Let me share some stories with you from the abundance of my ugly experiences.
I shared same office with a very beautiful lady during my NYSC. She had a boyfriend who was the M.D. of a thriving oil servicing company. So I served as errand boy between the two, they both took care of me. After my NYSC, the man was one of the few people that I hoped would help me so I went to his office. He simply asked me "What do you want?" Then I started a long story of how I came from a poor background, how growing up was tough, how I have been disappointed many times, how the whole of my village were looking up to me, how I hope to 'make it' one day etc. I thought my story would make him to pity me and he would just give me 'any' job then I will become a young millionaire like him! After my story, he asked again 'So what exactly do you want?'. I continued with my blabbing. He just dipped his hand into his pocket and gave me a thousand naira. He discharged me and that was how my hope evaporated.
As a young hustler, fresh from the oven and exploring the streets I met the heir apparent to one of Nigeria's billionaires at an oil and gas forum. He fell for my confidence and charisma so he gave me his mobile number (then it was 090.,,). I thanked my stars and started fantasizing about riches because to me, there's no way I won't make money through the son of a man that we heard was the Africa's biggest philanthropist of all time. So after satisfying myself with the imaginary lifestyles I called him up and he was delighted to hear from me. I thought it wise to take it easy and steady. I followed it up with several other calls and he picked all my calls. My messages have always been 'I just want to say hello and check on you'. So one day he asked 'What exactly do you want?'. I became dumb! I realized that I didn't even know what I wanted exactly. That was how our friendship died slowly.
At the peak of hustling and with a terribly beaten jalopy to move round, a retired Admiral bashed my car and out of pity he offered to repair the car and still give me some money but out of my desperation for breakthrough I declined his offers and told him that I just wanted to be one of his 'boys'. He was surprised. He said 'okay, please be my friend'. That was the last day I saw him as the soldiers guiding his house never gave me access to him.
Now, in these three and many other instances I realized that I was never really prepared nor knew what I wanted. I had a feeling they could have helped me if I was sure of what I wanted and prepared.
Please note that the fact that your friend, family member, relation or neighbor is in a privileged position is not a guarantee for your own breakthrough, you have to know what you want and present it in a clear and unambiguous message. Always set a SMART goal and ensure it is well communicated. If your expectations are not met then don't be dejected. Just keep on keeping on. At least I didn't get help from any of the three people but I can afford data on my phone today to post this update!
Remain blessed.
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