One of the most famous Entrepreneurs in the world Sir Richard Branson is a self-made wait for it folks.. Billionaire. As the founder and chairman of Virgin Group that comprises of more than 400 companies, he's currently the 4th richest citizen of the United Kingdom. His success is noted all over the world, listed on the Forbes 2011 list of billionaires, Richard Branson has an estimated net worth of US$4.2 billion. Coming from a middle-class family, he was born in Blackheath, South London and started his first business venture at the age of 16 with a magazine called Student. In 1972, Richard opened a chain of record stores, called Virgin Records, which we know now as Virgin Megastores. The Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he set up Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1984 In 1993, Branson took what many saw as being one of his riskier business exploits by entering into the railway business and initially called it Virgin Trains he then won the franchises from the former Intercity West Coast and Cross-Country sectors of British Rail and then acquired European short-haul airline Euro Belgian Airlines in 1996 and renamed it Virgin Express. Tapping into Telecommunication, Richard launched Virgin Mobile in 1999, and Virgin Blue in Australia (now named Virgin Australia). By 2000, Richard Branson was 9th in the Sunday Times Rich List 2006, worth just over £3 billion. Branson wrote in his autobiography "Losing my virginity" (excellnt use of play on words if we may say so... lol) of the decision to start an airline: "My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them...from the perspective of wanting to live life to the full, I felt that I had to attempt it." In 2006, he really pushed the aviation business when Virgin Atlantic Airline merged with SN Brussels Airlines and formed Brussels Airlines. Then tapped into the african market, and started a national airline based in Nigeria, called Virgin Nigeria. With a presence in America, Virgin America, began flying out of San Francisco International Airport in August 2007. Till date his empire keeps on growing adding venture such as Virgin Broadband, and creating innovative strategies to keep the brand relevant Richard Branson is a world example of an successful Entrepreneur, he once said in an interview when asked about being an entrepreneur: "There is no point in starting your own business unless you do it out of a sense of frustration." A great believer of entrepreneurship, here he is giving advise on how to be a leader and run a successful business. We found it very useful, and inspiring. A middle-classed boy from South London is now a self-made billionaire, he is a living example that shows you that through hardwork, and determination - the sky is the limit !
Speaking like a True Entrepreneur, Richard Branson speaks on being a Leader, Running a Successful Business and Entrepreneurship
Your CV.... Your Brand!
Your CV is your virtual marketing tool. It says a lot about you without your potential employer actually seeing you. Your CV must sell you and intrigue the reader enough to want to meet you. Even if your a perfect match for the job if your brand is not attractive, they won't buy into you. Here are a few pointers on how you can make your CV for you
PROFILE
This is the
attention grabber of your CV; this is the paragraph that attracts the attention
if it’s reader.
A profile
should be a short paragraph describing your skills, attributes, career
objectives and aspirations. Use these 3
questions to construct your profile:
·
What
are you strengths in your character? (e.g. are you creative, problem solver,
dedicated)
·
What
skills have you attained? (these are skills obtained through extra-curricular activities)
·
What
are your current objectives and future aspirations?
This paragraph
should be catchy and straight to the point; it shouldn’t waffle and steer of
point, but clear, precise and readable.
EDUCATION
Always start
from your most recent course first, with the academic institution followed by
the year you started and completed. This
gives the employer an idea of the level of your education at present, and also it
gives a clear layout of your academic career to date.
COURSES/TRAINING ATTENDED
Any short
courses you have attended whether it lasted a day, a week, or a month. It is
advisable to document them on your CV. Even if they are courses are unrelated
to what you have studied, it shows the reader that you are keen to widen your
knowledge, and also are determined to gain the necessary skills to move up the
ladder to the net level in your career.
It should be
laid out in the following order:
·
Course
Title
·
Where
was the course taken
·
Duration/
Year
·
Result/Qualification
attained
I.T SKILLS/SYSTEMS
Any working
knowledge of Software, Hardware, Management Information Systems, etc. should be
listed even if it’s just Microsoft Office software like Word, Outlook, Excel,
and Access. It shows that you are computer literate and that you are able to
use systems that they currently operate with in their business. Include the names of the systems you’re
currently or previously used in past organisations here and then elaborate more
on the duties you used them to perform in the employment history section of
your CV.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Your most
recent position is the first job that is listed on your CV and should be listed
as follows:
· Job
Title
· Company
Name
· Duration
in that employment – if you are still currently working there that state “until
present” or “To Date”
The first
paragraph should be a brief description of your role, your responsibilities,
team size, and your direct report. Then bullet point your daily activities
ensuring to include any responsibilities that you were given. If you were using
a particular operating system or software in this employment, document that
also.
