IS HE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL INVESTOR OF OUR TIME? CHECK THIS OUT!

Each and every moment I try to figure out which other individual investor could outperform Warren Buffett, it is actually inexorably hard. Born in 1930 in Omaha, USA, you will be surprised that by 2015, his net worth has accumulated up to 66.7 billion US dollars.  With complete ownership in almost 65 private companies and having invested in about 27 public companies, this gives you a distinct picture of the kind of investor he is!

 For an investor like Warren Edward Buffett it dawns on me that other prominent investors will have to “pull their socks up” in order to initiate competitive tactics.

This ingenious, amazing and popular philanthropic investor is actually the best investor in the world. His simplicity and unassuming character makes the Berkshire Hathaway owner to attract a multitude of individuals behind him each moment he issues a press statement or even during his Annual General Meetings(as shown in the picture below on the right)

Interestingly, according to Forbes report, about 25% of the readers would actually prefer Warren Buffett as the president of the United States. Most of them based actually based their decision on his cognitive thinking approach and his promptness in approaching different types of situation (especially in investment), resulting to something that indeed increases the overall performance. He acts and gives out a decisive informed judgment and this is what other investors have reaffirmed to be one of the greatest strength of Warren Buffet that translates to his tremendous success.

You will be shocked to discover that, for instance, if an individual with a sober and visionary mind could have invested $5000 in 1969 to Berkshire Hathaway after its formation from termination of partnership that Buffet had engaged in mid 1950s, that person as per now would  be worth close to 140 million US dollars!  Actually this is true because Warren Buffett started with only $100,000 US dollar, and has built an investment worth $42 billion US dollars. This is indeed incredible and deserves an accolade!

But what does Warren Buffett say about his success? He simply states that price is what you pay for you to actually obtain the value. He stresses on investing in business that is quality-defined rather than checking only on the stock signs and symbols. This is because the stocks may be faced with fluctuations from interest rates and inflation that may affect their performance. But if the business does well, the stock will also follow.

My point of conclusion derives its path from one of Warren Buffet’s quotes stating, “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you will drift in that direction” Also note that “predicting the rain doesn’t count. Building the ark counts!”

HOW YOU CAN BECOME AN EXCEPTIONALLY TRUE LEADER

 

 

In my opinion, I regard leadership as the authority or power or even mandate that has been bestowed, vested or endowed to an individual, with expectation that he or she has the capacity to express his power in a manner that will be complied by his followers. Thus a leader has to be exceptional by being way ahead in terms of the vision and the path that he or she will leaders as others unquestionably follow. The clear aspect of leadership should envisage itself distinctively.

There are certain explicit qualities and characters that will prove to you either if one is truly a phenomenal leader. I will give some of them here:

1.                         1.Visionary

Actually, this is the main trait that a true leader should possess and cling into their minds. Indeed where there is no vision, followers will actually perish. This can also be put in the context where a blind man cannot lead another blind man as they may end up falling into a pit. A true leader should foresee the future and formulate ways that will make the future to be promising. I emulate the leadership of the late icon Nelson Mandela where he was able to envision a time when the South Africans would not be subjected to Apartheid and this prompted him to initiate measures against such segregation.

2. Transformational

This is also a powerful trait that comes out clearly for a leader whose main agenda is to bring change; to moving the state of his leadership a notch higher away from the status quo. A true leader will indulge himself or herself into transforming the systems both physical and intangibles, changing the perception of  the way people think to positive one, and besides, leaving a formidable legacy that will remain there many years to come. Thus a leader should understand that change is inevitable and perceive to adopt the change for transformation.

3. Tackle the issues as they come!

This is one of the qualities that for you to become a exceptional leader you must have. It has been discovered that leaders who are able to engage in finding solutions to their followers9 especially where there is some sort of conflict), they are able to gain supportive trust and loyalty from them. Procrastination and delay in decision making will demoralize your followers and believe you me, this may be the starting point for facing wrangles in your organization.

