Staying on Top of Your Game: Lessons From MTN

MTN is business savvy and that makes them stand out. They understand Nigerian business terrain better. At a time ECONET(now Airtel) was busy trying to build strong facilities in a few cities, MTN spread their tentacles to many towns. Their network service were not reliable, but Nigerians who were long waiting for GSM services rushed for their sim cards. Few years later, they reinforced their facilities in those towns after making quick money.

When MTN got the sole right to sponsor Who Wants to Be a Millionaire(Nigeria),they made sure you can only apply(text or call) to participate in the show, exclusively from an MTN line. It was not so when Vmobile alongside UBA and Orange Drugs(Delta Soap) were sponsors of the game show. Vmobile failed to realize the potentials of the show.

And a few years ago, when the newest entrant, Etisalat and later, Airtel, were crashing call tariff to win new customers, MTN stayed put. But suddenly, MTN came up with MTN super save and other packages giving even lesser call tariffs. They won back most of their subscribers.

Last night, I saw a brand new commercial from MTN advertising the recently activated number portability scheme. And who was on set? It was none other than Hafiz Oyetoro popularly known as Saka. The actor, well known for his comic roles in English and Yoruba home videos and sitcoms, not too long ago featured in several Etisalat adverts. Saka brought life to these adverts. His expression, "like my wife o" where he opted for an Etisalat package that gave a lot of freebies used by his wife in one of the adverts easily comes to mind.

This is another good business move by MTN who have been receiving a lot of backlash from subscribers, some of whom have advocated switching to other networks. It is likely that MTN offered Saka a better deal after his contract with Etisalat was not renewed. Or maybe his deal with Etisalat was just per advert. No doubt, Saka, is a lot richer, after this commercial.

While I commend the MTN boardroom for understanding Nigerian business terrain better and making smart business moves, I believe the best business move, they can make in the long term is to reinforce their facilities and improve their network.

But for now. I admire their insight, hindsight and foresight. No wonder, they are on top of their game.

Enjoy the advert video clip below. Saka don port! Saka don upgrade to MTN. See the effects they achieved with the lights. Saka's attire changed from green to yellow. An impressive advert and a smart media weapon by MTN. I love the 'kirikata' dance too!

Pictures, courtesy: Brandwork Nigeria, PilotAfrica.com

Get Out of that Comfort Zone!

He was working in a government hospital as a medical doctor. He did not like the monotonous nature of the job. He detested coming to work every day and waiting for his pay cheque at the end of the month. He came from a family where most of his relatives shunned payed employment jobs because they prefer to start their own outfits.

Working for government most of his life and settling down for gratuity and pension did not appeal to him. He felt 'running his own show' will make him think harder and come up with more initiatives and creativity in the course of his work.

It was two years down the line, after he got his employment letter to work at Charanchi in Katsina State and he was not finding the job exciting.

It was not an easy thing to do but he had made up his mind...

And he threw in the towel. He went on to start a his private clinic at Katsina, the capital city of the state. The reactions he got from most of his colleagues and superiors were "Are you crazy?" "You are playing with your career" "You have just ruined your future." His determination made him turn deaf ears to their cautions.

"The first six months was hell. I only had a few patients patronizing the clinic. I was spending a lot of money running the clinic as compared to the little income."

"Many people failed me. A relative that promised to give me a loan came up with excuses. Another friend that had promised to deliver some equipment to me disappointed me."

He had to sell his car to pay some debts he accrued. He was between the devil and the deep blue sea.

"At a stage, I had to give out my apartment to someone interested to refund me the money I paid and I moved into one the rooms in the place I rented for me clinic." He said, as he recounted his experience.

He needed to achieve the dream. It was the same dream that led him to take the risky decision that made him quit his job. Unfortunately, with the turn of events, the dream looked distant and bleak. But he had been a dogged fighter all his life and he needed to prove his friends that thought he was crazy, wrong.

Where there moments that he thought of quitting? "Yes," he replied, "but I had no escape route because 'I had burnt my bridges and there was no going back."