Bullet points
is a layout that is easy to understand, employers can get a better
understanding of your job role, and competences
without reading a large paragraph and getting lost in the text.
A common question
the frequently comes up in training is
“How
far back shall I go back in my employment industry?”
There is no wrong or right answer to this question because there are
some individuals who have had an extensive employment history that would turn into
a book if they documented it all. However I guess the more senior the position
you are applying for, the extensive the CV.
The important and essential part of your CV is the employment history,
this shows the employer the progression of your professional career and also
the decisions you made, which is reflected in the positions you took.
SOCIAL ACTIVITES AND PERSONAL INTERESTS
Why Social
Interests you may be wondering?
Your social
interest gives an insight to the employer of your personality and also whether
you fit to the culture of the environment. It is ok to say you socialise with
friends, listen to music, read, cook, etc. All these interests can be looked at
as something positive.
For e.g. (ask
your trainees to give an example of their personal interests, turn their answer
it into a positive attribute that is seen by an employer)
“I like
socializing with friends!” shows an employer that you are a people person, you
know how to interact with a variety of people and shows that you’re a confident
team player.
There should be no less than 3 references on your CV, 3 professional
references is ideal, however if you are a fresh graduate then it is acceptable
to have 2 academic references, and a personal reference or a combination of both.
What is a reference?
A reference is a character report, a document that describes the
referee’s impression of you as a person based on their interaction with you.
They discuss your strengths and your weakness and any areas of improvement if
any. References are used by employers to gain an insight to you, as a person
from the opinion of someone who knows you. By law there are restrictions to the
content in which a referee can document regarding an individual; it has to be
constructive and of an un-biased nature regardless of the referees encounter
with the individual. Slandering and deformation of character is strictly
prohibited.
What is an academic reference and who can write it for me?
An academic
reference is a reference written by a professional employed by the
university/school/college where you attend/ or have attended as a student. A
lecturer of your course or head of the department are those who are eligible to
stand as your referee.
What is a personal reference and who qualifies to write it for me?
A personal reference is a reference given by someone who has known you
for more than 5 years. Your referee CANNOT be a family member, because the
reference would be biased, this person has to be a public servant of the
community such as:
·
Family
Doctor
·
Teacher
·
Priest
or Pastor
·
Lawyer
·
Police
Officer
References are quite a delicate issue on a CV and an area that is very
commonly debated.
“Shall I or Shall I not put the details of
my previous employers?”
On some CV’s I’ve seen people write “References available on request”
there is nothing wrong with this but it doesn’t really have a nice professional
finish to your CV it appears very abruptly.
It’s like rushing the end of a really good story with the words “The
End”, you would want to know show the story ends wouldn’t you?
It is always advisable to list the details of your referees so they
employees immediately see the credibility of your CV. Please ensure that
whoever you list as a referee is fully aware so that should an employer want to
contact them they would be aware in advance.
James Caan says "Leaders: You don't have to be perfect"
Founding the Mayfair based private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw in 2004, business mogul James Caan joined the panel of heavyweight investors for Dragons' Den in 2007. In January 2011 he chose to leave the show to focus on my charity work, current investments and growing Hamilton Bradshaw. His passion is building businesses, and has been building and selling businesses since 1985 and thinks it is important to invest in people rather than just products. He's a great believer in people who create a successful business through their passion and conviction. In his recent post on LinkedIn, he speaks about his opinion on Leaders, and conveyed that sitting in the high chair doesn't exempt you from making mistakes and also doesn't make you perfect.
"Just because you happen be the head of a company, or senior director or managing a team, it doesn't mean that you have to be perfect all of the time.
We are all human and are all capable of getting things wrong or making mistakes, the skill of being a great leader is recognising that you are not always going to be in the right. In fact thinking that you are never wrong can cause you major problems in all aspects of your life.
On a personal level I can recall a flippant comment from somebody that helped me improve my approach in business. At the time I was training a group of consultants on recruitment techniques. I remember one guy turning round and saying to me ‘James I don’t think you’re a great trainer’. At first I was quite taken aback and took the comment personally.
When I asked the guy to explain what he meant by his comment he told me ‘Because you never make a mistake, so I don’t think you are a very good role model’.
After I got over nursing my pride, I realised that what had been said was in fact a very telling and perceptive comment. Like any leader, I have always felt that my role is to practice what I preach and make sure I lead by example.
But one thing I hadn't taken into account was that at the same time I also have to show that I am human too. If you really want people to engage with you on a personal level and to be inspired by you, it’s not always about being a perfectionist. Sometimes you have to demonstrate a sense of realism.
