Christmas is coming again eeeee

Some people will be expecting...


How we go take manage?

Just joking around.  Have fun.  #NoPressure 

Music:
Something Tangible by Chigul
Funmi Lowo by Aramide (ft. Sir Dauda)

+ the remix of Fun Mi Lowo Mi by Aramide, featuring Koker and Sound Sultan


Oya drop something ke, or "Is this a charity organization?"  😅

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Experienced and unemployed?

Youth unemployment has been with us for a while, but consider that even for "grown-up-adults" (who in many cases have tasted of the fruit of nicely-paid employment) the struggle is getting quite real  😎  No, really it's not funny.  😅

Ageism is a thing.  Trust California to take it to the extreme.  
“We Want People Who Have Their Best Work Ahead of Them, Not Behind Them.”  
Well, ok, that's just more business for this cosmetic surgeon: A few months ago, a 26-year-old came in seeking hair transplants to ward off his looming baldness. I told him I wouldn’t let him. His hair pattern isn’t even established...  Ok, that was funny.

2015 chart showing median employee age at leading US companies

Here are gripping battle-stories, mostly told by older workers and entrepreneurs.  They speak of the need to constantly upgrade skills, they speak of overwork, of workplace culture and sometimes faking the young-people behaviours to fit in, of the possibilities of exiting the race... I suppose many of them can become successful entrepreneurs? 

On the policy-level too, we should be thinking about how to apply all the abilities of all the people, and in particular, how to apply the accumulated wisdom of older workers, that is, how to 'turn grey into gold'. 


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Sources Linked // recommended reading:

• State of Youth Unemployment in Kenya (by Boaz Munga and Eldah Onsomu for Brookings Institution - Africa in Focus, August 2014)
• These Charts explain the current state of unemployment in Nigeria (in Ventures Africa, August 2016)
• The Brutal Ageism of Tech (in New Republic, March 2014) 
• The Stressful Lives of Older Tech Workers (in Business Insider, November 2015) 
• State of the Service 2011-2012, Chapter 05 Ageing and Work Ability (by Australian Public Service Commission, November 2012) 

~*~ Business mentor + success coach

Free tips at instagram.com/alituplife :

In my business I place a lot of emphasis on self care and building a business that feels GOOD. That’s why I love this quote so much! Just like any other habit, whether that be visibility or hitting the gym, happiness is a HABIT. It needs daily practice, and that means making it a priority. This week I talked a lot about daily practices that support you and your business, save this quote as a reminder that incorporating daily practices that support your happiness is super important!

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Sep 20, 2017 at 6:25am PDT

I love this idea that we become what we repeatedly do, because that gives us SO much control over our future! If you want to be super visible and well known, get super visible and well known. Post on social media. Go live! Talk to people. Do that over and over, and guess what you’ll become… super visible and well known! Let me know people who you’re becoming and what you’re repeatedly doing to get there! 💚

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Sep 22, 2017 at 6:48am PDT

For a lot of business owners, the sales process can feel sleazy and transactional, even if they aren’t engaging in salesy tactics. That’s why it’s important we shift our mindset and reframe the way we approach sales. Not just so it feels good, but so it helps us focus on what really matters: building relationships. Sales are a relationship. They come after taking the time to build real, genuine relationships with real, genuine people. When we approach our potential clients as people instead of dollar signs, we’re much more likely to actually make the sale and feel good about it. What do you think? Do you see sales as a relationship or just a part of business?

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Sep 26, 2017 at 6:51am PDT

I don't know about you, but lately it feels like there's some serious shouting and shaming going on in the online space. There's a lot of "let me tell you why I'm great, and why you suck cause you're not like me". And while I'm all for tooting your own horn, I'm NOT about making others feel small, nor having someone try to make me feel that way (because I'm not doing it how they're doing it). So check in with yourself, and the people/coaches/groups/etc. you're surrounded with. Are they making you feel great? Are they showing you what's possible and asking you to step into it? If not, it's time to let 'em go. On this entrepreneurial journey you only have room for the people that reflect to you the greatness inside you! Tag someone below who does that for you and thank them!

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Sep 27, 2017 at 7:03am PDT

Relationships thrive on consistency. We like adventure and surprises, but we also like to know that the people we care about will always be there and support us when needed. It’s the same with business and sales. Make it a point to consistently check in with your prospects, current clients, and former clients. Schedule a time once a day or once a week, and ask everyone how they’re doing. Continue to build that relationship and give value, while you kick back and watch your bank account go up. Do you have a plan to follow up with leads? Or check in with clients? Do you think it helps your business or is totally a waste of time? Let me know!

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Sep 28, 2017 at 7:29am PDT

It's so easy to stay paralyzed in the online space. To make all the plans, take all the courses, and learn all the things, and still feel stuck. It's not because there's more to learn, it's because you're trusting others and not yourself. You didn't need a "5 step plan to success for walking" and you don't need one for business. You need self-knowledge, self-trust, and some support. THAT is your foundation. The knowledge, skills, etc. are the icing on the cake. And more importantly... THAT is how innovation happens. Not by trying to follow all the rules, but by trusting yourself enough to create your own! Who's ready to stop being a rule follower?