"My big break came about a year after, during the cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak in the north," he said, "the vaccine was scarce and I was fortunate to have some in stock."

" A trailer load of infected patients from the border towns and Niger republic were brought to my clinic and the government public health officials were ready to buy the vaccines even at more than four times the cost."

"The work was so hectic at this period but it payed off and I still had more patients to administer the vaccines even after I ordered more drugs from Lagos."

Less than two months afterwards, he bought another car and started making arrangements to move into a new and better apartment. His clinic started booming. The disease outbreak had made it more popular and many patients had come to gain confidence in him. Today, he has a hospital and many thriving investments. He has also built a strong reputation as a general practitioner.

When he was asked about his colleagues way back his days as a government employee, he replied: "Oh! they are doing marvelously well. Many of them are getting set for retirement and some are already through and waiting for their gratuity. Many of them now commend me and salute my courage."

He braved the odds and he took a difficult situation that paid off. Everyone cannot be like him, it all depends on your mindset and what you want in life. But you could be succeed like him if you are convinced that you need to 'run your own show.'

Perhaps you are tired of your 9 to 5 job and your monthly pay cheque that is barely enough for you. You may have been nursing a dream about a business venture or project. Calculate the risks; now might just be the right time to take a leap of faith.

It is your life; live it to the fullest and it matters that you reach and stay on top of your game!

Picture, courtesy: networkequipment.net and southern4life.blogspot.com

You Have a Bright Future!

I watched him limp around the clinic at various times to get a device for one procedure or another. Merie was a master of his art. The fact that he was physically challenged did not diminish his work because he was never found wanting.

"I have a bright future and God will keep taking me to a higher level," he told me, as we discussed when he finished seeing the patients at hand. It was obvious that he never or rarely thought about his disabilities. He told me about work, his young family, the wife that God blessed him with and how her prayers enabled him secure his a job at a time that getting employed was difficult because of the global economic meltdown.

As I watched and listened to Merie, I seemed to forget most of my headaches because they all appeared to be trivialities. I could walk straight, I could speak and hear well, I was physically alright but just the night before, I stayed awake for several hours thinking about the things I needed to get done. My problems turned to a flash in the pan as I looked at this young man who had to endure a remarkable physical challenge caused by poliomyelitis infection, which he contracted when he was just an infant.

"In my second year in the University, I made up my mind to quit. It was just too unbearable. I was the one training myself." His face was expressionless as he spoke, "My faculty head advised me against it. I persevered by combining studies and petty trading. And the rest is now history."

He had stubbornly refused to join a relative to learn a trade, instead he set up a barber shop to raise funds. "I had to use my little savings to buy a hair clipper.It was from the money I made from my shop, situated under a tree shed that I was able to take my senior school certificate and university matriculation exams."

My mind wandered to the various possibilities that could have taken place in the life of my friend had it been he did not set his mind on his ambition and persevered against all odds. He is an eye doctor today. Indeed, like he says and believes, he has a bright future.

Many of us are more advantaged physically. A great majority of us did not have to toil to train ourselves in the course of higher education. Yet we keep dwelling our minds on the things we do not have. Many times we go about as if life has short changed us. We worry, we play the blame game-forgetting our strengths and the opportunities that life has offered us.

A lot of lessons can be learned from Merie's life: Your present challenge does not mean you are finished, it is just a phase and your attitude as you face it, matters a lot. We would better enjoy our lives when we stop looking at limitations. Whether you are well or physically challenged; whether you are black or white; whether you are wealthy or just surviving or whether you are educated or illiterate- it is never too late to get your fire back and live your best life.

You can start it now by eliminating negative confirmations and limiting thoughts! For a start, you can take a cue from our friend Merie; say it and believe it, "I have a bright future and God will keep taking me to higher level !"

As you face your life and daily tasks with diligence and this kind of positive mindset, it would push you to rise above those limitations that have always held you back.

You have a bright future! You will win!

