SELL OR BE SOLD - by Samuel Ibok

I consider my mom to be the Idan of business. Watching her navigate entrepreneurial hurdles was a highlight of my childhood. Beyond her zest for business, I always admired how much traction her business got. This wasn't solely because she provided value, but because she was strategic in marketing and getting her business in front of her target audience and others who weren't her target audience. Imagine having a Unisex Salon in the early 2000's and having a tonne of male customers in an era where technology wasn't so developed and where it was an anomaly to have a woman in such a line of work because of society's prejudice. It's saddening how business owners complain about having few customers when they're not marketing right. You must put in the work if you're to see results. Companies invest heavily in marketing and advertising. It's the lifeblood of your business. Most people want to have all the resources at their disposal before they start marketing, but I think it's better to push with what you have at hand.  Who said you need a million-dollar budget before you get into the field? Stop playing!I've walked the length and breadth of Ikoyi and VI to market for my organization. Yes, walked! The result was massive. Get into the faces of your consumers. Everybody is a potential client. I and my colleague will walk into banks and companies unannounced and pitch. You'll think we're crazy, but it worked anyway. We received a lot of NO's, but it didn't quench our drive. The more places you go, the better. Your efforts must match the results you expect. You must equally hone your craft to gain traction. A good pitch is fine, but what happens when you get the gig? You must deliver. I believe that satisfied customers are the best ads. I'm sure you're patronising a certain brand because someone referred them to you. I've had calls like that, and it's very heartwarming when you are referred for doing great work. Make noise about your brand and sell yourself everywhere. Nobody will buy from you if they can't see what you do. You also have to be confident. Perception matters a lot, and you don't want people to see you as shy or shallow. I learned recently that everywhere is a marketplace if you're able to sell.In case you've forgotten, my name is Samuel Bassey Ibok. I tell stories that Torch and I craft words into lasting memories. I can help make you visible and memorable. I know you didn't see that coming. And yeah, Two Cents is equally a marketplace, so I must sell my market. Finally, do not allow shame to limit you. Nobody will flog you for marketing your business. There's dignity in labour. Even Elon Musk boys flaunt what they do. Be proud of your hustle, and stop hiding.Stay hard!PS: I'm 6'1 with 2 degrees, and I still go for marketing under the scorching sun! What's stopping you?

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