Turn Ideas into Products, Oshinaga Challenges MBA Workshop Participants
The President and CEO of Inspirational Global Network, Dr. Segun Oshinaga, has challenged entrepreneurs to maximise their potential despite the global economic downturn.
He spoke while delivering a paper at a two-day workshop for MBA students of the University of Port Harcourt Business School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking on the topic: ‘Building entrepreneurship capacity: Turning ideas to products’, Oshinaga said an entrepreneur is a creator or marketer of value.
He explained that the value chain stretches from having an idea, developing the idea into a product and also ensuring that the product finds a place in the marketplace until it is patronised.
While stressing that every man is a born industry, he urged the MBA students “to cultivate the capacity to create value, build a team, brand it and develop winning strategies”.
Giving further insights, Oshinaga said every value starts from the place of an idea.
“You need to nurture your idea and breathe on it. It does not matter what people say about the idea as long as it comes from within you, begin to nurture it. It is like a nursery bed that has to be watered. The more you nurture your idea, the more it becomes a reality,” he explained.
He said however that the entrepreneur must not be rigid and set in his mind.
“You have to open yourself up to new ideas and innovations and suggestions. Cultivate a mindset that is open to new possibilities. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives, experiences and knowledge sources to stimulate idea generation,” he stated.
Beyond nurturing a new idea, he said: “The entrepreneur must engage in activities such as reading, brainstorming and exploring new fields. These activities will nurture your creativity.”
He told the budding entrepreneurs to also identify how they can use their gifts to create value for others in the marketplace.
“It is not enough to be gifted. You must ensure that your gift can be exchanged for fair compensation. That is why you must continuously refine and adapt your approach to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of your passion-driven endeavours,” he said.
While noting that there is a global economic downturn, he stated that a man who creates value will always be in demand.
“By harnessing the power of ideas, using education as a tool for self-discovery, trading your gifts in the marketplace, and turning your passions into profitable ventures, you can create significant value and achieve success in your personal and professional life.
“This approach empowers you to leverage your unique strengths, interests and abilities to make a meaningful impact and achieve financial independence,” he added.
