Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO and 6th richest man on earth paid a silent visit to Nigeria few days back and his first visit was the CC-Hub in Yaba, after-which he was hosted in a question and answer session at the Landmark Town Hall.
Below are eight inspiring things we learnt during the questions and answers session with the billionaire, Mark zuckerberg:
1. Move fast and break things.
“Unless you are breaking stuff, you are not moving fast enough.”
No, he is not encouraging those with a penchant for breaking stuff in the anger to carry on doing so as if it is normal behavior. He is basically saying, challenge the norm; don’t acknowledge limitations or in Naija slangs, never stay in your lane. Forge new tracks for your own lane.
2. “The question I ask myself almost every day is, ‘Am I doing the most important thing I could be doing?’” – Valid question. Are you doing the most important thing you could be doing with your life, your abilities, your passions for yourself and society? Wait. Don’t answer just yet- think on these things.
3. “People don’t care about what you say; they care about what you build or do.”
Actions speak louder than words. You cannot keep mouthing off with no evidence to show for it. Take time to build; invest in the foundation of your building, your systems, your relationships. A house built upon the sand will crumble.
4. “The biggest risk is NOT taking any risk.”
There is nothing else to add to this, you understand now.
5. “We don’t build services to make money; we make money to build better services.”
Perspective! Perspective!! Perspective!!! Think, why do you do what you do? Why are you in business? To make profit, to solve problems, make a difference, what? Let your motive be right.
6. “I think a simple rule of business is, if you do the things that are easier first, then you can actually make a lot of progress.”
When a dozen projects are dropped in your lap with an impossible timeline, start with what’s easier. If you begin a Start-up, and a million things are calling for your attention at the same time, the trick: do what’s easier first.
7. “We look for people who are passionate about something. In a way, it almost doesn’t matter what you’re passionate about.”
Passion is the fuel that drives the mission. Find your passion and plug it into something.
8. “You are better off trying something, having it not work and learning from that THAN not doing anything at all.”
Loose the fear of failure. It’s a noose around your neck. Don’t be afraid to lay your hands on something new. You can never tell what it stands to become in the nearest future. Try! Try!! and again I say, TRY!!!
Let’s take heed to these things. If it is coming from the 6th richest and youngest man, then I think it’s worthy of note to abide with.
My name is Abbey Oyetunji.