Picture, courtesy: dreamstime.com

Goodbye Whitney

She had one of the most beautiful voices ever. She conveyed the emotions that her songs portrayed, so well, that the listener feels it deep inside. Such was the kind of connection that fans of Whitney Houston felt whenever her songs were played. Besides that, she was so beautiful and had the most charming of smiles.

As she is laid to rest, the world would miss a star-musician, actress, model, producer and one who many turned to the lyrics of her songs for solace and inspiration. Her music enabled many of us to have faith in ourselves. Those who were heartbroken found some comfort in her songs. The messages were uplifting and positive and taught us to believe in our dreams and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Houston was among the greatest singers of the 1980s and 1990s. She grew up surrounded by gospel and soul music legends like Franklin and Warwick. Her landmark hits brought R&B and gospel touches into pop music’s mainstream.After her debut, her popularity grew exponentially with her second album, “Whitney” (1987), with all four singles - “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”, “So Emotional”, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” - hitting No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Whitney was a trail blazer.In the 1980, at a time when MTV(Music Television) was gaining grounds, it received harsh criticism for not playing enough videos by black artists. With Michael Jackson breaking down the color barrier for black male artists, Houston did the same for black female artists. Whitney Houston became the first black female artist to receive heavy rotation on the network following the success of the "How Will I Know" video. This opened doors for more female black artistes.Her 30-year career that peaked with her 1992 signature hit “I Will Always Love You” paved the way for a generation of singers that followed her.

According to the Guinness Book of records, Houston was the most awarded female artist of all time, with two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010. She held the all-time record for the most American Music Awards of any female solo artist and shared the record with Michael Jackson for the most AMAs ever won in a single year with eight wins in 1994.Houston won a record 11 Billboard Music Awards at its fourth ceremony in 1993. She also had the record for the most WMAs won in a single year, winning five awards at the 6th World Music Awards in 1994.

Whitney Houston also excelled as an actress, acting in, The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale and Preacher's Wife. Her first acting role was as the star of the feature film The Bodyguard (1992). The film's original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single "I Will Always Love You", became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. With the album, Houston became the first act (solo or group, male or female) to sell more than a million copies of an album within a single week period.

From America to Asia to Australia to Europe and her roots, Africa, Whitney Houston's music brought joy to many. The musician, who started by singing in her church choir as a little girl and teenager was mentored by her mother, also a singer(gospel), Cissy Houston; and influenced by her cousins, Dionnie and Deedee Warwick and her adopted aunt, singer, Aretha Franklin.

Whitney, like all of us was not perfect, she faced various challenges like alcoholism, drugs and difficult relationships and marriage. She lived through them and was honest and genuine in the face of it. She died at a time many thought she was getting back on track.

Music was her life. Though her life was cut short at 48, while her music career blossomed, she was on top of her game. Her music lives on. She utilized her talent to the fullest and her passion for what she did was legendary, of which the records she set and the numerous awards she won testifies.

Goodbye Whitney!

Picture, courtesy: MTV, time.com, bellanaija, ukmix.org

The Magical Chipolopolo of Zambia

Right from the onset of the 2012 Confederation of African Football(CAF), African Cup of Nations(AFCON) hosted by Equitorial Guinea and Gabon, followers of African football can attest to zeal and commitment of the 'Chipolopolo,' the Zambian national team. Though they played good football but many lovers of African football never believed that the uncolourful side, lacking big players and stars would make it to the finals of the competition not to talk of lifting the trophy; outwitting the tournament favourites, Ghana and Ivory Coast who are strong forces in African football.

Like their name, 'chipolopolo' which means copper bullets.The Zambian players who are little known, except for their long standing dedicated captain, Chris Katongo(Most Valuable Player of the 2012 AFCON), pelted the Ghanain and Ivorian teams with bullets, even 'shooting out' the biggest African players such as Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah, Didier Drogba and current African footballer of the year, Yaya Toure in the semi-finals and finals of the competition. The Zambian footballers had played together for several years, the likes of Chris Katongo, Kennedy Mweena, Joseph Musonda, Rainford Kalaba, Clifford Mulenga and others having played in the last four CAF African Nation's cup.This enabled them to understand themselves and play as a team instead of appearing as a disjointed side with players of individual brilliance.

