Must Read: BIg Technology Has Found A Big New Opportunity

I am reading this Business Insider story that I believe other entrepreneurs ought to read, especially African ones. The article covers the recent convergent of big technology companies in Africa as market participants. If big corporations are finding opportunity somewhere, it means there is an ecosystem that is waiting to flourish. If you think that because you are small, you can't partake in this new opportunity you are wrong. Even size of company has the ability to benefit when a new market opens up. The companies just need to figure what their strengths are and tailor it to the new market.

Please go ahead and read this article and let me know what you think.

What I am reading this Weekend: All About African Women

• Water is still a luxurious commodity in many parts of Africa due to the scarcity of clean and portable water. Find out how Saran Kaba Jones, a Liberian, came back home after fleeing at age 8, to make a difference with water.

January In Review

As the month of January rolls away, it is clear that some of the stories on the blog have made more of an impression than others. Our most read story in January has definitely been  What I learned about Negotiating Buying Food in Ibadan. This post on understanding the value of your product when negotiating terms with your clients has been a run-away hit since it was published late in the month. Below is a run-down of the most popular posts in the month of January. If you missed anything, it is worth taking a moment or two to read it.

• If you are wondering if a business plan is a good idea, I have definitely had the same dilemma. Here is where I stand on The Business Plan Dilemma!

What I am Reading This Weekend

• Even if you are a business school graduate, you probably don't realise that you need to take action to get your business idea off the ground, says Kasper Hulthin, in this article featured on Forbes.com
• Understanding failure is an important part of success as an entrepreneur. This is why there is something called a Failure Conference. Jennifer Wang has chronicled this year's conference for Entrepreneur.com
• Disappointment is inevitable in business. Here are 3 ways to get a handle on that feeling of disappointment, courtesy of yfsentrepreneur.com
• Do you feel unsure about what customers need from every business? Inc.com has answered this question.
• Want to get more done everyday? Why not follow these tips.

What I am Reading This Weekend

• Your Company's Unique Identity Should Influence Your Management Style by Steve Tobak
• Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (Reading this novella has thought me so much about perseverance and courage in the face of endless challenges)
• Personal Networks are an essential resource for entrepreneurs. Here is how to build your social media network properly courtesy of SimplyZesty.com
• Branding is an important part of building a sustainable business. This article by Nadia Goodman on youngentrepreneur.com talks about the importance of a brand's story

What I am reading this weekend...

Here is a round-up of what I am reading this weekend:

• Thinking of doing resolutions for 2013? Are New Year's resolution ever really helpful in helping you move forward? You may rethink your new resolutions after reading this article.
• Work is good for the soul but sometimes work can be stressful. I will be learning how to work and be stress-free by reading this.
• Sometimes even I need to be reminded why I am so gung-ho about becoming a business owner in Nigeria. So this list by Young, Fabulous and Self-Employed will certainly help my memory.