Why Successful Entrepreneurs need Street Intelligence

Termite mount in kaduna State Nigeria. photo credit: Tabi Joda

The central idea you get from this discussion is one which I often reiterate to my audience that - "for everything that we have the power to chose, we have the power to change it". Turn this statement the other way round. "For everything that we have no power to choose there is no point complaining about it". Here you perhaps will realize that while some of us are idealist, always wondering why things are the way they are, others are realist always accepting everything the way they are. Which of these thought system do you belong to? Whatever your position may be, I consider this twist the same with the common adage "of being able to force a horse to the stream but not being able to force it to drink water. You may or may not like it but that is a good dose of street intelligence for you. But what do I mean by street knowledge or street intelligence as the case may and why is it an essential live skill for entrepreneurs? Though I appear to be particular about entrepreneurs being that I'm one, street intelligence is equally an essential knowledge for success in politics, public administration, family management and even classroom examination. 

Most of the people I've studied their success, I mean all apparently acquired most of the tacit techniques of "knowing and doing" the art of achieving from street wisdom. Say, Micheal Dell, Steve Jobs of blessed memory, Carlos Slim, Bill Gates, Sharee Fletcher to mention these few. Take another look at others like Nelson Mandela, Napoleon Bonaparte, Angella Meckel, Bill Clinton in the political realm. We are only beginning to come to terms with these realities but most often, live with stereotypes that shield our reality especially considering the putrid wave of self-affirmation with which many people live with today - do you know who I am - is the question you ask often arrogantly.......Ha ha ha. Permit me to laugh a little at you but to be fair, get this little about my days long ago and how I manage to get here. I didn’t grow up in the city and my upbringing wasn’t difficult compared to many people today, most especially in the urban cities. I grew up in a neighbourhood where local gangs were real, drugs were plentiful, and sex was reckless and I’ve been gang-beaten, wounded and abused more than twenty times. 

For entrepreneurs, and others endeavouring to succeed in our high-traffic and aggressively competitive society, I think the lessons learned on the street, are far more valuable than the type of old fashion self-affirmation feeling of “being special” that your "A" grades from university or college, or the beautiful car or job your relative or family influenced in your favour. Without much ado, here are a few things I learned on the streets that have earned me an edge in life and I think you need some if not all to navigate your way in whatever career pursuit you endear.

People have their problems to deal with, so nobody cares about your own problems. Too often I hear people complaining about trivial things like my friends and even my blood brothers and sisters don't care. They often sound as if I’m supposed to care too. The world is not your personal complaint desk. In fact, I don’t care at all myself and you shouldn't complain why nobody else does either. Your problems are not my problems so handle your business and stop the blame-game.

You are not entitled to any special treatment. It is obvious that we live in a world where everyone feels they deserve special treatment. On the streets there is no special treatment. If you want something, it’s up to you to go out there and get it. Don't wait for a miracle. There are no more miracles of such. 

The possibility of getting yourself rejected, slapped, insulted and embarrassed is very real. This can be interpreted in different ways! Almost everything in life has a consequence. If you piss someone off there’s a good chance you won’t like the payback. Even if you play nice with everyone, things still might not turn out rosy and cosy all the way. Life itself could treat you hard. If you don't mind, let me say in a rather brute way - life can kick your ass. Take it or you leave it. So play your cards smartly! 

Find out and make sure you know who really has your back and stick with them. Not all friends are the same as not all brothers or sisters are. You are probably not going to make it without a little help. So choose carefully and once you know who is on your side, don’t switch. Stick there. 

Personal integrity to me boils down to just two things. In the words of Tony Montana “All I have in this world is my balls and my word and I don’t break them for no one, you understand?” Redefine what personal integrity means to you. 

Life's game is always real. Perhaps it’s because many of us are playing with other people’s money, but many entrepreneurs seem almost flippant about what it takes to win, especially those who keep talking about “embracing failure.” what failure? When you’ve seen firsthand just how bad things can be, you get a very different appreciation for the real consequences of losing the game. If you have ever failed, you probably will know what I mean. So embrace success and kick failure but be aware it exist. 

You are disposable, accept it. The world was here before you and the world will be here long after you are gone. Contrary to all those messages on your Facebook wall, and twitter, you will probably be forgotten in short order so live the best life you can while you are alive and quit telling yourself that you are some kind of legend.

No one can tell your story better than you. Life's struggles pains, but you get your pay alone. Unlike those who grew up with parents who pampered them, growing up in tough street life teaches you a very practical mix of swagger and humility. It teaches you how to walk tall, when to shut up, and how to handle yourself in bad situations. Are you still wondering why? Please wake up and realize that with this kind of life some of us lived, you learn very quickly that you better be able to back up your talk with action, because nobody gets a free lunch.

If you don't accept the reality above, be careful not to think we live in the Charles Dickens “Oliver Twist ask for more” smooth lane. It's much like the reality check that many entrepreneurs experience when things don’t go as planned, the consequences and judgments on the streets are harsh and real and it takes more than fluffy talk about “being optimistic, audacious, and bold” to actually make things happen. Whether you have been down there on the street or not, whether you believe in what happens there or not, we are disproportionately affected by it because it is from the streets where most of the sense that rules our society comes from. To want to think too much why the contrary is not the case might just get your ass kicked. Thank you for reading my nonsense but please be kind to throw away the none and keep the sense. That is why street intelligence makes so much sense to our daily goings and comings. 

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send me a whatsapp message at 2348036899290, 237675805551 or email me at tabijoda@gmail.com Thank you.