4. An intentive listener

This is a phenomenal quality that makes your employees or followers view you in a different positive perspective. They feel appreciated that you are willing and ready to listen to their side of story and incase of any portending conflict, you can amicably come into a mutual consensus.

Although there are many qualities that can be outlaid, the aforementioned are among the core that will make you as a leader to be indeed outstanding! You can now gauge yourself and see if you actually display such characters.

THIS ONE WILL ACTUALLY MOTIVATE YOU TO START YOUR PROMISING JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

What I have come to believe is that success of tomorrow will always be determined by the effort that has been imposed today. A lot of renowned people who have greatly achieved the best, started from somewhere by taking the initial step and with hope and determination, they transcended across the impediments that prevailed on their way to rise into the greater heights and ranks. 

As one of the famous colloquial goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step” This distinctively implies that you should understand that Rome was not build in a day and success does not come in a sheer luck or on a silver platter. I was utterly encouraged and motivated by one of the famous politicians in our country who started small before he had even been known. 

At first, he was just an itinerant seller of fuel and other energy products. With his consistent zeal, vigor and passion to succeed and make the best out of life, within a span of time, he had become a well known wholesaler of energy products. Due to his accomplishments, he vied for a post of Member of Parliament and was voted in as his success track and his history background made people to have trust in him. He later ascended different political ranks to become a very prominent leader. Currently he is one of the billionaires in our country with a vast accumulation of wealth.

There is this awesome quote by Amelia Earhart that I read which goes, “Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off. But if you don't have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you." By you opting to start preparing today through hardwork, persistence and learning from your mistakes, the future will actually be bright for you.Individuals like Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Bill Gates have made it in life because they actually decided to do something significant that transformed into success.

Try and do the extraordinary by walking out of your comfort zone and tirelessly aim at achieving what is destined to be yours! Even the Scriptures clearly states, “…A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit, scarcity will attack you like an armed robber…” Take keen on that as you embark on your success journey!”

REMEMBERING OUR HEROIC ICON, PROFESSOR WANGARI MAATHAI

As this week we were celebrating one of our greatest heroes, Professor Wangari Maathai, I could not let it go without recognizing the efforts that she made towards environmental conservation. She passed away four years ago (on 25^th September 2011) at the age of 71.Wangari Maathai left a great legacy of protecting the environment by pioneering establishment of Green Belt Movement with the aim of environmental conservation and planting as many trees as possible (a million trees, a million reasons).

Born in 1940, Professor Wangari Maathai transcended against all odds to become the first African woman to acquire a doctorate degree. More amazingly, she was awarded the coveted Nobel Peace Award by the Norwegian Nobel Committee due to her selfless, continuous, and relentless effort of ensuring that environment was protected against land grabbers and building of structures in forest regions.

I could envision the hardship she underwent and the physical excruciating torture that she suffered to ensure that places like Karura Forest and Uhuru Park were not tampered with. This was an act of heroism that left an impact that will be felt in many generations to come.

When giving out her speech after receiving the Nobel Prize, Professor Wangari Maathai stated “…Although this prize comes to me, it acknowledges the work of countless individuals and groups across the globe. They work quietly and often without recognition to protect the environment, promote democracy, defend human rights and ensure equality between women and men. By so doing, they plant seeds of peace. I know they, too, are proud today. To all who feel represented by this prize I say use it to advance your mission and meet the high expectations the world will place on us…”

As we remember her deeds, we should also be challenged to ensure that at least from the little things we do by asking ourselves what kind of legacy we will live behind. A reputation that will remain stuck in many generations many years to come. As I conclude, Professor Wangari Maathai once said, “We cannot tire or give up. We owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise up and walk!”

THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW

 I have come to realize that interview is sometimes a dreading experience especially to those who have never attended one. This scenario occurs mostly to graduates and those who are yet to embark on their career journey. Quite a number of interviewees that I have tried to gather information from them have expressed feeling quite nervous which has led to them even not responding to the questions as required. This has ultimately inhibited their progression to the next level.

Actually, I presume that it would be better for you to get acquainted to some concepts and norms required in the interview prior to the D-day. I will share with you some critical points that will make you win the hearts of the interviewers.

1.      Once you have received the invitation later from the company for an interview, make yourself informed of the company (you can check for information on their website), understand their mission and vision and objectives, their core values among other vital components. The interviewers will be glad to choose someone who understands the company and its operations.

2.    Which questions are you likely to be prompted to give answers which indeed should be true and accurate? Ensure you check on the expected questions and tackle them in the best possible way. For instance, a friend of mine was alarmed when he was asked whether he understood the STAR (Situation Task Action Result) concept and had been told to give a real case scenario of its application. Luckily, he had an idea about it came was boosted by his experience.

3.   Your physical outlook especially the dress code in which you will have attired will have a great impact. Surprisingly, the first impression that it will create will decide on whether you will get the job or not. I was shocked when I heard that a certain guy at our neighborhood didn’t get a well-paying job just because he had left his tie sagging and his hair was unkempt.

4.      Once you are well set, you have what it takes to go for the interview. Get at the rendezvous or designated place on time to avoid unnecessary confusion.

5.      Don’t be too presumptuous. Just maintain your confidence in the right way, stay calm and answer the question asked. Most importantly, ensure that there is good interconnection of non-verbal signs between you and the interviewer. This will prove you are keen following up and interested in the post.

With proper following of the above points, you will absolutely outsmart the other applicants with a significantly greater margin. Get prepared and claim your future career!

HOW YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEA CAN CONVERT INTO MULTI-DOLLAR BILLION BUSINESS EMPIRE

I am actually awed by the rate at which many individuals especially the youths are embracing the concept of entrepreneurship. This has actually been boosted by the technological advancement and the consistent rising of different needs. This has in turn prompted initiation of new and amazing ideas that have not only transformed the entire universe but has also made such upcoming entrepreneurs multi-dollar millionaires and billionaires within a relatively short span of time.

It is such a pity when I see a large number of vibrant youth still jobless yet they can tap into the potential promising field of entrepreneurship. What is required is to just critically think and innovatively come up with something that can bring an impact into the society. 

When I look at the case of Steve Jobs, he is regarded as the master of digital universe. He actually changed the perception of our thinking when he invented Apple. He used his ingenious ideas to bring change into the digital world through his innovation, assisted with a formidable team that ensured such vision became a reality. The company has shown consistent tremendous growth in terms of profits, revenues and market capitalization.

What I’ve come to realize is that, as an upcoming entrepreneur you can contemplate on how you can develop a much affordable version of a certain product. This is because a larger part of the population may be facing hardship and thus by identifying an alternative opportunity to avail the product to them at a cheaper price can absolutely work well. 

I critically noticed that the founder, the president and the CEO of FUBU, Daymond John who is currently on the Shark Tank TV series started his business empire by simply availing products to customers at a cheaper price. He had noticed an overpricing of wool hats and decided to sell them at twice lower price.Apparently that was the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. 

As an upcoming entrepreneur, I think it would be good to identify a particular niche in which your business idea will be accepted and pay off in the future. Scrutinize each situation and come up clearly with what you want to venture into and don’t forget to conduct a preliminary research by getting ideas from people around the vicinity or even your colleagues. 

This has worked to many entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Inc,Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, Larry Page who co-founded Google with Sergy Brin.  It can as well work out for you. Indeed, with a clear, systematic and well stipulated steps and procedure, I believe your idea which seems to be worthless can turn you into Steve Jobs of our era. All you just need is to engage your mind into thinking and make the idea a reality.

WHAT TRULY SIGNIFIES THAT YOU ARE A LEADER? CHECK THIS OUT!

