Monday 23 October 2017

EVENTS & MARKETING MIX IN PICTURES

Every time I conclude a major event and get that satisfaction of a job well done especially from the client, it reminds me why and how I got into Events in the first place and after 20 years I am still here. 

Here's my journey

PRIDE MAGAZINE EXPERIENCE

After Uni, I landed myself in a fast paced marketing department doing all sorts of ‘’marketing tasks’’ and planning reader party nights for UK's Pride Magazine. It felt like real fun especially for a 20 something year old like me but because it was an internship, the novelty of being there wore out. I was like ''show me the money'' as they say and after three months moved on.

THE DORCHESTER - A BREATHTAKING VENUE

THE DORCHESTER EXPERIENCE

The sacrifice of the unpaid experience was worth it though and soon led to a paid role at Financial Times magazines where I was assisting the Events Department with prestigious black tie awards. It was a dream experience. The awards were WOW and held at Dorchester London and the likes. I was literally the only black face at such events but that didn’t faze me. I was just fascinated by the glitz and glam and the detailed planning that came with organizing such classy events. I got to wine and dine with top notch executives  and learnt the art of fine dining.

BBC YEARS

BBC EXPERIENCE

After that experience, I landed a role in the marketing department at the BBC. There was an opportunity to coordinate a few events but they were not as glamorous as the Financial Times award nights, if the truth be told. But event experience is experience especially BBC experience. I was there for 8 years.

POP IDOL THEMES SEASON

LAGOS EVENTS

Roll on 8 years and by 2008 I was in Lagos and my love for event planning wouldn’t go away, especially in a place like Lagos where Event Management is huge. Looking back I was bold. I didn’t really know the way of the land or the mannerism of this new environment. I was adapting to a new scene but threw myself  in and organized all manner of events: weddings, kiddies parties, product launches, grand openings and I even managed a burial reception. 

GRAND WEDDING AT LANDMARK


CHURCH EVENTS

At some point, I was the head of Events at TPH church in Lekki. That was a big eye opener for me and there was some really grand church conferences, rallies and speaker breakfast meetings to manage. 

But my real satisfaction comes from planning corporate events, especially because of my corporate background. I am a professional and have strong skills in process and order mixed with creativity.

GRAND BOOK LAUNCH & DINNER


CORPORATE EVENTS 

And because of years of experience of delivering effective marketing campaigns, I understand the business objective of putting together corporate events and look for ways to add value. I am also strong on customer service and excellence and dont mind going the extra the mile to get the work done. 


CAREER ADVICE

What's my advice for those seeking a career in Events or Marketing or both? Get experience even if it’s unpaid. Both fields are very competitive, so you really need an unfair advantage to get in. Mine was my passion and the eagerness of wanting to learn and going the extra mile to help. Potential employers can spot it, especially if youve done a lot of voluntary work. It shows that you are dedicated and passionate. Make that sacrifice to work hard and the rewards will surely pay off.


SATISFIED GUESTS


In 2012, I stepped out of full time employment after 20 years and set up Majestically Rare. We provide both Events and Marketing Management as both skills set add real value to our clients.  Although there have been challenges and even setbacks, we have managed some mind blowing events and been involved in some mega marketing campaigns. I love what I do and just wanted to share my journey. 

Here's my previous blog post
THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS

Thanks for stopping and please let me know whether you have ever worked in Events or Marketing and what you enjoyed about the experience.




Friday 6 October 2017

THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS – BOOKS THAT HAVE SHAPED ME

My recent birthday reminded me of the power of relationships. It reminded me that there are beautiful people in the world.  It reminded me that there is indeed love in the world. It reminded me of my values and my essence. I want to share a few books that have shaped me through the last few years and deepened my relationships with people.

25 WAYS TO WIN with people by John Maxwell


Because I have a desire to win with people, I have invested in books which help me along the way.
And here are my favourite quotes from this book

‘’Leaders can become great only when they realize that they are the ones who need people’’.

‘’No matter how successful you are, no matter how important or accomplished, you need people’’.

He also said this
·      People need to be needed
·      People need to know they need people
·      People need to know they are needed
·      People need to know they helped

RAISING CONFIDENT GIRLS

And that is the blueprint of how we run Raising Confident Girls Initiative, an NGO that I am proudly part of. We cant do it on our own. It takes a village. And that village is our valuable members, our patron, our stakeholders and the wider community.


Everyone needs to feel needed. And its so rewarding and beautiful to see the fruits of everyone feeling part of something. No man is an Island.  

