THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE

How to Obtain a Loan from the Bank of Industry (BOI)

2011-04-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

About the bank of Industry

Established in 2001, the bank of industry was set up by the federal government of Nigeria to provide financial assistance for the Small, medium and large enterprises looking to establish, expand their services, diversity their product lines, expands their business into new markets etc.

The bank recently launched its 50billion naira fund with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Nigerian billionaire and business magnate. Also the $200 million special entertainment fund announced by the federal government is to be managed by the BOI.

How does the bank operate?
The bank just like any other bank is profit driven, with a board of directors. It has shareholders and publishes its own audited annual financial statements. It doesn’t actually give loans to companies, but agrees to pay suppliers on behalf of the company
It does not finance the acquisition and construction of properties neither does it give loans to people who want to start businesses. The bank only finances companies who add value.

The bank loan-conditions
The banks interest rate is 10%, the tenor is subject to the payback period of the project. There is a one off 1% processing fee and 1% commitment fee and other legal charges which will depend on the nature of the intended project. The minimum loan for SMEs is 10million subject to maximum which can only be approved by the board.

BOI products and services
• Medium and long term loans
• Working capital loans
• Equity financing
• Lease financing
• Loan guarantees
• International trade products
Who does BOI assist?
• Small, medium and large enterprises excluding cottage industries
• New or existing companies seeking expansion, modernisation or diversification

Credit worthy promoters will be required to prove their commitment to the project by contributing at least 25% of the project cost excluding land
Borrowers whose management capability, financial situation (including availability of collateral and guarantee), character and reputation are incontrovertible
Clients with demonstrable ability to meet loan repayments
Borrowers with no record of unpaid loans to erstwhile development finance institutions and other banks.
How to get a loan from BOI
To apply for a loan, you are required to present a detailed feasibility study of the intended project and other documents outlined below:
• Formal application
• Certificate of incorporation
• Certified copy of memorandum of association and articles of association
• A photocopy of filed returns
• Land and building documents
• Quotation for supply of items and machinery and equipment
• Write-up of technology, manufacturing process, technical partners, if any

For more information on documentation required for processing a loan from the bank of Industry (BOI), visit any of the banks’ branches.

To receive professional help in developing your business plan or feasibility study.Call 07031517266 for SMARTLab Business Services .We develop business plans, feasibility studies and business proposals.

How to Get Pregnant Fast: The Best Five Positions for Couples Seeking Children

2011-04-21T11:37:00.001-07:00

For many couples experiencing the gift of childbearing has been long in coming for several reasons including weak or insufficient sperm count. Getting pregnant may require try different positions to significantly boost your chances.

There is a general rule that when it comes to getting pregnant that the male sperm must be deposited as close as possible to the female cervix. This is because of the life spans of the female egg and the male sperm. When ovulation (that is the release of the egg from the ovary) occurs, it moves downwards through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The sperm which can last for between three days to five days has to be close to egg so that they can meet and join before the egg dies since the egg only survives for 24 hours.This is where sexual positions comes in as the sexual positions of a couple doing love making can help the sperm meet the egg in the shortest possible time.

For couples having problems or challenges conceiving, it is better when trying to getting pregnant to avoid positions that least exposes the cervix to the male sperm. Such positions include sex while standing up, sitting down, or with the woman on top. The best positions for getting pregnant are sexual positions that limit the amount of sperm that flows back out of the vagina. It is extremely important that the woman's hips be positioned in such a way that the sperm released is kept inside. This will give the sperm enough time to swim up to the female cervix for possible fertilisation and conception to occur.

The best positions to adopt for getting pregnant are:

The missionary position: The man on top also known as the missionary position is possibly the most popular of all sexual positions and the best for getting pregnant. This is because this particular position allows for the deepest possible penetration, making it possible for the sperm to get deposited closest to the cervix.

Elevating or raising the hips using a pillow behind her is also a great position for getting pregnant. This is because this particular position exposes the female cervix to as much semen as the male can release.

Rear entry position or what’s popularly called the Doggy-style is also a very recommended position.this sex position allows the male sperm to be deposited closest to the cervix, thereby helping increase the chances of conception.

