MAVIN Records are swimming in blue ocean.

And they are leading by all 'forms of differentiation'.

There is no need to do any research or any special analysis of the Nigerian Entertainment industry, particularly in reference to the music sect, to begin to watch the cut-throat competition driving Nigerian celebrities into eventual poverty. It is plain for even the blind to 'see' that majority are running the race, not to cross the finish line, but to outdo and outperform the other and do 'everything' possible to get and retain top position even if it means crippling a few legs on the way; and that is the very sad goal of many.  This practice or behaviour is what is typical of a red ocean, a bloody ocean full of creatures who hurt and eat other creatures and teach other creatures to eat others like themselves for survival.

The Nigerian entertainment industry is a red ocean and quite over-saturated. No structure. No effective and morally upright governing bodies. No working due diligence. No active governing or authoritative protection. And as if that is not bad news enough, the amount of people waking up to decide to go into music keeps multiplying annually - if we are to even judge by the singular index of the amount of talent hunt shows or music reality shows springing forth every year.  It has reached epidemic proportions motivated largely by laziness, selfishness and greed. An unfolding disaster, with no economic benefits on the long term.

Yes. I said so.

I would like to pick an example of the recent "Album Release Bandwagon"; the current fad in the Nigerian music industry. Everybody is releasing album just because every other person recently released theirs.  When you enter into a fray like that just because you want to do everything possible to retain your current share of the industry or seek an unhealthy possibility of increasing your shares in the industry,  there is an even greater possibility of you losing relevance and resultantly all your shares in the industry. At this time, you have little to no control of the attention or loyalty of the people you are selling to and eventually such unhealthy competition drives you to a profit margin of zero.

Let me move away from the entertainment industry and digress into telecoms for a moment.  Do you remember an interesting time when the network providers were in a very unhealthy competition to outdo themselves in a bid to gain subscribers? Case in point was when MTN was giving away an aeroplane, and rumour had it that Etisalat was going to respond with a private island giveaway, all in the name of gaining superior marketshare.  It is to their luck in time that the NCC showed up, stepped in and banned all telcoms from such further promotions and lotteries.  Had that not been the case, these service providers will not be thinking a lot more strategically now on healthy ways to retain or gain market share, and worse still, they may have driven themselves out of operation.

If you understand one simple truth that consumers, fans or clients are insatiable no matter what you do, you will learn to pace and develop deeper engaging ways to gain their trust, loyalty and ultimately their advocacy.

I had only just returned from a brief trip to England just at the time the Beat FM was celebrating their anniversary sometime in September this year. I accompanied a friend to the Open Day, now synonymous for a day artistes come through and spend some time on air with the Beat FM presenters, bring gifts and cakes, and enjoy some few minutes on air to promote their craft.  I saw scores of artistes, familiar and not familiar battling for an opportunity to go into the studio in their numbers, get closer to the mics and see what good use could be made of the little time they had in there.  It was becoming pathetic.  I noticed how the bargaining power had shifted totally away from the artistes and completely to the hands of the presenters at Beat FM, especially on this day.  Oh, this is another topic for another day - Power shift in the music industry!

But something interesting happened later on when the MAVINS arrived (not even their entire squad). They mingled quite alright, they were pleasant with other artistes but will not be associated with the pack of other artistes waiting hours to get their time on air.  The MAVINS went in alone in their few numbers only few minutes after they arrived, had no external artistes join them in the studio time with the presenters and had a hefty bodyguard man the studio doors such that no other artiste could share in their moment.  This was such an interesting moment I had witnessed.  Differentiation exemplified.

Learn. Learn from the Supreme Mavin Dynasty. Learn how to swim in a different ocean other than the red ocean.  In a blue ocean, the competition is not cut-throat.  That is not the focus.  It is just like Dangote Sugar and St.Louis Sugar.  Everybody enjoying profit on their own lanes.

You can leave me a message if you would like some professional help in developing your brand.

Being a young female professional, disappointments and dealing with ‘men’.

I think it is human to have some expectations, and when that is cut short, disappointment sets in. And that is okay until you begin to let the pain of the disappointment eat you thin.

One interesting disappointment I encountered was sometime in August, 2014… thankfully all through this year I learned how to manage issues a lot better.  How? I trained my mind to focus on the blessings in disguise from such situations.  It works.  It is positive.

In that time in 2014, I had recently added a fourth feather to my cap and received a referral to speak to a decision maker of an automobile company to deliver a workshop to their sales team on customer services engagement.

The meeting went very well, but it seemed this decision maker had developed some feelings for me in the course of our 2-hour conversation with him. Initially, I was unaware.  We were later re-assured by our referee that we would get to deliver the workshop because the report reaching him was that we nailed it!  I already knew that by the way; training, teaching and delivering workshops is part of our forte.  We do it for a living.

