It is no longer news that the level of unemployment has grown at an alarming rate in the past few years. It is reported that there are currently 8 million unemployed persons in Nigeria.
While the majority of unemployed people are carrying placards in a bid to prompt the government to intervene, several others are simply applying for every job opening they can find under the sun. However, a select few who are armed with the right knowledge have gainfully employed themselves.
Whether you are currently unemployed or looking to step out on your own, this article will empower you with the basic knowledge you need to become self employed.
Self-employment refers to the act of generating one's income directly from servicing the needs of customers rather than being an employee who receives a fixed salary.
The amount of money a self employed person receives is limited by the value and demand of the needs he has chosen to meet, his skill in meeting that need and the amount of customers he can serve per time.
So what are the three basic steps to self employment?
1. Learn it.
Learning a skill is the first step to becoming self employed.
Skill is required in solving problems.
Whether it is a web design skill, selling skill, braiding of hair, tailoring, writing, talking or whatever skill is required in your line of endeavor, learning is the first thing you need to do if you desire to become self employed.
However, don't get stuck here. Many people keep learning without ever putting to use what they're learning about.
2. Do it
When you've started learning the skill required for the course you've take on your journey to self employment, the next thing to do is to start doing it.
This is the stage where you put to practice the things you've already started to learn in a safe environment. There are people around you with needs your skill can solve problems for and will gladly have you help them out for free. Find them.
The goal at this point is not to make money but to practice the things you've learnt and have a feel of what it means to be working on the job path you have chosen for yourself.
Well, you obviously shouldn't get stuck here else you'll be broke and keep getting a bunch of 'thank you' for all your effort. (That doesn't put food on the table, does it?)
3. Sell it
The next stage on the journey to self employment is when you begin to exchange your services for a fee - that's what selling is about.
If you've followed first and second stage diligently, the value of your work would have increased dramatically and you would have an idea of what price you would be comfortable with charging for your services.
This is the point where you'll go out to find the people who are require your services and offer it to them for a fee.
The three steps outlined here is the basic framework you can start to implement right away and begin your journey to self employment without hassles.
And please don't complicate it.
However, there are several questions you might need to answer at each of the stages for you to be successful, like "what do I learn?", "where and how can I learn it?", "how exactly do I sell it?" "when should I start selling it?" and several others.
Now that you know the practical steps to self employment, go and apply them.
Remember your financial destiny is in your hands, take it seriously.
TakeCharge of your financial destiny
MH Gideon
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