₦airaland Forum

dosht:
Ma'am I'm open to any idea here. I got a little cash here for start up. I've only talked to them with mouth at the end they would say "show us sample" I really need to act fast. Any company you can introduce me to? I'm always available. TIA

I will do something in this regard this weekend.

i will contact somebody in a particular company around Epe and then revert.

Mumben:
@dosht, i see a golden opportunity right before you. Fill that vacuum created by d other chinchin seller and smile to d bank sooner than u expect. Godspeed my dear sister.

Smartest Babe!

estwhile:
@karin.. ......Olutoyiin is quite right. Selling has been really hectic and as a matter of fact caused my silence on the thread. I've been selling in my region, though experienced some challenges initially, but thankfully, I overcame them.

I again, want to indicate my interest in the financial aid, I believe this would help boost daily sales.

Thanks

I am so happy that you are selling out there. It is however sad that you didn't consider it necessary to share your experience with the rest of us.
I never said it would be easy. Nothing worthwhile is easy at the beginning. I am sure that at this point you may not be seeing any profit but it will be easier than the very first day.. A worthwhile tip here may be for you to buy a notebook and turn it into a journal recording your sales experience day by day in full detail. Every weekend you can visit this journal; review your experiences of the previous week and update it with your plans for the coming week.

This notebook will also provide you with the platform to for setting weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.

Those challenges you mentioned I recognize as 'newbie hurdles' you will overcome with steadfastness and determination.
Just commit to ensure that you don't fall of the track and soon you will be smiling to the bank.

Eventually you will see these challenges for what they really are; a springboard to greater heights. The most important thing to note here is that when you overcome each challenge that particular one will never show itself again as a challenge.

Better put when next you come across it it will not appear as a challenge anymore.

dosht:
Madam kaarin I'm interested in the loan
Please don't forget us here. I rep Ibeju lekki. I've spoken with some schools,supermarkets and store here. But they all want samples and I don't know where I can get the doughnut here
There was a guy who used to get his chinchin from one company like that in bags and repackage it in nylon.but the guy is not staying here anymore. Most of his customers go to ajah to get their goods. Pls if you can help with companies around this area I would be glad. Google is not helping matters at all

Lekki/Ajah axis is quite a large territory and has as a lot of promise. I remember that there used to be a pharmacy that was buying chin-chin form the company I sell their products. And they used to buy about NGN 200,000 weekly. The pharmacy is on the road and is called Quinnox. your best bet is starting with chin-chin in that area but I will advise that you to different pack sizes. This will require you segmenting your market properly into strata such that you will sell for 50.00, 100.00 and 500.00. This will naturally be sold in different points of sales to reflect the purchasing power of their regular customers.

I can also help you further by showing you how you can commit to selling a specific number of the larger more expensive packs everyday so that you can get cover your daily expenses from there while your profits will draw from the smaller packs.

Secondly, you can identify some other products that you can sell alongside the chin-chin as you try to conquer the Lekki territory. Meanwhile, for all those including you who show some promise in this project, I will introduce you to more companies as we progress.

As a matter of fact there are two great products that are coming out in January and February 2016 and the company has already sent samples to me right here in Port Harcourt. Lagos participants will benefit immensely because of proximity, population density and buying power. Show me what you've got and I will include you in the plan for Ibeju-Lekki.

Meanwhile I advise you to kindly re-read your post again and carefully so. If you pay serious attention to that post, you will see a diamond quality opportunity right there. Its a serious nugget and if you can find it and act immediately you would have made a giant step in the right direction.

Good luck.

Non-Lagos residents shall be our next focus for the next few weeks.

In the course of the thread many people within and outside Lagos have indicated interest in participating in this project. It is only fair that we give them a fair opportunity to participate also.

I have given it serious consideration and have proceeded to design an approach that I think will be best for them in the circumstances. This approach will also be adopted by those who are living in far flung locations in Lagos. The products they will commence with is Chin-chin. Their commencement date will be mid-November and by January they will have the opportunity of adding a new product to their portfolio. We will choose the particular producer who has capacity to supply whatever quantity is required and in superior quality too.