But things went real sour when the decision maker began to become an informal ominous interloper and had placed non-verbally, an unsettling condition of approval on our proposal. Things wouldn’t work, as I wouldn’t bend.  So, the proposal fell under the carpet.  I lost close to N3 million in ‘opportunity not converted.’

This is easily somebody else’s story, perhaps a female banker, but she ended up not being very strong morally to stand her ground to refuse to date or sleep with the rich client who will only open an account through her with the bank unless she does his biddings… especially when her promotion, demotion or further continuation in the workplace is tied to the yielding to such clients.  I hear these things.

This is also easily the story of a female entrepreneur dealing with some decision makers who have refused to help your business or pay you further attention because you will not mix business with such indulgences. 

I hear it can be harsh being a young female entrepreneur or career person.  I would love to know:

How often is your moral fibre challenged in this manner in your business dealings or at work?  And how do you deal with such situations? I would love to hear your stories.

These are real issues.

Feel free to be anonymous.  I would not judge your response.

Doing The Impossible Frequently

If you are close to me, you already know that you will have to use the word ‘impossible’ with caution in any conversation with me: At least, all my clients come to know this; my mentors already know this and my teachers quickly eventually see and learn this part of me.  Impossible is not in the dictionary or books I consult and neither is it present in my operational frequency; it really has no meaning to me.

Patience is all it would require for a relatively difficult task to be accomplished, coupled with a spirited will, a healthy mindset round the clock whilst feeding the soul constantly with positivity.

A number of my clients on a first meet usually come through my doors low in energy.  And without the right energy levels, it is not possible to achieve anything; your energy my friend, is what introduces you even before you get a chance to speak. Your energy is what connects you to source and determines your operational authority as well as what you can ‘command’ out of life.

And so, the first part of my focus with my clients towards arriving at a desirable solution with whatever issues we are dealing with is to get their energy levels up (which is easily tapped off me during sessions) and to constantly feed their souls with a lot positive vibes and materials all through consultation.

You can only move mountains when you are in understanding, acceptance and mastery of the powers available within your control to be able to do that.  In simple terms, you have to know and believe you can, to be able to.  More than half the time, people believe they cannot do something or be someone they desire - deep down somewhere within them - to be.

This brings me to my second focus; which is to eliminate all limiting beliefs existing within my clients.  This can be achieved on the surface by using simple awareness exercises or deeply by literarily formatting the brain of such thought patterns and installing new files that encourage thinking in the realm of possibilities.

I once had a client who by default was very negative; she always focused entirely on why things would never work even when the chances at the possibility of ‘not working’ were down to a miserable 0.01%.  Can I share a secret with you?  These are my favourite types of clients because I enjoy watching their transformations away from negativity into the realm of possibilities and positivity eventually.

www.blondedolly.com

Lastly and importantly, I usually begin with the end in mind.  I see and share where I am taking my clients to even when at the beginning stages it is not always believable or achievable to most of them. But thankfully, we usually end up arriving there together. 

My friends, learn to write your vision and make it plain.  My clients never leave.  We end up friends, partners and beneficiaries in the joyful ride and world of progress, growth, possibilities and prosperity. 

But first, learn quickly that impossible is nothing!

Never been seen photo of me! You lucky bums.

Don't be too sure of your holiness and don't console yourself with sinfulness; 

for somewhere in the middle lies virtue.

Do not live your life by default, live it by design.  Until you begin to use what you have to empower others, you really have nothing. 

I would be sharing some vital news come December 14, 2015.  I can't wait! 

Stay with me. *wink*

Dolly.

Exclusive! 

2016 - Being All That I can Be

This morning I woke up heavy;

I realised I was still carrying inside of me so many ambitions, goals, dreams and talents; there's still a lot more to do, a lot to try out and many more ideas to execute and talents I am yet to explore and multiply profitably.

So here's to 2016 in advance; here's to being all that I can be.  Here's to emptying myself one day at a time and feeling lighter; Here's to chasing all of my dreams and conquering them.  To exploring my talents and 'picking' up new skills.

Here's to being successful and enjoying every bit of the pain of the process as well as the outcome.

"THE NOTE" - Short Full Movie, nominated for Best International Short Film, Texas, USA

"The Note" is a short film by Seni Osibanjo, a Nigerian International movie producer and director formerly based in Zambia.  His short film, "The Note", was accepted and nominated for Best International Short Film in Texas, USA.

