Olokojobi : How to become a successful media entrepreneur 

The Editor in Chief of FrontPage, a fast-growing general interest online newspaper, Mr. Sakibu Olokojobi, has said knowledge in the area of choice is one of the major qualities needed to ensure the success of a media entrepreneur.

He made the assertion while sharing media entrepreneurship experience with, and making a presentation on how to achieve success in media entrepreneurship to the Master of Communication Studies, MCS, students of the Lagos State University (LASU).

Olokojobi said with a good knowledge in the area of specialisation, the media entrepreneur would be well equipped to run the affairs of his business well and most likely succeed, especially if he embraced other complimentary qualities.

He said among other things, the media entrepreneur should be passionate about his job, be hardworking and ready to make sacrifices in order to make his business thrive.

He emphasized the need for good managerial skill, creativity in the area of attracting patronage and need to be abreast of developments in the industry.

He stressed the need for good networking, stating that could determine the net-worth of a media entrepreneur.

Olokojobi said the need for self-development could not be overemphasized.

According to him, “A media entrepreneur determined to succeed must continue develop himself by attending workshops, seminars, trainings and events among other relevant to his business.”

The media entrepreneur also spoke on the increase in media entrepreneurship in recent times, saying growth in technology had made it less cumbersome to set up media outfits.

He posited that unlike in the past only money bags could set up media outfits, the requirement in terms of structure and system of operation had become less cumbersome.

“Setting up an online newspaper today, is apparently not as demanding as it was with establishing the conventional newspapers, for example”, he said.

Olokojobi then gave a general advice, “Be in absolute control of your business. Remain focused. Be unrelenting. Be hardworking. Be ready to make sacrifices. Know that you are in business and not running a charity organisation. Manage your resources well. Don’t give in to sentiments that may run you out of business.

“Remember that those who run your company aground will move on to others when you are out of business. They, unfortunately, will be the first to blame you for not being a good entrepreneur. Be wise. Be smart. Start your exit the day you join a paid employment by acquiring the practical experiences that will enable you succeed as an entrepreneur in future.”