Indeed, this underdog players proved book makers and analysts wrong. They do not need to be playing top-flight football in Europe and parade six figure earning players who have won many laurels before they can get to the top of African football.

While their story is a testimony of dedication, determination and a 'never say never spirit,' the pains that entire Zambian nation felt in April, 1993 after they lost a generation of promising footballers of the national team in an air crash soon after the air craft conveying 30 passengers including 18 players exploded after taking off from a stop in the Gabon capital of Libreville en route a world cup qualifying game with Senegal. 19 years after, the memories of the huge loss was still at the back of the mind of Zambians including the chipolopolo players, many of whom were school boys when the sad event occurred.

Zambia played all three group games, plus its quarterfinal and semifinal of the 2012 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea. They needed to get to the finals in order to play in Libreville, Gabon, just miles away from the spot where they lost their 1993 squad.

“There was just something about it,” goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene said. “With the tournament being here in Gabon we wanted to take part to honor those who were lost to our country. That made it extra special.”

“We could only get to Libreville by reaching the final, so we did it,” Coach Herve Renard told the Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson after an upset 1-0 win against Ghana in the semifinal. “There is something written that we have to go to play to honor the memories of the Zambia national team that died in 1993. It was catastrophic for the nation. The 12 million people of Zambia are waiting for us to go back to Libreville; immediately after we arrive, we will go to the place.”

And the Chipolopolo of Zambia, not only played in the finals of the 2012 AFCON in Libreville, Gabon; they took out time to visit the site of the 1993 crash, said prayers, laid flowers and derived some strength. To cap it all they lifted the the trophy of the competition that shows the best of African football. They wiped the tears their nation shed 19 years ago by tenaciously playing out their hearts on the pitch and wining after a penalty shoot out with Ivory Coast.

“This is magical, magical,” yelled striker Emmanuel Mayuka, one of only two Zambian players to ply his trade in Europe. The players knelt down forming a circle, sang praises and offered a prayer of thanksgiving immediately after they emerged victorious in the penalty shootout. Coach Renard carried injured Joseph Musonda in his arms from the sides and placed him beside other players to join in the prayers. Musonda shed tears when substituted in the early minutes of the finals after he sustained an injury. It was the most important game in his long standing career.

The players celebrated and hugged their mentor and 1993 veteran Kalusha Bwalya(the only member of the 1993 squad whose life was spared because he chose to fly from his base to join the squad for the game before the ill-fated air crash), now president of the nation’s soccer federation.

In one of the most touching moments of the final, Zambian coach Hervé Renard gave his winners medal to Zambian FA president Kalusha Bwalya. The Football Association of Zambian(FAZ) president, Kalusha Bwalya had implemented a long term vision, poling players from the under 20 and Under 23 sides to form the core of players of the future. He was undaunted by first round eliminations in the 2006 and 2008 AFCON. Today, his original four year plan for success has paid off.

Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene of Free State Stars in South Africa, strikers Emmanuel Mayuka of Swiss side Young Boys and CAF Player of the tournament Christopher Katongo from Henan FC in China were named into the team. TP Mazemba defender, Stoppila Sunzu was also named in the team. Mayuka also won the 2012 Africa Cup top scorers award on three goals based on assists.

The Zambian national football team moved 23 places up in the current Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) ranking to the 43rd in the world and 4th in Africa behind Ivory Coast, Ghana and Algeria.

Indeed the victory of the Chipolopolo of Zambia would remain one of those magical moments in African football.

Picture, courtesy: Associated Press

Let Our Children Dream Again

Today, I choose to dwell my thoughts on children. The leaders of tomorrow-the future! The reason many parents run helter skelter everyday to make ends meet. They allow us see the good side of life and take each day with a smile. They are gifts from God.

Children are the often forgotten prides of a nation. They are the reason why governments of nations should consider the long time effects of their policies. But, sadly many world leaders especially those in the third world often forget about them in the scheme of things.

