Hello fam!

I bet you must have seen the video trending from @cbcdragon of the Cameroonian, Gilles Tchianga, who pitched to the dragons den panel about his business Taltis Foods @taltisfoodsca. It was such an emotional pitch that though he came asking for $60,000 he left there with the equivalent of $600,000!  (Watch the video - 

Here!

Here are some lessons I’ve penned down from this. Hope you find them useful. 

1. Never underestimate the power of your story. His story endeared him to the dragon who could relate. He connected deeply to his story more than his products. Tell your story!

Lord help me to never stop telling my story. It may help encourage, liberate someone. But it could also be the ladder that elevates me.

2. Start little. 

But In your little, make excellence your watchword. See the beauty of his packaging and the excellence in his presentations. 🙌🏾

He couldn’t have caught their eye if he came with shabby looking products. 

Did you get when he said We is Me? 

Lord help me to know that I am a reflection of you, so all I do should speak excellence. Teach me that one with you is many. I am “we” because you are with me.

3. Understand your business needs. 

He communicated what he wanted and God brought a full measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over! 

He knew what he wanted to do with the money. He knew his numbers. He had gone back to the drawing board after the covid break so he was ready.

Lord teach me to understand and communicate my needs. Teach me to be interested in the details as you are a detailed God. Help me to be ready, so that when the opportunity you send my way comes, I’ll be ready to receive it.

4.  When you’ve passed a hurdle, look back and help those you meet struggling that path. 

Wes is the real hero for me! 

He was probably transported back to when he came to Canada first as an immigrant and he could connect with the man’s struggles. So he reached out to help. With a far more generous offer than what the guy has asked for! 

Father, May I  not forget what it was like when I was still struggling 😩. May I always always reach out to help those coming behind me, be a light. Be a helping hand, Be a ladder

5. It is maturity to recognize when it’s someone’s moment and hold your horses. For the other dragons that saw what an emotional moment it was for Wes and had the common sense to hold their bids! They are real MVPs! 🙌🏾

Father, help me to know when not to contest and when to let go for someone who needs it more. Help me to learn that I don’t always have to win the argument. I don’t have to be the spotlight always. Sometimes the winning is in letting go.

6. Toot Your Horn! 

Notice how Robert’s eyes lit up when Giles spoke Italian? Notice how they nodded when he said he studied Food processing up to masters degree in an Italian university?

You may think he didn’t need to mention them but see how it added to his credibility. 

Lord help me to mention my distinctive achievements at the time they are most needed. May false humility not rob me of possible advancements.

This video touched me on many levels. I’m inspired afresh. I hope you are too! 

Till I come your way, I remain your best girl,

• Brenda Unu.