Leadership – Page 4 – Josh OKELLO

The Business Falcons

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

Falcons are a species of birds commonly referred to as Hawks. Hawks are characterized by sharp talons, large, curved bill and muscular legs. They use their sharp bill to bite and tear the pray and this makes them the best hunting birds ever known. Most entrepreneurs involuntarily act like falcons hence the title “Business Falcons.” So in what ways are entrepreneurs like falcons?

1. Vision.

Falcons have excellent eye sight, they can see up to 8 times further than human eyes sight. This helps with accuracy when sporting a pray. They can identify the difference between a rock and a mouse when they are over 100 feet in the sky. Visionary leaders also see opportunities that lie miles away from them. That is what drives them to take an action to either bring change or start something new. As an entrepreneur, always know what you are going for. Never pick stones when there is bread to go for. Be a falcon and reach for the best by zooming in and out your target pray.

2. Spot Different Colors.

Falcons have the ability to spot different colors. This is to give them a precise judgement and accuracy when identifying the pray. For right judgement of colors, hawks must then have an apriori information on different colors of pray they are going for. The ability to distinguish what an entrepreneur sees as a potential investment is a critical feature that all business leaders should have at all times. Entrepreneurs do not just see opportunities, they see opportunities that can benefit them. Like hawks, business leaders should be in a position to tell where there is a greater potential of returns on all their investment. Always go for colorful and lively places where you can get better profits and therefore strategize before you take a leap.

3. Swiftness

After a hawk has calculated the distance and time it takes to catch the pray, they can travel at a speed of 150 miles per hour through the air to their target. This swiftness reduces reaction time of the pray and creates a shocking impact when they land making their pray dazed and confused. Once a business leader has seen an opportunity, it is upon them to act swiftly and take advantage of it before anybody else find it. This is not to say that they should not allow competition, what I mean is once you have your competitive edge then always develop it to be ahead of everybody. Act swiftly and keep your rivals a daze at all times.

4. Be a Diurnal Leader.

Falcons are always proactive during day time. Even though most entrepreneurs work late, it is advisable to work during day time and have enough rest during night time. It is healthy and makes your brain work better and smarter. Avoid long nights as they reduce your productivity. So stop filling that coffee cup late in the evening and have a restful evening. Catch up with family and friends, relax and take notes.

5. Be opportunistic Feeder.

What this means is that falcons can feed on anything they come across, from frogs, squirrels, insects to rats. They try to expand their tastes on what they feed on. Entrepreneurs should also not narrow their views to only one line of product or service. Be adventurous, try new things. Mostly the first ideas never work and that is why it is good to try more than one idea. statistically, increasing your idea samples expands your probability of nailing the only one that will work. Come with ideas after the other and keep improving them until you get the one that works.

As an entrepreneur and a Not-for-Profit Organization director, I have tried more than 8 businesses from farming to music production, and only three of those that I started have worked. I am still hopeful and adventurous and work like a business falcon. If one never works, then I am certain that there is one out there that will work. If you are a start up, then my advise at this stage is to use as less capital as possible because you are still on trial and error stage. You do not want to lose a lot on your first attempts unless you are certain that you are going to gain it back.

Always remember to play like a falcon.

Please if you found this blog helpful, share it on your social media, follow, favorite and let other people learn from it too. That is the spirit of entrepreneurship. We are here to support each other. No one knows everything that is why we share, exchange and learn from one another. God bless you.

Leadership & Investment

Posted on February 14, 2014February 14, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

Some of the factors that determine our financial planning include; age, personality, education, experience, health and family status. But what exactly does it take to build a financial empire? The simple answer to investment success is strategic planning and discipline.

1. When planning, one needs to think of realistic goals.

Financial planning must have short term, intermediate and long term goals. This is where you ask yourself why you want to be financially stable and once that question is answered, you can build a pyramid of reasons of what to do with the invested money. It is always good to plan to spend otherwise use money to get money will be rendered a dysfunctional statement.

2. Reward comes at a greater risk.

All entrepreneurs know and believe that success is not for the faint heart but for the bold who are willing to take the bull by its horns. Business is about how well you can handle shock in the market and how you can cope with failures. People always think of financial risks at first but risks covered here extends to even individuals reputation. To paraphrase from Nicolo Machiaveli, “reputation must be guarded at all costs.” Risk in business according to my definition will be any attempt that leads to the kind of disgrace that could precipitate a fall from power.

