From initially expressing unease about the protests billed to start today, the government changed its stance to advocating “peaceful protests.” It was a smart move. If they had refused people the chance to protest outrightly, they would have fuelled the rage driving them. By asking them to exercise their rights, albeit peacefully, they took the bite out of the whole affair. Almost everyone with a previously radical stance is now chorusing “peaceful protests.”  Do not be surprised if, despite all the noise about a coming tornado, we end up with a slight gust of wind.

Violent protests are not necessarily the answer; in our present situation, it would in fact be unhelpful. It will direct issues from people’s registration of their suffering with an indifferent government to discussions of the incidence of attacks. That will present the perfect distraction for an administration that perennially seeks excuses to justify irresponsibility. From my reading of their attitudes so far, I suspect that as much as they claim to be afraid of violence, they in fact need it to change the narrative from their administrative failings and make themselves out to be unjustified victims of a maniacal public. Former information minister Lai Mohammed played that to advantage after the #EndSARS protests in 2020. I hope no one, no matter how much they are goaded, falls into that trap.  Look at Bola Tinubu saying that he finds it hard to forget the buses burnt during the #EndSARS protest. Imagine! He has no memory of those who died, but he remembers the buses. That is telling of his mind and character.

Coming soon after the Kenyan protests and all the havoc that attended them, governments everywhere should truly be afraid. Given how much the culture of protest feeds off another elsewhere, another country might take up the refrain anywhere, anytime. The dust had barely settled in Kenya when Bangladeshi youths started theirs. Currently, the death toll stands at 200 plus. It is quite understandable why the Tinubu government has overreacted to the mention of protests. They know how many calamities they have imposed on the country in such a short time. Nigerians saw hell under Muhammadu Buhari’s government for eight years, but all the hardships of those years have been quickly outweighed by just one year under Tinubu’s government. Even God in all his rage did not send the 10 plagues in a day!

There are economic situations caused by the global downturn and which hardly anyone could have helped; there are also situations consequent of mismanagement and lackadaisical attitude; Tinubu’s government combines both. Yes, the post-Covid economy and the wars have had negative impacts on most countries’ economies, but the case of Nigeria is such that we are also dealing with an incompetent and corrupt government. Administrative decisions are about what ends up in their pockets; God help the masses! So far, they have inflicted different measures of pain. Even worse, they lack fellow feelings for the poor victims of all their poorly conceived and badly executed policies.

Despite my not supporting violence, I am still wary of well-meaning people joining paid contractors to chorus “peaceful protests.” When the people against whom you want to take a stand tell you that you can protest, but only if you do it peacefully, what they are saying is “make it very easy for me to ignore you.” Because, what good will peaceful protests really do in a political context where leaders only respond to the force of power? Now they are all over the place shouting “peaceful protests” as if peace was ever their love language. All these months, they have either ignored or even gaslit people’s groans. Now that things have come to a head, they want “peaceful protests.” If you truly believed in peace, why did you wait so long before responding to the restless cries of a people that you have systematically diminished?

With the way they have been throwing accusations at political opponents as the ones sponsoring the protests, you can tell that they are already preparing a grand narrative of political persecution that they will use to turn the protest in their own favour. Think about it, why else would Bayo Onanuga and the rest of the Tinubu “scream team” be blaming their political opponents for sponsoring the protests if not because they are readying the grounds for plausible deniability of their own responsibility in the anger that bubbled up and eventually spilled onto the streets? To delegitimise the protests, they are also alleging spurious issues (hardly of any immediate concern to anyone) as reasons people are mobilising. What they succeed in proving with all that spin is their detachment from the realities of the people they supposedly administer.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio—whom no one has ever accused of deep thinking anyway—preferred to believe that the protests are being sponsored by “election losers.” Vice President Kashim Shettima even called those planning to protest “idiots.” While no reasonable person expects better from someone like Shettima who complements his bad mouth with a bad memory and an equally bad faith, his language is still shameful. When the government views you as an “idiot”, it means they do not think of you as human enough to consider giving their policies a human face.

You wonder, do those so quick to deflect issues on their political opponents even have the capacity to understand the public sensibility and reflect on it adequately? Other than protecting their self-interests, what else have they got? They do not care about peace. They have never had peace in mind for anyone but themselves. For them, Kenya is merely a spectre to be weaponised and threaten us. Their aides now tell us to be careful, otherwise we will all end up as losers if mass violence breaks out. But at what point did flesh and blood reveal that to you? The fear of losing everything is for those who have things to lose and does not mean much to people impoverished by your policies.

