It’s been a long time. I’ve been neglectful. I’ve been ridiculously busy with my day job, and my MBA program…

Since my last post, some interesting things have happened. I’ve forged a few new relationships which will not only enrich my life personally, but some which will help in my endeavours. I’ve completed all my core MBA courses that require exams – so there will be no more of those – just papers! Other fun stuff: traveled across Canada (in the winter!) for work, purchased a kindle!, and started planning for a vacation this summer – still not sure yet where I will go but will announce the location once finalized.

About that MBA program – due to a crazy workload, I have made the very difficult decision to defer my MBA program for six months. I just finished my semester of Corporate Finance and Research Methods, have written my exams, and now I’m going to get my life back, at least for six months.

Having six months off school will allow me to exercise a bit more, catch up with my poor neglected friends ie. find out if they’ve had any babies, gotten married (or divorced) since I spoke to them last… have relocated, you know, that kind of thing.

One thing I’m looking very forward to is getting the Shughuli Project rolling once again, completing my business plan, fully setting ‘er up, getting a website made and doing some fundraising. I am so ridiculously excited.

So, I’ll post again soon – that is if I’m still alive. I came home tonight to find my roommate’s prized possession – a carved wooden turtle from the Cook Islands – missing an entire flipper. It would appear as though my Irish Terrier Ruby may have ate it (as well as the toes off of each foot).  I’m pretty sure this isn’t going to go over very well…  wish me luck!

Who really “gets” Twitter though? I understand it’s importance, but what if I don’t have an iPhone to update my status every 15 minutes? Is my endeavour destined for failure? Need I invest right now in acquiring the tools (and skills) to do this right, immediately? My ratings are not exactly impressive on this blog… and I think I have 7 followers right now on Twitter (and might I mention that one is an all African dating site, and another is a 7-year old boy!)….

Aside from my Marketing friends, I don’t know of many people – personally – on Twitter. Maybe we’re too old, or maybe it’s for a certain segment of individuals. In any case, the experts say that if you’re not on Twitter, then you’re nobody. I’m on Twitter now, so I must be somebody!! Come follow me, if you feel so inclined…

I really can’t wait until my website is ready… call me old, traditional, whatever… So while I definitely see the importance in social media, I can’t say I’m loving it right now. In any case, I’m giving in and I’ll learn to like it at least!

By the way, that 7 year old boy has almost 800 followers… pretty impressive, eh?!

Join The Shughuli Project on Facebook
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Follow The Shughuli Project on Twitter

This is a pretty big deal, and exactly what these countries need – the ability to manufacture their own raw goods for export and job creation – I’m sure it will go a long way. Nice work Tal!

So in doing research for my business plan, I’m coming across a lot of interesting articles and perspectives on private sector development in African countries. Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to visit any African countries, and I think that the best way for me to collect ideas would be through primary research right now – but that’s just not an option at the moment. So, in my googling, this article from the World Bank was particularly interesting – highlighting four things necessary to propel African countries into an economic reform:

• Improving governance and reducing conflict
• Investing in people
• Increasing competitiveness and diversifying economies
• Reducing aid dependence and strengthening partnerships

By working with African entrepreneurs to help get their businesses set up, and to continue to work with them to ensure success, The Shughuli Project can help in three out of the four ways identified above… that’s kind of exciting, eh? Through investing in Africa’s people in the private sector, this will certainly aid in increasing competitiveness, diversifying economies, and reducing aid dependence once business gets up and running. These will form some of the requirements when trying to determine who is a suitable entrepreneurial candidate for receiving funding and business coaching in their respective communities.

I wish I could start making a difference today (sounds so cliche – but really!) – I am so impatient, but I think that by spending ample time in planning and research upfront, my project will be all the more successful. Also, thank you to those of you who have already provided feedback, help, guidance and support – you’re definitely helping to shape the plan into what I know will be a beneficial cause – eventually!

Read this article which gives a good perspective on why.

