I purchased a piece of land in a largely undeveloped area. To secure the land, I built a fence, foundation and put a borehole there. I then employed a gateman. His name is Sulieman.
About a year later on one of my visits to the land, I did not find the gateman. His number was off. I asked my neighbours about him. They did not know any Sulieman but they knew a Dangote.
So someone went to fetch Dangote. Sulieman was now Dangote. I was soon to understand why. Dangote was thriving in the estate. My borehole built at least 8 houses on the property. My site generator supported many homes. He had put a fish farm in the backyard. He was also selling fruits, from the stock, Tweetheart had planted. Yet, I was paying him a salary.
I was not upset. I was amused. He also had a very lovely woman with him on-site living at the temporary shed. I told him the relationship would change. I would charge him for staying. I was no longer going to pay. I had come to pick the site generator for another site. He pleaded I should give him a date to retrieve it. It was on rental.
When I said I was increasing the fence wall, Dangote told me he could supply the blocks. I had to laugh at that point.
Sulieman aka Dangote had spotted an opportunity. Illegal but quite daring. He used what was available to generate income. He provided a service that was needed.
Another gateman would have done nothing but wait for his salary. But he has an entrepreneurial mindset. Also a risk-taker.
Not all can think like that or be as daring. It’s not a crime lacking a problem-solving mindset. You can train your mind to look for opportunities. To solve problems and generate solutions.
You can also undertake research. Research to see what is trending and then get off your bum and go find out.
But you must start with the most important thing: a seed.
My next story will speak to seeds and investments.