When Tinubu proclaimed “subsidy is gone” without making adequate plans for how people would fare, did it occur to all these geniuses now writing facile nonsense that they were pushing people to the wall? There is virtually no area where people are not feeling the mad squeeze. What other options are they left with than to fight back with protests? Now that they realise they cannot stop the protest, they issue a set of prescriptions, “do not block the road,” “do not inconvenience anyone,” “do not do this or that.” So, what exactly is left if the protests are non-disruptive? People might as well not bother.

In any case, the Tinubu boys should perhaps not have bothered with all the drama. I do not believe it is a pre-scheduled protest like this they should worry about; it is the spontaneous ones that might erupt if things continue this way that should keep them awake at night. The Storming of the Bastille and the Arab Spring did not set a date, neither did the Romanian Revolution that drowned Nicholas Ceausescu. They all appeared unthinkable to the political establishment until they happened.

That is why all those aides crawling out of their WhatsApp group to dish us lessons about Kenya have it all wrong. This is not the protest you should fear. For all we know, it will be anticlimactic. The over-preparation and over-reaction are likely to dissuade people from participating. Nevertheless, they will do well to remember the Negro spiritual that formed the title of James Baldwin’s classic and take this as a sign of what looms on the horizon if they persist in their incompetence and indifference: God gave Noah rainbow sign; no more water, the fire next time!

Punch

In a democratic society, protest is a fundamental right of citizens. Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution enshrines the right to peaceful assembly and free speech. This constitutional right allows people to express their grievances, hold leaders accountable, and advocate for change. Thus, Nigerian youths have every right to embark on an 'EndBadGovernance' protest in August to demand improved governance and leadership.

However, as Nigerian youths prepare to take to the streets from August 1 to 10, it's crucial to remember that protest is not a license for criminality or violence. The government and concerned authorities must respect and protect protesters' rights, not suppress them.

One cannot shy away from the present realities. As President Bola Tinubu navigates the complexities of leading Africa's most populous nation, he must prioritize addressing the escalating hunger crisis threatening to engulf the country. Nigeria is on the brink of a catastrophic hunger crisis, and it is imperative that the President takes immediate action to mitigate this looming disaster.

The situation is dire. Hunger, starvation, and abject poverty have become the harsh realities for many Nigerians. The lack of jobs, skyrocketing fuel prices (from N192 per liter to N800), and general economic hardship have created a perfect storm of discontent. The nation is teetering on the edge, and it's crucial that President Tinubu takes bold steps to address these pressing issues, without merely paying lip service.

As the leader of Nigeria, Tinubu has a responsibility to protect the country's image and ensure the well-being of its citizens. The international community is watching, and it is essential that Nigeria avoids the embarrassment of widespread hunger protests.

Mr. President, the time for action is now. We urge you to implement policies to reduce fuel prices and make transportation more affordable, invest in job creation initiatives and support small businesses, increase funding for social welfare programs to support vulnerable populations through credible means instead of the political class, improve electricity supply, boost the nation's production capacity, and engage in open dialogue with stakeholders to address the root causes of the hunger crisis.

In times of trouble, great leaders rise to the challenge. Tinubu, Nigeria needs your decisive leadership to avert this looming crisis. The nation's future depends on it.

While there have been various means to appeal to protesters, the government or law enforcement agencies should not in any way try to suppress them. Suppressing protesters can lead to an escalation of violence. Aggressive tactics can provoke protesters, leading to more intense clashes and potentially deadly consequences. Suppressing protests can galvanize more people to join the movement, spreading unrest and instability. The global community may criticize the government's actions, damaging its reputation and potentially leading to sanctions. Suppressing protests can result in human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings, eroding trust in the government and increasing mistrust and resentment among citizens. Heavy-handed tactics can drive protesters underground, potentially leading to radicalization and more extreme actions. This can have unforeseen effects, such as harming innocent bystanders or damaging infrastructure. Prolonged unrest and instability can harm the economy, deterring investment and tourism.

Instead, the government should engage with protesters, address their grievances, and work towards finding peaceful solutions. The government should allow the protest to take place, ensuring freedom of assembly and expression.

