Strategies for Self Development and Business Growth A

Strategies for Self Development and Business Growth A Presentation made at the RISE National Youth Forum, (Ibadan Session), on July 31, 2010 by Oluwafunke Amobi (Mrs. )

Session Overview This session will aim to: Highlight the need for a strategic approach to personal development and business growth § Define self development and identify it’s importance § Establish the laws of self development and business growth § Identify useful strategies for self development and business growth § 2

Critical Questions § What is a strategy? § What is self development and why is it important? § What are the strategies for self development and business growth? 3

What is a Strategy? § A strategy is an alternative chosen, to ensure the occurrence of a desired future e. g. the achievement of a goal, the solution of a problem, e. t. c. § It is the art and science of planning and marshalling resources for their most efficient and effective use. § It derives from the Greek work “strategos”; which is the term ascribed to a military general. It implies an ability to think on one’s feet, a readiness to meet any challenge and a focus on achieving the ultimate objective. § A strategy answers the questions: Where ? (Direction) Which? (Scope) How? (Advantage) What ? (Resources needed, External factors) Why? (Expectations) 4

What is a Strategy? (Contd. ) A strategy indicates a deliberateness in dealing with situations. It is a melting pot of our thought processes and introspections; providing an articulation of how we will achieve our chosen objectives. We cannot just let life “happen” to us, we must be strategic in our pursuit of our life goals and objectives. We must continually reassess our goals, reposition ourselves for success and make necessary adjustments as the situation presents. 5

Do You Have a Personal Development Strategy? 6

What is Self Development & Why is it Important? Self development is taking personal responsibility for the outcome of one’s life. It’s about pursuing our potentials through a process of reflection, assessment, goal setting and taking action. As long as you are still alive, you are capable of changing and growing. You can do anything you want and be anything you want to be. Self improvement is not just about achieving as much as possible in the quickest time possible, it is about achieving true and lasting success. 7

What is Self Development & Why is it Important? (Contd. ) So, why is self development important? § § § It gives you a sense of purpose and direction It empowers you to gain control over your life It helps you manage change and face challenges It enables you live a happy and fulfilling life It helps you get the most out of your life 8

3 Laws of Self Development and Business Growth Law Of Personal Mastery Law of Attraction Law of the “Big Picture” 9

1. The Law of Personal Mastery: Know Thy Self What are my present: What are my Future: Values? Dreams? Strengths & Weaknesses? Goals? Daily actions Aspirations? Thoughts & Words? Objectives? Where am I Going? § Is my today aligned with my tomorrow? § Do I currently have what it takes to achieve my dreams? § What and how should I be doing to reach my goals? 10

2. The Law of Attraction The law of attraction is simply the law that whatever you desire and intend to have, you will attract to you. In other words, your thoughts dictate what you experience in reality. Cultivate a habit of thinking positively and making positive affirmations. Thoughts Events Reality 11

3. The Law of the “Big Picture” § “All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible. ” -Orison Swett Marden § The law of the big picture is tied to vision. Vision helps us spot present opportunities where others might not see them, but it also points us towards the future and inspires us to ask, “where do I (or my business, marriage, career) want to be five years from now? Ten years from now? Twenty years? § Our self development or business strategies start with a vision: 12

Strategies: Personal Development Growth Set goals and stick to them § Be Fearless! § Choose a mentor § Be disciplined § Business § Do a market survey / Business Plan – Who wants what I am offering? § Network for Business Advantage § Extend your market Reach – Spread to new ‘locations’ physically/virtually (e. g. websites, online stores), advertise. § Contain your costs! – The “bottom line” about business growth is growing your bottom line! 13

Conclusion Accept personal responsibility for your own growth; NO ONE can do it for you and what you do today will determine your readiness for tomorrow. You are the future of this great Nation. Nigeria awaits your unveiling! Make a commitment to improve yourself. Take decisive steps and ACT NOW! 14

THANK YOU