3. Go for Value not quantity.

This is a great challenge to almost all consumers; often times we tend to skew our emotions and satisfaction towards abundance and forget about the value we get. Let me give an example with a daily stock trader who makes decision out of greedy and self centered-ness. His goal is to gain all at the end of the day but real investors go for value. Always remember never to trade stocks but to invest in companies.

4. Investment is a philosophy, study it.

Investment Philosophy is the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of appreciation in value and market knowledge, especially with a view to improving or reconstituting them. Investment therefore needs a thorough research, study and plan. To start-up businesses this process is covered in the business plan or in the marketing plans either knowingly or unknowingly.

5. God first.

Psalms 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. It is easy to do our financial plans and work hard towards achieving our dream and forget about God in the equation. For a moral and ethical business, God plays a greater role in giving direction, a day of rest away from the busy work we do every week. Put God first, and start your financial plan today.

Leadership Challenges & their Solutions

Posted on February 14, 2014February 14, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

Welcome to Silicon Valley! This is where entrepreneurs, start-ups, and stable businesses show their abilities to go against all the market odds to be on top. I presume that you are on this page, reading this blog because either; a). You are a start-up business man or an entrepreneur or b). You are running a stable business and would like to know more about business leadership. If the former, then you are in the right direction to make it to Silicon Valley, if the latter, then you are on the right page that will show you how to boost your revenues, net margins and efficiency.

As a founder and Executive Director of a registered International Not-for-Profit organization for over 5 years now, I have met the normal business hurdles that every entrepreneur meet especially as a start up and this is also the stage where most entrepreneurs fold their tents, throw in the towel, give up or any other phrase you can think of that applies. Patience they say is a virtue, but you do not want to be over patient when it comes to business. Stir up the waters, cause ripples, get to know your competitors, and always be a head of them but always never be the first person to launch a new idea. As an entrepreneur, you have either met these challenges or you are yet to meet them and I hope this blog will help you navigate the ordinary challenges every business person meets out there.

1. Stay on the Acceleration Line. Have you ever asked yourself why the acceleration line joining a highway is long enough to get you to a maximum speed of over 90km/hr? The reason is, they want to reduce the number of accidents and inconveniences that come with people joining a highway at a low speed. The same applies when you are starting a business, give your self enough time to hit the maximum required speed. Most entrepreneurs think that they are going to make their first million immediately they launch their business. I am not saying it is impossible, but it is always very hard to get to that level.

Therefore, make sure you have enough funds and resources to pull you through your first months if not years you are starting. Give yourself a minimum of 6 months without any income when you are a start-up since nobody is going to buy your product or service the very first time you launch it. Never be discouraged. Keep holding firmly until you start seeing the revenues then hold even tighter.

2. Network. If you’ve been keen on my posts, you will realize that I talk a lot about networking. In business world, you need people! Can you remember one of the 5Ps in your marketing mix? Yes People! You need them. One of the oldest puns put it this way, “birds of the same feathers flock together”. Network with like-minded people, listen carefully to advises they give you, involve them in your strategies, have a business mentor, ask questions and act on everything they say that you think can benefit your business.

Networking is not all about passing your business cards to people in a conference, if it is a one day conference, my advice is, never talk to more than 4 people. Get to know the two or three you are talking to very well, build a connection or a bond. Let them know how your business can help them improve, show interest in their businesses and at the end of your conversation, give them your business cards and then email them in less than 24 hours and let them know how pleased and happy you are to have met them.

3. Be Part of Your Community. Did you know that there is a homeless program in your city? How about that youth rehabilitation center? That church you walk by, that school your nephews go to, check out for volunteer opportunities and you never know who you will meet there. It is also an easy way of connecting with your people. As much as you want to get external support, always work at being accepted at home.

4. Big Heart. Business is about helping people. Use what God has blessed you with to support people who are in need. There are upcoming entrepreneurs who also want to make it in life. Support them. What goes around comes right back around. Be a mentor to young investors or those who aspire to be like you. Share with them ideas including this blog 🙂

5. Prepare for Competition. My principle is, If you cant beat them, then plan to get them beaten. That might sound too ruthless but this is what I mean: Competition should not make you quit the game. Form partnerships, merge with your competitors, follow their foot steps and do what you do best.

