Everyone Can Be Rich, But Not Everyone Can Be Famous

Everyone Can Be Rich, But Not Everyone Can Be Famous

With each passing day, one truth becomes clearer to me: everyone can be rich, but not everyone can be famous.

Yes, I’ll say that again, everyone can be rich, but not everyone can be famous.

Why do I say this?

Because wealth is a product of smart thinking, while fame is a byproduct of relentless brand-building, and brand-building often feels like living in hell.

It requires sleepless nights, consistent hard work, and unwavering dedication.

Making money, on the other hand, is more about strategic thinking, identifying opportunities, and seizing them quickly.

This morning, while commuting to work, I had an experience that made me reflect on this even more deeply.

There’s a group of hustlers I’ve been noticing for a while at Chevron Junction.

Today, for the very first time, I decided to patronize them.

Chevron Drive, where my office is located, is notoriously expensive, almost everything is sold at nearly double the price of other areas.

Yet, these smart traders set up shop right at Chevron Junction, strategically positioning themselves in a prime spot opposite Chevron, offering goods at nearly the same price as you’d find in Lakowe and Ajah.

It suddenly made perfect sense.

These entrepreneurs had figured out a winning formula:

WHAT TO SELL:

Food and small snacks, everyday essentials that people can’t do without.

In Lekki, food is relatively expensive compared to Ibeju Lekki.

WHERE TO SELL IT:

Lekki is where people will buy at a higher price because of the cost of living.

These traders commute their goods from low-cost areas like Lakowe, Ajah, and Ibeju Lekki, bringing them to Lekki where they can sell faster and cash out quickly.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SUCCEED:

Smart location strategy:

Don’t live where you sell if that location is too expensive, source your goods cheaply and bring them to where people can afford to pay more.

Early hustle:

These traders arrive early in the morning, ensuring they meet their customers before hunger sends them to pricier stores.

The Hard Truth:

Laziness, Not Capital, Is the Problem

Too often, people blame their lack of success on capital, but the real issue is laziness, not a lack of money.

What were these hustlers selling?

Simple, everyday items, nothing fancy, nothing outrageously expensive.

Yet, they came fully loaded with truckloads of:

• Okpa
• Groundnut
• Pies
• Buns
• Chin Chin
• Kuli Kuli
• Plantain Chips

And the most interesting part?

Almost every passerby was interested in buying something. Their market was moving.

I personally bought groundnut and bread because it was cheaper than what I’d have spent closer to my workplace.

Make Money First, Build a Brand Later

One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing on branding before making money.

Hunger doesn’t care if you’re building a brand, it only recognizes cash in your hands.

The simple truth?

If you remove pride, shame, and laziness, you can make money.

Money first, brand later.

Yes, building a brand is important.

But first, you must find a way to survive, grow, and gain financial stability before thinking about the aesthetics of business.

You simply can’t juggle both at the same time unless you already have money to invest, and if you do, this post isn’t really for you.

Let’s be more decisive about what we truly want.

Make money first. Then, strategize on branding.

Peace.