By Bayo Ogunmupe
On your marks is a business start-up handbook. This book is not exclusively for people seeking self employment as entrepreneurs, either for love, as a way of life or as a sop for being unemployed. It is also for the general reader, for lifelong learning as a prescription for success. Published in hard cover, On your marks was published in 2018 by Ben Oketola Publications, Somolu, Lagos, Nigeria. Its author is Noruwa Edokpolo, an International Labour Organization master trainer, facilitator and entrepreneurship consultant.In 124 pages Edokpolo crafted a practical and compelling book that captivated me as I digested the content from cover to cover.
On your marks has ten chapters and in his foreword, the director general, Nigerian Employers' Consultative Association, Segun Oshinowo said for the Nigerian economy that isn't rich in employment growth, an unemployment rate of 40 percent, the book has been a boon. With large scale youth unemployment, Nigeria has become a world dilemma and tinder box and time bomb requiring multi-prong approaches if national security was to be maintained. therefore this book is an excellent narrative to benumb the looming crisis of mass unemployment in Nigeria. Unlike other books on the subject, Edokpolo shows great in depth research which is reflective of his multi faceted personality as a mentor, pastor and entrepreneurship coach.
This book is particularly fascinating because of its recognition of the various segments of youth unemployment and the unemployment of the elderly alike. The author's use of normative logic as a new epistemological system of analytical reasoning and cognition is commendable. This enables him to proffer cues, tips and gambits that are suitable for each segment of the society. Surprisingly, the book highlights the myths and traps that surrounds entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Herein, Edokpolo shows his experience of loss while starting his first company in 2002. This forms the basis of his learning process within Nigeria's tough business terrain.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) estimates that only 20 percent of new businesses survive in Nigeria. To avoid joining those sections with high mortality rate, it is a wise proposition for you to do your due diligence before plunging into a business disaster. The first five chapters covered crossroads, your passion in life, your competence, marketability, motivation and the business model you wish to pursue. When you are deciding which business you wish to establish as an entrepreneur, you must know that you are taking risks in hope of making profit. Also, being your own boss might be your way of leaving a legacy. Then the best business to start will be the vocation you are passionate about.
Should your passion be blogging, consultancy, interior decoration or gardening, so long as you passionate about it you can turn this dream to reality. For some category of people, money isn't their motive. It is what he loves. For example, Christopher Kolade took on the job of Nigeria's High Commissioner in London at 61; when his peers were on retirement. Now in his eighties, he is still active at work, proving that it is never too late to make a change. Starting a business is the obvious solution to Nigeria's present economic straits. Often in life, when all roads are are closed, you have to make your own way. You have to take the initiative and create a platform for yourself. Passion isa force that unleashes creativity, for if you are passionate about an idea, you will be more willing to take risks to achieve your goal.
The remaining section contains testing the waters of your business, your business plan, minding how technology affects your business; balancing work and living such that you do not die suddenly and Edokpolo's final thoughts about entrepreneurship. It is good for you to remember that education doesn't always make you smarter than your contemporaries; age doesn't necessarily make you wiser. But risk taking and lifelong learning will make you smart, healthy and wise. Noruwa Joseph Edokpolo is an International Labour Organization certified Start and Improve Your Business trainer. he has trained and coached many entrepreneurs on business strategies. He has consulted for states and the federal government in the provision of business development services. he is happily married with a wife and many children.
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