Age and Success, is there a Link? Simple Facts.

In my previous article, (Are You Too Old To Succeed? Why you Should Never Give Up on Your Dreams) I narrated how sometimes I usually feel as if am I getting late with achieving my dreams. After conducting some research, I established am not the only one, most of us usually feel that way. We have been conditioned to believe only those people who portray certain characteristic at an early age, are going to be overachievers.

Particularly, our education system makes us believe school performance is directly linked to life accomplishments. Students who score low grade or are unmotivated to participate in school curriculum and extracurricular activities are considered to be failures. As result, other talents that might lead to early success are not exploited. Exactly that is the case with late bloomers (late achievers). Most of them do not discover and hence exploit their talents as early as convectional wisdom would expect them to do. 

While usually it is expected that by the time we reach 30 we should have discovered our talents and hence developed them to the peak, there some people who did not begun exploiting theirs until they were either in their thirties or passed that. A good example is Vivienne Westwood. Currently at her 70’s she is still a respected fashion icon. Unlike most achievers, she began pursuing her passion full time at age 30.

The next time your stuck in a task to point whereby you begin to wonder whether age has taken its toll; causing loss of creativity, be comforted by the fact that research has proven there is no connection between age and creativity. Creativity can hit its peak at any age.

One reason why some people achieve their dreams early in their life is because they follow them relentlessly. Late bloomers however usually fail to do this. They often rationalize their dreams, finding reasons why they impractical, and thus abandoning them to get “a real job”.Vivienne Westwood did not pursue her passion early because she believed she could not make a living out of it. 

You might be wondering, how can I be successful and I don’t know what my passion really is? If you read through various success stories, you will find out that the difference between achieves and failures is passion. Successful people are usually passionate about what they do.

Some late bloomers begin without knowing their definite passion and therefore might appear as failures. However, with a burning desire to achieve greatness, they are likely to try different tactics until they find themselves.

If opportunities are limited and you feel like you cannot risk trying other things apart from your job, consider giving more than 100% to what you are currently involved in. I mean some people are late bloomers simply because it took them years to perfect their skills. 

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• Colonel Sanders after trying severally unsuccessful to promote his secret chicken recipe finally founded KFC at 60.
• Suze Orman was yet to join the financial industry at age 29. She was still a waitress.
• Paul Cezanne did not have his first one man show until the age of 56. 
• Alfred Hitchock waited until 50 to have his first famous film.   
• Ray Krock after years of struggling with poor health and false starts finally founded McDonald at 52.

Now imagine if these, plus a list of other successful late bloomers, had abandoned their dreams since they did enjoy early successes.

Are You Too Old To Succeed: Why you Should Never Give Up on Your Dreams.

We all had big dreams while in college. We knew the type of jobs we wanted, the type of car to buy before the age of 30, and even the type of wife to marry. If this was not your situation, it was actually mine. I remember explaining to my parents how I would be rich before I turn 28 to a point whereby they got fed up with my talk.  My mother once blasted me by telling me that am full of theories, and if not careful I will be disappointed when I join the real world after college.

On another occasion, a financial advisor who visited a club I used to belong to explained to us-we (the face book generation) suffers seriously from the need for instant gratification. We want the good life here and know, without working hard and sometimes through the years to earn it. 

True to that, after clearing college I was hard hit by the reality. The high level job that I always dreamt of did not come as fast as I wanted. Like wise, mature good relationships were hard to come by than I thought. To further worsen the situation, some of my campus mates whom I thought were less ambitious got good jobs, either by luck or parent’s influence. 

I am not yet old, however I can not help but question whether I am getting late with accomplishing my goals. I actually get sometime doubtful especially when I read about successful people, most of whom I consider to be my role model. Take the likes of Richard Branson, Mike Zuckerberg, and majority of other high achievers. These people began to enjoy their success at very young age. Our very own Aly Khan Satchu was a director of Global Business at Sumito Bank in London at 27 years old, an age I am about to turn. 

Well I have not yet accomplished as much as they have, and I cannot say I am where I would have wanted to be at my current age. Nevertheless, I don’t need to fret. One musician said “it’s never too late for a man; the time that he wakes up is the time he should rise”. 

