Redefining success
If you are involved in the tech industry in Ghana, you have probably heard of the legends in the game like Rancard solutions, Softribe, Professor Allotey et al. These pioneers set the pace for what we admire as success in the tech ecosystem, not only in Ghana and Africa, but around the world.
My friend Drew had narrated a rich story of one of the pacesetters in Ghana a few months ago. He had narrated calmly how this legend had bootstrapped his company with his co-founders and for nine overwhelming years had been unprofitable. Then with a turn of events, they landed a major deal that transformed their lives. At the end of the story I was pumped! Who was this guy and why had I not spoken to him yet?
I had subtly forgotten about this startup hero of mine till I attended the Tech In Ghana Conference yesterday. I believe one of the obligatory versatilities of a good MC is his ability to dexterously network with anyone. So when I got to the lobby of the conference I nimbly got to sharing pleasantries. I chanced on Nana Prempeh from Asoriba, another gentleman I respect, who was speaking to a relatively more seasoned looking gentleman across the hall so I approached the two with poise. The gent was introduced to me as Ehi and the conversation continued.
After listening to the conversation for a few minutes, I asked Ehi what he did. That was when I realized I was in the same breathing space of a legend. "You don't know who Ehi is Ammish?" Nana quipped with a surprised look on his face. I admitted bashfully I didn't know who this man,validating Nana's connotation of my lack of total involvement in the tech space in Ghana,was. "He is Ehizogie Binitie, the co-founder of Rancard!"My immediate response? "Yo! Of course! I am so sorry! Let me shake your hand again sir. I have heard too many good things about you!"And that was how we began the conversation of Ehi's presentation of revising our vision for tech landscape in Ghana and Africa. It was intellectually stimulating, inspiring and provoking to say the least. Two stellar lessons I took from the conversation i'd like to share were:
My friend Drew had narrated a rich story of one of the pacesetters in Ghana a few months ago. He had narrated calmly how this legend had bootstrapped his company with his co-founders and for nine overwhelming years had been unprofitable. Then with a turn of events, they landed a major deal that transformed their lives. At the end of the story I was pumped! Who was this guy and why had I not spoken to him yet?
I had subtly forgotten about this startup hero of mine till I attended the Tech In Ghana Conference yesterday. I believe one of the obligatory versatilities of a good MC is his ability to dexterously network with anyone. So when I got to the lobby of the conference I nimbly got to sharing pleasantries. I chanced on Nana Prempeh from Asoriba, another gentleman I respect, who was speaking to a relatively more seasoned looking gentleman across the hall so I approached the two with poise. The gent was introduced to me as Ehi and the conversation continued.
After listening to the conversation for a few minutes, I asked Ehi what he did. That was when I realized I was in the same breathing space of a legend. "You don't know who Ehi is Ammish?" Nana quipped with a surprised look on his face. I admitted bashfully I didn't know who this man,validating Nana's connotation of my lack of total involvement in the tech space in Ghana,was. "He is Ehizogie Binitie, the co-founder of Rancard!"My immediate response? "Yo! Of course! I am so sorry! Let me shake your hand again sir. I have heard too many good things about you!"And that was how we began the conversation of Ehi's presentation of revising our vision for tech landscape in Ghana and Africa. It was intellectually stimulating, inspiring and provoking to say the least. Two stellar lessons I took from the conversation i'd like to share were:
- Talk less and do more because soon people will want to validate your talk and your work will have to speak for itself. Those who spend more time talking and less time doing produce vaporware. One of the best ways to know you are providing really value is when you have to do relatively little marketing or talking to sell your product because the referrals are great.
Rancard dared to serve the top tech companies in the world when they started in a humble town in Ghana and 11 years after their resolve, the were able to get attain it. And now they have the luxury to dream bigger dreams, i'd say few in Ghanaian tech industry would even dare to consider.
- Success is a mindset we can reset or redefine after achieving our initial goals. But first dare to dream big, change your perspective and think about providing value globally. We eventually achieve the goals we set for ourselves so why shoot at the clouds when you can reach the stars?
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