No wonder you do not need to look out of you car to see them hovering all around you at major roads whenever your car is forced to slow down because of potholes or traffic congestion. They stick their wares right into your car if your windows are open, urging you to buy their goods. And in the course of trying to exchange your money for their goods, if your driver is impatient and accelerates the car, you see them chasing the car to collect their money or catch it if it is thrown out from a high vehicle.

But I choose not to dwell my thoughts on sour experiences of children. My mind darts back to some merry experiences I had as a child. One that I look back and say, “If any child can dream big dreams and believe it, he or she can ‘work it’ and achieve it irrespective of challenges.” Then, we were still boys and we were proud that either one or both of our parents were staff of Federal School of Arts and Science, Ogoja.

We played football on the roads near the college’s sports centre. Two remnants from broken cement blocks placed ten paces of my foot apart formed the goal posts. They occupied the spots that the upright of a goal post would have been. Giggling, panting, focusing, kicking and aiming we chased around the round rubber which we fondly called flying carpet. We had no choice but to use the roads as our elder ones played their soccer games on the pitch nearby.

Nicknaming ourselves, we took names of local stars in our area or big stars we admired and this made us feel on top of the world. Hence, we screamed as we ran around the portion of the road serving as a soccer pitch calling out our adopted names. Popular names like Pele, Etim Esin, Goalkeeper Chukwuma, Shumaker, Maradona, Ruggeri, Chairman Christian Chukwu, Sam Okwaraji and other identities of reigning football stars and legends rent the air. The two opposing sides in the games were distinguished by those who wore shirts and those who wore none.

We abruptly stopped the soccer game when there was an oncoming car or motorcycle. If someone we liked was in the car, we saluted and cheered him or her, if it were someone we disliked we simply frowned or booed. Those who never allowed their kids to join us in a game, or those we considered stingy or strict never got our salutation. This added to the excitement as we played football with all our hearts on the road.

I could remember the day I sat on the gutter, close to a major road where boys often played soccer in the evening with a school mate in the Unity school I later attended. We talked about soccer stars and the big club sides and he clearly stated his desire for a big break, he said, “Okey, I dream of the day that I will play in the World cup, I love the quality of football there...I tell you, I will play in the World Cup one day”. He shook his head as he made that comment and I could see the burning passion in his eyes. Something in me believed him as I could recollect how he shined in soccer even back in our Primary school days.

I almost shed tears with joy when I saw the same schoolmate of mine, Bartholomew Ogbeche, in the starting line up of the Super Eagles in the Japan-Korea 2002 FIFA World cup game against Argentina. In a flash, I remembered that fateful afternoon. I saw a dream born, I saw a dream lived. Bartho, as we fondly call him may not be in the Super Eagles line up at the moment but he will always be a motivation. With such a zeal that catapulted him to stardom, I do not doubt his ability to bounce back to the highest echelon of soccer in the nearest future.

There are many children out there with dreams. But most of their dreams die and they fail to dream again because they are either talked out of it or fail to go far in its pursuit because of difficulties.

In our African society where mediocre leadership continues to exist, the future of our children is continually jeopardized. And their lives become full of turmoil as global population increases in our fast changing world.

Imagine a world without children. It will be a place where we would lack the innocence and cheerfulness of infants. It would be a world that would be devoid of continuity. It would be a boring place.

The challenge today, is for you and I. Let us become more interested in the plight of disadvantaged children. Let us show them a little kindness. A word of encouragement, taking out time to review their school work with them, teaching them good manners, giving them a gift that would add value to them would not cost us too much.

By doing so, we would be sowing good seeds into their future and it would be a step in tackling the woes of our children.

This post is part of a series inspired by the Prevent Abuse of Children Today (PACT) campaign, hosted by Stepping Stones Nigeria. Please add your name to the PACT petition to prevent abuse of innocent children in the Niger Delta and visit the site to find out more: www.makeapact.org

Let Your Words Bless..