In my organisation I like to foster a creative culture, one where people share their ideas freely. Not be stilted by conformity as can be the case in some of the large corporates. That means allowing people to try out new ideas but giving them the breathing space to make mistakes.
After all, it has been the mistakes I've made throughout my career that have taught me the biggest lessons. I like to think of it as simply bringing me one step closer to getting it right!"
This post really reflects the mindset of true business mogul and leader. To be able to acknowledge your faults and strive to be better is the key attributes of not only a leader but a striving entrepreneur. Those you manage will surely respect you, because you showing that team effort is key and that you do not feel as though it's your world and your minions also known as your staff are just living in it.
Communication is key, especially among your peers and employees, if the communication level breaks down so does your business. Things only function well when you work together to achieve a common objective hence the reason why organisations have mission statements and ethos.
Handle criticism, it only makes you stronger and it aids in character building. A true leader is not your title or where you sit in an organisation, it's the ability to lead effectively.
Leaders were once the new kids on the block, learning the ropes in a unfamiliar environment, and making the teas and coffees in the morning. They didn't just wake up with all the industry knowledge and become a leader overnight. It's the decision they made to be one; coupled with their zeal to get there
Not using their role as an avenue to micro manage and enforce authority, True Leaders are realists that deal and handle issues practically.
A good leader is not afraid of getting things wrong it's just shows that they are human, and still strive to be better.
They understand the true meaning of the saying "Rome was not built in a day", and the underlining message that it wasn't built single-handedly either because a great team is the backbone of every successful leader
Leaders were once the new kids on the block, learning the ropes in a unfamiliar environment, and making the teas and coffees in the morning. They didn't just wake up with all the industry knowledge and become a leader overnight. It's the decision they made to be one; coupled with their zeal to get there
Not using their role as an avenue to micro manage and enforce authority, True Leaders are realists that deal and handle issues practically.
A good leader is not afraid of getting things wrong it's just shows that they are human, and still strive to be better.
They understand the true meaning of the saying "Rome was not built in a day", and the underlining message that it wasn't built single-handedly either because a great team is the backbone of every successful leader
Transquisite Consulting's CEO Jennifer Oyelade features in The Guardian, Nigeria speaking about Transquisite, Nigeria as a nation, and Women Empowerment
Mrs. Jennifer Oyelade is the Chief Executive Officer of Transquisite Consulting, a recruitment and business-consulting firm with offices in London, United Kingdom and Abuja, Nigeria. According to the Business and Marketing graduate of Brunel University, United Kingdom, her educational background and training helped make her what she has become today. In a chat with GERALDINE AKUTU, she speaks on her career and how women can contribute to national growth.
With the necessary skills and experience, combined with zeal and passion, Mrs. Jennifer Oyelade started running Transquisite Consulting part-time in 2008. It became a full-time organisation in 2010.
She narrates how it all began in London. “During my time at Hays Specialist Recruitment, I worked at various degrees in the organisation, which resulted into my role as a Cross-sector Consultant for Hays Human Resources, where I recruited permanent candidates from entry level to executives.”
At Hays Finance and Banking Technology, Jennifer says, she recruited Information Technology (IT) professionals such as Developers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Network Engineers and Contractors into Invetment Banks and Asset Management and also their banking operation professionals from back to front Office.
While at Hays Health and Social Care, she recruited nurses, health care assistants, support workers and social workers and community support workers.
The mixing with people of diverse cultures influenced her drive, she says: “Living in such a multi-cultural city like London has always reflected in my passion and interest for people. Over time, I developed a large network of friends, acquaintances and colleagues originating from a variety of cultures, which gave me an insight into understanding the world from a cultural perspective and how to apply my interpersonal skills to my career.”
She attended Brunel University, where she graduated in 2001. Then she studied Leisure and Tourism as a General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) at Hammersmith and Westminster College from September 1995-1997. At Lambeth College, she read Sociology and Humanities between September 1997 and July 1998.
Before starting her firm, she had worked in various capacities. Between 2001 and 2005, she worked as a Trainee/Recruitment Consultant for James Harvard Financial, now known as Hays Technology. She also served as International Recruitment Consultant for Geneva Health, London, a leading recruitment consultancy specialising in the recruitment of nursing, medical, clinical support and allied health professionals with an international presence in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and The Middle East.
Giving insight into her journey into recruitment industry, the CEO says: “An opportunity came up online inviting people to come and listen to a presentation by a company who ended up being my first employer, and after attending, I fell in love with the industry purely for the fact that I felt it represented me; my love for interacting with various people and also the opportunity to provide service that makes a difference to a person’s life in terms of career progression and aiding the growth of businesses by providing the right manpower to drive its success.