To ensure a peaceful protest, the government and law enforcement agencies should establish communication channels to understand protesters' grievances and demands, deploy police and other security agencies to maintain order, protect protesters, and prevent violence. They should employ de-escalation techniques, such as dialogue and mediation, to resolve conflicts and refrain from using tear gas, rubber bullets, or live ammunition, which can escalate the situation. Any responsible government should ensure protesters' rights are respected, including freedom of speech, assembly, and movement, while taking concrete steps to address their demands and concerns. The government must keep the public informed about the protest and any developments and work with NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote peace and understanding.

By taking these steps, the government and law enforcement agencies can help ensure a peaceful and successful protest, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear of violence or repression.

By exercising their right to protest, Nigerian youths are demonstrating their commitment to a better future. Let's hope their voices are heard and their demands for good governance are met.

** DaSilva is a Mass Communication Expert and Publisher from Ogun State.

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More than half of recruiters admit to asking this as a first question in an interview. This question is intended as an ice breaker but feels vague. Here’s what to say and what not to say.

Q: How do I answer the interview question “Tell me about yourself?”
A: Chances are you’ve been asked this question in a job interview before and chances are you will be again. More than half of recruiters admit to asking this as a first question in an interview. This question is intended as an ice breaker but feels vague. They aren’t looking for your life story or for you to recite your résumé. But the question is autobiographical, so elements of who you are as a person and what you’ve done (and are interested in doing professionally) should be included. And while you don’t have to have a tight 30-second elevator pitch style answer planned, you also shouldn’t ramble on for several minutes. Here’s how I might answer this question:
“I’m one of those rare people who have always wanted to know what they want to do, although that’s evolved a lot over the years. I’ve been working in journalism for nearly 20 years, mostly on the digital side. I’ve been at Fast Company for 11 years, where I started as the editor of the Work Life section and redefined the coverage of the topic, including launching the company’s podcasting arm with The New Way We Work podcast that I’ve hosted for six years. In 2018, I became the deputy editor of Fastcompany.com and led our News and Work Life sections and overall strategy. During the pandemic, I moved back to my home state of Michigan. I’ve found that working outside of New York has increased my access to stories that often get overlooked by journalists based on the coasts, which we’ve found have a lot of success with readers.” 

In a real life situation, I’d likely go into a little more detail than I did above, but that statement gives the interviewer a lot of jumping off points for further discussion. It tells them a little about who I am as a person. I also acknowledge the elephant in the room right away by saying that I would likely be a remote candidate, but highlight how it’s a strength.

Since I’ve been at my job for a long time, I focused on one company on my résumé, but if you’ve moved around a bit more, your answer might draw the connections between your roles—something they might not get on their own from reading bullet points on your résumé. 

When thinking about what you will say to this question, think about how your answer can be the start of a deeper conversation, leading to a stronger relationship with your interviewer. According to public speaking coach Eileen Smith, you should keep three themes in mind when crafting your response: Engage your audience, establish credibility, and tell your interviewers why they should care. 
Open-ended interview questions can feel tricky, but they are also an opportunity to highlight exactly what you want to share, what makes you look your best, and what is most important to you. 

Fast Company

Organisers of the planned August 1 nationwide protests have rejected the proposal by Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), that the demonstration should be conducted in confined spaces.

The organisers insisted that the protest would be a public march across the country.

On Tuesday, there was a meeting between the IGP, Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the lawyer representing the Take-It-Back Movement.

The meeting was convened following a letter from Adegboruwa on behalf of the Take-It-Back Movement to the IGP seeking police protection during the protest.

During the meeting, which was conducted via Zoom, Egbetokun asked the protesters to hold the demonstration in confined venues, adding that open processions can be hijacked by hoodlums.

The IGP assured the protest organisers of the police commitment to protect the rights of all citizens and ensure all public gatherings are safe for everyone.

Egbetokun also asked them to engage with their respective state police commissioners to coordinate the protest.

However, Adegboruwa said the designated venues stated in the letter to the IGP are mere points of convergence for the protesters.

“We will stick to the venues, which we have specified to the police, but those venues are only points of convergence. They are just places where we are to start the protest,” the human rights lawyer said.

Also, Falana, Adegboruwa, and other stakeholders asked the IGP some questions about the coordination of the protest.

The nationwide protest, with the theme ‘#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria’, is scheduled to start on August 1.

The federal government and President Bola Tinubu have asked the youths to shelve the planned protest.

The Cable

The federal government's recent mandate for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to sell crude oil to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries in Naira is a commendable move towards stabilizing the nation's currency and reducing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. However, this policy, while progressive, falls short of addressing the full scope of Nigeria's refining challenges and economic needs.