BE A PEOPLE PERSON by John Maxwell



I love John Maxwell books and one of the things he points out in this book is the golden rule. Treat people the way you wanted to be treated but he went a step further and said if you want people to act right towards you, you have to act right towards them. We should be determined not to be a reactor to bad behaviour rather an initiator of good behaviour.

I spotted something profound in this book that stops me from fretting when I witness challenging behaviour.

 He also said ‘’ When you realise that people treat you according to how they see themselves rather than how you really are, you are less likely to be affected by their behaviour''.

My husband always says never let a person's behaviour affect you negatively, rather let your behaviour affect others positively. Munachi Okoye



A few things to note if we want to be a people person by John Maxwell 

The least important word
I (gets the least amount done)

The most important word
We (gets the most amount done) – relationships

The two most important words
Thank you – appreciation

The three most important words
All is forgiven – forgiveness

The four most important words
What is your opinion? – listening

The five most important words
You did a good job – encouragement

The six most important words
I want to know you better – understanding





Another book that has helped with my personal growth is called The True Measure of A Woman. Often we measure our worth according to what’s around us. Our self-esteem rises and falls just because of popular opinion. The author states that this can often result in depression and other mental and physical problems. 


When we discover the truth of who we are in Christ, then we can stop comparing our journeys to others and begin to see ourselves as God sees us and then we have more powerful, healthy and long lasting relationships.

You are not who they see – No matter how good looking you are, you will never feel good enough until you realise that man looks at your outward appearance but God looks at our hearts. So we need to work on our hearts.




You are not what you weigh either – Some women measure their worthiness by how much they weigh. Its good to be healthy and of a good weight but don’t be obsessed with it.

The true measure of a woman is her fear of God. And we can learn a lot from the Proverbs 31 woman or take part like I did in a 31 days PROVERBS CHALLENGE   

Nothing though beats a daily dose of scripture and my favourite verse for the week is from Psalm 27 '' The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear''. The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid of. 




I do hope these have been useful nuggets in building powerful relationships with others and yourself.

Here's my previous blog post
PRE BIRTHDAY REFLECTION

Please leave a comment and let me know if anything stood out for you. Thanks for stopping by until next time. Feel free to share.

Monday 2 October 2017

PRE BIRTHDAY REFLECTION - MY FOUR LIFE LESSONS

As my birthday draws near, it always give me a chance for deep reflection on the journey so far and highlight any new life lessons since my last birthday. 

Here are 4 of them.

Lesson 1

I am grateful for reaching this point in my life where I fulfill the highest expression of myself. I am grateful for having the ability to look inwards and accept myself for who I am. Yes all my strengths and weaknesses.  My personality type is a gift to the world but I realise that I am not called to everyone, however for those who stay tuned to me, well you get to receive plenty of love. So enjoy the ride.

My life lesson is you are not called to everyone. Serve the ones you are called to with ALL your heart. 

Confident in who I AM

Lesson 2

The death of my father which happened suddenly last year was one of my deepest and most painful losses to date, but out of it has come the most strongest and powerful expression of myself. His passing was the reason I started this blog which ignites me to openly express my thoughts to the world. 

Only last week I shared about how people in authority nearly left me feeling so down trodden and insecure about myself. Their remarks could have stopped me from reaching my full potential. Thank God I didn’t believe their story and wrote my own narrative.

See PREVIOUS BLOG POST


My life lesson is it’s okay to open up your life and share your journey. You don’t know who it will inspire .

Lesson 3

This year, I cautiously joined a new network called Full Circle Wellness Solutions. I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve really gained a lot from women who share the same ideologies and values as me. It’s encouraging to be among women who genuinely support one another and have fun at the same time.

My life lesson is never say you will never join new networks especially women's one. No woman is an island. Just embrace new opportunities. You might make new associates, new business partners, learn a lot and enjoy it at the same time.



See website about FULL CIRCLE

Lesson 4

A friend of mine called Daba alerted me to a Social Sector Training that was running at Lagos Business School for 4 months. Without even doing much research, I applied, got on the programme and found myself doing a valuable Social Sector management program. It was such an eye opener for me to see how things really should run in the social sector industry. As a result we have tighten our strategy to make ‘’Raising Confident Girls Initiative’’ a sustainable NGO.
My life lesson is always keep learning. Always make room to skill up.


Meet Dada from Zesty Juices

Class of SSM7....I made it


***BONUS LESSON**




So there you have my 4 Life lessons plus bonus. 

Life is always about learning until you are called home. Can you resonate with any of these life lessons or do you have your own? Please share in the comment box. Thanks for stopping by until next time…

Here's my previous post
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF WHEN OTHERS DONT