While it is clear to many that industrialization is necessary so that Ghana can process its own goods for exporting, this will involve big changes with government, reputation and regulation. Reading articles like this really impress upon me the extent of the issue – an extent that all too often discourages people from trying to make a difference – or perhaps even more damaging, causes them to just feel “sorry” for the individuals at stake. My objective in all of this is to make a small difference through The Shughuli Project – to start small with one African entrepreneur at a time by helping him or her to make a positive impact on the local community. I am not a multi-national corporation, and I probably can’t spark an industrial revolution in Africa, but I hope that I can still make a difference.

I spent three weeks in Victoria which marked the beginning of my MBA program. It was intense but I learned a lot and met many great people. It truly feels like all the stars are aligning for me, and while I feel busier than ever I also feel closer to personal success than ever before!

Due to the things that have happened lately (feedback I’ve gotten from respected sources, people I’ve met, and what my heart is telling me to do!) I will be pursuing a non-profit after all – for now. I will be able to credibly fundraise in my “spare time” (because there is SOOO much of it <that’s sarcasm>) the funds will grow, and my organization will gain exposure  until I complete my MBA. Besides, I still love my job at Sage and I’m learning so much under a great leader – it’s not something I want to take myself away from quite yet!

I kind of feel like I’m rambling just a little… but I’m still excited and I’m working on my business plan in amongst all the other things I’m attempting to do. If nothing else, this is all going to show how much us humans are capable of accomplishing!

I’ll continue to blog on here and hopefully with time, as my plan comes alive, it’ll all start making more sense to everyone else… I know I’m not being really concise. I have a pretty clear vision in my own mind, but I’m still collecting so many great ideas and feedback from so many great people that I feel like I want to get all my ducks in order first!

I need to set up some coffee dates, and I’ll blog about them as they happen… the first meeting is with Fernando, CEO of a local non-profit organization. Mission: to figure out all the ins and outs of running a non-profit (100% of my experience is in Corporate gluttony!) – I’m sure there are some considerations that I am currently oblivious to…

I’ll write again soon! I’ll never leave you again for five weeks, my dear friends…

Just popping in quickly to say that I’m heading out of town for three weeks – it’s my first MBA residency in Victoria and apparently it will be quite hectic.

I’m going to try to post some updates while I’m gone. I’ve been collecting some feedback on The Shughuli Project, and thanks to all of you who have shared your thoughts I’ve made some developments on my business plan which will hopefully answer some of the questions and – of course – clean up my plan. Thank you!

So, I’m just at work cleaning up a few last deliverables, then will be returning my laptop at best buy, and then heading over to the ferries. Good times! I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to be keeping you updated on here, but I’ll try my best

Check back, and have a great July y’all!
Lisa

Second: To those of you who know me best (and you know who you are!)  - you know I’m spontaneous – in fact, I can be quite compulsive. Oops! Of course it is never my intention to hurt anyone or to exclude anyone. Sometimes things just happen. Like, they happen overnight (I’m talking about things that many people take months to decide). I find making decisions easy – and then i shrug when there’s consequences later – it’s just part of life really, and I can’t help it! For example, when i decide i want a new car… I go down to the lot and I buy a new car that day. Today for example, I stopped off at Best Buy on the way home and bought a new laptop. (I might return it – I don’t really need it – and my roommate has talked some sense into me!). I’ve always wanted to start my own business and be self-employed. I have talked about it in the past. I just wasn’t sure when I’d do it – but I guess the time is now (not that I’m quitting my day job anytime soon). The reason why you are all so surprised isn’t because I left you out – I’m surprised too!! But I’m also quite excited, and it’s unlike me to really tell a lot of people what I’m doing – so it’s kind of liberating to be dishing it all out here. (Never thought I’d start a blog, that’s for sure).

Third: Let me explain – simply and concisely – what I plan to do! In a nutshell: 1. Consulting to local small to mid-sized business (target not yet defined!). 2. Fundraising. 3. taking time out, traveling to developing countries, establishing relationships, identifying entrepreneurial spirits and helping them build their business ideas (within the developing countries).

