I am in the process of setting up my own business as a Spiritual Life Coach and so I thought it might benefit some readers who are planning on setting up their business to share my story of how I began.
Firstly it all begins with in idea. In 2013 I read ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill and I also listened to preaching by men and women of God (Bill Winston, David Oyedepo, Mike Murdock, Cindy Trimm among others) who spoke at the International Gathering of Champion Conference which is organised by Matthew Ashimolowo here in London. I read books such as ‘The Spirit of Leadership’ by the late Myles Munroe, ‘The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth’ by John Maxwell and listened to personal development speakers such as Jim Rohn and Brian Tracy and all these changed my life.
I understood for the first time that ideas are things, and that everything we see around us began with an idea, and from there, I started paying attention to my ideas. In the past, ideas would come to my mind but I never paid any attention to them so they just went, never to return.
I learned from Jim Rohn that you should keep a notepad and pen with you everywhere you go and write down every idea that comes to you. In 2014 my husband got me an iPad, the best gift I have ever received to date. I have been using my iPad and now write down every single idea that comes to my mind, whether it is a book title, or messages to speak at Church or how to proceed with a particular business idea.
I think it will be good to give you some background about me. I have always liked the idea of having my own business and from a young age knew that I had an entrepreneurial spirit within me however I did not know how to express it, but it never stopped me from trying.
At Exeter University whilst doing my first degree, my best friend and I thought of ways of making money. We finally settled for what I thought was an excellent business idea, something we could do well and which was needed by every living being; food, namely cooking food for lazy university students who could not be bothered to cook for themselves or did not know how to cook.
It was all going well and we were getting some orders until one Saturday evening, I took a call from what I thought was a potential client ready to place an order. The person on the other line (whose identity I still do not know up to now), instead of placing an order proceeded to ask me if we had a food and hygiene safety certificate to prepare meals for the public, and if our business was registered for tax purposes. At the tender age of 18 and 19 respectively my friend and I were so shaken that we closed up shop that night.
Then in 2004 after graduation from Exeter, a sister of my best friend had a brilliant business idea, to set up a magazine that would be catered for young aspiring Africans living in the diaspora. It was during this business set-up that I knew I had the ability to make things happen. As soon as I caught on to the vision I ran with the idea.
At the time I was doing my Master’s degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London which attracts students from all over the world who are interested in issues of Africa and the diaspora. Using my God-given natural networking and selling skills, I managed to rally my friends as well as my fellow-students from SOAS to come on board. We came up with a great name for the magazine, ‘Modern African Generation’ and we printed one issue.
However the group became too big and I have learned that when there are too many cooks in the kitchen the food is likely to suffer, and in our case, it did. It just became too big and there were too many people on board for us to manage.
In March 2008 we held a successful Ghana at 50 Independence Day Celebration however the after-party was so poorly attended that my business partner and I made a huge loss and we both had to fork out a large amount of money from our own pocket to pay the club. So the idea flopped after that!
As I have explained in my forthcoming book ‘How to Discover Your Life’s Purpose Through Dreams’ I gave my life to Jesus Christ in 2010 and have now found my purpose, which is to ’empower people to discover their purpose and reach their potential’ and since then my life has never been the same. Every thought and idea I have are now guided by the Lord Jesus because I ask Him on a daily basis to take control over my spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions) and body and He does! He literally guides my thoughts and gives me ideas that will promote His Kingdom.
In January 2015, as I was reflecting on the new year and asking God what He had instore for me, He gave me an idea to start my business. The difference this time is that it is going to be a business with His seal of approval. Jesus Christ has given me a global vision of businesses that will serve the entire world, and not just those in London where I am based.
The first business idea He gave me in February 2015 was to set up my spiritual life coaching business. The reason I love the business is that it is something that comes so naturally to me, I love people and always want to see the best in people come forth. Since then He has guided me to write my first book which will be published on 1 June and has helped me to launch my website this week: http://www.blessingcoaching.com
I will journal the steps I have been taking to make this business idea become a reality in my next blog so please sign-up and stay tuned!
From today, if you have a brilliant business idea, please write it down.
And remember, no matter what happens in life, Jesus loves you.
With love,
Blessing
blessingtheo 