5 IMPORTANT THINGS EVERY UPCOMING DESIGNER SHOULD KNOW

1. IF YOU HAVE A JOB THAT PAYS YOUR BILL, DON'T QUIT TOO SOON: Almost everyone, especially in Nigeria, want to be CEOs. In as much as this is a positive idea, you have to be sure that your label/brand has got all it takes to stand alone. Don't be in a haste to quit your day job because you have just acquired a new skill, stay on your job while you develop your brand.

2. GET SOME BUSINESS EXPERIENCE FIRST: Don't just dabble into business because you can design. Without knowing some business ethics, your outfit is doomed for a crash. It's important to understand the market so you can select your target audience. Read books on business development, marketing strategies, and goal attainment. Books that will help you achieve success in your business are not a waste of time to read.

3. FIND MENTORS: Pick professionals from the crowd of professionals. Learn their rise and falls, their styles and why they get big clients. Don't try to become them, strive to ride on the knowledge you have of them and how they run their businesses. This will place you above the position they enjoy, giving you more opportunities and business experience.

4. DON'T TAKE AN ORDER IF YOU CAN'T DELIVER WITHIN THE CONTRACTUAL TIME FRAME: I know how exciting it can be when a designer is contracted, especially when the profit is high. But as a designer/entrepreneur who aspires to frontline a career, you must be time conscious. Delivery is as important as getting the job. You must discipline yourself to deliver on or before the agreed delivery date. If you are known for this, you will be surprised how your clients turn into marketers.

5. FIND THE RIGHT SALES PARTNER: You cannot do it all by yourself. Make a list of the sales outlets around your city of operation. Entice them with some incentives. Don't just think they will do it for you based on relationship. Let them know what they are making from partnering with you. You have to decide what they get after ensuring that your cost of production is secured and you have made some profits too.