Man and woman lying side by side position is another position that provides the the most exposure of the cervix to the male sperm.

Finally, the big ‘O’ (the female orgasm) has been suggested by researchers as playing a big role in helping a woman conceive. According to studies, when a woman achieves orgasm regardless of sexual position, it leads to contractions that could push sperm up into the cervix.

15 businesses you can start as a campus student

2010-12-19T02:38:00.001-08:00

How can I make money as a student without interrupting my studies?

Rental services

you can set up a rental service offering students and others around campus community anything for hire from DVDs/CDs to Novels, projectors, generators, decoration materials etc. you can set up rates per hour or per day depending on the duration of their use.

Graphics design and printing services

From student associations to Christian fellowships, small businesses and others, there is always a demand for graphics (design) and printing services. Master key software like Corel draw and adobe Photoshop and get in the business of offering your design skills for sale. Do you design everything from flyers to posters, banners, brochures, newsletters, magazines? This is one guaranteed way to make money as a campus student.

In addition you can start a printing business. you don’t need to have your own printing press, are you need do is to enter into a relationship with any of the good printing presses around, you charge customers for your job at a higher rate than the minimum cost the printing press will do it for you factoring in your time and other expenses and the difference is a good profit for you. If you are based in Lagos you can visit onipanu or shomolu where there is a cluster of printing houses there for partnerships.

Business Centres

You can set up a business centre in a strategic location on or around campus. All you need is to station your photocopying machine or desktop PC where you can offer people photocopying service, typing of their projects, graphics design, printing, etc. you can even sell essential stuff like stationary, textbooks, etc.

Cake baking

You can learn to bake and offer your services to people planning birthdays, weddings, special anniversaries and other celebrations. In addition you can package your cakes and sell retail in shops, supermarkets, etc

You can also expand into other confectioneries such as chin-chin, meat pie, donuts etc

Writing

Become a writer. Write for magazines, newsletters, and newspapers and get paid. You can also become a freelance online writer or writing for some websites online that share revenue with you.

Publishing

You can start your own newsletter, magazine, or gazette. You make money from adverts placed in it. you can also write and publish short stories, poems, comics etc and earn from it.

Sales of bulk SMS

Today’s Nigeria is mobile. It’s the fastest and easiest form of communication and transmission of information to diverse categories of people anywhere. Sms is not only fast it is cheap and guarantees almost a 100% that a recipient will read the message. You can sell bulk SMS credits to individuals, organizations like churches, political office seekers, businesses looking to create awareness about their products and services. This is a very reliable way for a campus student to make money conveniently without even interrupting his studies.

Web design

This is one skill that is constantly guaranteed to earn you income, again and again and again. You can help individuals, businesses, associations etc design their websites or blogs for a fee. Master latest web design tools like cold fusion, ajax, java, dream weaver and become a web design professional highly sought after within and outside campus. You can also train other students in web design.

Greeting cards

You can design and sell hand made greeting cards, uniquely crafted in and around campus. Learn to do it and market your products and you will make money from it.

(Comedian, musical artist or dancer) Trading your talent in entertainment

Entertainment is today a major money spinner for young people with hot talents. If you got the talent to sing, make people laugh or showcase mind bugging dance moves, then you can start making cool money from doing it. Look out for opportunities to showcase your talent such as reality shows, dance contests, open mic contests, parties, campus events and programs.

Driving school

If you have access to a car, this is one service you can sell to your fellow students…teach them to drive. This service will easily be embraced especially if your charges are reasonable.

Private home tutor

If you are a very intelligent student with good grades especially in your O levels, then this service is very suitable for you. You can set up a private tutoring business catering to children of middle class to wealthy children. you provide them the convenience of learning from the comfort of their homes helping them prepare for exams such as WAEC,NECO,SAT,TOEFEL etc. this is guaranteed to earn you good money.

Other businesses you can dabble into include:

• Computers/accessories/software’s sales and maintenance
• Fashion design and tailoring
• Home repair services
• network marketing
• project writing for final year and Msc students

15 businesses you can start as a campus student

2010-12-19T02:38:00.000-08:00

How can I make money as a student without interrupting my studies?

