EVER TRIED-EVER FAILED
NO MATTER
TRY AGAIN-FAIL AGAIN-FAIL BETTER
Starting a business is tough. It is much harder when you are looking a creating a business that works at a worldwide level.
In a recent interview with Chris Folayan, founder and CEO of MallforAfrica, a worldwide online business platform that empowers Africans to buy goods from the US and UK, I asked Chris how he overcame obstacles in his company.
Without thinking twice, Chris answered, "I don't have the foggiest idea about any business visionary who hasn't failed at something at some point. The issues I acquired at an opportune time gave the energy to creating solutions, however were vital in that it prepared for my future victories and made me really welcome it even more."
Understanding that obstacles are something that people face no matter what business they start, Chris shared 4 of his deepest bits of knowledge on the best way to overcome them and get ahead:
Finding a solution to a problem is the first step in building a successful business. First you become aware that something went wrong and afterward you start to figure out why.
Chris Folayan started his company MallforAfrica on that reason. For years, Chris traveled from the US to Nigeria with suitcases filled with stock his family needed, as they were not able to purchase the things online.
Why?
US retailers refused ship to Africa.
During one of his last trips to Nigeria, Chris attempted to carry 10 bags with him and was refused by the airlines for exceeding the limit. Recognizing the enormity of the problem and the requirement for an answer, Chris built a system that currently enables Africans to purchase stock from more than 150 retail stores in the US and UK.
Although an awkward circumstance to be in, don't avoid investigating yourself and your team as it is an essential step in building and sustaining an effective business.
Understanding what could have been improved will :
a.) Help to avoid from repeating same mistakes.
b.) Provide understanding into how to improve.
c.) Enable you to be better prepared next time.
The more you think about and additionally experience problems and how to resolve them, the more you train yourself and the people around you to be the powerhouse of lightning quick solutions.
With all problems come disappointments. An emotional roller-coaster effect built on the repetitive concept of should have, would have, and could have will never get you anywhere. The rollercoaster will continue moving whether you are on it or not. Rather than being disappointed, focus, regroup, then execute better the next time around.
Most successful people have constantly found ways to turn their disappointments/failures into success/victories. Their background/experience stories reflect strength, as no one can really tell what your failure today will lead in a few years. But one thing is for sure, taking a problem, making a plan that fixes it and afterward using it to your benefit can just make you stronger.
Sharing the challenges and failures you have acquired will show others that you are human, flexible, ready for change, and show a level of maturity that is past corresponding to any business. Investments are made in people who have gained from their mistakes /slip-ups because they made them stronger. The main reason late graduates are not hired immediately into top management is because experience hasn't taught them yet. So take those failures and stories and use them to improve yourself and build that way to eminent success/achievement.
Have you had to overcome challenges when growing/developing your business? What kind? How could you overcome them and what did you learn? I'd love to learn. Comment below!