“Consulting is about people, understanding, identifying and most importantly providing a solution to their needs and that is a large part of who I am – a people person. Why I started Transquisite Consulting is to bring the same knowledge and experience I acquired in Recruitment and Business Consultancy in the UK to Africa, primarily, Nigeria. I feel as a nation, we have a lot to offer and the opportunities here are immense,” she submits.
In the area of women contributing to national growth, Jennifer opines, “There are a lot of ways we can contribute to the growth of Nigeria, if SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) local authority boards were established within local areas of each state that help women develop trades, this would result in creating jobs within the local area and so the products can be mass-produced and exported out of Nigeria and generate income for the state. This will help each local government and state to financially support itself and from there, as a nation, we would be financially independent, using the funds to improve our country to a standard comparable to the western world.
“We have a lot of natural resources, and a booming agricultural market that can be nurtured into full-pledged businesses that would be sought after as suppliers across the world. If funds are provided to nurture such businesses, the return of investment would be substantial enough to lead us out of our debt to other nations.”
She describes setting up Transquisite as her biggest accomplishment. “Working for global organisations like Hays, Robert Half, Geneva Health, among others where you have all the support you need in terms of working as a team, a recognised global brand, that is, companies that already have a global presence has been a blessing. To step out of my comfort zone and venture out alone to build a name for myself and my business knowing that there isn’t that support from an already established company was overwhelming,” she submits.
A supporter of female entrepreneurship, she would like to see more women working together to support one another’s businesses.
“As individuals we are strong; as a collective, we would be a stronger force to reckon with. In previous years, there was that ideology that females should be seen, not heard, and remain house-bound. But as Nigeria and other African nations are becoming more westernised and adapting to the culture of Women Empowerment, we have now created a platform where we are highly valued in our society as individuals who bring tangible ideas on how Nigeria can be developed as a nation.”
Jennifer suggests ways by which female entrepreneurs can stand out in the business world. “Every business has a service, product or delivery style that makes one company differ from another. Just master your niche, and remain on top of it. Trends and technology are constantly changing, so, to remain current and a market leader and stand out, you must update yourself. If you do a good job, it will open doors for you as people get to hear about it. But if you do a bad job, it spreads faster and there will be no recommendations …”
A lot of people in the business inspire her for both personal and professional reasons. “Nike Oshinowo-Soleye is one of them. Her achievements, business acumen, style, persona and also her general outlook on life are inspirational.
“Sir Richard Branson is also a very big role model of mine. His empires keep on growing. Whether you are in the air or on the ground, you are in the presence of something he has created and he is not afraid to explore new business ventures even if it requires him to tap into unknown territory.”
Assessing the female child education in Nigeria, Oyelade declares, “I don’t agree on segregating female and male. So my views on education are related to children in general. The education system from primary to secondary school has good structure because they have mirrored the American system. The level you are in class reflects on your intelligence and your ability to learn.
Assessing the female child education in Nigeria, Oyelade declares, “I don’t agree on segregating female and male. So my views on education are related to children in general. The education system from primary to secondary school has good structure because they have mirrored the American system. The level you are in class reflects on your intelligence and your ability to learn.
“In the UK, it is decided by your age, which I feel doesn’t encourage the child to learn to their full potential. In Nigeria, kids have graduation ceremonies when they have passed in class whereas in the UK, the only graduation that is obtainable is when you graduate from the university. I do believe that more worldly subjects can be introduced into the educational curriculum at a younger age so that children can open their eyes to a world outside Nigeria understanding the many cultures that the world has to offer.”
She also gave recommendations on how to increase productivity among youths. These include mentoring and giving them something to look forward to in form of grants to start up businesses and setting up government-funded academies to educate those who do not have capital to venture into their own business.
Her future plans for her company, Transquisite, is to bring it to the level of a global organisation like Hays. However, in the short term, she wants to “primarily focus on the growth of Nigeria in my field, by expanding on our services through partnering with businesses that I have built relationships with around the world to invest in Nigeria, which is something I have already started looking into but is still at its very early stages.
“I also want to work with government to establish training schools in each state, focusing solely on the regeneration of productivity in each state in Nigeria, using the resources in each state to create profitability. In the long term, I ultimately want to open an office in every country in Africa, encouraging people of high net worth and government status to work with us to grow the productivity in their own country which will reduce the debt that we are in as a continent.”
How does she unwind after a hectic day, Jennifer smiles and says, “I’m a great fan of music, neo-soul and jazz mainly calm my nerves. I do enjoy a glass of wine, a good laugh which is good for the heart and leave the day as it was orchestrated to be; pray and then start the next day afresh.”
She was born and raised in London by Onitsha, Anambra State-born parents and is married to Femi Oyelade from Ogbomosho, Oyo State
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)