Recently, under his company - Seni Media Concept, Seni just launched himself into Nigeria's Nollywood scene by debuting his movie "Help From A Lying Ghost" which stars the finest and one of the most professional actors in Nigeria, Odunlade Adekola.  Currently, I hear Odunlade Adekola is the highest paid yoruba actor in Nollywood.  Watch out for "Help From A Lying Ghost"

But here's the short movie - the Note.  I love it!
Enjoy.



 

(PHOTOS) AFRIMA 2015

Last Sunday, I was at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2015). It was real good, I loved the show and the hosts - DNG & Aurelie, they were such naturals and really spiced up the show in many ways:

Aurelie Eliam, actress, model and on air personality, is a household name in Côte D’Ivoire, her home country and Africa, particularly for her role in the highly successful television series, “DR. BORIS”.

Aurelie Eliam

DNG, real name Davidson Ngibuini, is an Eastern African award winning singer, model and an On Air Personality. He is the host of “Sakata Mashariki”, Kenya‘s biggest Dance TV Show.

Davidson Ngibuini - DNG

Nothing beats sitting in the V-VIP front row.  You catch all the energy off the stage and really get excited.  I think the highlight of them hosting for me that night, was when Aurelie sort of charged DNG to a singing battle and DNG 'murdered' the stage. Loved every bit of the show even though I left real early.  Where early was 12 midnight by the way.

I would like to say a big thank you to my glam squad for making me look every inch regal and comfortable.  So, I did say in previous posts that I was going to wear something from luxury Ghanaian couture line - Lumiére Couture owned by the beautiful Bertha Owosu.  Here are the pictures from the evening.

My outfit: Lumiére Couture (Ghana)

Hair styled by Bolaji (for Bruno's Place)

Makeup: Simi Keshinro for Glam Touch Makeovers (Certified by MakeUp Forever, USA)

Ways to a woman's heart... (not necessarily mine... lol)

I like the latter part of the title of this post... It is making me laugh so hard. Chai Dolamu!!!What a shameless disclaimer. Everybody that knows you well, know you are a hopeless romantic, so you will definitely be giving away hints. Hehehe.

Whatever. 

Well, it is not like I am a love expert or I know what every woman wants.  In fact, I am not generalising or speaking for all women folks.  That will be a suicidal position to step into.  So with that also cleared out, I would also like to let you know that there is no consistent way to a woman's heart. When you are trying to 'keep' a woman happy, you have to be creative especially at the time when you have exhausted all possible ways.  This is the only time 'reinventing the wheel' comes across as positive.

1. Pamper her.

It is one thing to send her to the best of spas, let her have the best of treatments or massage... ; However, it is everything, if you setup the spa atmosphere in your home, get the oils, learn the techniques and step into the masseuse shoes and give her the best massage she has never had.

2. She loves flowers.

Sigh. I can't remember the last time anyone sent me flowers. *Dolamu, what part of this post is not about you did you miss?* Really, I cannot think of any proper lady that does not appreciate flowers. It is not only in the flower sending. It is in the consistency. And in the sending it for no reason that makes it all special.  And this applies to general gifts giving too.

3. Treat her 'extra' special in front of your friends.

The way you treat your lady and place value on her in front of your friends mirrors their attitude towards her.  This is not the cherry on the cake my friend.  This tip, is the cake! 

On the overall, learn (how) to treat your woman very well.  Speak to her softly. Kiss her forehead often.  Tell her how you feel about her as often as possible... do not assume that she already knows. When she wakes up next to you, tell her good morning. Kiss her good morning. Hold her hands often.

And never forget to hug and kiss her goodbye - on your way out or on her way out. Same for when you come in.

4. Text her often. And sometimes, be unpredictable with the content of your text messages.  Learn how to make your lady blush even when you are not by her side.

How do you travel?

Hello guys, the festive period is just around the corner and by now most families are done deciding where and how they will be celebrating the Christmas and New Year.

Whether you are holidaying in the Bahamas solo, or off to the Abu Dhabi, or going to spend the time of your lives with your loved ones in some exotic place in an African country, my big question is “How Do You Travel?”

Some people just go with the flow but I think the best way to enjoy your trip is to plan ahead. Plan every single part of your itinerary. Plan day-to-day. While things may not always go according to plan, having a plan really helps you to get the best out of your trip, save time, energy and have some focus.

I recently helped a client draw up a plan on her last international business trip to an international conference in Capetown, South Africa; from her day to day outfit, accessories, shoes; to the sets of activities to focus on, networking angles and contacts – It was so exciting for me and even more exciting to hear she received tons of praises about her outfits every single day, that people even looked forward to what she was going to wear the following day or to the next outing.   A top official even told my client that if he remembered nothing at the conference, he would remember her in particular for her great sense of style and dressing.  