The first step however is for us to indicate our interest on the body of the thread. All we need is for you to state your moniker and your town/state of residence. Every state and town will be limited to a specific number of participants so that the town does not become saturated and thus unprofitable. So the first few people identified and approved will now meet and form an understanding that will protect them from usurpers.

Quite naturally the town that has the largest number of interested participants will be the first to take a plunge. As we progress, you will now come to terms as regards why we need to have individuals coming together as groups in towns outside Lagos.

I recall that we already had two interested posters from Ilorin and one from Ife. Can they please indicate all over again? We will begin to collate the information immediately.

By November we will be adding some new products to our portfolio. Those people who are already selling the doughnuts will begin to draw significant benefits from this project because the cost of logistics will be brought seriously done while profitability will increase commenusrately. Please keep working even if it is in a mental state.

Mr. Allstrasse and I have exchanged emails and we have finally agreed to something which we hope is beneficial. I have proposed that when the interested participants who don't have the financial wherewithal to commence are ready and we are assured of their commitment, Mr. Allstrasse will transfer the value of 100,000 to the account of the producing company. According to him, he has already visited his preferred company and is on standby to provide the necessary help when the participants are ready.

Bionica is already paying for two people (perhaps non-nairalanders)who are currently selling doughnuts. He is willing to add lexaydfg to the current beneficiaries of his largess.

Please note however that this funding is a loan and not a grant. Those interested should indicate their names on the body of the thread.

Ymodulus:
Dont do that yet.


Lagos is overhyped my 2 cent. Except you want to go into drinks and bar of which you clearly dont want too.


On what to do with 2.5Million naira, i know you confused but nairaland is not a place to solicit for such kind of advice.

Moving from your current location may not amount to much.

You may look out for the book titled Acres of Diamonds by Russell H Conwell.
It is a wonderful read and it will help you realign your perspective on location and greener pastures.

I don't know which town you live but if I were your age and had that kind of money, I would divide it into 3 as advised by another poster and buy some really fast moving consumer goods and put them right away in the market. My emphasis would be on products that are not curently available in the my local market or causing certain products to be produced for me. Exclusivity is what you need in any town/territory. if you have this for a good product and from a reliable company then you are in business for as long as that company is in business.

My opinion is that whatever you do please don't go into importation at the moment. You could as well give out the money to a charity. The exchange rate regimen is too volatile at the moment. Get involved in a local type importation that involves moving goods (that are in high demand and required for everyday use) from one location to another within Nigeria. And many of such goods abound, you just need to seek them out.

Good luck!

tblackE61:
@Op I guess me and u are in the same shoe! I av been critically thinking of a good business to go in with the sum of 3m! Lots of business ideas av learnt from friends but still yet am not pleased with most of dem! Considering the current economy one really needs to think bfor comitting his or her money in other not to lose it all !! Pls does any one av a good idea of business one can eventually venture into! These are the business av been considering
1. Setting up a pure water factory
2. Buy a car to work under ubber
Pls friends if u av any other ideas pls share with us.

Thanks

I agree with you completely.

The current economic realities require proper thinking and evaluation of all variables before making a plunge. One single decision could either make or mar you. Those of you have large amounts and no business experience have to be even more careful.

Please note that inasmuch as satchet(pure) appears to be an easy business to undertake it isn't easy at all. The logistics component of the business is enough to sink any newbie. The incorrigible tendencies of the driver and accompanying salesmen will shock even the devil himself. There is also the costing problem of the materials for the packaging.
Redo a proper assessment of your situation in terms of the number of pure water factories in the neighbourhood you wish to set up shop vis as vis the potential effective demand within that territory before taking this all important decision to do or not to do.

There is also a lot of excitement about the Uber taxi model ever since it came into Nigeria. It has been a huge success in other other climes especially the developed ones but a very careful and detailed study will reveal one corollary which is essentially that over 70 per cent of Uber practitioners are directly involved as owner/user/driver. And most of them do it part time.

There are a lot of undertones in the practice of Uber and indeed other imported business models. Normally, your best bet is to tweek these models to reflect and accommodate the the local peculiarities.

Finally the economy at this point is more tolerant of the trading of FMCG. Try not to stock goods but buy and sell fast moving everyday goods that move rapidly and can be demanded effectively by the lower segment of the population triangle.