The decision to supply four out of the 15 cargoes required by Dangote Refinery in Naira is a positive start, but it represents only 27% of the refinery's needs. This limited scope leaves significant room for improvement. To truly harness the potential of this policy, the government should consider expanding its mandate to include international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria.

A more comprehensive approach would involve requiring IOCs to sell at least 40% of their production to local refineries in Naira. This expanded policy would serve multiple purposes: it would further reduce the demand for foreign currency, provide a more substantial boost to local refining capacity, and strengthen Nigeria's energy security.

Moreover, to ensure this policy benefits the entire value chain and, ultimately, the Nigerian consumer, local refineries should be mandated to sell their products in Naira to local traders. This reciprocal measure would help stabilize domestic fuel prices and potentially lead to reduced costs for consumers.

The government's initiative, as explained by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, is expected to reduce foreign exchange spending on petrol imports by up to 94%, saving the country an estimated $7.32 billion annually. While these projections are encouraging, they could be even more substantial if the policy were expanded to include a larger portion of Nigeria's oil production.

It's crucial to note that this policy should be part of a broader strategy to revitalize Nigeria's refining sector. The ongoing disputes between Dangote Refinery, regulatory bodies, and international oil companies highlight the need for clear, consistent policies that encourage investment and cooperation across the industry.

The government must also ensure that the quality of locally refined products meets international standards. The recent controversy surrounding the quality of fuel sold locally underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous quality control measures.

Furthermore, while focusing on boosting local refining capacity is essential, the government should not lose sight of the need to transition towards more sustainable energy sources in the long term. Investments in renewable energy and efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependence should continue alongside these reforms in the oil sector.

In conclusion, the federal government's decision to mandate Naira-denominated crude oil sales to local refineries is a step in the right direction. However, to fully capitalize on this policy's potential, the government should consider expanding its scope to include a larger portion of Nigeria's oil production and ensure that benefits are passed along the entire value chain to the Nigerian consumer. By doing so, Nigeria can make significant strides towards energy self-sufficiency, economic stability, and sustainable development.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has reportedly died at the age of 72.

She was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.

TheNiche reported that an eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the news.

“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.

However, the deceased’s family has yet to announce her death as of press time.

Onwenu will be remembered for her music albums such as In The Morning Light and Dancing In The Sun.

She also featured in the Half of a Yellow Sun and Lions Heart, among others.

Punch

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran, Hamas says

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran on Wednesday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said in separate statements.

The Islamist faction mourned the death of Haniyeh, who it said was killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran".

Hanieh attended Iran's new president's swearing in ceremony on Tuesday.

"Early this morning, the residence of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was struck, resulting in his and one of his body guards' martyrdom. The cause is under investigation and will be announced soon," the Revolutionary Guards said.

** Israel claims to kill Hezbollah senior commander in Beirut strike

Israel's military claimed it killed Hezbollah's most senior commander in an airstrike on Beirut on Tuesday, in retaliation for a cross-border rocket attack that killed 12 youngsters three days ago which it blamed on the Lebanese armed group.

A loud blast was heard and a plume of smoke could be seen rising above Beirut's southern suburbs - a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah - at around 7:40 p.m. (1640 GMT), a Reuters witness said.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the strike killed Fuad Shukr, who "has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price, and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end."

There was no immediate response from Hezbollah. The group has denied involvement in a rocket strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday that killed 12 youth in a football field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams.

A senior security source from another country in the region confirmed Shukr had died of wounds sustained in the strike.

Israel's military said Shukr was the most important aide to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, his adviser for wartime operations and in charge of Saturday's attack.

The Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut also killed three civilians including two children, medical and security sources told Reuters.

Lebanon's Al Manar TV cited the Lebanese health ministry as reporting 74 people injured along with three killed in the attack around Hezbollah's Shura Council, a decision-making body, in the Haret Hreik neighbourhood.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russia launches drone attack on Ukraine capital Kyiv, military says

Russia launched an overnight drone attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and its surrounding region, the military administration said on Wednesday.

"Air defence systems are being engaged in the region and on the approaches to Kyiv in particular," Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Reuters witnesses reported hearing blasts in what sounded like air defence systems engaged in repelling an air attack.

The city and most of Ukraine were under air raid alerts that were issued at around 2000 GMT on Tuesday.