Rental services

you can set up a rental service offering students and others around campus community anything for hire from DVDs/CDs to Novels, projectors, generators, decoration materials etc. you can set up rates per hour or per day depending on the duration of their use.

Graphics design and printing services

From student associations to Christian fellowships, small businesses and others, there is always a demand for graphics (design) and printing services. Master key software like Corel draw and adobe Photoshop and get in the business of offering your design skills for sale. Do you design everything from flyers to posters, banners, brochures, newsletters, magazines? This is one guaranteed way to make money as a campus student.

In addition you can start a printing business. you don’t need to have your own printing press, are you need do is to enter into a relationship with any of the good printing presses around, you charge customers for your job at a higher rate than the minimum cost the printing press will do it for you factoring in your time and other expenses and the difference is a good profit for you. If you are based in Lagos you can visit onipanu or shomolu where there is a cluster of printing houses there for partnerships.

Business Centres

You can set up a business centre in a strategic location on or around campus. All you need is to station your photocopying machine or desktop PC where you can offer people photocopying service, typing of their projects, graphics design, printing, etc. you can even sell essential stuff like stationary, textbooks, etc.

Cake baking

You can learn to bake and offer your services to people planning broithdays, weddings, special anniversaries and other celebrations. In addition you can package your cakes and sell retail in shops, supermarkets, etc

You can also expand into other confectionaries such as chin-chin, meat pie, donut etc

Writing

Become a writer. Write for magazines, newsletters, and newspapers and get paid. You can also become a freelance online writer or writing for some websites online that share revenue with you.

Publishing

You can start your own newsletter, magazine, or gazette. You make money from adverts placed in it. you can also write and publish short stories, poems, comics etc and earn from it.

Sales of bulk SMS

Today’s Nigeria is mobile. It’s the fastest and easiest form of communication and transmission of information to diverse categories of people anywhere. Sms is not only fast it is cheap and guarantees almost a 100% that a recipient will read the message. You can sell bulk SMS credits to individuals, organisations like churches, political office seekers, businesses looking to create awareness about their products and services. This is a very reliable way for a campus student to make money conveniently without even interrupting his studies.

Web design

This is one skill that is constantly guaranteed to earn you income, again and again and again. You can help individuals, businesses, associations etc design their websites or blogs for a fee. Master latest web design tools like cold fusion, ajax, java, dream weaver and become a web design professional highly sought after within and outside campus. You can also train other students in web design.

Greeting cards

You can design and sell hand made greeting cards, uniquely crafted in and around campus. Learn to do it and market your products and you will make money from it.

(Comedian, musical artist or dancer) Trading your talent in entertainment

Entertainment is today a major money spinner for young people with hot talents. If you got the talent to sing, make people laugh or showcase mind bugging dance moves, then you can start making cool money from doing it. Look out for opportunities to showcase your talent such as reality shows, dance contests, open mic contests, parties, campus events and programs.

Driving school

If you have access to a car, this is one service you can sell to your fellow students…teach them to drive. This service will easily be embraced especially if your charges are reasonable.

Private home tutor

If you are a very intelligent student with good grades especially in your O levels, then this service is very suitable for you. You can set up a private tutoring business catering to children of middle class to wealthy children. you provide them the convenience of learning from the comfort of their homes helping them prepare for exams such as WAEC,NECO,SAT,TOEFEL etc. this is guaranteed to earn you good money.

Other businesses you can dabble into include:

• Computers/accessories/software’s sales and maintenance
• Fashion design and tailoring
• Home repair services
• network marketing
• project writing for final year and Msc students

The Top Online Freelancing Bidding Sites: Make Money working Online Through Freelancing Sites

2010-07-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

The internet is full of several freelance bidding sites with distinct bidding and posting systems provide freelance job opportunities for freelancers to make money.

One proven way to make money writing online is through freelance jobs. A freelancer can find clients on several Freelance writing bidding sites available online that feature numerous projects. Some of these bidding sites require a membership fee and all of them charge a commission on completed projects.

Elance
One of the earliest and most well known freelance biding sites on the internet is elance. The site features several categories including The Writing and Translation category that features hundreds of projects available at any given time.

