By Sunday Ogidigbo
Value, like energy, can neither be created nor destroyed, it can be transformed from one form to another. It also flows like electrical current from one place to another. The economic outlook for the days ahead are gloomy and poses a potential doom for many businesses. The days ahead are what one can call days of economic recession.
I like the definition of “recession” on the WhatsApp status of one of my contacts as “an indication that money is changing hands; money does not disappear from the planet, it simply changes address and amount.” Just like the dynamic nature of value as explained above. These times will see some people saying there is a crashing down, and some people declaring a lifting up. The song you sing in famine is a function of how you position yourself in the marketplace. Let me share a few tips on how to make money flow your way in the recession.
The default mindset and behaviour in life during recession is “all man to himself, God to us all”; but I tell you, it is wisdom to violate this law. The best time to give is when you are in need yourself. Be a blessing to people weaker than you. As ridiculous as it may sound, in times of recession, be of help to as many as you can. God in His wisdom has a way of making things you need to flow your way from quarters you cannot imagine when you are selfless.
The first tip is to seek solutions to the common or prevailing problem. The truth about recession is that there are a million and one problems begging for solutions. Instead of focusing on the obvious issues and cursing the darkness like most people will typically do, create the light needed to shine in the darkness and the whole world would gather at your door. Joseph in Egypt mopped up all the cash in the land and took delivery of all the real estate of Egypt because he supplied grains in famine. Some business posted an Ad on my Twitter timeline for a West Africa Visa Card they claim has daily limit for online transaction and they offered an address in the United States as part of the package. This is what I am talking about. Open your eyes this season looking for problems to solve, for money is the reward for problems solved.
Second, no need to cry, simply look for another market. If you find yourself in a situation where the recession creates a glut due to a fall in the demand for your product, you don’t need to cry, look for another market or deploy another strategy. What is not demanded in your country might be scarce elsewhere. Alternatively, seek a better use of your product. Nigeria can work towards refining our crude as against the current model. If the government focuses on the domestic and the ECOWAS market, the failing oil price will have minimal effect.
Third, seek a new source. In the event that a major commodity is scarce, you can seek a new source. One of the major causes of famine is the absence of rain. Smart farmers who know what they need is water, rather than cry or lose hope, seek a new source by digging wells or constructing boreholes. Others relocate to places with rivers that can supply them the water they need. Plants can grow without rain as long as alternative water sources are available.
The default mindset and behaviour in life during recession is “all man to himself, God to us all”; but I tell you, it is wisdom to violate this law. The best time to give is when you are in need yourself. Be a blessing to people weaker than you. As ridiculous as it may sound, in times of recession, be of help to as many as you can. God in His wisdom has a way of making things you need to flow your way from quarters you cannot imagine when you are selfless.
The last tip for now is to remain positive. Do not allow the economic forecast to cast its long shadow over your soul. Be Optimistic. The market cycle that is headed south will eventually head north after hitting rock bottom. Don’t allow temporary storms to cause a permanent wreck; the ship, as long as it keeps the water out of its bowel in the worst of storms, will stay afloat to see better days. Let the words of Robert Schuller remain in your heart this season: “tough times never last, tough people do”.
Sunday Ogidigbo is the Lead Pastor at Holyhill Church Abuja. You can connect with him on Twitter @sogidigbo or visit www.sogidigbo.com for more information.
Via Premium Times
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