old

Some walked in pairs or groups chatting excitedly or just giggling

Life must be good i thought

Some walked slowly,others hastily

Others walked alone,busily pressing their phones, others seemed lost lol 

I met a few people i knew,said hi and kept walking on

Finally, I found an empty space on a bench and sat down 

I was in a daze, detached from my body 

I watched the world from a stranger's point of view

The newly graduated senior high school students quite easy to identify as they made a "triumphant" entry into adulthood lol

Some were awkward and shy,others were obviously putting in their best shot to look as old as possible

Babies starting to fret and crying

Toddlers demanding God Knows What from their parents,others running around with their care takers in tow

Families out to have a good time

So why am I really here?

I looked up and noticed the plasma TV in the hallway,a fiesta condom commercial was being shown...."she'll want more" I smiled and looked away

More and more people passed by

I kept observing their facial expressions and enjoying animated conversations

I sat there and watched the world pass by

Intrigued by some of the things i saw and realising that i i had never really paid attention to any of this in the past

It was an invaluable experience for me because even as I asked myself why i was there, deep down I didnt want to be anywhere else

And it was PRICELESS

 

GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

I had the privilege of going on a mentoring lunch date with Mrs Gloria Buckman Yankson,Senior Partner at PlanIt Ghana.

An amazing woman who exudes so much charm and positive energy that it becomes contagious.

You cannot have an encounter with her and give up on your  dreams.

That was the woman i met.

I'd like to share a few of what i learnt with you all.

It'll especially be beneficial to young,upcoming entrepreneurs but anyone no matter your field of endeavour can find it helpful.

• First of all find your niche,something you love or something that really holds your interest.

• Be ready to work hard. Hard work pays off in the end,surprise the people who thought you could not make it,leave no stone unturned.
• Don't do free stuff,unless you are volunteering of course.

• Accept criticism but don't take all advice. Listen more.

• Spontaneous decisions are the best as compared to well planned ones. It's good to have a business plan or career choice,listen to your instincts too.

• Branding and information should not be taken for granted,once you create a prestigious brand, people will be willing to pay for quality services or products. Make sure information about your brand is easily available. take advantage of the various social media.

• Know your competition, but don't be distracted by them. Exclusivity is important,if you know what you've got it'll show, if not,desire to be different and set yourself apart. Remember no one can ever be you.

• Strike a good relationship with everyone who walks through the door and everyone you meet,clients will keep coming back to you if you treat them with respect and make them feel important.

• Be careful with money, don't let it get to your head. Once you start making some money, you might be tempted to over spend. Invest more of it.

• If you are an entrepreneur and you decide to be the face of your brand, be careful with;- Associates, Decision, Actions.

• Most importantly give back to society.

I hope you pick up a few tips here.

                                                                                   xoxo Laurie