Still a work in progress… 

Later!
Lisa 

The first big decision that I made was how to structure The Shughuli Project. I had all three options; Proprietorship, Non-profit or Corporation. At first, I wanted to incorporate. I liked the safety that’s wrapped up in that. However, as many of you know, the setup fees, legal costs, and regulations are quite high. So I changed my decision.

With the nature of The Shughuli Project, it would have made a lot of sense to structure as a Non-profit. This would have allowed me to fundraise and be able to offer donors an extra benefit; a tax write-off. Many companies and individuals choose to donate to various charities - and not just for all the philanthropic reasons, they are attracted to being able to write off those donations as an expense. I thought very carefully about whether potential donors would still be compelled to donate without a tax receipt? Things I did not like about structuring The Shughuli Project as a non-profit was the idea of having to set up a Board of Directors. I joke around and say “I don’t work well with others”. That’s not exactly true, but I have a real vision for where I want to take my company, and while I intend to collaborate and reach out for feedback, help and ideas, I don’t really want to manage this business with several other people – I like the idea of no politics – at least at the very beginning.

So, I chose to structure The Shughuli Project as a Sole Proprietorship. With few regulations, no need for a Board, and low startup costs, I feel I have a lot of freedom to organize this business to align with my vision.

I really feel that if I am fortunate enough to succeed with this organization, I want to be able to attract and retain the very best employees. This means compensating them fairly, offering great benefits, and providing a workplace that really shows appreciation and that fosters creativity and a positive morale.

I also believe that there are a multitude of fundraising activities that can be organized whereby participants will be attracted by the entertainment, and the idea that they are also contributing helping the third world – even if it means they are not receiving a tax receipt. I also believe that my objective of redistributing profits to economic development activities is a compelling reason - a unique value proposition should I say? - that will attract Canadian clients; they will be supporting a business that is “consulting for a cause”.

Eventually I may choose to restructure according to business needs – but for now I am a sole proprietorship, and I’m happy with that decision.

Speak soon,
Lisa Harding

*Stay tuned for information on where to find us in other areas within the world of social media!*

For those of you who know me, you know I’ve been humming and hawing at starting my own consulting business for quite some time. The problem was that every time I thought I had identified my niche and developed my unique value proposition, I didn’t pursue the business! Now I know why – it just wasn’t good enough, it wasn’t aligned with my values, and it just didn’t feel right.

I’ve finally figured it out, and I am stoked. I am SO excited I can hardly sleep at night! I’ve gotten my business license (for a sole proprietorship, if you must ask), I’ve purchased a gamut of domains to cover all website possibilities and redirects, I’m meeting with a designer tonight to start the branding magic (Richelle at www.growcreative.ca – she’s amazing!) and I’ve figured out my business name – and had it approved. And so The Shughuli Project is born.

So, what is “The Shughuli Project” and why am I so excited? Essentially The Shughuli Project represents all the things I love and believe in – all rolled up into a company. It is what I will be nurturing and growing for the next many years of my life. The best part is, it won’t even feel like a job!

I love business, I love helping small and mid-sized businesses grow. I love travel and culture, and I have a huge desire to improve the situation in less fortunate countries – starting with activities aiding and promoting economic development. I’ve never really thought of myself as a philanthropist, but it’s becoming clearer to me that I’m far more motivated by making a difference than anything else.

Basically, The Shughuli Project is about “Consulting for a Cause”. I will be offering consulting services for small to mid-sized business in my local area. To supplement my income I will also be organizing fundraising activities. Initially, all profits made from these two revenue streams will be going back into the business to get it set up – and after year one, all fundraising profits, along with a percentage of consulting profits will be redistributed to economic development activities in third-world countries.

If you have any thoughts or feedback from this bit of information I just shared with you, please let me know. Setting up a business – even a sole proprietorship – is all about collaboration, building relationships, and thinking about all the possibilities buried in the challenges. I would love to hear from anyone who may have two cents to share…

Cheers!
Lisa