"...creativity and risk-taking can lead to a more profound connection with your audience" | What exactly happened in 1960?
How much do you know about the history of Nigeria? not so much? you should read this post. Plus a chit chat with a product marketer that is making raves in the non-profit industry.
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Intro
Before you take that chill drink while you read this week’s issue, let’s do something first. Plug your friends and fre-enemies into this channel, and let them get first-hand people’s experience with products and tech by subscribing.
Back? Let’s get to it 😎
Let’s Go Back Memory Lane *in Adekunle Gold’s voice*
It's been a long long time since I held a newspaper (and some of you Gen Z baddies probably never have), but this project is promising to give access to decades of them, as long as you have an internet connection.
This product is working to help you find information about Nigeria’s history by digitizing newspapers…
This one had me excited the moment I saw it on my LinkedIn TL.
Archivi.NG is looking to digitize a newspaper for every day of Nigerian history from 1960 till 2010 so that we don’t lose our history. Right now, you can access newspapers from 1994 to 2010.
You can find newspapers on subjects you are interested in by searching keywords. If you are just exploring, there are a couple of suggestions you can start with on the home page (Tinubu, Independence Day, Fuel, Afrobeat, Ritual, Cocaine, Football, etc.)
Selecting a new image opens it in the full screen along with a helpful text summary about the stories the newspaper issue covered.
Most of the papers available appear to be from PM news, but they are looking to expand, including the sections available, from obituaries to ads.
There’s no pricing attached at the moment so the revenue plan isn’t quite clear. The team building Archivi.NG is made up mostly of volunteers across product, development, design, operations, and storytelling. Safe to say it's being built by volunteer contributions and donations.
Question Time:
If you were building this and wanted to monetize, what would your game plan be?
Meet a Zumie 💬
Could you share a project or achievement that you're particularly proud of and what made it stand out?
This year, Blessmi has raised over 100 million Naira in donations via its fundraising platform. Blessmi's product is a pioneering fundraising platform that addresses a critical need in the digital age: a seamless, transparent, and secure way for individuals and organizations to raise funds for various causes and personal needs. This year, we have supported various charity organizations, NGOs, and individuals to raise over 100 million Naira with our aggressive inbound and outbound marketing strategies implemented to onboard over 3,500 users (Individuals & charity organizations).
Compared to various new marketing trends and strategies, it was exciting to know that these somewhat old tricks still work.
Given your passion for technology and innovation, what's one emerging tech trend that you find most exciting for the future of branding and communication?
One emerging tech trend that excites me is the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in branding and communication. The ability to create immersive brand experiences and storytelling in a 3D space is a game-changer. It's not just about conveying information; it's about creating emotions and memories. Whether it's virtual product try-ons or immersive brand storytelling experiences, VR and AR offer endless possibilities for engagement and connection with consumers.
When you're not immersed in the world of branding and technology, how do you unwind and recharge? Any hobbies or activities you'd like to share?
Outside the bustling world of branding and technology, I find solace and joy in the enchanting realms of literature and coloring books.
You can find me curled up in a cozy nook, I escape into captivating novels and on some days, I immerse myself in intricate coloring book designs, coloring life into patterns with various coloring pencils. These activities are more than hobbies; they're my delightful gateways to adventures. In these moments, the digital world fades, and I'm immersed in a realm where creativity knows no bounds, reminding me of the unmatched joy and wonder that the simple pleasures of reading and coloring bring to life.
Creativity often involves taking risks. Can you share a time when you took a bold creative leap that paid off, and what did you learn from the experience?
The goal was to expand our platform's reach to a wider and more diverse audience, and I proposed a bold move – launching a storytelling campaign that highlighted the personal journeys of fundraisers and beneficiaries to be distributed across all social media platforms.
We knew that sharing these heartfelt stories could resonate deeply with our community. It was a risk because it required a significant time and resource investment. But, as it turns out, it was a leap worth taking. The stories we shared humanized the fundraising experience and demonstrated the incredible impact of Blessmi.
What I learned from this experience is that creativity and risk-taking can lead to a more profound connection with your audience. It showed that people aren't just looking for a fundraising platform; they're seeking a community and shared values.
What's a technology or digital product you can't live without, and how does it enhance your daily life?
One digital product I can't live without is Notion, a project management tool. It keeps me organized and on top of tasks, and it enhances my daily life by allowing me to prioritize and streamline my work, leaving more time for creativity, strategic thinking as well and a healthy work-life balance.
Do you have any quirky habits or rituals that help get those creative juices flowing when you're working on a new project?
One thing I find myself doing when I get a new project is clearing my browser tab or opening a new tab dedicated to the new project this way, I feel like I’m starting on a clean slate and creating something from nothing. I also like scented candles, humidifiers, and Lo-Fi beats playing in the background while I work.
You've had a diverse career working with various brands. What's one valuable lesson you've learned along the way that you'd like to pass on to aspiring brand strategists?
One lesson that I've learned and would like to share is the importance of adaptability. The world of branding and technology is ever-evolving, and being open to change and learning is crucial. Don't get too comfortable in your expertise; always seek new knowledge and be willing to pivot when necessary. Your ability to adapt will be one of your greatest assets in this dynamic field.
How do you stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving world of branding and technology? Are there any books, podcasts, or resources you'd recommend to others in the field?
I regularly consume industry news through branding and tech-related newsletters and blogs like TechCrunch, Marketing Edge, and AdAge, and social platforms like Instagram, Medium, LinkedIn, and Twitter. A few key resources I'd highly recommend are "Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age" by Jonah Berger for understanding viral marketing, and "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, which offers insights into agile product development. In the podcast realm, "Marketing Over Coffee" and "The Indicator from Planet Money" offer intriguing insights as well.
If you could magically rebrand one city in the world, which city would it be, and what would be your slogan for it?
If I could magically rebrand a city, it would be Lagos. Not only because I was born and grew up in this great state, but I also think it has so much to offer over the bad reputation it currently has over all other states in Nigeria. But I love Lagos. Its resilience and spirit are incredible. The rebrand slogan will be “Lagos: Where Every Dream Ignites." The rebranding strategy will focus on capturing the city's vibrant energy and its people's determination.
If you could have a conversation with any person, living or not, who would it be and what advice would you seek from them?
When it comes to conversations, I'd love to sit down with Maya Angelou. Her wisdom and perspective on life, creativity, and resilience are inspiring. I'd seek advice on how to infuse storytelling into branding and marketing to make it more authentic and human-centric.
Who are some of the individuals or brands that have inspired your creative journey, and why?
In my creative journey, I draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's compelling storytelling skills, Burna Boy's authenticity in his craft, and Elon Musk's audacious vision all influence my approach to marketing. Nike's ability to create powerful movements and Airtel Nigeria’s visually appealing campaigns locally have set high standards for my work. These influences guide me to be bold, authentic, and purpose-driven in my role, urging me to strive for creativity and excellence in every project.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any exciting projects you're currently involved in, or anything upcoming that you're looking forward to?
At Blessmi, we are currently working on a project to revamp Blessmi's mobile app interface to enhance the user experience. We're also exploring partnerships with more nonprofit organizations as well as corporations to expand our impact. I'm genuinely excited about these projects, and they're a testament to Blessmi's commitment to continual improvement and positive change.
Until next time,