Dirty words are common these days. Some people say it out of frustration or uncertainty. While others are complacent about the effects of the words they have just spoken out of anger, envy and jealousy to others. In some instances it has become some people's lifestyle. But the benefits unto us and to others when we allow our words to 'bless' are so numerous.

To 'bless' someone means to better the person's lot. Bringing peace to another person's life is a blessing. Inspiring someone, bringing healing, good cheer and positive transformation to others are all ways of blessing others. In fact if your words leave someone better than you met him, you have served as a blessing. Dictionary.com defines to 'bless' as 'to bestow good of any kind upon'.

While the word 'bless' may be better known as offering a prayer for divine favour or to sanctify; what matters is the after effect, which is always good. Perhaps using the word 'uplift,' may grammatically better suit this context because according to Dictionary.com, to 'uplift,'means to improve socially, culturally, morally, or the like.

These days, the word 'bless' is increasing used. It is not unusual to hear someone say in appreciation, 'You have been a blessing to us!' Yes! People could say that to you just because of the way you spoke to them.

Think about how good you feel when someone says something nice to you. Your body system is refreshed, good cheer is brought into your life and you feel a kind of deep admiration or love for the person. Such a good feeling pays in many ways. At that moment you rarely think of your problems. You feel joy and appreciation.

What about when you positively touch someone with your words? You love it when the beneficiary showers you with words of appreciation. Sometimes they pray for you in gratitude. You feel good that you have just been of value to someone. Just like after you give someone a gift, you find inner peace when you do it cheerfully. 'Those who let the light shine in the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.'

It is just the opposite when you condemn and criticize someone in anger.Abusive or curse words are the high points of it. Likewise, when you rant out of frustration or speak to someone disrespectfully out of your selfishness.

When you regain your tranquility after letting out such words and discover you got it wrong somewhere, you start regretting. It could get to the extent of you finding ways to apologize to those that bore the brunt of your verbal attack. It was as if you splashed mud on them and you feel terrible to have done so.

Words are so powerful. An encouraging word can go a long way in improving someone's life. There are people you can never forget in your life; not because you have their phone numbers or pictures, but because they sowed a seed in your life with their words. They inspired you. Their words echo in your subconsciousness from time to time. It is not surprising that the great Mother Teresa said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Encourage someone putting in so much time and resources in a worthy project. Motivate an ambitious child with inspirational words. Let your words soothe a sick fellow. Remind a friend facing a challenge that he or she is not finished because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Tell your spouse you love him or her... The list is endless. You never know that there are several people out there longing to hear your words of approval.

Better someone's life today. Let your words bless...

Picture: Courtesy, webstockpro.com

See the Light

There are moments that all does not seem to be well...

Life has dealt you a terrible blow. You put your head down. It did not happen the way you wanted. You are not where you think you are supposed to be. You want to stay all alone and bemoan your fate. You are angry.You are easily irritated by any little thing. You want to 'switch off.'

But just wait a minute; can you change the situation? Why not just take out time and ponder over it, think of a way out. Okay, if you cannot change the situation, why not accept it and put on the best attitude that would enable you live through it.

Does it add to your accomplishments and popularity if everyone around you knows you are facing a mountain? When you become the new 'gist' because your continuous complaints are known by all.

Now, think about your health; it worsens, when you are immersed in constant worry, anxiety and fear.

Seeing only the negative aspects of any situation can cause you to miss opportunities, neglect problems that need to be solved, and fail to take action that would otherwise improve your relationships and quality of life.

See the light, it is there at the end of the tunnel.This mess is not happening to you, it is happening for you. It is only but a stepping stone to greater heights.

Stop thinking about what is happening to you and start thinking about what you can make happen. If you're not happy with the way your life is now,change it by setting new goals and moving on.

You can do this by being optimistic. Stay confident, hopeful and cheerful. Expect good things. See the good and encourage yourself and others to be their best.

And do not forget that time and tide waits for no one. Any moment you spend brooding over failures and setbacks cannot be regained and so it has been wasted.

Count your blessings! See the light!

