Monetize That Skill

Yesterday on my way back from work, I boarded a taxi from the bus stop and soon we were on our way.

We were three at the back and one young man sat in front with the driver.

I sat in the middle, clutching my backpack.

A young man was seated to my left and a young lady to my right.

Soon she brought out a kiddies story book and began reading.

I was impressed because it's not everytime you see someone reading in a commercial vehicle in this part of the world.

Either you are perceived as trying to look woke by reading a book, (shocking right) or you are just looked upon as an alien from another planet.

I know the stares I get whenever I do that because I'm an avid reader and I love reading everywhere, from the toilet, to the kitchen, yes I love cooking and men can cook and should cook because it's not a big deal.

This is me lending my own voice to the cooking saga trending now, any man or woman that thinks cooking is strictly for women is a piece of biscuit bone that smells like shit.

Cooking is for everyone that feels hungry ni, and it's not gender specific.

If you think cooking is not a big deal, then enter the kitchen, slice onions, pepper, grind eguisi and peel yam for an hour plus and see for yourself how big a deal cooking is.

Back to the story.

I seized the opportunity and asked her if she loved poetry, she turned and looked at me, seeing I'm handsome and looked responsible with a very sweet African thick voice, well, she smiled and replied.

"Oh yes I do, I'm a teacher."

"Wow!"(In my mind o) "That's nice, I have just  the right  package for you  then, I know we just met but trust me it's something you would love."

"Now I'm curious, what is it?"

I could see the other guy to my left watching from the side of his eyes.

I deduced he must be thinking, damn this guy got moves...smooth talker

But reality was, I was nervous as fuck, Lagos is filled with pyschopaths and sociopaths, I didn't wanna be abused or embarrassed.

I was not operating, I was transacting.

Then I opened my bag and brought out a copy of my book, Water and Fire and handed it to her.

She was thrilled at the look and feel of the book, then when I explained the content, Water and Fire, a poetry masterpiece told in storytelling style and in a manner everyone can relate with and understand.

She immediately asked me if it was for sale or I was giving it out for free.

I smiled

"Yes it is for sale, it's my book, I'm the author."

"You are the author?"

The Man to my right asked in surprise

"Yes I am."

All the while I was selling it to her, I was also selling it to the two guys in the vehicle, you see, the second she brought out her book to read, I saw an opportunity and I came prepared by carrying five copies of my book in my bag.

If I wasn't with these copies, no matter how prepared I was, it would have been almost impossible to sell it.

Nigeria is a jungle and Lagos is the heart of it, everyone's a wild animal including your Government, in fact your government is the wildest beast in this animal kingdom.

The earlier you believe and understand this, the better for you.

But the gospel is this, you don't have to be a prey, you can be a Lion, you should be a Lion too and have a pride in this animal kingdom.

Knowing this fact keeps you always prepared and ready for anything and everything.

I brought out two more copies, handed it to the guy on my left and the guy in front, then I asked the driver if he was interested, he said he isn't but his wife and kids love books and he likes the way this one looks.

I brought out one extra and gave it to him.

In minutes, I had sold four copies of my book, I wouldn't have sold them if I didn't open my mouth and not beg, but sell.

What's your passion?

Writing?

Dancing?

Hairdressing?

Fashion designing?

Sports?

Singing?

Modelling?

Social Media?

Drawing?

There are lots and lots of them, the list is endless but you are not limited.

Find your passion

Seize it

Leverage on it

Monetize it for Chrissakes

And help yourself

Because in the end, nobody cares about your long-suffering except Jesus

And except you want to meet him soonest so he can love and care for you face to face, think and grow Rich with the knowledge and resources he has given you to make wealth.

Water and Fire is still available.

DM me for payment and delivery options.


Kingdavid Chinaeke Ofunne