** Ukraine says it destroys more than 30 Russia-launched drones over Kyiv

Ukraine's air defence systems destroyed more than 30 drones over Kyiv that Russia launched overnight, the military administration of the Ukrainian capital said on Wednesday on the Telegram messaging app.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Another German-made tank destroyed in Donbass

Russian forces have destroyed another German-made Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tank, fresh footage that surfaced online on Tuesday shows.

The drone video, reportedly taken near the Ukrainian-controlled Donbass town of Kurakhovo, shows the Leopard 2A4 maneuvering in a wooded strip between two open fields and firing at unseen targets. The tank comes under return fire and tries to evade it, driving further along the wooded area and apparently receiving a hit.

The tank’s crew appears to at least partially abandon the vehicle, but returns, only to drive the vehicle into the open where it sustains several more hits. The ammunition stock in the rear of the tank’s turret is seen catching fire. The blaze spreads into the crew compartment after another hit, with thick white smoke seen billowing from its hatches.

It was not immediately clear whether the crew was present inside the tank when the vehicle caught fire, given their erratic movements before it was destroyed.

The Leopard 2A4 lacked any anti-drone nettings, which are commonly fitted by both sides of the conflict on armored and soft vehicles alike. However, the front and the sides of its turret were apparently kitted with Soviet-era reactive armor bricks, likely Kontakt-1, commonly used by the troops to protect their vehicles.

Over the course of the ongoing conflict, Kiev has received dozens of Leopard 2 tanks from several Western countries that use German-made armor. The Ukrainian military has also been supplied with older Leopard 1A5 tanks, but those have only been seen on the frontline on a handful of occasions.

Leopard 2 tanks saw extensive action last year, when they spearheaded Kiev’s ultimately disastrous counteroffensive push, which resulted in heavy casualties for little gain.

Reuters/RT

As it turns out, consuming just one alcoholic beverage per day — whether it be a pint of beer, a glass of wine or a shot of your favorite spirit — can shorten your lifespan by approximately two-and-a-half months, one expert asserts

Dr. Tim Stockwell, of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, told Daily Mail that those who drink significantly more alcohol than that — about 35 beverages a week — could slash a staggering two years off their lifespan.

It’s a rude awakening for those who might like to unwind with a glass of pinot after a long day, or who frequent happy hours with friends or colleagues.

“Alcohol is our favorite recreational drug. We use it for pleasure and relaxation, and the last thing we want to hear is that it causes any harm,” he said.

“It’s comforting to think that drinking is good for our health, but unfortunately, it’s based on poor science.”

Unfortunately, according to the doc, no amount of alcohol is safe for boozers — and his claims are backed up by science.

Recent research has shown that alcohol consumption could increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease and more, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, over 20,000 people succumb to alcohol-related cancers every year in the US, where “moderate” drinking is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Last year, Ireland became the first country to pass a bill requiring alcohol bottles to be labeled with health warnings, while Canada revised its health guidelines that recommended drinks to avoid consuming more than two drinks per week.

Stockwell’s own research has found a link between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality, which directly contrasts the widely held belief that just a little bit of booze can be beneficial for health.

While red wine has been long-believed to be good for your heart in moderation, that is not necessarily the case, as some research has found the opposite to be true.

“Being able to drink is a sign you are still healthy, not the cause of being in good health,” Stockwell said.

“There are lots of ways these studies give false results that are misinterpreted to mean alcohol is good for you.”

New York Post

“The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength, not lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” ― Vince Lombardi

LinkedIn's research reveals that entrepreneurs consistently report the highest levels of job satisfaction among professionals. This study is logically understandable given that entrepreneurs typically venture into businesses aligned with their passions.

While the concept of ditching the corporate ladder and becoming your own boss is undeniably alluring, it's crucial to acknowledge the substantial risks involved. Income is far from guaranteed, traditional employer-sponsored benefits become a thing of the past, and in cases of business losses, your personal assets are at risk. Whether entrepreneurship is primarily a product of innate traits or skills acquired through learning remains a perennial debate. Unlike personality traits and demographic factors, the mastery of entrepreneurial skills necessitates a journey of training, education, and real-world experience in today's competitive market. This, in turn, offers you the competencies to generate innovative ideas and succeed in the business realm.

While you may not possess all of them at the outset, check out six key hard and soft skills that are paramount for starting a successful business. Read along!

