Happy New Month!
I'm back in Lagos after an Amazing, Life Changing 2 weeks in Kenya and Dubai.
I'm grateful to God that my travel dreams were made a reality and I'm looking forward to achieving my other goals for the year.
I use the RCCG Open Heavens Devotional and many things stood out for me in the text on Saturday so I thought to share. It was exactly what I needed to read.
- God is never late for any appointment, he is always on time: Even though he has proven this to me over and over again, I still worry when things don't happen as at the time I expected.
- God has a time table, and his timetable may be completely different from yours. He has a set time for every event in the lives of his children. It is like setting an alarm clock to a particular time; when the alarm rings God will address the issues at stake: Sometimes, we put ourselves unnecessary pressure because we expect certain accomplishments at a certain time not knowing that God's time is best and delay is not denial.
- Until God's appointed time for a particular matter to be addressed dawns, God may appear silent on the issue, even when he has all the facts and figures of the situation at his disposal: It's hard to be patient when you think your answer should have already come, especially when it seems like it's coming but then it gets put on hold for no apparent reason. In hindsight it will make sense so just Trust the journey and make the best of your current situation.
- If he knows what an individual is going through, and he chooses to watch carefully and quietly, he may just be doing so to see how the fellow will respond to the situation: While in Dubai, one of my friends said everything might be going great in your life except one thing yet it is possible for that one thing to make the joy of every other thing pale. We need to remember to stay grateful and thank God for all he has done, all he is doing and all he will continue to do.
- When God keep quiet in the midst of problems, he may want to test your faith to see how elastic it is: Don't disappoint him by running to other sources when your answer hasn't come, don't be a doubting Thomas, just have faith and believe.
I'm reading this constantly to remind myself that God's got my back and I just need to trust in him.
No might mean Not now or No might mean No because he doesn't think you are ready for the changes that will happen after that dream comes to past.
No might mean Not now or No might mean No because he doesn't think you are ready for the changes that will happen after that dream comes to past.
There are certain things I want to achieve with my Blog/Brand that I haven't yet and it gets frustrating when Brands still expect Bloggers to provide services for free. I've been blogging for over 3 years and I feel like if I was in another country I would have been able to monetise my Blog better because Brands in more developed markets understand the value that influencers bring to the table.
I feel that Sisi Yemmie is the one of the few Nigerian Based Lifestyle blogger's that has been able to earn consistent income from her blog and I just wonder if there is hope for the others.
Is it necessary to move to England, Dubai or America before your lifestyle blog can yield consistent income?
I feel that Sisi Yemmie is the one of the few Nigerian Based Lifestyle blogger's that has been able to earn consistent income from her blog and I just wonder if there is hope for the others.
Is it necessary to move to England, Dubai or America before your lifestyle blog can yield consistent income?
Through all this, I remember that all things are working for my good because he is intentional, never failing.
This song reminds me that if he did it before, he will do it again, so I'm just doing the best I can do and waiting for God to do rest.
I've been taking part in Nathaniel Bassey's Hallelujah Challenge since I got back, looking forward to sharing my testimony. Have you been taking part? Any exciting news since you started?
This post by Think Poppy reminded me that many of us Bloggers are facing the same issues.
One of my Blogger Boo's, Grace has set up a Go Fund me account to raise money for her masters. Please support her by donating or sharing, check out the link here.
Please remember that focusing on the things that aren't going right can lead to depression or a negative mindset.
Thank God for the things are going well and keep working hard and giving it your all.
If you need some inspiration or just want to hear how some women have overcome despite all odds, check out King Women by Kemi Adetiba on Accelerate TV. I have watched 4 episodes so far and Chi Gul's episode is my favourite so far.
Have you watched any? What did you think?
Let me know how you cope when things aren't going the way you expect.
P.S. If you haven't seen the video of me jumping with the Maasai, check it out here.
Hey Hun! Can definitely relate to a lot of this and not just necessarily with blogs. But re blogs you might be amazed of how tough it is abroad as well. There's just a lot of competition and brands feel they can get bloggers for free. You've done so well already and I think the Nigerian/African market will improve shortly. So keep going and as you say, trust God's timing! Love that Travis Greenesomg! I've watched the King Women but I have about 2 to catch up on- hopefully this weekend. It's definitely inspiring! Glad you had a great time on holiday. Xx
ReplyDeleteKachee | www.KacheeTee.com
For real, there are a lot of agencies and apps that help link bloggers with brands that are a good fit. Granted, there is competition, but the companies in the more developed countries have a larger budget for advertising/marketing and there is more structure in the industry.
DeleteThank you :)
Thank you tuke,you words are really encouraging
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :)
DeleteI totally understand your frustration but like I always tell you, I'm sure with time all things will fall into place for you. Things will work out for sure - watch and see.
