Dear Jamborees,
May brings a renewed sense of possibility, and what better way to kick off this month than by celebrating Workers' Day and the incredible dedication of individuals like you! I raise a glass to your hard work and wish you a day of well-deserved rest and rejuvenation.
Now, let's dive into a topic that fuels our entrepreneurial spirit – the unwavering determination to succeed. Today, we'll draw inspiration from a remarkable individual, ‘Tunde Onokoya’. We know who he is but if we don’t, he is the Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, an organization that uses chess as a tool to empower children in underprivileged communities, promoting education and personal growth. He is also a record breaker according to the Guiness Book of Record, he broke the record for the longest chess marathon, playing for over 60 consecutive hours! And like most of us reading this letter, he is also an award-winning entrepreneur.
Wondering why I diverted from the problems we face as entrepreneurs to Tunde Onokoya? Well, running an SME can feel like a never-ending chess game. You strategize, anticipate your opponent's moves (often the market), and constantly adapt to stay ahead. But what happens when doubt creeps in, and the pressure to succeed feels overwhelming? This is the connecting dot between Tunde Onokoya, the Nigerian chess master and us!
Do you get the idea of what I am trying to do here? Try to keep up!
Tunde's passion for chess ignited in his youth. However, his dream wasn't met with the support he needed. Despite the potential he saw in the game, his father wasn't entirely on board. Yet, he didn't let this deter him. He kept going, motivated by his own determination and his mother's unwavering love and belief. With all the challenges he faced, the ones we know about and the ones we are least aware of, he became a world-famous chess player. He played for over 60 hours straight, breaking a record! It required focus, smarts, and the guts to keep going – just like running your own business.
Hold up, we all know this is easier said than done if we are being honest but comparing what this remarkable individual has been through, he did not grow up rich. He came from a very humble background, but he made his parents and we Nigerians extremely proud.
You know I love picking lessons from everything I see or read. Tunde’s story serves as a potent reminder for SME owners facing an uphill battle.
Passion is Your Priority: Just like Tunde's unwavering love for chess, let your passion for your business be your driving force. When challenges arise, this passion will rekindle your motivation.
Find Your Support System: While Tunde didn't have his father's full backing, he found support in his mother's love. Build a strong network of mentors, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs who believe in your vision and can offer encouragement when needed.
Strategy is Key: This one is something I personally love. In chess, meticulous planning is vital. The same applies to your SME. Develop a clear strategy, anticipate market shifts, and be prepared to adapt your moves accordingly.
Resilience is Your Superpower: The road to success is rarely smooth. There will be setbacks and moments of self-doubt. Channel Tunde's perseverance and use these challenges as steppingstones to growth.
Your Move- Checkmate Your Goals: Just like Tunde dominated the chessboard; you too can dominate your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, challenges are inevitable, but with unwavering passion, a supportive network, and strategic planning, you can emerge victorious. So, like him, make your next move a winning one.
Unclear on how to go about all these, this is why we have the Caladium SME Fellowship in place. I love seeing SMEs thrive as well as the Caladium SME Community.
Click this link to register for the upcoming Fellowship and get all the mentorship, understanding and networking you need for that SME to thrive!
Before I go, do you wonder what it is like in our vibrant community and you’re willing to be a part of us? It comes with all the perks you can think of. I would love to see you as a part of our community. Click here to be a member of the Caladium SME Community.
You can also follow the community on Instagram for engaging contents and insights by clicking this link and also on Facebook with this link as well.
This letter is one I enjoyed writing and I hope to see you successful in your business. Please try to do minimal to no work today because as for me, by the time you’re reading this, I will be with my son for a fun day out. Ensure you get some rest and have fun with the ones that matter today!
Regards,
Ayo Bankole Akintujoye
Convener & Co-Founder.