The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) has come and gone, so has the SME Toolkit Nigeria Conference 2011. It was a very organised and well attended event put together by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-African University with support from her partners – IFC, IBM and Etisalat.
The event had speakers and participants from across Nigeria and other west African countries (I believe). The moderator was Peter Bamkole (Banky), Director, Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-African University who I must confess would also do better than most of our comedians in terms of engaging the audience and making them laugh like babies 
The Small Business Lessons are from the keynote address delivered by Randall Kempner of Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE). His speech and video were educating, enlightening and most of all stimulating.
So, here are 4 Small Business Lessons from Randall’s keynote address
Small Business Lesson 1
Randall stressed the importance of small and growing businesses to the survival of any economy especially in developing countries like 
Nigeria. He therefore encouraged SME owners present to remain committed to their dreams because they are the drivers of any economy not only in Nigeria but in most countries of the world.
CFA’s Thoughts
I have often said that Entrepreneurship is one of the surest ways of lifting Nigeria / Nigerians out of poverty. Think about it, who would employ all the graduates that are jobless today? It’s either they become business owners or join small businesses scattered all across Nigeria otherwise a lot of graduates will remain jobless for a long time to come.
Small Business Lesson 2
Randall admonished business owners to be mindful of technological trends irrespective of their opinion about it. According to him, if small business owners choose to ignore technological developments, then it may be possible for their competitors to edge them out of business.
CFA’s thoughts
I have often heard Small Business Owners say they are not on the Internet or they can’t see the benefit of the Internet to their business. My response to them is usually in this direction; every business in today’s world should be on the Internet. Granted, it may not be your no. 1 marketing strategy but it should be part of your plans because the world has gone online!
Small Business Lesson 3
Randall also stressed the need to be mindful of technology. In his words, “not all technology that matters is information technology and not all relevant technology is high technology. Throughout emerging markets, billions of dollars can be made and major social impact achieved by the implementation of simple mechanical technologies that will address human problems. Before you think about how to build a business based on your iPad, think about irrigation pipes, water pumps, and basic healthcare products. ”
CFA’s Thoughts
The small business lesson here is that SMEs should invest in technology only when it will have a direct impact in their bottomline and not invest because everyone else is doing it. Imagine, someone who acquires a Blackberry only to “ping”, neglecting other key functions of the phone.
I remember how the Moderator of the event made us laugh, when I got on the stage and he announced to everyone that I was carrying an iPad and that Randall just said it didn’t matter, it was very funny, so we all laughed
Real growth has to come from the emerging markets. Its their responsibility – Randall Kempner
Small Business Lesson 4
Finally, Randall made it clear that no amount of gadgets or devices or online strategies can replace people. He stressed the need to invest and develop your people because when all is said and done, it all boils down to people.
It is your people that will get online to tweet or respond to your customer’s queries via email. So take care of your people.
CFA’s Thoughts
The greatest companies around are companies who invest in their people. Tony Hsieh of zappos.com is a young entrepreneur who is known to invest and entrust so much in his people, any wonder why the company grew so huge and got acquired by Amazon.com in November 2009, in a deal valued at $1.2 billion on the day of closing.
We want people who are passionate about what Zappos is about–service. I don’t care if they’re passionate about shoes. – Tony Hsieh
Where you at the event? Did I miss out something?
Please share your thoughts below.
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28 comments
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Idowu Jimoh says:
November 21, 2011 at 12:28 pm (UTC 0 )
This is an interesting lecture and the most alluring aspect is where he mentioned people (employee) as key in business developemnt inspite of any technology that might be adopted. some organisation is technology crazy such that they neglected their human asset in terms of development. It is the employee that operates any technology in place and if neglected the essense of being technology compliance would be in vain without any appreciable value to the organisation.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 24, 2011 at 7:14 pm (UTC 0 )
Can’t agree less Idowu, the People must 1st before technology. Happy to hear you enjoyed the event
Mrs. Molola Aiyegbusi says:
November 22, 2011 at 1:01 pm (UTC 0 )
The conference for me was a turning point especially in the area of using technology to out perform competition. I was able to better appreciate the different packages on the SME TOOLKIT web and what one could actually gain by using them. All the speakers and session coordinators were great. The social networks should also be taken advantage of for business purposes rather personal ‘gists’. My appreciation goes to the EDC Team who put the conference together.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 24, 2011 at 7:16 pm (UTC 0 )
Hello Mrs, Aiyebusi, thank you for taking time to leave a comment and shower the EDC team with praises cos honestly they did a very good job and I pray next one become bigger and better. That venue is obviously smaller now…..