6. Social Media. Do you have Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn? If you do not have any of that, know that your potential customers are there and again watch what you say on social media. Do not market there, engage people with your product or service. Be sensitive on what you post, never insult anybody even if they attack you. Remember what Niccolo Machiavelli said? “So much depend on reputation, guard it with your life.” Whatever you post on social media reflects who you are inside. Be nice to your followers and keep them engaged.

8. Speak in Events. Sign up for speaking events and practice your speaking skills. Not all entrepreneurs are good speakers so do not stress if you are not a speaker. All you need to do is to train your brain muscle that you can do it. Take it as a challenge, find at least a place to speak and share your ideas at least once a month. Once you are competent in it, speaking can become your strongest and free marketing tool. Some people earn a living from speaking, you can do it too.

9. Write. Nobody is born a writer, but you have been writing from kindergarten. You really do not have an excuse to say you cannot write. You really do not have to write the wisest blogs or books. Just write! You never know what will be helpful to your readers. I did not think deeply about this blog. Just practice until you nail it.

10. Never Give Up. They say go big or go home. But I say “go big or go bigger.” Never lose hope when it comes to entrepreneurship, be creative and try new things. An idea might not work but if you keep trying, hopefully you will find the one that takes you to another level. It is just a matter of time.

Socratic Leadership

Posted on February 11, 2014February 11, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

Is there anything business leaders can learn from Socrates? If anything then let us first start by getting to know who this man is. Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher who is credited as one of the founders of Western Philosophy. He came to fame through later classical writers most of them his immediate students namely Plato, Aristotle and Xenophon. He (Socrates) is widely known for his contribution in the field of ethics through arguments and self defense that puzzled most of his antagonists.

As an entrepreneur and apologist, I know that business leaders can learn a lot from this great philosopher, from ethics, bargaining, intelligence to reasoning.

1. Piety

Socrates was so pious that he did nothing without the counsel of the gods, so just that he never did an injury to any man. This dependence on God is what most entrepreneurs lack, let me call it Socratic proslogion for now. The ability to have faith in God that all well thought-of ideas can work is a trait that can propel any business to higher levels. A lot of entrepreneurs lose hope so easily and shred their blue prints at early stages when they meet challenges. My advice is, seek counsel from almighty God and he will bless you with faith to believe that you can do it.

2. Temperate

Socrates never preferred pleasure to right. The ability to show moderation and self-restraint is very important when it comes to business. Successful entrepreneurs never do it for money but to change life standards of other people or to solve a need. When you are starting a business, my advice is; never put money first, always think of your customers and the value you are offering them. This is a concept that is very easily forgotten in business today. Accordingly, Socrates practiced temperance and self-denial to a degree which some thought ostentatious and affected

3. Intelligence

Socrates was so intelligent that he could not fault making judgement between what was good and what was evil. As a business leader, the ability to make right judgement is more than important especially in strategic management of any kind. One very successful investor once told me, that it is never wrong to make mistakes but learn from them. His second advice to me was that it is okay to take risks, as long as they are critically thought of and well calculated.

4. Logical

Originating from the Greek word “Logike”, logic has got more than one meaning. a). It describes the use of valid reasoning, b). It is the study of reasoning. Socrates was a logician, who could reason out his thoughts in debates and arguments and that is how he won most of the accusations against him. A business leader should be a person who can reason well, logically and should tell when to quit if statistics do not tally. Business is about value both to the customer and to the entrepreneur and if any side is not gaining then it is time to apply logike.

5. Virtuous

Socrates lived a life full of high moral standards. This could also be the reason why they teach business ethics in schools today. If something is not worth doing then do not it. My principle is; if something is against my moral and ethical standards then however good it is, I will not do it. Above all go to point one and know where the source of all morality comes from. Be pious.

Don’t Block Your Way to Success! (Business Kings)

Posted on January 27, 2014January 27, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

Friday 24^th January 2014 at 9:00am after our Christian Leadership Impact group meeting, I am sitting with Keith Brink in one of the best interviews I have ever done. Keith is a a gold medal business graduate and an entrepreneur from Tyndale University and Seminary College and has an office in Toronto, Downtown dealing with labour outsourcing to entrepreneurs in North America. Keith is also the youngest board member of Succeed Africa Relief Organization, a Not for Profit organization that I founded and recently got approved by Canada Ministry of Government Service. This is how our interview went.

1. As a fellow classmate and business man, we have started so many businesses and most of them have failed terribly, what do you think about our history as entrepreneurs?

