NASME Encourages Members, Teaches Ways Of Strategies In A Volatile Economy

Thursday 19th September witnessed the median edition of the NASME Lagos MSME business summit 2024. Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) Lagos Chapter, is a popular multipurpose cooperative society which was set up in 2013 to serve as alternative finance windows to people in the society. The organization with branches in the 36 states in Nigeria is designed to reduce poverty, support startups and growing businesses, insurance, coverage, training and access to federal housing/ mortgage bank etc.Speaking at the event is the Chairman, NASME Lagos Chapter, Yeye Modupe Dada, she spoke on what the event was all about. “Looking at the economy today in the country, things are hard on most people and NASME is an organisation that has ways on how to help better the situation to an extent. We teach nano, micro, small and medium scale businesses owners how to handle situations, especially in current times. For example, our key speaker, Dr Biodun Adedipe spoke on how to manage food crops by planting them ourselves. Aside that he spoke on so many things that can help any serious minded business person grow in business, using himself as examples while he explained. So if this business person wants to improve on him or herself, they can tap and learn major key informations from him. Apart from him we had the honours of getting a speech from our Honourable Commissioner in Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative and Trade investment, Commissioner Folashade Ambrose Medibel. The speech specified on how to manage our business as an individual. We also had a panel session with business experts who are ready to carry our members along with networking. Banks and cooperatives such as Sterling Bank and iTEKKU weren’t left out as they were here to showcase what they had for members of NASME. So if anyone didn’t get one or two things from this seminar then it’s left to them. As for people out there who are not yet a member of NASME, they are seriously missing out.” Still at the event, the keynote speaker, Dr. Biodun Adedipe spoke on the theme: Thriving in uncertainty: strategies for MSMEs in a volatile economy, “There are so many things to learn and the little that I can think of I shared with members of NASME. I believe anyone into business such as nano, micro, small, medium and even large enterprises can profit from what I taught them regarding the theme of the summit.'”In every business, know that the most important are the customers. Without them there is no business. Every business owners have to know what to do to attract a customer and what needs to be done to keep them as customers for a very long time. The increase in numbers of customers, the more business will thrive.'”Another aspect is the quality of services given to a customer, if a business person offer their customers good and unique quality of services there are chances that person will have a long lasting business relationship with them. So it is a major thing a business owner must learn.'” Still on the topic, another important fact is the discipline of financial management in ones business. For anyone to succeed, one has to learn discipline especially when it comes to finance. If it’s a must to take money from the business, then the person should place him or herself on a salary, that way one won’t touch the money belonging to the company, so as to enable it grow.'” In addition, there is no business involving money that doesn’t have a competition. People are always sure to emulate other people’s businesses especially when it is thriving, which is why one must have a unique quality of business sense, this is a big attraction to customers.'”Lastly environment can’t be left out, there are always challenges in our environment especially when it comes to business but this is when one should not give up but instead look for opportunities. There are no challenges without opportunities. Once there is a challenge then there is an opportunity, so instead of giving up. Take advantage of opportunities,” he concluded.Other presentation in the event includes: displays from Sterling bank and iTEKKU, a discussion panel sessions with business experts such as: Head of business support LSETF, Olufunmilayo Erics-Sobunkonla, State Coordinator SMEDAN, Dr Bunmi Dawodu, MD/CEO NIMFATE Global Services and Vice President Southwest NASME, Mr Solomon Aderoju.The event was witnessed by people involved in both Nano, micro, small and meduim businesses at the NECA event center, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.