Look for the thread by Blackky on eggs distribution. It might just give you an idea on how to invest your monies.

Good luck!

Wishing all those who have had the courage to start strength to persevere.

Other products will be added to your portfolio as we trudge along.

But please keep us abreast with your experiences out there in the field.

lexaydfg:
Today's Experience

1) I woke up and I called Nutrientrich so as to know the time she will arrive at iyana-paja but she told me that I can only get doughnuts but can't get chin-chin that it no longer available. Mehn!!! I was really mad because I have already placed my order since Saturday and that means I am going to disappoint my first clients and they will think I'm not serious. You know that feeling now, I couldn't sleep in night, I had already borrowed 4k from a friend and have been visualizing the beginning of my business success, then I received such news. At first, I thoughts something was wrong with me or something or the devil has started. I was not happy, I texted her and she apologized for everything. I heard to dust my shoe and think positive.

* Around 8am I went to a school, I was there on Friday but the gateman told me they sell snacks, I told him if I can see the person in charge and negotiate with her, he said I have to come on Monday. I went there and when I spoke with the food vendor she said they sell doughnuts and chin-chin but she was lying that they don't sell chin-chin in the school ( thank God for a teacher that was there he was like where's the chin-chin) so she had to give me another person number to call her and discuss with her. Yeah!!! I was able to achieve something, It is better than sleeping at home and mourning my disappointment.

* I went to another school spoke to gateman, he took me to the food vendor and she told me that they don't have chin-chin but I have to meet with the busuar and discuss with her, I went to meet her and she told me someone is already selling. I told her but the food vendor said they don't have chin-chin so I can come in, she said someone was already selling it. I guess she doesn't want me to sell something in their school. This is not my first time in that school, I have been there for like 4 times now and they have been rejecting me.. ( but it about teaching and other stuffs).. It all good sha, it not all places you go to that they will agree to do business with you.

That's how my snacks marketing went today and I had to stop early because I don't have any snacks on ground and I don't really feel motivated, I was only able to collect a number, I just pray she agrees that I sell chin-chin in her school.

Oga Lexaydfg, your persistence has paid off.

You are in business.

I will arrange for your commencement in full of this project by Wednesday 19th. Please use tomorrow to arrange your demand and by Wednesday morning your delivery will take place at a point close to you.

Also brief us on what you intend to order for that Wednesday and alert us on the thread tomorrow before 2.00pm.

Nutrientrich can you please explain whats going on right here on the thread?

rose 75 wazzap babe?

You've been too quiet lately!

I have not been very happy about the turn the thread has taken at this point. We almost hit an all time low in degeneration. I am very averse to name calling and the use of invectives. There really was no need for the verbal abuse as seen earlier on the thread. I think it was a case of misudrstanding predicated on semantics and the general use of language. Simply put, it was a case of irresponsibility and an apology will be in place. It is only natural.

This outburst may have scared away some other active posters and it is sad. I however enjoin them to come back so that we can forge ahead. this could be just on of the distractions designed to completely derail us but we can overcome thus strengthening ourselves for future hurdles.

I am also very disinclined to helping people by spoon feeding when they have very strong and healthy arms/hands. We have come a long way on this thread and just on the point of taking action and beginning to see a physical manifestation of the theories we have been studying that is supposed to translate to tangible rewards we just implode.

I will try my best to re-rail this thread but I need action and no excuses whatsoever. It doesn't matter whether there are two people only or twenty people as originally planned, we need to work on commencing very soon. By Saturday it will be 15th and that is mid month. If we haven't taken a decision by then as per how and when we will commence then I am afraid we may just abort mid term. We really shouldn't be wasting effort and time on projects that will never take-off.

With due respect to modesty, I must say that I took my time and dissipated a lot of energy to ensure that this thread gets to this point.

In my overall plan, we are supposed to add a new product every month between now and the next 6 months. By end of March, each serious participant is supposed to be smiling home with daily earnings of not less than 3000-5000 Naira only. We need to take a decision now and stand by it. We will follow this decision with massive action and bring in desired results no matter how difficult.

