Without meaning to rule out the grace of God in our lives and businesses, there were some five simple but strategic steps we took that contributed greatly to where we are today…
1. AGRESSIVE MARKETING & ADVERTISING: Taking the message of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine to all nooks and crannies was non-negotiable. In fact, it was one assignment we knew, even without being told, must be executed with every ounce of strength in us. As such, other than our radio jingles, in English and pidgin, we were also very active on the social media. What, however, really, really helped us was the sticker we printed which had the catchy line and unforgettable message, “Say YES to your dream… Read YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine”. We so spread it that anywhere and everywhere we went, we posted it so conspicuously and shamelessly that there was no mistaking or missing it. From car parks to churches, event centres to hotels, there was hardly any place we visited then without at least posting some. And trust me, the message caught on like wild fire, helping us a great deal.
2. INGENIOUS FUNDRAISING & DRIVE: Agreed that we got the bulk of the money needed to drive the project from the successful public presentation of my first book, Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous, our other major source was congratulatory adverts from friends, well wishers and family members. We had written letters to all of them prior to setting sail, and they responded very well. Thus availing us some more funds to accomplish our desires.
3. CELEBRITY FRIENDS AS COLUMNISTS: Getting our close friends who are celebs to maintain columns in YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine also gave us appreciable millage. And here is how – by writing for us, they handed on a silver platter, all their their ardent fans and followers, to us. From Apostle Anselm Madubuko to Tunde Obe, Saint Obi to Chidi Mokeme, Basorge Tariah to Femi Sowoolu, Praise Fowowe to Uju Onyechere, we sure earned some points and will continue to be grateful to them.
4. GOING A DIFFERENT ROUTE: We refused at inception to do exactly what our forebears were doing. Other than concentrating on exclusive high-profile interviews, the way we went about writing our stories was also unmistakable and distinct. We had no patience for mistakes of any kind. We again avoided any story we didn’t have all the accurate facts. But that is not to say that we were perfect. We still made mistakes once in a while. Another thing we did was to inject an intellectual bent to what we were doing, which was why rather than stage award ceremonies, we opted for a lecture series which we called YES INTERNATIONAL! MAGAZINE ANNUAL LECTURE. We were also mindful of our choice of guest speakers. So far, we have been privileged to have Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Mr. Udeme Ufot, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Sir Steve Omojafor, Prof. Pat Utomi, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, to mention but a few. This year, specifically on Saturday, June 19, 2021, our guest speaker will be Mr. Steve Babaeko of X3M Ideas while the chairman and guest of honour will, respectively, be Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former chairman of Pfizer/Neimeth Pharmaceuticals and Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of State, Labour and Employment.
5. THE GRACE OF GOD: See, let’s be sincere, all the above listed plans, strategies or whatever would have amounted to nothing without the endorsement of God. We have been able to come this far because the seal of God is upon us. Remember that inimitable quote from the Bible, Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain”. The Lord has shown us so much love and mercy, and forever and ever, we shall continue to be grateful and sing His praises.
To be continued…
– Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine