[quote style=”boxed”]I would read as many books on branding, behavioral economics and basic accounting as I could lay my hands on.[/quote]
Jeffrey Apeakorang Manu is creative thinker with an entrepreneur mindset and is passionate about the power of creative writing, education in Africa and Branding. He is a keen follower of market trends and consumer behavior.
Jeffrey has worked in Africa, Europe and the U.S.A. and has experience spans the fragrance, satellite television, fashion, non-profit and mobile technology industries. He started his first t-shirt printing and artist management company at Age 20 and has gone on to co-found other companies and a non-profit with a concentration in education. He believes money is common but impact is not.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Management from Wisconsin International University College, Ghana and has studied marketing courses at NYU.
What are you working on right now?
I am setting up a scholarship fund for Ghanaian kids who cannot afford school fees.
Where did the idea for LightCreative come from?
About two years ago I worked for an Advertising firm and ended sitting in on some brand consultancy sessions for big companies. I realized that smaller companies and entrepreneurs needed to know how to move their ideas from the mental to tangible realm and knowledge on branding, marketing and visual identity would be useful to them as well.
How do you make money?
‘We create brand identity manuals for clients and develop marketing and advertising campaigns as well. We recently started offering select consulting services for entrepreneurs such as legal, accounting and management consulting.’
What does your typical day look like?
My day starts with Morning Prayer and Bible reading before I touch my phone or computer. I then check emails to find out if there are any last minute meetings or work that has to be assigned to any member of the team. The rest of the day is spent working on marketing and branding solutions for clients, pitches and research. At some point during the day I make sure to read at least 50 pages of some book.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write down everything that comes to mind on notepads open on my phone and computer. I then start with what I have and tweak the idea as it grows. In addition to this, I find out if someone else has already tried this idea and then I decide to avoid their mistakes and improve on their successes.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The fashion and creative entrepreneurship industry in Africa is exciting. Many young people are starting global brands from their homes with little to no funding. It’s nice to see people doing what they love.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I worked at a factory for five days stacking automobile parts onto palettes. I left the job in the middle of the day during lunch because I felt too little of my potential was being utilized if any at all.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would read as many books on branding, behavioral economics and basic accounting as I could lay my hands on.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I continuously study material on people whose success is in line with what I want to do personally and with the company. Secondly, I would recommend every entrepreneur put aside some of their revenue to tithe and help someone else.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Initially I knew very little about basic accounting so I took some time out to read and download apps that could help. I use Excel and some other budgeting apps now.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A school for budding entrepreneurs. People can go to a place like this to learn how to start companies, market their products, handle personal finances and tips on how to grow or scale a business. Nothing else will be taught at this institute.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and how would you go about it?
I would attempt to solve the problem of poverty and apathy in many nations. I would set up institutions that would not only fund but teach people to start profit generating ventures but teach them the principles of the Bible. This will curb the dependency on governments, salaries and family members. Historically most places where a Church has been set up have seen development come to that area.
Tell us something about you that very few people know?
I intentionally stay away from people who complain. Complaining drags everyone down and impedes progress.
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Gmail- It’s the best email platform I’ve used so far.
Youneedabudget.com is simple enough for many people to use.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
God owns my business by Stanley Tam. He grew a multi-million dollar company through hard work and caring for his employees and customers.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
@DrDavidOyedepo, he’s one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world and he does not believe in borrowing.
@RobertsLiardon He’s a great writer and has a lot of wisdom in his tweets.
@EWKenyondaily He was a great salesman and has a lot of advice on diligence in business.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
Yesterday. My brother mentioned the nickname of a client that I didn’t even know about.
Who is your hero?
Dr. David Oyedepo.
What is one of the main reasons for advertising and marketing?
To spread word of mouth. This is the reason you should never do any of these things unless it’s remarkable enough to spread word of mouth.
What do you wish everyone knew?
I wish everyone knew that giving is the easiest way to wealth.
Connect:
Jeffrey Manu’s Blog: Jeffreymanu.tumblr.com
Jeffrey Manu on Twitter: @jeffreymanu
Jeffrey Manu on Instagram: @jeffreyjesusdaily
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.