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Sep 29, 2017 at 6:30am PDT

Don’t be afraid to try something new because you don’t want to make a mistake. There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons learned. What’s something new you want to try? Drop your answers below! 👇

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Oct 2, 2017 at 6:46am PDT

This is so good! I think sometimes people feel guilty for caring about money (which is super important as a biz owner!) because they think it makes them greedy. The truth is, caring about money won’t make you greedy, destroy your priorities, or turn you into a money monster. But money can help you go on more vacations, send your kids to better schools, invest back into your business, take care of your health, and so much more. Money is a tool that YOU use, not a vice that uses you. Share a story below of something FUN you’ve been able to do because of money! 👇💸

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Oct 4, 2017 at 7:19am PDT

We are not what you think we are // We are golden, we are golden.  - Mika

One of the easiest ways to boost our reputation is to grow our communities, and that all comes down to one thing: connection. How many people are you connecting with each week? Set a connection goal and track it just like you would your income. This could be in the form of connection calls, free strategy sessions, questions answered, and clients helped. Think about the number of people you want to help instead of the dollar signs attached to them and the money will follow, and so will your street cred.

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Oct 6, 2017 at 6:51am PDT

This is a powerful reminder. Especially as entrepreneurs it can be SO easy to focus on what's next and what we're working toward. It's so important to find that balance of being grateful for what we have while we work toward our next desire. What are you grateful for right now? Share with us below!

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Oct 13, 2017 at 6:57am PDT

It sounds cheesy, but it's true. If you don't want to make a big impact with your business or your work, entrepreneurship is going to be an uphill battle. If you started your business because of a mission greater than yourself, you'll still have those ups and downs, but they won't effect you nearly as much. I know that I'm here to create waves, to serve, to be a game changer, to make an impact, and to do things differently. And THAT is why A Lit Up Life exists. Why does your business exist? Tell us below.

A post shared by Lacey Sites MS, MBA (@alituplife) on Oct 9, 2017 at 6:22am PDT

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Let your word be your bond, and also...

Debbie Larry-Izamoje: Lessons From The Greatest Businessman I Know https://t.co/qrar6VZ4sL #Career

— BellaNaija.com (@bellanaija) October 12, 2017

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Because we ain't got time to waste time no mo'

There is so much truth in this, it hurts. @MichelleObama on the fools who get free passes to the top table...
pic.twitter.com/BflpJT5ivE

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 5, 2017

Congresswoman @RepMaxineWaters has his antidote #Reclaimingmytime pic.twitter.com/fUw1B5CGhk

— Soni Akoji (@akoji007) August 20, 2017

Which inspired a song!

I just rediscovered this and it makes me so happy #ShePersisted #ReclaimingMyTime Reclaiming My Time -Gospel Mix https://t.co/PXRtoUtgfi

— Farheen Qurashi, MD (@fqurashi) September 22, 2017

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Let's really break this all the way down: 

Nothing new in the #news - The American presidency is still rubbish and the Nigerian presidency is still nonsense. #DumpTrump and #FireBuhari

“I have been unable to secure an appointment to see you despite very many attempts” Kachikwu to PMB . Disturbing letter pic.twitter.com/Dau4Qp9oL5

— Sadiq Mahmoud (@SMahmoud) October 3, 2017

This letter is too long for Buhari to read sha. Someone will just summarize it and say, "Kachikwu is only greeting you sir." https://t.co/GpDpjal54e

— Chidi Okereke (@Chydee) October 3, 2017

It is impossible for a professional to function effectively under a Govt of Nepotism and Kachikwu is yet another proof of this truth. pic.twitter.com/DysetN8m34

— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) October 3, 2017

My attention has been drawn to the fact that $26B scandal is rocking NNPC under Baba Buhari

As Kachikwu seeks a Transfer move to Wailers FC

— Ebube D Statesman (@akaebube) October 3, 2017

Biggest tragedy here is that Kachikwu is from Oil-rich N'Delta while the person humiliating him & the one he's appealing to are Northerners

— Mr Stanley Nwabia (@MrStanleyNwabia) October 3, 2017

Kachikwu a 5%er actually expects Baru a 97%er to get his approval before awarding contracts or making appointments in NNPC? 😂🤣

— Babasola Kuti (@SKSolaKuti) October 3, 2017

Everytime I see another respected professional being rolled around in the APC Govt mud, I remember this tweet and smh

It’s Kachikwu’s turn. https://t.co/8oxTtRiNXb

— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) October 3, 2017

Kachikwu Accuses NNPC GMD of Awarding $26billion Contracts Without Due Process.

A Diezanian under Buhari shocking!!! 😒😒😒 pic.twitter.com/EiWBLwOCGt

— Adetutu Balogun (@Tutsy22) October 3, 2017

Kachikwu says Baru humiliates and undermines him and awards contracts in NNPC without his knowledge or approval in a letter to Buhari.

— Jackson Ude (@jacksonpbn) October 3, 2017

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Technology Today

Ubiquitous, mobile supercomputing  . Artificially-intelligent robots  . Self-driving cars  . Neuro-technological brain enhancements  . Genetic editing  .  .  . 21st-century stuff . . .

in the light of which the constant drama of Nigerian (African?) society, the stuff of our daily news for instance, must appear supremely daft and irrelevant.  Yaba would save us, but that dream too may be dying. 

If you have a ray of hope to share, put it in the comments.

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