Those were the best times and to be precise, I am glad we failed because I learned a lot and I hope you did too. They say experience is the best teacher but if you can learn without experience then go for it but never be the proverbial ostrich that sinks his head in the sand thinking that his body is safe outside. So if you fail, pick up yourself, try and find out why you failed and act on it. Never let your failures block your way to success.

2. We wrote a business proposal to student life of starting a healthy, cheap, and convenient fruit juice business in school, full with delivery in dormitories and staff offices on our second year and it got shut down before we even defended it. Do you think it is fair for entrepreneurs and innovators to be turned down?

It is through some ideas that are considered “crazy,” that the world has changed. I am sure the inventor of light bulb was turned down, laughed at but today, it is the best thing we are having. Most people will turn you down if they see you as a threat of if they think that you have not researched a lot in whatever you are starting. On our case, it is from that disappointment that I learned to do my part well before I share it.

3. You recently hired two managers One Information technology and the other one is charge of operations and I am very proud of you taking that bold step at infant stages of our businesses. What is your main worry with your team as at now?

I am always worried when getting back the reports from them. Did they do the right thing? Did they finish the tasks in time, are our clients happy. Those are some of the things I worry about but generally I am having amazing team who are enthusiastic to learning and growing with the organization.

4. As an entrepreneur, I connect a lot with the points you have mentioned but how do you solve this problem?

The only way to deal with worries is to share your vision with your team. Let them know why you started the business and when hiring, always hire people who are in line with the vision not people who just want to work and get money in return.

Let me split this to you in fractions, 5% of my job is to model the vision. 95% is sharing that vision with people whom it can change. Another thing you need to know or any entrepreneur out there is that people don’t connect with big visions. Keep it simple and actually very simple.

5. So how do you bring people on board with your vision?

Entrepreneurship involves creativity; you do not have to be very formal when you can simply share your vision in a dramatic way. The point is, you want people to think like you do, you want to connect with your customers and team in achieving all the realistic goals you have set, use diagrams, visual gestures and always remember to show it on your face that it can be done. Be jovial and confident about it.

6. As entrepreneurs, we don’t understand everything, so what is your main fear?

There is always more to be done than time you have. Be aware of what you need to do today. Prioritize. Remember; planning is the most important thing yet less practiced by entrepreneurs and it can only result to failure.

7. Parting shot!

It is yourself who gets on your way to success. Always make commitments you cannot break and learn from the masters. I admire a lot Steve Holmes who is also a board member of Tyndale University and Seminary and the CEO of Spring Free Trampoline. He prays to 5 people every day on his way to work. Calls them and leaves them a prayer message on their phones. We cannot do it alone. We need God at all times.

Confrontational Leadership

Posted on January 26, 2014January 26, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

This is not to be confused with arrogance. What I simply mean by confrontational is the ability to oppose or challenge directly the action or authority of someone. I also should make it clear to you that personality contributes a lot when it comes to being a confrontational leader.

Even though most entrepreneurs shy away from this type of leadership, it can mostly benefit the organization if handled with care because there is a very fine line separating it from arrogance. While arrogance holds the intent of superiority and recklessness, confrontation has an intent to question the credibility of an action and how it is benefiting the entire organization.

In my daily life, I do not like confrontations of any kind but one of my business friends, a fellow school mate and an entrepreneur once taught me that it is never wrong to question what is wrong. The only way to bring change is when you highlight what is wrong. This is really difficult and can get messy if you are in partnership or dealing with colleagues who are older, of higher ranks, authoritative and intimidating.

Going by moral ethics and expected office etiquette, no wrong doing should be left unquestioned or else the person seeing it happen also lands himself in the same problem as the doer. However, if you are confronting please make sure that you do it with;

1.Love

Your intention should be to correct the wrongs and be at the same understanding with the wrong doer on the does and don’ts of an organization. Before you speak you should remember these bible verse Proverbs 15:1-2, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ²The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

2. Respect.

It does not cost any penny to pay respect however poor you can be. To be in a work environment, know that you are dealing with a fellow human being and do not put them on the spot where they can feel intimidated. Show respect and it will be shown back to you. It is a two blade sword or just remember that what goes around comes right back around.