Regardless of the reasons behind late accomplishments, I can guarantee you there is a list of successful people, who although did not enjoy a lot of success in their earlier life, they later enjoyed great achievements. As result, they have attracted relatively important level of interest from psychologist and researchers.

Some studies have aimed at detailing why some people achieve a lot early in their lives, while others achieve relatively little until later- in their thirties and even as far as their sixties. The later group is referred to as late bloomers. Important to note is the fact that all late bloomers never gave up. They pursued their dreams regardless of how remote success appeared to be.

Enhancing our Skills to Become the Freelancing Destination of Choice

My online freelancing career is so far moving on swiftly. Am very glad that these opportunities are providing are chance to earn and hence make a decent living for so many Kenyans and other people around the world. Perhaps online jobs plays a more significant role to people living in the third world countries than to those in the developed world. What might be considered as meager salary in western countries can go along way in sustaining, and to an important extent providing luxury to an individual in the third world country.

For this reason, people from Kenya, Philippines, Indian, or any other less developed country for that matter, should extremely value these jobs. They should have more reasons to be extremely professional, and continuously strive to be proficient and exemplary in whatever skills they specialize in. In my areas of specialization, I am glad Kenyans are gaining a global recognition. Some websites have dedicated themselves to hiring Kenya, and incorporating systems that are convenient for them.

However my major concerned is the fact the ‘short-term mentality and unprofessional behavior’ of some Kenyans, are destroying the reputation of genuine freelancers from this part of the world. We ought to understand that when it comes to business process outsourcing, destination really matters. A business man in India is likely to win bids on software developing jobs due to the reputation of their countries. Same is the case for any other freelancing jobs…When our reputation is good we are likely to be the number one destination of choice.

Of course it is wrong to generally judge everyone based on their country of origin, due to a few unscrupulous individual there. Employers should be aware that there are other Kenyans who are willing to work extra hard to meet their expectation. On our part as freelancers, we should take every available measures, including adopting proper work ethics and getting training to improve our skills thus ensuring our clients are happy.

Riding the Internet

Off late I have been trying my hand on various online businesses….ranging from an intention to start investing in forex, to data entry and actually getting involved and earning from freelance writing. Yes, I know what many people think…Online businesses are scams and it’s very hard for one to get any reasonable income from them. Of course there are some challenges. For instance, I have never come across any reasonable data entry job. One that doesn’t involve paying a joining fee; why one should pay first in order to get paid later? If for any reason there is any amount to be paid to the middle men, it should be deducted from the money one has already earned. The percentage of the commission should be agreed beforehand.

Anyway my point is that, as much as there are a lot of scammers online, great opportunities do also exist. If the global online trend is anything to go by, Kenyans should start positioning themselves to take advantage. It is not only small entrepreneurs who can benefit but also the wider economy. Take the UK economy as an example. A report by the Boston Consulting Group estimated that the internet contributes about 100 bn pounds to the Britain’s GDPs. Consequently, it employs about 250, 000 thousand people. Surprisingly, it has surpassed the construction, utility and even transport sector in terms of the benefit….WOW!

Imagine if that was happening in Kenya! Definitely the benefits may trickle down to us, considering the power of internet is not easily confined to boundaries. As much as the government has a role in ensuring small business online participants enjoy a smooth ride, we to have to tirelessly such for opportunities. It is time we stop this madness of searching for jobs which are not available and start striving to create ours. I invite all interested parties to share their ideas and am sure we can achieve great things.

The Writing goes on

The Last time I blogged I talked about the launching of my freelance writing career...Today I am going to pick from where I left. Yes, I progress with my writing smoothly getting psyched up every step of the way because, while looking at the virtual money expected to be paid by end month, every nerve of my body reacted with motivation. However when the time to receive what was due to me reached, all hell broke loose.