One critical question that many researchers and even individuals ask themselves is whether the concept of leadership is inborn or nurtured. Could the leaders in our contemporary society have inherited some leadership traits from their past lineage or could such leadership characters inculcated unto them as they undergo the process of growth?

For instance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born in 1929 in Atlanta Georgia was born in a family who used to minister in Baptist Church and he ended up first becoming one of the ministers of the aforementioned church.Later in the 1950s he emerged as a great leader of Civil Rights Movement where he advocated for equality between all races and fought against segregation of the African American which was prevalent among different states in the United States. The fight for equality and playing a leadership role could later cost  Martin Luther King Jr. own life in 1968 when he was assassinated.

From the above scenario, at first, we can distinctively see the leadership traits of Martin Luther emanating from their family lineage and passed on to the incoming generation. The in borne factor of leadership comes out clearly as they pass over the ministry role.

In the second instance, the situational factor that surrounds Martin Luther King prompts him to exercise his leadership role and displayed the empathy trait. He could put himself into the feet of his other compatriots and tried to understand their emotions and feelings that they were undergoing.

With his famous slogan, “I have a dream”, this brought out the vision that he could imminently foresee coming true where each and every individual regardless of their background or race will be able to enjoy the rights bestowed unto them. Indeed Martin Luther King was exceptionally a great transformational leader the world has ever had.

Additionally, a good leader will be known once power has been vested unto him. Abraham Lincoln, the most renowned leader in the history of America, stated clearly in one of his quotes, “Nearly all men can stand adversity but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” 

A good leader will exercise that mandate and power vested unto him or her to diligently serve his or her people even at the cost of facing opposition. Thus if you want to become the leader that will provide exemplary guidance, be ready to serve wholeheartedly: through knowing the way, going the way and showing the way thus transforming your vision to reality.

THIS WILL MAKE YOUR CV TO PROFESSIONALLY BRAND YOU OUT!

What I’ve come to realize is that coming up with a well-crafted resume that is highly defined and more so, appealing to you future employer is indeed an uphill task to many of us. In the first instance, as you sit down to inscribe your CV, actually there is some sort of exhilaration that creates an upsurge wave of self-confidence within you; you feel that you got to put down your experiences and skills  in written words that will capture the attention of the employer-to-be.

 The enthusiasm and excitement ails from the achievements you’ve made, accolades you’ve received and without forgetting, the skills that have been endowed unto you, backed up with the rich diverse experience you have accumulated over time. Indeed, you envision yourself embarking on a journey of sharing your vital integrated and concise information with your future-to- be employer, with great hope and high confidence for consideration in future.

Surprisingly, most of us tend to partake sheer ignorance in creating a well designed resume and do not take into account the nitty gritty factors that actually cost us dearly. While designing your resume, the following critical factors can highly impart some sense to your CV:

1.      Give a strong description of who you are in simplest but comprehensive manner since the employer is indeed oblivious of you prior to getting that information.

2.      Do you possess some unique strengths that make you exceptionally outstanding? If yes, outline them in an explicit way. Show that you are excellent, exceptional, strong-willed and capable in certain skills, for example in teamwork, which should align well with your actual personality.

3.      Don’t forget citing your career objective. This will give the employer-to-be a distinct pictures of your vision for the organization (short-term goals and long-term goals). Also,express what you want to achieve as a person, for instance, job satisfaction or career growth. Make it as brief as possible (preferably not more than two- line sentences).

4.      Other components such as your level of education and experience should be incorporated too. It is good to ensure that you’ve indicated the duties that you undertook and the ultimate achievements and honors.

Furthermore, avoid using formatting components like italics, underlining (you can use bold instead in subheadings) as they may tend to overshadow the intended information. Also, ensure that your CV format is well aligned (especially on the right side).

Lastly, a 2-paged detail resume will work out best. Overwriting makes it look complicated! After that you are good to brand and sell your image out there!