ReplyDeleteCassie Daves Blog
Blog Break, Life Lately & A Re-brand.
I'm looking forward to when they finally fall into place, it gets discouraging at times. Someone just reminded me of all the good things that have happened to me since I've started this Blog so I'm feeling much better and hopeful, Thank you :)
DeleteI feel you girl, most brands that reach out are only usually ready to offer free products. And I do agree with your point about other countries being more blogger friendly. In other countries bloggers with less followers have been able to do this and make something substantial. But I remember you talked about focusing on going International so there's that, you don't have to move. Welcome back, glad you had a great time, lol I lived through your travels.
ReplyDeletePrincess Audu
Thanks Hun :)
DeleteThe goal is still to go international so I'm doing the best I can and believing that God will do the rest.
It's very possible to earn steady income from your blog Tuke... I know and believe so... It might just take much more work, time and effort than it does in other countries but it will happen. Don't let Nigeria frustrate your efforts xoxo - Demi Akin
ReplyDeleteI love how confident your words are, made me feel so much better :)
DeleteIt definitely requires more work, time, effort and a little dose of favour.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Lool, Thanks Tola!
ReplyDeleteIt will happen soon. If not for anything, the fact that how far you have come is #goals for others is enough consolation. Believe it or not people are seeing the work you put in and the big deal you aspire to is in the works already.
ReplyDeleteThese two songs I listen to everyday. He is intentional and if he did it before he will do it again, he is good all the time. The Halleluyah challenge had me testifying by day 2 of the challenge. I enjoyed the king woman series and had reviewed/ shared my lessons from two of them on my blog but i have been very inconsistent since coming back home so i have alot of catching up to do but i did watch chigul's trailer before its release and God knows until then I could have never known her in that light. Thank God for empowering Kemi with the initiative i hope to catch up on it real quick.
Now this is getting too long but I just could relate on all levels. All the best with the good things coming for you.
www.ijefinelivin.com
P.s - and it doesn't help that when you say you are a blogger people already expect you to be swimming in cash..
Thanks for this comment, it made me remember that indeed, I do have a lot to be grateful for.
DeleteI have worked with some Amazing Brands, gone on an all expense paid trip to South Africa and grown as a person since I started my Blogging Journey.
I'm not where I want to be yet but at least I'm not stagnant, I'm making progress.
Amen ooo!
Thank you :)
WOW, I think this message was for me, currently in the waiting period of my life and almost everything you stated is something i have thought of. it's not easy to be honest, i felt so depressed and tired of waiting, some days i felt that maybe GOD has abandoned me or i did something wrong and HE is punishing me. This gave me a boost of encouragement to keep holding on and persevere.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, Yayy, I'm so glad :)
DeleteYou will soon see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Hi Tuke, I think you are a fantastic blogger however I would suggest you be creative in your monetization strategy. Rather than waiting to work with brands, have you considered the following:
ReplyDelete1. creating or partnering with manufacturers to create your own brand of products relevant to your readers. Tuke I know lots of people who don't have as much influence as you have who are making money marketing their own line of products
2. Offering advert spaces for upcoming brands on your wall on Instagram. Imagine if 100 people pay just N10,000 per post to advertise on your page? You have a large following
3. Creating a journal or planner relevant to your audience.
4. Creating a training/ masterclass/online course on photography(or any other subject matter)that's affordable for your audience(I believe a lot of your blogger friends would count this as beneficial.
5. Offering consulting services to smaller brands
The truth is you shouldn't wait for the big brands because people with smaller audience than you have are making money via their influence in Nigeria. So do consider exploring other options to monetize your brand.
Love you,
Thanks for this Detailed Comment Tope.
Delete1) This isn't something I am interested in doing at the moment, maybe further down the line.
2) I offer this service already
3) Not something I am interested in creating. My Blogger Boo's, Cassie Daves & Dee Mako are doing an Awesome Job with their planners
4) This is something I might do in the future
5) I do this already but will like to do it on a larger scale
Thank you for the tips. I have worked with a number of local and international brands already but there is an undenied limit for Bloggers based in Nigeria. Some of my favourite Brands whose products aren't stocked here aren't ready to work with us yet.
There are apps that help connect Bloggers with Brands but many of them do not allow Bloggers based in Nigeria join the app, you need to reside in the UK, US, Dubai, Australia or more developed nations to become a part of the community.
With the grace of God, I know I shall overcome all these road blocks.
Till then, I'll keep at it.
Hugs love and thanks for the encouragement, I love what you do and time has a way of unmasking our FAVORS
ReplyDeleteYes it does, Thanks Hun!!
DeleteHugs! Thank you for the enlightened and encouragement word. Keep the good work going, dear.
ReplyDeleteAwww, you're welcome Hendrix :)
Delete