 That’s a plus for me right!!!?

Anyway, I would be sharing my essential behaviour towards travel. You can learn from mine and share yours too.  I would like to know how you prepare or not prepare for your trip.

1. Whether it is a familiar or regular holiday destination or not, go on Google and RESEARCH. Amongst other things like learning basic language (how to say hello, thank you, et.c), currency, your country embassy’s location, behaviour of locals with visitors, et cetera, also, find out what’s happening currently or presently in that location you are travelling into.  You will never know what positives or negatives your being Google proactive can bring forth. 

For example, you may discover numerous business opportunities you could take advantage of at the same time of your travel, or an impending disaster or epidemic not yet reported on the big news you may want to stay away from.

I remember planning my solo getaway to Ghana mid this year, and I discovered an important 3-day international conference happening just at the time of my trip while I researched online.  Of course I attended. And being there returned serious profitable value for me, even back home.

2. Plan your outfit and day-to-day activities.  I cannot over emphasize this enough.  This is so important. From what you intend to wear on the airplane, or just to the front room of the hotel, or your choice swimwear, or even what you would love to wear for a stroll in the evening.  Plan your underwear, sleep wear, everything!  The worst situation you can be in on a trip that is supposed to relax you is to be frantically looking for what to wear – just because you under packed, over packed or packed nothing of value. It can be draining and could soil a good trip.

Do not forget to pack at least a dinner dress depending on the length of your stay – for example, whether I am travelling solo or with friends or family, I always ensure there is a reason to dine out at the end of my trip and really reflect through that evening, of course in my perfect evening dress.

3. Be adventurous with food. 

Afia Beach Resort in Ghana serve the best food ever!
You can see from my plate right? 

4. Book a tour. You will be amazed at how little to nothing you know of the tourist attractions of a place you think you ‘regularly’ visit.  Can I test that for a minute? Just mentally respond to my questions below; I already answered the first question for you.

Have you travelled to England before? “Yes. Of course (regularly. Infact going to London is like going to the back of my house).”  Hmmm, I thought you would say that.

So what do you do for fun when you are in England?

Have you ever heard of Skegness, the seaside town and civil parish in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England?

Okay… so you get my point.  Nothing wrong with being adventurous or touring different historic locations even if you are a regular in that country and feel offended being called a tourist. Isn’t that the whole point of going on a holiday?

5. Get a really nice camera. Canon?! Your cliché response might probably be that you have a great phone with amazing camera pixels and qualities.  Good for you.  But a perfect holiday isn’t complete without a good camera in hand and the attitude to want to capture unique sites, memories and treasure them.

 

My good friend - Dheeraj Pandey

Call me 2 years backward, but this is easily my song of the week... for many weeks.

MARRY ME - Jason Derulo.

I love, love, love every thing about this song. The video, the intimacy shared between Jason and Jordin Sparks... it is so believable and desirable.

What is more exciting for me about this song is the depth of the lyrics and how it 'positively' flatters the woman and reflects the characteristics of a healthy relationship, an appreciative partner, healthy romance and shared love.

part of the lyrics:

A hundred and five is the number that comes to my head

When I think of all the years I wanna be with you

Wake up every morning with you in my bed

That's precisely what I plan to do

And you know one of these days when I get my money right

Buy you everything and show you all the finer things in life

We'll forever be in love, so there ain't no need to rush

But one day I won't be able to ask you loud enough

[Chorus]

I'll say, "Will you marry me?"

I swear that I will mean it

I'll say, "Will you marry me?"

Take note men! The proposal is everything; with elements of SURPRISE, striking a balance between creativity and simplicity, with a lot of personal touch, this can even be more memorable than the 'Honey Moon'. 

Found something to wear for this weekend...

I am obviously excited about the event for this weekend;  this luxe clothing boutique on the island, Elan Red, will be clothing me in one of the amazing designers they stock.

My photography skills are not bad right? *wink*

On any red carpet function, my dominant style personality usually will reflect pure elegance.  And so, in addition, for my choice outfit, first, I look for something that is extremely comfortable, feminine and classic.  Next, and critically, I ensure the outfit colours compliment the colour properties of my body as well (e.g skin tone, hair colour, et cetera). And most importantly, I ensure my choice outfit is well fitting and flattering in every way.  There is no bigger disaster than ill-fitting clothes.

Sketch by Lumiére Couture

Well, This weekend to the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, I am wearing something chic from Ghanaian designer, Bertha Owosu, owner of luxury women’s fashion line “Lumiére Couture".

That is the bit I can share with you for now, I don't want to get all the excitement out yet; But trust me, I can’t wait to show you my look to the awards this weekend.  It's all in the bag.

Xoxo.