Successful business owners of privately held companies are like your favourite pair of shoes- they are worn, torn and experienced at handling things. The wisdom and success they have accrued will have come through hardwork and some tough lessons.
Having the opportunity to receive some real life tips on how they attained their success can be invaluable.
That's why the first edition of " Entrepreneurs' watch " for 2017 is focused on one of Ibadan's foremost entrepreneurs, Mr. Wole Sawe ( @wolesawe) of @xquisitushers.
Ibadanslayers had an exclusive interview with this awesome entrepreneur.
Enjoy reading.....
Q: Can you tell us a little about you and your business?
Wolesawe: My name is Wole Sawe, a graduate of Guidance and Counseling from the University of Ibadan. I run Xquisit management concepts which is specialise in events and Ushering management. I am a brand and events strategist, i plan & coordinate events and also consult for people and brands
Q: When you started out in the business, what specific idea, purpose or vision was your key driving force? WoleSawe: Xquisit was born out of a vision to be an added value to lives and also help the unemployment rate in the country by providing weekly job service to young people.
Q: Were there any key incidents or life-changing events that inspired your decision to become an entrepreneur? WoleSawe: Nahh really, I've always had passion for doing things on my own which made me an enterprising person since I was young till date
Q: How would you describe your entrepreneurial journey so far?
WoleSawe: So far, it's been fulfilling, I enjoy what I do and I've never had any regret.
Q: Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
WoleSawe: I made up my mind to create job opportunities and add values to lives and brands. It has always been what I wanted to do, that's what contributed to my success.
Q: What's an average workday like for you?
WoleSawe: Most times, its critical thinking on how to grow the business and being an added value to people I meet and where I go to.
Q: What would you describe as your major setbacks and what lessons did you pick from them?
WoleSawe: To be candid, none. Although I really don't like the way things are going in the sector . We work with a lot of ladies at the agency , they come, steal your ideas and pitch it to other agencies. I am not actually moved about it though, because I'm original and photocopy ko easy ✌✌. For me, its a challenge/ competition and I like it.
Q: Most outstanding accomplishments so far in the context of your business? WoleSawe: Hmm... I will say the title of my awards "most outstanding" I was awarded one of the Ten (10) outstanding young persons (TOYP) in Nigeria by JCI International and also The most Outstanding youth in Oyo State by Screams Award . In terms of events, we have worked with big brands, event planners and top government officials both within and outside the country.
Q: What are the three pieces of advice you would offer entrepreneurs starting out today?
WoleSawe: Using myself as an example, Entrepreneurs starting out need to have these three things: The number one thing is prayer, second is hardwork, third is consistency
Q: Any questions you expected to be asked in the course of this interview that didn't come up? Pls share with us. WoleSawe: I like when people ask, where do you see yourself in two or three years? How do you intend to give back to the society? For my giving back, we are having an audition very soon, about 150 people have applied, I am happy and at the same time unhappy about it. I wonder if about 150 people actually need the job, its sad that we dont have the capacity to accommodate such a large number due to the already number of 150 ushers we have been working with. We would probably have to empower some people, We liaise with brands to train those who don't get picked for free and we are hoping alot of entrepreneurs in the city would partner with us on this.
