Anita Okanigbe-John is young and smart, she’s a versatile business woman. She speaks to Elora’s blog in this interview.

Please tell us about your background?

I am a human capital development expert with years of experience spanning multi-
disciplinary functions in the field of banking, consulting,administration, human resource and energy. I have a masters degree from Aston University, United Kingdom. I am a certified performance coach by the UK Coaching Academy in London and I am an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

I run an NGO called The Tsori Foundation where we advocate for the prevention of child sexual abuse and promulgate the intellectual development of the girl child in Africa. I am also the founder of Anita Okanigbe-John Academy, an E-Learning platform that gives you access to online video courses developed by top industry experts from different fields to help you
* Achieve incredible milestones in your life
* Gain high performance in your career
* Build a business empire with a lasting legacy.

I’ve been been featured on many radio and tv show including Ebonylife tv, Linda Ikeji tv, Wazobia max, Inspirational fm, etc

You are an entrepreneur. Tell us more about your line of business?

I do majorly coaching, training and consultancy.

I am also an author who has written and published books including Miracle In The Storm (my autobiography), Wounded Hearts, Take Charge of Your Life, and A Beginner’s Guide To Writing An Amazing Book In 30 Days.

Photos of Anita’s doing what she knows how to do best

What Inspired you to start up your business?

Years back, I noticed that I was too hyperactive to sit still in a 9-5 job doing things I didn’t enjoy. I wanted a job that would not box my ‘super energy’ or restrict my creativity. I got tired of uninteresting meetings in the office plus long hours with computer and files. So I started dreaming of a ‘place’ that would allow me use my gift of writing, speaking, teaching and coaching to impact lives and transform SMEs with the freedom to work from anywhere without necessarily resuming work every morning. The more I thought about it, the more I realise I might not get that job so I started my own business. It has been an interesting journey so far but a rewarding one.

Writing my first book was borne out of desperation to end the pain suffocating my heart as a result of years of abuse and rejection. So writing it was therapeutic as it helped me heal from my painful past. When I realized that writing comes easy for me, I decided to write more books to help others achieve freedom, healing, purpose, vision, goal, etc

How were you able to raise fund for your business?

When I started my business, the idea of borrowing money from the bank or begging friends and family for money did not appeal to me. More over, the business was not capital intensive so I used the little personal fund I saved up. Secondly, I would ask clients to pay me 60%-75% deposit before I would commence or deliver my service. Which in many cases would cover for the major expenses.

How do you advertise your business?

I advertise my business majorly through facebook Ad and words of mouth. Every event I attend, I usually look for opportunity to add value to someone and through our conversation, I let them know what I do. My clients also tell others about me and I’ve gotten lots of referrals. In recent times, I’ve also used Instagram and LinkedIn.

What are the challenges you’ve faced while running your business?

I learnt the hard way that in my line of business, people only do business with or buy from those they know, like and trust. So my initial challenges were
– Being a new brand, people were not sure if I could deliver
– I wasn’t an established authority in the industry so they wanted proof of my track record.
– I didn’t have the marketing ability to sell products/services

But today, the story has changed. It hasn’t been easy but it is difinitely worthwhile. Now people know who I am and what I can deliver. Just few weeks into 2018, I was listed among the top 15 sought-after coaches in Nigeria.

How does it feel being your own boss?

For me, I have mixed feelings about being my ‘own boss’. Let no one kid you. Entrepreneurship is hard work which requires all your time, energy and everything you’ve got. Unlike 9-5 timeline for employees, an entrepreneur works 24/7. In the first few years, you might not make any money and you will have very little time to sleep. If you are not passionate, dogged and determine about your business, you will hit rock bottom and unable to get up when the storms come (the storms will definitely come).

The fun part of being my ‘only boss’ is that I control what I do and when I do it plus I get to earn money doing what I love while impacting lives and transforming the business performance of emerging CEOs. I must say this though, for anyone who wish to succeed in the entrepreneurial world, please note that success is not a random act, it requires talent, passion, hardwork, preparation and opportunity.

Has it been financially rewarding?

Yes, most definitely.

Where do you see brand in 5 years

I see myself fortifying my brand, building a business empire and expanding beyond the shores of Africa to the rest of the world.

To find out more about what I do, you can visit www.anitaokanigbejohn.biz and follow me on Instagram @anitaokanigbejohn.
anitaokanigbejohn.biz
www.anitaokanigbejohn.biz