To begin with my partner, who had access to all the bank accounts and had provided me a writing platform begun to come with all sort of excuses. Even after our overseas brokers confirmed that they had sent money to our local bank accounts, the partner refused completely to share it with me. Claiming that no money had been deposited. Being the wise man that I consider myself to be, I begun to law down structure that would see me sail smoothly from that partnership and start operating on my own. I finally I had to move on....well to cut the long story short I partnered with another person whom I trust more and I can gladly say that at least I have been paid several times...P.S the job has challenges, at times you don't get jobs and you have to struggle with financial uncertainties.

Free-lance writing kick-off

It's been such a while since I last blogged, this I know is not good particularly if one is trying to draw a number of loyal followers. However, I would like to gladly announce that I officially launch my freelance writing career and so far I love the experience. one and half week down the line and the figures in my account are quite impressive bearing in mind I have been desisting from taking complicated well paying orders for starters, at least until I familiarize and build a name for myself.

However I can't celebrate fully until I see the money safely in my bank account and not just visual displayed in the brokers website platform. The good thing is that I have done my background check. I have been criticized and warned against this kind of model. Not so many of my friends understand what I am really doing,but on the other side, I am fully aware of what I am getting myself into. I encourage myself by citing the fact that, even if I choose not to do this there is nothing else better I could otherwise be doing ( apart may be from tarmacking). lastly, excluding my time and brains, there is nothing else to loose. I haven't incur any initial cost, even the basics such as internet is being provided by my partner.

As I get back to the work which I have put on hold to write this, its my sincere hope that my schedule will allow me blog sooner than later.

By the way, it has just crossed my mind that I wanted to let you know yesterday I attended an interesting seminar about currencies, commodities and stocks trading held at Jacaranda hotel westlands...there is an interesting thread on the seminar which was organized by trend signal at wazua.

Online freelancing, is it an option worth considering?

In the midst of my quarter-life crisis and all the insecurity that comes along with it, any venture promising to offer a decent return and some sort of security is worth taking a look at because you never now, it might just be the one. I spend a considerable amount of time and money online, therefore; I have always questioned myself as to how (even without an I.T. background) I can earn income from the net. My burning desire was fuel further by the promise of high speed internet due to the fibre optic cable-and as I write these, news on Safaricom promising 4G option later this year trickle.

While doing a research on the various online money making model, I come a cross emoneymakingonline.com. The blog caught my attention because, unlike the many scam I have come across, the author doesn’t promise an opportunity which will offer you millions in few a hours, only then to ask you for an initial joining fee. And again, s/he is not promoting his/her products or the affiliates. What s/he does is sharing the various strategies one can use to earn some income.

Of the various strategies the blog recommended, online freelancing caught my attention. This is because, previously an uncle of one of my friends had venture into it. Retrenched, broke and with a family to look after, he went money searching. A friend introduced him to essaywriters.net. A few months later, he is now able to pay for his rent, school fees for his 2 kids in private school, and as I write this, he is looking to employ 5 people on contract basis, and pay them kes 200 per page plus kes 3,000 monthly Internet allowances. The wife has joined him in the business, and the two seems not to be doing badly at all.

Instead of sitting idle and waiting for something to happen, ventures like this one should be considered. It’s ok to start small with an aim of ending big.

Is it really passion?

I was asked in an interview whether I was willing to work for free. At that moment of course I was, its not like I was in a better bargaining position. What I knew was that I wanted that job and I wanted it badly.

Thinking about it, was I being driven by passion or just pure desperation? I am advised that when the salary question arises in an interview one need to be very careful not to sell him/herself short or the employer might perceive them as either being desperate or not believing in their ability to deliver exceptional result.

What I know for sure is that when someone wants and is passionate about something, money is not always the motivating factor. Yes I can and its ok to work for free or a small fee provided I know the experience and skill I am going to acquire from that will be a worthwhile investment.

Yes even with limited funds you can trade at Forex market

Your courageous, have an appetite for risk, patient and ready to commit your time studying and practising. If you are the one I am describing, then you qualify to be one of the traders who can participate in the global forex market. YES YOU CAN EVEN WITH YOUR LIMITED FUNDS.