I hope this the above position will not be misconstrued. My intentions are noble. I have also bent over backwards a lot in providing this help. All I ask for is that just a few people be committed enough to take action that will bring about change in their lives for the better.

That is all I ask for.

Allstrasse:
Karin and all, Good day to you.

I must say that I am a bit disappointed with the goings on here.
OP has invested so much in this project without seeking any personal benefit. I just find this our inaction distasteful.

I seek your permission Karin to set up some people as distributors of the doughnuts in an area of my choice. I will pay for their orders and have them supplied. I will supervise them and help them grow via sponsorship and I will report to the house in respect of their progress in the trade.

In the meantime, can some one provide the phone numbers of the producers? I need to take the bull by the horns.

Oga Allstrasse, I understand your frustration. I really cannot publish the phone numbers of the producers on the thread. Mind you I am not supposed to be promoting one producer against the other. My intention has always been to provide a level playing field for all produceers and buyers. My thrust is to help the 'newbies' navigate the the difficult terrain of F.M.C.G sales at least initially.

I am however impressed by your unflinching commitment to help. Why I refused to accept your help previously was simply because I did not and still do not want anything to do with money or any other benefits to me directly. I also knew that there is a possibility that a few not so honest Nairalanders could be lurking in the shadows, just waiting to appropriate your money and take-off without a trace. it still remains a faceless thread for all I care.

I was also interested in ascertaining those participants who were truly serious about this project and were genuinely handicapped by the initial capital. I am sure that you yourself can actually at this stage discern the people that are genuinely interested in the project and whom investing in would not be such a bad idea.

Having given it some more thought, I think we will be able to work out something as regards your previous pledge of help to interested participants. I will let you know by this weekend how you can stretch forth your help to certain people on the thread without doing it through me.

I will however first invite the interested participants who are hindered by initial capital to post their interest on the body of the thread and indicate their territories.

I will not however agree to your giving them outright help in terms of the full value but only a certain percentage of the loan initially with them making some minute contribution too. This will help them appreciate the value of whatever you are doing and take it seriously enough.

This position applies to Bionica and other donors too.

lexaydfg:
All this PROCRASTINATION is not helping this project at all... We should decide on a date and start no matter what, if we continue to wait this month will pass us by.

@karin001, I also indicated interest to start on Monday.

Hello lexaydfg, Will you be willing to start on Monday and ensure that you you are committed to that date irrevocably?

Please post your response on thread.

olutoyiin:
Thanks Karin for your time and effort on this thread.I salute you.Thanks for putting everything together despite all odds.Please I want to crave your indulgence that I kick off upper Monday.Reason being that I've a couple of appointments with some school administrators and I hope to get their responses this week before I make any order.Hope this will go down well with you and all involved.I still rep Idimu road,orisumbare,mafoluku and Ile iwe bus stop

Hello Madam, how is your baby? Are you interested in starting on Monday together with estwhile? I am available to help a few people who are committed to take-off on Monday. Please let me know.

Tyche:
I salute the doggedness of the Op and other well meaning contributors. I had wanted to make this contribution ab initio, but time never permitted me to.

I stand to be corrected, but With the biting recession, doughnuts and their likes are more of a luxury than necessity and may be difficult for a new player to play in.

However, playing within the agricultural value chain, in my humble opinion, would have been more rewarding as people have to eat.

it justs needs synergy, thinking big and starting small

Good thinking Tyche.

Let me disappoint you a bit. You can still sell well made and appropriately priced doughnuts in their millions if you package your strategy well.The agricultural value chain is very profitable in the medium/long term. But it wont work for newbies' they should start with small wins. Let them experience success everyday they sell. its more successful this way.

lexaydfg:
All this PROCRASTINATION is not helping this project at all... We should decide on a date and start no matter what, if we continue to wait this month will pass us by.

@karin001, I also indicated interest to start on Monday.

Did you get to start? tell us about your experiences today

moshoodn:
Hi Karin001,

Any reaction to this?

Thanks.

Hello Moshoodn, it would have been very nice if you had included the location of this inheritance. All the same you have a very good idea here.
The problem might lie in your commitment to action.

I will also advise that you don't undertake the entire project simultaneously. Start with one and grow them into products that are high in demand.