Picture, courtesy: Superstock.com

Put Your Free Time to Productive Use

It is one of those days at work where you have less work to do. You smile and recline on your chair. It is time for office gossip. And the gist begins-from petty talk about your colleague who is not on seat to the wedding you attended last weekend to the new babe in town. You keep talking and the clock keeps ticking. It feels good, there is no pressure. Then you switch over to internet chat…

The next day you come to work; official phone calls, clients need your assistance, your boss keeps urging you to finish the tasks assigned to you long ago. You remember the other things you still had to do that day. Just like most days, it is a hectic day. You hate your work!

We all love some free time, be it at work or at home; when there are no tasks that need urgent attention, when we are at the motor park, train station or airport waiting for our turn to move, when we are done with home keeping. When the lecturer does not show up for the day’s lecture… There are loads of ways that free time comes up.

It would pay us if we use this free time to our advantage. When you are at the airport or station, when you are waiting for something, think about what you can do or what you can take with you so that you can use your time more effectively. For instance, you can be checking through the report that you have to present at tomorrow’s meeting.

It is a good time to do some creative day dreaming which could help you tackle some problems. You can use it to do some deep thinking with a pen and paper in your hand-where you list out and weigh various options. On the other hand you can use it to read a good book, plan for tomorrow or the week ahead.

You could face some lingering task that do not need immediate attention and make some progress on it. It could just be a good time to shut out your mind from the world and do some meditation. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it is to your own advantage and do not loose sight of when the train moves or the next task!

And if you are sure all your jobs have been completed to your satisfaction, then enjoy your well earned time. Avoid spending such time complaining or worrying over an issue because it is a good time to recharge your batteries for the next task. Of course, you need to stay right on op of our game!

Picture, courtesy:Flickr.com

My Boss, You Devil!

It is very common for us to start looking at our employers as as monsters. We see them wanting to squeeze all the juice in us, the same way an orange is savoured. It either makes us wallow in self pity, get bitter and arrogant or become pragmatic-looking out for other better opportunities and taking the job as a learning process. It is better you choose to be pragmatic. The quote below from Henry Ford would give you more insight about how corporations work.

"It is not the employer who pays wages -- he only handles the money. It is the product that pays wages."-- Henry Ford, Industrialist

We would enjoy our stay as employees better if we start seeing our places of work from Henry Ford's point of view. O yes! Some bosses could be out rightly exploitative. But sometimes the problem is just us! Running a corporation could be hectic-salaries, over heard costs, taxes and things that ensure that the business stays afloat.

Take out time and look at your boss today, smile at him but say under your breath, "Hey, you are not happening to me, you are happening for me!" Under your breath, I did say! Love him or her. Learn! learn! learn not just your immediate job demands but as much as you can about the way things work there. You never can tell- you could be on your way to becoming a business owner tomorrow and the place you are, could just be an opportunity that life offers you to learn! Besides, it is best to leave a company with a good name, it is always something good for your resume(CV). And it is indeed a small world, you could meet your former boss or colleague somewhere again!

Ask yourself, if I were in my employers shoes, would I run this 'show' better? This would give you a more objective view about your own entrepreneurial desires. Take out time to give your self an appraisal study to know if the job is actually adding value to your short term and long term goals. Sit down and reflect on what you have learnt as well as what you can still learn from the job. Reinforce your resolve to grow by associating more with colleagues who would add value to you. There could be ways you can add value to your place of work too, even if you may not be rewarded for it, remember that it opens doors for more innovations from you, for you and for others. After all, your job is just a phase of your journey to greater heights.

Clients often notice the attitudes that staff of corporations put up. And believe me, when you are good, many of them will follow you, even if they find you in another firm or in your own firm tomorrow. So stay cheerful and be your best. The next customer could be a ticket to your progress tomorrow.

Your boss may not just be that devil you think he is. You are are on a journey to the top. Give your game the best shot! Be your best self. You should be known to be good in that job you do. And you can look yourself in the mirror and whisper, "I am on top of my game!'

Picture, Courtesy: Yahoo Images