3. Considerate.

Once a leader is marked with regards of feelings and needs of others, they can address any issue in the organization with a lot of care and no big problem can go unsolved. Human beings are social animals and just like any other animals, both domesticated and undomesticated, if cornered and can sense danger, all animals react the same and that is to be on the defense. Before they give in to power, they will always try to repel the attacks through anyway possible and this can cause injury and damage to an organization. A considerate leader is a good leader.

4. Wisdom.

I am talking about wisdom not knowledge or skills or any other forms of learned experiences. Wisdom can only come from God and a good leader is one who is anointed to serve with the help from above. Simple things as calling a person a side when you want to address a critical issue in a work environment is way better than shaming them in front of all their juniors or seniors. Seek Wisdom from above and so I say.

Not all leaders need to be confrontational, but just moderate what works for you and nurture it to serve you well. If you are going the confrontational way, then always remember not to cross the line between confrontation and arrogance.

Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs.

Posted on January 26, 2014January 26, 2014 by Josh

By Okello Okello

1. Fun
Work place should be a conducive environment and successful entrepreneurs learn how to have fun despite the mundane tasks they are working on. Speaking from experience as as a founder and Executive Director of an International Christian Not-for-Profit Relief Organization, drafting our organization bylaws and doing all the paper work was the most boring part of work I have done. However, I looked at the end goal of why I was starting the organization and stayed focus on that single goal. For more than 3 months, I woke up, did research, write the whole day and go to bed. As a music lover, I enjoyed my work with R&B music in the background. If you love Jazz, Rock, Metal, Dance, Dub-step, play it and make your work environment a fan place to be in.

2. Focus
This might sound rude, but nobody is going to tell you to be serious in whatever you are doing if you are an entrepreneur. Take your work seriously and give it your best. If you get frustrated, because you will, then take a break and come back energized and give it another good shot. It is upon you to perfect your pitch and idea before any body else give you a minute of their sweet time to listen to you. Once again, remember to focus and do it well.

3. Time Management
We are all given 24 hours in a day by God. Whether you are Bill Gates or the poorest president Jose Mujica of Uruguay. Planning your time will take you far and remember not to have more than six items on your to-do list everyday. Remember to have at least 30 minutes of exercise because your body and brain works better if your are healthy.

4. Finance Management
This is a challenge to so many entrepreneurs. As a start-up, you really do not earn a lot so track your expenditure to the penny. Simple investment rule; “Never spend more than you earn.” Remember, It takes a while before a start-up can even pay simple bill as a phone bill. Use your money wisely. I will also encourage you to give back to God what you think he deserves. I know so many people give 10% but I am not going to encourage or discourage you to continue giving. Just give what you think is worthy to give back to God.

5. Do it for Your Clients
Let me jump into my morality and ethics books and pull one of the oldest rule, “the golden rule.” Put your self into your customers shoes, if you were the customer, do you think you will be satisfied by the good or services you are purchasing? If your answer is yes, then please continue with the same spirit. If your answer is no, then I don’t think I have to tell you what to do. Always put your customers first even in background operations like accounting, promotion, designing unless you are creating your own product or service to use at home.

6. Go for Nothing Less
My assumption now is that you already have your mission, vision and value statements written. Work with those, try challenging things, pick that phone and do a cold call, send that email to customer asking them why they are not satisfied with your product, update your books, and if you are running a Not-for-Profit organization, ask that donor to support your project. Always challenge your guts and try something that gives you chills in your spine.

7. Get Impeccable Business Team.
Successful entrepreneurs never do it a lone. They have mentors, business advisers, role models, partners, and they have a broad and healthy network with people who can share the reality of the markets they are in. If you are picking your team, work with skilled and efficient team. (Check this link to know who to hire )

8. Create a Competitive Edge.
What differentiates you from any other service provider out there? What is so unique in your product that can me forget about the already existing brands just so I can have your product on my table? This can range from chemical composition of the product you are selling or promoting to price. Always have a unique identity that puts you a head of the game.

9. Educate Yourself.
They say learning never stops. Re-invent your self, learn new things, read those magazines, posters, newspapers, subscribe to this post 😉 do research online, read books, sign up for seminars, take online courses. The list is endless. It is only when you admit that you do not know a lot that you open more learning opportunities to your self. Just do it!

10. Sleep.

Most entrepreneurs and nerds are workaholics, gets frustrated a lot and easily, are night owls, and always suffer from depression. Stop drinking that coffee late at night and give your self a break. Relax, enjoy a good night rest and wake up productive and do it like you never did it before.

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