Secondly, try to work out your source of materials so that it easily accessible and cheap.

Thirdly and very inportantly start as small as possible and learn porofusely.

moshoodn:
Hi Karin001,

Any reaction to this?

Thanks.

Good idea Moshoodn. If you permit me, I give attention to it tomorrow and post my opinion later that evening.

Kind regards.

estwhile:
Karin, it's good to finally hear from you and thank God your child is fine.

I did notice you're yet to post fairy's response on pricing or maybe she didn't reply?

In any case, my order is stated here under:


Name: estwhile

Territory: Isolo/ part of ejigbo

No.of Packs: 4 packs (100 pieces)

Nearest Bus Stop: Nnpc depot, ejigbo

Preferred brand: Nutrientrich.

Hello estwhile, it appears you are the only one who has indicated interest for tomorrow. I haven't seen any response from Nutrientrich.
In any case we will watch and see what happens tomorrow morning and then I will revisit this matter again.

It appears that I missed the report of Fairy Pastries. The error is entirely mine.

Here we go:

For the sampling period which we hope will last 4-5 days, Fairy Pastries is willing to deliver to the Bus stop the closest to the participant.

Subsequently they are wiling to deliver to participants at their homes provided they are buying a minimum of 20 packs daily and all weekly orders are cash backed. Further clarification will be provided here.

They are also willing to consider a rebate structure for the participants but cannot do anything about the pricing because of the inconsistency of the prices of raw materials.

So in getting started on Monday as agreed, can those who are interested please indicate their monikers before the end of today Saturday.

Kindly state it clearly the following;

Name: Latestarter

Territory: Ojodu Berger

No.of Packs: 4 packs (100 pieces)

Nearest Bus Stop: Ojodu - Berger (First Bank)

Preferred brand: Nutrientrich.




Thanks very much for readership and please provide your inputs so that we can expedite the take-off as soon as possible.

Effective collaboration only provides benefits and no losses. For the small manufacturer and the far flung distributors, one of the greatest hurdles they have to cross is logistics/delivery. Collaboration can actually completely eradicate or reduce this bottleneck to a bare minimum.
As we progress we will see how the people who live outside Lagos will benefit from this project.

If anybody wants to be a distributor for a Plantain Chips company in Ilorin for instance, he will need to put down the entire cost of buying a substantial quantity so that the volume will defray the cost of transportation. Now this will be difficult for him/her because he cannot invest so much in a yet to be known product. It will take him too much time and energy to sell off for a profit.

let us now assume that there are three people in different parts of Ilorin who desire to distribute this product in Ilorin, you will find out that it will be easier for them to offset the cost when they combine their delivery.

The picture becomes better as they work towards increasing the volume of orders with each delivery.

The picture assumes a more interesting and profitable dimension by the time Two more customers located in Ogbomosho and Oyo have joined this effort so a bigger delivery van with higher carrying capacity is hired to deliver the products to the owners thus reducing the cost per unit of product. the same thing applies to the distributors in Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Owerri and down to Aba.

Please just give this some thought.

So my recommendation is thus that we should start small, build slowly and very steadily a robust and formidable movement (thanks Latestarter) of committed like minds that will redefine the distribution value chain. We will only use doughnuts and other snacks to start but it will eventually grow into other things. The emphasis for us here will be to learn the art of selling using a non traditional distributive method. The primary idea is to upstage the markets confined major distributors. How can we accomplish this apparently glaring ambition? Our thrust will therefore be to identify sterling products of new entrants into the production or manufacturing or processing sectors of this huge and growing economies and clinch an agreement setting us up as exclusive distributors in various identified territories. That way the producer has demand, we the distributors make a reasonable margin and the product is thus given exposure. Every one is thus a winner.

When a large conglomerate opens shop in Nigeria their first port of call is usually the existing distributors of their competitors who re usually well established in the market place. Most times these old time distributors reject outright good products that are locally made. Where they even condescend to sell you find out that they take undue advantage of the small company until the company proves its mettle by through the wider a acceptance of the product in the market place.