Goodness S. Oluyehun says:
November 24, 2011 at 11:47 am (UTC 0 )
The conference has added to me in so many ways most especially in understanding the media tool to employ in reaching the right target. Thanks to the SMEtoolkit team but please can we revisit the testimony of Mr. Lawrence about the book he translated to French. I really want to know if:
1. he was the author of the book? and if not
2. did he obtained permission before the translation.
I think there is a need to discuss this.
THANKS
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 24, 2011 at 7:09 pm (UTC 0 )
Hello Goodness, happy to hear you learnt a lot at the event, I did too
I am going to reach out to Lawrence to come respond to your observation.
Quite honestly, I thought the sameway, infact the folks on my table were eager to find out….. I just hope Lawrence did not pirate someone’s book cos that’ll be very unfair. I hope he can vindicate himself?
Only time will tell……
lawrence ehilegbu says:
November 25, 2011 at 1:50 am (UTC 0 )
Thank you everyone for your comments and contributions.
As for the book, it was not pirated.
Fortunately, it is authored by a Nigerian. My 2nd Mentor’s first book.
“Choose To Make A Difference” by Seyi Wright.
He was aware as the book even helped him secure an unprecedented recognition. Thats why I’m putting it here.
Again, with the coming of social media platforms, what constitutes piracy and privacy offences are becoming more challenging than ever as everybody struggles to compete. I respect peoples’ rights and privacy regardless of the monetary values attached.
However, many thanks to Mrs. Goodness for your concern even though a Nigerian. This means SME toolkit will thrive.
God Bless you all.
Lawrence Ehilegbu.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 25, 2011 at 5:32 pm (UTC 0 )
This is great to hear Lawrence. I am glad you got permission before creating a business out of the book.
My advice is to make this clear when next you are talking about this ib public.
Congrats
lawrence ehilegbu says:
November 25, 2011 at 1:47 am (UTC 0 )
Many thanks everyone for your comments and contributions.
As for the book, it was not pirated.
Fortunately, it is authored by a Nigerian. My 2nd Mentor’s first book.
“Choose To Make A Difference” by Seyi Wright.
He was aware as the book even helped him secure an unprecedented recognition. Thats why I’m putting it here.
Again, with the coming of social media platforms, what constitutes piracy and privacy offences are becoming more challenging than ever as everybody struggles to compete. I respect peoples’ rights and privacy regardless of the monetary values attached.
However, many thanks to Mrs. Goodness for your concern even though a Nigerian. This means SME toolkit will thrive.
God Bless you all.
Lawrence Ehilegbu.
lawrence ehilegbu says:
November 25, 2011 at 2:00 am (UTC 0 )
Above all, another beautiful lesson I went home with is that, both the SME Owners and Employees are supposed to be developed.
Both require the technological skills to manage, develop and drive the organization’s vision to the promised land successfully.
Some Small Business Owners have also left ICT or technology in the hands of their employees without knowing how to operate them. One day, they will wake up and see the “technologies on the table” without Operators. Rememeber, John C. Maxwell says “Readers are Leaders”. Employers must grow as well as employees.
Some people cannot drive others’ VISION no matter the training given; owners must be technologically equipped like the followers.
Happy reading.
Lawrence Ehilegbu
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 25, 2011 at 5:35 pm (UTC 0 )
In our company, we regard employees as Intrapreneurs so we train them to see the business as theirs and that they should understand they are developing themselves.
In future, we plan to implement stock options to enable committed employees enjoy dividends and truly become part owners – this way their productivity is likely to soar!
Mrs.Temitope Alade says:
November 25, 2011 at 9:39 pm (UTC 0 )
I was at the conference from start to finish and i must say its worth it,My take home is plenty ; the techy guyz thing,etisalats freebies, Bosun and the Iiger delta woman (blessed) testimonials on the use of SMEToolkit and I’m already using it and trainning others around me.
2012 edition is going to be massive and mind blowing,so lets work on a bigger venue.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 29, 2011 at 7:45 pm (UTC 0 )
I agree with you Mrs Alade that we need a bigger venue for the next event. I am most def. that the EDC team will make it a blast.
Thanks for stopping by!
Aina says:
November 27, 2011 at 4:05 pm (UTC 0 )
Congratulations to the organisers of the Conference. It was a blast! Albeit, I dont own a business yet but the Theme of the Conference made me register and attend. For the first time, i will open my own facebook,twitter, bla bla page. The conference opened my eyes to the uses and benefits of social networking for business building. it is a must- use in this new world of technology.