They charge a commission of 8.75 percent for projects in the Writing and Translation category as well as monthly fees for membership and additional fees if more than a few bids are used

RentaCoder

RentaCoder is a major online bidding site with a strong focus on programming although they are many project categories available for Web writers. The beauty of the site is that it charges no membership fee and places no limit on the number of bids one can make. For freelancers to participate in bidding for projects, a writer is required to sign up for the site and post his or her resume, upload a picture (this is optional) and their applicable skills. The site charges a flat commission of 15 percent of each project, the highest of any of the numerous freelancing sites.
The site is also very user friendly with a unique search function for writers to look up projects from the different writing categories filtering out any one that he is not interested in.

oDesk

On oDesk, there is no membership fee charged but the site takes about 11 percent of commission fee on completed projects. Its system of finding a project known as applying rather than bidding is different from all freelancing sites. A project with a set hourly rate is open to freelance writers for application, on applying, the buyers choose writers to interview from among those applicants

Guru

Guru is probably the largest freelance bidding site today. It runs in a similar model to Elance with lots of writing projects available in the Writing/Editing/Translation category than any other bidding site. Users are required to pay a fee either quarterly or yearly to access the hundreds of projects regularly available on the site for bidding. There is also a five percent commission fee on completed projects.

pcLance

This site is similar to RentaCoder because it is also mainly for programmers. There are however a few with very few jobs targeted at web content writers and designers. It is relatively new compared to other sites (began in 2006) and it is doesn’t have a user friendly category system like the other top freelancing sites. You can however get to bid on the relatively few projects posted everyday.

GetaFreelancer

This site features job opportunities such as copywriting, proofreading and SEO for freelance writers. It does not charge any commission and its monthly fee is very low. This site is however widely rated as having one of the lowest paying projects.

Summarily, the advantage of these bidding sites over sites like Craigslist, AuthenticJobs.com and other sites that compile freelance writing jobs is that it is less competitive and quicker to find clients.

Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is another top freelancing site that features several freelance jobs for freelancers including coders, writers, programmers, designers, marketers and more. Freelancers can bid for a range of projects covering web design, professional programming, custom writing or marketing on this bidding site

Lime Exchange
LimeExchange is another freelance project bidding site that currently allows exchange of services for Freelance professionals & experts. It provides freelance projects across various categories such as writing & translation, graphic design,services, web design, web development, software development, networking, audio/video, multimedia, programming etc.

LimeExchange in partnership with ExpertRating, a trusted name in Online Tests and Certifications offers an impressive portfolio of online tests and certifications across a wide array of topics to help a freelancer add to the credibility to his profile and improve his chances of winning a bid. Each test costs 4 USD

EXCITING business opportunities in Nigeria and Africa,

2010-06-22T05:32:00.000-07:00

Overview:
The democratization of information as a result of the proliferation of digital technologies that created the new age of knowledge that we live in today; Corporate professionals, business executives, entrepreneurs, Christian ministers, Students, researchers and lecturers more than ever before need to tap into the rich pool of information and knowledge especially those available through books where in print format or in digital format to compete in this age.

Corporate organizations need to build learning systems that ensure that to maximize the performance of their staff by equipping them with useful skills and know-how to achieve optimum business results.

The public system needs to ensure that a culture of reading and learning percolates into the system; creating citizens prepared to meet the demands of the 21st century economy.

Whether for individuals, corporations or businesses, government or public institutions the secrets to successfully competing in the 21st century where brainpower rules is found in the five letter word B-O-O-K-S

Target Markets: researchers, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and business people, academics, individuals, institutions and corporate libraries, book-clubs and book lovers etc

Services:
We can provide books of all spheres of human learning and endeavors including:

• Business
• Religious
• Business magazines
• Scientific journals and Industry publications etc…

In whatever format; print or digital (audio and video books) you desire.

Start-up Costs/details: 500,000k and above depending on cost of lease and size of the bookshop.

Others: Location and business model is critical; online sales and ordering services can be added. The book shop should not be just about sales of books but it should reflect a unique model of being a knowledge product and services company.