Effective communication and listening skills

One of the foremost skills that every entrepreneur must possess is the power of effortless communication. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or at the helm of a corporate behemoth, your ability to communicate is the sole thread connecting you and all stakeholders and potential partners. An entrepreneur's communication repertoire should encompass interactions with investors, employees, peers, customers, creditors, and mentors. If you can't effectively convey the value and vision of your company, the chances of success become increasingly remote. Communication skills enable individuals to articulate thoughts, ideas, and emotions with clarity through spoken and written words, as well as various other forms of expression. Listening skills, on the other hand, empower you to comprehend, absorb information, and respond thoughtfully. Both these abilities, thereby, form the bedrock of entrepreneurial proficiency, substantially influencing how you manage your business.  Contrary to the common misconception that effective communication is an innate quality, it can also be cultivated and refined. Always remember: You are the biggest champion for your business.

Financial proficiency

Money serves as the lifeblood of any organisation. Ineffectual financial management can lead to depleting your resources prematurely, jeopardising your business's prospects.  Alongside that, a fundamental understanding of how to interpret and construct financial statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, is imperative. These documents serve not only regulatory and taxation purposes but also function as essential tools for monitoring performance, projecting future financial trajectories, and managing expenditures. As your business progresses, there may be opportunities to delegate certain financial responsibilities, but as an entrepreneur, possessing proficiency in budgeting, financial statement analysis, funding and relevant financial skills is indispensable for effective business management.

Effective time management Time management is far from being a mere "soft skill." When embarking on a new business journey, the initial inclination might be to work around the clock, but this approach isn't sustainable. Billionaires and other prosperous entrepreneurs excel at managing their time, which entails two essential facets: allocating most of their time to the highest-priority tasks and allowing themselves time to recharge. Above all, your time stands as your small business's most invaluable resource. How you harness this resource will significantly influence your business's success.

While time management is essential for all, it’s especially crucial for home-based businesses. When you start your day, plan a clear roadmap for the tasks ahead. This is particularly true for solo entrepreneurs, who often find themselves donning multiple hats throughout the day—handling emails and correspondences, crafting press releases, making sales calls in the afternoon, and concluding the day as a bookkeeper.  It's not about being a superhuman; it's about mastering time management and task prioritisation. Digital marketing proficiency In the contemporary business landscape, digital marketing is an absolute necessity. Regardless of whether you operate a neighbourhood pizza shop, offer plumbing services, or are in the process of building a new app, integrating some form of digital marketing is pivotal for expanding your business beyond a one-person operation. This entails establishing an effective online presence through a well-designed website.  Increasingly, it also involves acquiring basic knowledge of SEO, social media utilisation, and the ability to launch elementary digital marketing campaigns, such as Facebook ads. Therefore, for any business owner, a solid grasp of digital marketing elements such as SEO, social media marketing, and online advertising is indispensable in steering the growth of their enterprise. As your business evolves, you might consider outsourcing certain digital marketing tasks, but even then, having a nuanced understanding of digital marketing is required to track and measure campaign results.  Strategic networking  Your network stands as one of your most valuable assets in the realm of entrepreneurship. Effective networking not only allows you to connect with like-minded professionals but also provides you with the opportunity to assemble your future team and stay abreast of the dynamicity of your industry. Your professional network can encompass a diverse array of individuals, including:  Alumni from educational institutions Former and current co-workers Industry luminaries Friends and family members Professors and teachers Past and present clients Fellow business professionals in the entrepreneurial realm Cultivating a robust network can open doors to an array of business prospects, from potential partnership deals and subcontractor relationships to identifying future employees. It broadens the scope of your public relations efforts, enabling you to convey the right message across all fronts. Another effective method for widening your network is by participating in networking events within your locality or industry. These gatherings bring together learners from around the world, providing a platform for networking, engagement, and learning from distinguished leaders. LinkedIn can also facilitate valuable connections. Don't hesitate to initiate contact by sending a personalised invitation to establish rapport with a new connection.  Strategic business management While a successful entrepreneur is often defined by their thriving company, the art of business strategy is sometimes overlooked. It’s akin to the monumental magnificence of the Taj Mahal; everybody is bewitched by its beauty but none talks about the pain involved in building it. Effective entrepreneurs may initially rely on their exceptional communication, sales acumen, unwavering focus, and hunger for learning to navigate their businesses. When it comes to structuring and advancing a business, a robust business strategy is paramount. While some entrepreneurs have the luxury of hiring a planner for all the administrative tasks, the reality for most is different.  Entrepreneurship hinges on the unwavering determination and resilience to navigate through the most testing of circumstances. Nonetheless, they alone cannot propel you towards your goals without a well-rounded skill set. 

Yourstory.com