In contributing to this thread, I became imbued with the thought that this effort will God willing will transform into a platform that will introduce a totally different way of creating value for both the producer and the distributor. And it couldn't come at a better time than now. For those of us who read widely you will see in the economic history of nations that there is usually a phase that the country goes through that requires a shutting of borders against economic predators, a time when emphasis is more on the internal economic rejuvenation like an attempt at self sufficiency through the stimulation of local production and then a drift a progressive drift towards export. We are now on threshold of jump starting our own local economic reformation. For the avoidance of doubt a lot of things are taking place now most of them very quietly too. While some people are crying over the situation some others are taking advantage of the situation because they saw this coming and had positioned themselves appropriately. Some smart ones who had not foreseen it yet are nimble and reflexive enough quickly assessed the situation and took on a different view and in doing so reorganized to benefit somewhat.
A quick indicator was what happened a few months ago during the tomatoes scarcity. While some where lamenting seriously some very smart alecs quickly put on their thinking caps and within six months the entire situation ahd changed and now tomatoes are everywhere. Some people invested and benefited from that 'problem'.

With a change in attitude and the governments poise to to stop importation, smart people will rather not fight city hall but rather position themselves to sow minimally and reap maximally.

Mark you that Nigerians are not slackers. Never! There is going to be a flurry of economic activities in the immediate future. Our small scale business sector is going to boom seriously with new entrants coming in to play both locally and internationally. We also have a lot of realignments and mergers that will move small companies from their current size to a somewhat medium status.

This is going to create a lot opportunities in the entire supply/distribution and value chain. Now because most of these companies are going to be quite small they will be disregarded by then money bags thus creating the opportunity for you and me.

An example will suffice here. With the recent down/right sizing of companies that has been going on in the economy that is translating into job cuts there is a lot of terminal benefits moving around and most of them do not really have direction at least for now. Most of that money is going to find its way into the traditional investments like agriculture and some of them manufacturing/processing.
The large chunk of this terminal benefits will go into trade.

For those who have significant cash their first option and supported by most of his/her risk adverse advisers will be to register with a major and long standing FMGCG conglomerates. Here you have the likes of Nestle, Cadbury, Unilever, Dangote, Dufil Prima, golden Penny flour Mills, Honey Well, PZ and a host of others. Some others with really deep pockets will seek distributorships with the giant multinationals like 7UP, Coca- cola, Guiness and Nigerian Breweries. These are all very good investments but certain factors militate against this model for some of us.

1. First reason is usually that the cost of setting up a distributorship with this kind of company requires so much money that it simply isn't really
attractive to the new entrant into F.M.CG.

2. Another reason is that distributorships for this size of company is proliferation. too many distributors in certain territories thus keeping
competition high and margins low.

3.Thirdly and equally importantly is the fact that with a dwindling economy, a lot of supplementary products are going to compete very
favourably with these foreign/big brand products. Examples already abound in Nigeria today. Look at the phone segment. The big names are
consistently losing market share to the less known brands of yesteryears. Tecno, Gionee, Infinix etc are now competing and even outdoing
the majors like Samsung, Apple, Nokia and Blackberry.

My concept of this project is quite large and I am honestly committed to taking it to heights none of us can even imagine. Yes it is starting small on Nairaland but I assure you that a few people through this effort will make giant strides. I am sure that some people will be befuddled when they come across the kinds of products we are talking about.

Frankly, this is not about selling donoughts, chin-chin or other snacks. It is about building a formidable 'you' such that you become totally 'unstoppable'. This is simply about providing references for our future endeavours. When you come in contact with apparently impossible tasks in the future, your mind will keep referring you to your previous successes in doughnuts, chin-chin etc.Whatever product or service we undertake to sell will be sold and we will benefit.

Again, I will state very clearly that my intentions are very noble and altruistic and will remain so.

I do not now or ever intend to draw any benefits directly from this project. For me all I desire is a homecoming that will translate into a fulfillment which will be based on the testimonies of the successes that will be recorded via posts on this thread.

At no point will you hear me request for compensation. Neither will I seek self aggrandizement at any point. My greatest satisfaction will only draw from knowing that one, or two or more participants have developed some ability in sniffing out opportunities that bombard us daily and hourly in various disguises everyday. I am in for the long haul and together we will succeed in exceeding proportions.