Assuming you have done all the groundwork…i.e. studying, understanding and practicing using the free demo account provided by the forex brokers. Then the next most critical step is to open a real forex a/c with the broker that you have done a background check on and certified that they meet your needs.

So what should you keep in mind while choosing the right broker? There are a number of things, but since this article is for a beginners forex traders with limited funds. I will mostly emphasis on choosing a broker who has an option for you.

Very crucial, check the margin requirement or the initial min deposit…Most brokers have two to three types of accounts that an aspiring Fx trader can choose from. This includes the standard account, which mostly requires an initial min deposit of USD 10,000, the Mini account that requires USD 1,000 and at times Micro a/c that require USD 100. Some brokers can offer an even much smaller a/c. Most professionals or advance traders will advice you, the beginner, to start with the mini a/c in order to take advantage of relatively larger trading lot, however that depends with the available capital you have and willing to risk. An experience trader is totally discouraged from opening a standard a/c i.e. start small and learn your way up.

Its also important for me to note that even with the limited funds you still can trade large lots (number of unit currencies) due to leverage offered by the broker. Leverage enables you to take large position with small capital. For example a leverage of 100:1 means that for every dollar you commit you control a position of 100 dollars. That is, with your USD 100 you can trade in the market currency worth USD 10,000.

The percentage of leverage your broker offers should highly influence your decision on whether you should choose them or not. This is because; even though a high leverage offers you an opportunity of making super profit, there is an equal potential of making super loss, and again, you don’t want to risk a lot while your still a freshman in the game.

The importance of studying and understanding this market in depth cannot be overemphasize. This market can make you super rich or super broke, and its argued that 90% of all traders lose money, avoid this by doing all that is required of you. Open a free demo a/c and practice, practice, practice before committing your hard earned money…YES WE CAN.

MUMIAS SUGAR COMPANY

Msc constitute quite a percentage in my portfolio. Since I looking to have at least balance portfolio in terms of long term and short-term investment, I went fact finding. For starters the following is what I collected.

Challenges/Threats

· Political interferences mostly in the last a/c year led to farmers demanding higher prices.
· Over reliance on small-scale farmers who are easily disrupted by various factors including incitements by people with other interest read politicians and competitors.
· Weather patterns changes-i.e msc relies heavily rain fed cane.
· The company and country don’t seem ready for the uplift of COMESA safeguard.
· Last year its gross sale dropped from 14,305,457 to 14,184,250 this is regardless of the COMESA safeguard…what will happen after the uplift.
· Last year excessive arson destroyed the sugar plantation leading to cane supply disruption.
· Poaching of MSC cane and sold to competitors lead to diminish cane supply and financial loss of money used to develop the cane.
· MSC signed an agreement with employees who are unionised under KUSPAW, they will receive a 24% increase in wage over the next 2 years. Is msc ready to incur this extra cost?
· High fuel prices increase its agriculture overheads.
· Incurs cost of maintaining infrastructure i.e. last year alone was forced to maintain 187.50km plus 20km within nucleus estate.

Opportunities

· Global sugar supplies at times face shortfall therefore leading to increase sugar prices globally…can MSC capitalize on the global market???
· Looking to strategically buy into millers that are anticipated to be privatised by the Gok.
· Completed the co-generation plant and has the ability to supply 26mgw to national grid…its full benefit is going to be felt once it finishes to pay its loan.
· Last year it won 1) Africa investor Award 2008
2) COYA award, Excellence in environmental and management practice.
3) 2008 distinguish KRA tax payer.

The plans/ counter attack

· Exploring ways to set up a water bottling plant to take advantage of excess water derive from its co-generation plant.
· Capacity of producing 22 million litres of ethanol from molasses. Therefore its considering setting an ethanol plant and capitalize on the need of diversifying from fossil fuel which degrade the environment and volatile global prices.
· Its tarda project will help it mitigate risk caused by over reliance on rain fed cane and supply by small-scale sugar growers.

Conclusion

Due to lower cane supply caused by the disruption, 2009/10 performance might be affected, telling its magnitude at the moment is not really possible. However even with list of threat and challenges, the company definitely has a plan of mitigating them and hence the counter is worth some consideration.