CFA, thanks for the summary of Mr. Kempner’s address.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
December 2, 2011 at 9:47 am (UTC 0 )
Hello Aina, I am indeed glad you made it there eventhough you have not started your business. In any case, my experience tells me you have a mindset of entrepreneur cos they are usually the ones who attend events like this and go back with a commitment to take massive action like you have said and for that I say a Big Congratulations to you
The Internet has changed the way business is being done and someday I will write a book about my experiences……
Goodness S. Oluyehun says:
November 28, 2011 at 12:40 pm (UTC 0 )
I’m really happy to read the above comments. I’m relieved, knowing the book was not pirated. Thanks to Mr. Fred for sharing his thoughts on the conference and thanks to Mr. Lawrence for separating the pea from the nut.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
November 29, 2011 at 7:46 pm (UTC 0 )
Thank you Goodness for reading this and taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers
Bodunrin Daramola says:
November 30, 2011 at 12:02 pm (UTC 0 )
I unfortunately could not make the event and with all comments I have read, appears I missed a lot. Am interested in reading up on all the presentations and getting the toolkit. Please advise how. Thanks. Daramola B
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
December 2, 2011 at 9:39 am (UTC 0 )
Well Bodunrin, it was an informal sort of gathering so there were no presentations. As for getting the toolkit, you are already on the toolkit, so enjoy
and make the most it like I have done over the years.
Emman Usanga says:
November 30, 2011 at 5:29 pm (UTC 0 )
The world is moving so fast that it is only those that are holding on to something that will remain standing. Only two things had been holding Nigeria standing – the unearned Crude Oil Revenue and the unharnessed Rural Agriculture. Unfortunately, the Crude Oil will dry up in less than two generations, and the Rural Farmer generation that had been feeding the urban centers is aging out fast. That means the new generation of unemployed youths that had never touched a hoe or cutlass will soon be faced with hunger in the cities that they migrated to. And there is very little Nigerian private sector chain harnessing the Oil and Gas opportunities. Banks shy away from sponsoring long-term investments in Oil and Gas.
So where do we go? We need little machines that process local foods – yam powder, rice flower, cassava peelers etc. We need mechanised Agriculture. We also must tap into solar technology and not rely on NEPA when what 85% of the population need is simple residential illumination. Technological progress means investing in these little machines and technologies in order to empower oneself and our immediate community.
Seeing that we are 99.99 percent of Nigerians are wearing imported dresses and yet there are so many unemployed youths, I have invested in small-scale garments production in order to employ a few hands and clothe our people. But here comes the challenge, finding youths with character and integrity who deserve to be employed, trained and empowered. There are not so many of them. And the Banks would not offer me a loan to expand the business. In order to catch up with e-commerce, I have just launced a website. It is still evolving but watch our progrees there at http://www.vendrika.com
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
December 2, 2011 at 9:51 am (UTC 0 )
I feel you Emman and I have honestly decided to stop talking problems and start thinking solutions, so if I may ask did you sign up for the YouWin program?
NB: You have a cool website but you need to make it more SEO friendly, read up some of my posts here or on Conditioned for Accomplishments
Nwezeani Tobechukwu says:
December 1, 2011 at 12:53 am (UTC 0 )
i hope my business would be accepted in the YOUWIN program because this lecture motivates me some more.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
December 2, 2011 at 9:40 am (UTC 0 )
Goodluck to you Tobe
Emmanuel Mefful says:
December 1, 2011 at 7:56 am (UTC 0 )
Its been wonderful reading all the reports and testimonies. Unfortunately we in Ghana did not have the opportunity of attending so I suggest the organizers think about having a conference in Ghana. I know it will be a great success.
But thanks also for publishing some of the lessons, we’ll implement them in our business.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
December 2, 2011 at 9:36 am (UTC 0 )
Hello Emmanuel, I am sure conferences like this take place all over the world but I am not certain if SME Toolkit (and partners) has started holding this sort of session in Ghana but I know they will sooner or later. You can help by becoming more active on SME Toolkit and telling about the opportunities in Ghana. Cheers
Mmachi Oku says:
December 1, 2011 at 11:08 am (UTC 0 )
I’m very much interested in this and I learnt a lot, @ Tobechukwu, pls can you give me the website of YOUWIN cos I’ve heard about it and wish to apply but could not access the website given to me. Thanks as I await your reply.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. "CFA" says:
December 2, 2011 at 9:34 am (UTC 0 )
Hi Mmachi, I think the YouWin application process ended some weeks back. You might want to check the YouWin post on this blog.
Walk in Dusche says:
February 21, 2012 at 12:55 pm (UTC 0 )
Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this info. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is really annoying. A good website with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
A great lesson from the SME Toolkit Nigeria Conference | Online Coach with mentoring programs to help you become Conditioned for Accomplishments says:
November 23, 2011 at 6:53 am (UTC 0 )
[...] (ANDE) finished his keynote address, I made up my mind that I was going to meet him in person. Read my blog post on the SME Toolkit Nigeria blog based on Randall’s words of wisdom. I could not [...]