When I consider in all objectivity that a certain stability and focus has been established and testimonies abound, at that point, just as I emerged incognito and started this project I will also vanish into oblivion leaving the beneficiaries to also help others out in ways that they can using whatever platform may be at their disposal.

I am about to make a serious appeal to the would be participants of this project now and in the near or remote future.

Please take this project as seriously as possible. Approach it with the kind of verve and determination that makes it appear to the onlooker as if your entire life depends on it.

Let us develop and forge an Alexandrian mindset in this regard.

Our driving theme will be 'Burn your boats(or Bridges)'

Permit me to bore you a bit with this story that always intrigues me and yet demonstrating the demonstrating the capacity of the human mind whenever it wills to succeed.

It has been said (and I am sure some of you have heard this before) that the the indefatigable warrior Alexander the great when leading his men to battle in what has now become know as the conquest of Persia, he berthed on the shores of the enemy (Persia) and in a quick assessment discovered that the Persian army was numerically stronger than his. He was undeterred and ordered that the boats that brought them be burnt. The statement credited to him during this episode is

''We go home in Persian ships, or we die''.

The only way his army could use Persian boats on their return leg would be by conquering Persia.

And this is what happened. An astounding victory was recorded despite all odds.

Some management theorists are of the school of thought that options should exist in every situation, and contingencies should be provided for in the form of a Plan B and maybe C too. These contingencies are for the worst case scenario. It provides some sense of some security and accessible exit plan. Please note that this is sound thinking and history is replete with examples of times when just such a retreat plan would have been wise.

However, there’s nothing like burning your boats to focus your mind on just the one thing, and that one thing only- success. It’s extraordinary what we as human beings are capable of when we are in a very tight corner with no other option but to give our absolute best (and sometimes even beyond that).

Just give it some thought and you will realize that your greatest success so far is when you were mostly without options.

it appears we have not been able to make a choice between Nutrientrich and Fairy Pastries Doughnuts.
I am now thinking that we should approach the decision as individuals. We have heard from both producers and we can then take an informed decision on the matter. By Sunday I will publish the phone numbers of the two producers here (with their permission of course) and then each individual can then decide to handle his/her own affairs at that point.
I would however suggest that whatever successes or drawbacks are experienced should be posted here for all to read.
While this may be a deviation from our original design I will I am only suggesting it because of two reasons;

1. I observe some lethargy in choosing the preferred producer. I had hoped that the physical sampling and briefs from the producers would
have solver or at least helped in this regard.

2. Secondly I think in the long term the use of the two companies will bring about a very healthy competition among them, thus providing
a viable alternative for the participants.

The above is only a suggestion. Can I get responses or other opinions please?

Thank you for your warm thoughts and prayers.

We were today discharged and given a clean bill of health.

I am revved up to continue with your cooperation.

Please can we all commit to take-of on Monday as planned.

Even if we have to experience a hasty and jerky take-off I suppose that it is better than another delay. Those who are not ready by then canm join the group as we progress.

Tonight, I will try to cover as much ground as possible and then tomorrow night I will ask that those that are interested in commencing on Monday should drop their names here on the body of the thread.

Thank you for your warm thoughts and prayers.

We were today discharged and given a clean bill of health.

I am revved up to continue with your cooperation.

Please can we all commit to take-of on Monday as planned.

Even if we have to experience a hasty and jerky take-off I suppose that it is better than another delay. Those who are not ready by then canm join the group as we progress.

Nutrientrich and Fairy Pastries have sent in their positions;

According to Nutrientrich her response says;

'Good evening Madam,

Delivery can be made by 7 a.m. at Omole & Ikotun.

The price per pack of 25 is 950.

Thanks Ma'am.

I suppose that this translates to an everyday delivery possibility at these two locations.

Madam Nutrientrich, you didn't mention the payment options as requested. Please post this directly on the thread.

My intention is that we will start small and then push it gradually till we attain our objective which is even conservative for now. The minimum quantity for order on Monday is 2 packs.

All interested persons will only pay at the point of delivery. On this team no-one should make any payments without my say so at least for now, This is the understanding I want everyone to have.

Eventually, everyone will make their own decisions and naturally stand by the consequences.For it will come.