POSITIONING FOR GREAT SUCCESS IN 2025

I am a firm believer in prayers and fasting and seeking direction from God. I also believe that every new year and in fact each new month/week deserve moments of reflection to assess the performance of the period in review and what can be done to enhance and increase productivity. However, I also do believe that lots of reflections without corresponding actions lead to stagnation and failure. So now January is gone and I hope with all the spiritual exercises, we all have clear directions on how we want our 2025 to go. Now, it is time for action. Get going!!

The first step in building momentum for the year is setting clear, measurable and ambitious goals. Avoid resolutions like “I want to grow my business.” A one percent increase in sales is growth but may not be what you really want. Be ambitious. Be specific: “I want to open up three new branches in Spots A, B and C within the first two quarters of the year. I want to increase my customer base by 35%. I want to double the 2024 profit this year.” These are clear and measurable.

Go ahead and break these goals into smaller, actionable steps and assign timelines and responsible officers driving the target. Let the goals be translated in a way that commits every member of your team and encourages them to be accountable for steps assigned to them. As I wrote earlier, reflect on your achievements and hiccups regularly, to track your overall progress.

In addition to setting clear and specific targets, it is important to embrace every useful tool available. Technology is improving at great speed, enabling individuals and organisations to fulfil their goals and aspirations faster and easily. It is not merely an enabler but a key driver of innovation and efficiency. Use it lavishly this year.

It is shocking to discover that there are companies that exist today with no websites or any web visibility. Assess your current capabilities and identify gaps. Invest in training your team to take advantage of the numerous technological innovations to enhance their performance and increase the organisation’s market share. With technology, global visibility is quite easy, direct customer relationship is almost effortless and payments can be made seamlessly. In this 2025, be more deliberate about your online presence and embrace digital transformations that suit your organisational needs. Pilot new ideas, the businesses that thrive are often those that dare to think differently. Jump into the Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain innovations if they suit your need. Keep moving because no one is waiting.

Furthermore, consumers and investors are increasingly drawn to businesses that prioritize sustainability and social impact. Reflect on how your business can contribute positively to the society. Once you find a niche, sustain it and broadcast it until it becomes almost synonymous with your organisation. The key to finding a sustainable niche is to pinpoint an area of need in your region of operation and to carve out a solution that is within your budget and will give you the type of visibility that suits your organisation. Being socially responsible builds trust, enhances your brand reputation and can attract new customers, new investors and new markets.

To stand strong this year, always have a Plan B. I have written several articles uploaded on this blog about the importance of having a second, third and even tenth plan. If there’s one thing we have learnt in the past few years, it is that uncertainty is the only certainty just as we say change is the only constant thing. Things happen, policies change – sometimes overnight, you have to be ready with a counter action or a complementary action that will cushion the effect of these vicissitudes of life. Build resilience into your business by diversifying your revenue streams, maintaining a healthy cash reserve and staying vigilant. Develop contingency plans for potential challenges such as supply chain disruptions, economic downturns, strong and unforeseen competition and/or regulatory changes.

Be fanatic about getting feedback from clients and stakeholders. Store the information and use it as a guide when making projections. In today’s digital age, data is one of your most valuable assets. Use it to understand your customers, improve your products/services and make informed decisions. Whether it’s tweaking your marketing strategy, refining your pricing model, or identifying emerging trends, data-driven decisions are often the most effective.

Finally, as you plan for 2025, remember that your well-being is just as important as your bottom line. Burnout is real, and it can derail even the most promising ventures. Schedule time for rest, exercise and activities that bring you joy. Encourage your team to do the same. A happy, healthy workforce is more productive and creative. As a leader, you set the tone for your organization’s culture. Lead by example and prioritize work-life balance.

Cheers!

(NEXT ARTICLE WILL BE ON THE SELF DEVELOPMENT OF THE CEO/ENTREPRENEUR AS THE MVP OF THE ORGANISATION)

Fatherhood with Ibe

MY VALENTINE’S DAY PLAN

Having spent decades navigating the intricacies of corporate leadership, the legal profession and the complexities associated with being a federal minister, I have come to appreciate the essence of time, relationships and the simple yet profound joys of life. I was having a chat with my son and the issue of my plan for the Valentine’s Day came up. Although chiefly regarded as a day when young couples exchange gifts, the day has always held a deeper, more refined meaning for me. It is about celebrating love in its most profound and enduring form—love that is mature, tested by time, and enriched by wisdom. It is a day of peace, deep connections and heartfelt appreciation for the people and experiences around us.

When I was actively publishing magazines, there were activities planned for Valentine, especially because the publications were lifestyle magazines. Several times, the companies marked the day by holding breakfast meetings for personalities featured in the magazines over a period. A few times, we organised evening balls for corporate clients, business friends and top management staff of my companies. Some other years, it was just a simple dinner and dance for younger clients and readers. I have a deep appreciation for anything that spreads goodwill around and I encouraged these events but as my attention shifted from publishing to other heavier assignments, so did my appetite for any major social event and the wry face I pulled told my son as much.

“Are you saying that you are not having a few friends and family over for Valentine?” He asked with a hopeful expression. “I think you need some lively activities going on here.” He advised.

I smiled but shook my head.

For me always, the Valentine’s Day transcends fleeting romantic gestures, champagne toasts and extravagant gifts exchanged in between hurried schedules but instead embraces a broader, more encompassing definition of love – love for family, for humanity, for intellectual companionship and for life.

I told my son that my preferred Valentine’s Day would begin in tranquillity, devoid of the rush and obligations that so often define my routine. A leisurely morning, starting with prayers and reflection would set the tone for the day. I would take a moment to reflect on the love I have received and given over the years – the love of my spouse, children and friends, as well as the passion I have poured into my work and community. Above all, I would reflect on the immense love of God that has seen me through it all. A time in the gym or some laps in the swimming pool will be all that I need to get me going.

“That’s almost your normal routine whenever you find the time.” My son said with a frown.

“That means everyday is a celebration of life and love for me.” I replied laughing. “Seriously, this year I am taking a break. No gifts, no messages, just reflections and prayers of gratitude,” I told him.

There’s so much to be grateful for. I am grateful for all those who have been part of my emotional ecosystem; for their love, support and care which have enabled me deal with the challenges of life. I am super grateful to God for every day of my wife’s life as she struggles with Alzheimer. I am grateful for my children as they make their own ways in life. I am grateful for the gifts of opportunities in life to have become who I am and accomplished the little I have in various spheres. I am grateful for life and for hope in the future.

This year, it will be a quiet love for reality and an appreciation of the simplicity of affection and emotional camaraderie. This year, I will not be visiting any gift or flower shop but would quietly cheer those who can and would.

Come February 14 evening, I will be sitting it out on my balcony, admiring the clouds, breathing fresh air and perhaps sipping wine with a few loved ones. But I will have loads of reflections and a thankful heart.

“Please set your own Valentine’s Day as your spirit directs you,” I said to my son. “If the thoughts of me creep into your space, stop by and join me at the top floor balcony. There will be some seats for you.”

Cheers to you all!