Features
Consider when starting a business
Everyone can own a business because we are in a world of limitless opportunities — those we create ourselves and others that we chance on from time to time.
It is a beautiful thing when a woman is empowered financially. It is, therefore, important that every woman makes an effort to create or start something that will give her financial liberation.
Today, I share with you the path I followed to become a fashion retail owner and a social activist. Read through and see if you can adapt any of the tips or fine-tune them to suit your personal needs.
Passion
Before embarking on any business journey, one would have to be honest about the passion behind the establishment of the business. It is the beginning of how one feels about the whole business idea.
Certainly, there are lots of up and downs in starting and running a business so one would have to be ‘super passionate’ about what they intend to start. Don’t just wake up and do it because you think everyone is doing it or because you have some loose money. Ask yourself if you’re indeed passionate what you want to start.
Business idea
A good business idea could make a successful business. Your business idea can be what a lot of people are already doing already but it does not matter. Make sure you are willing to start and make the idea you have stand out from the rest. Get a brand name. Your brand name is what you will be identified with. Your brand name is what you will use to advertise your business, the products you sell or the services you offer.
Your brand name must be one that resonates with your target audience and one that can be identified easily. The brand name must symbolise what you do. Your brand name should stand out and must be on top of people’s minds. You can discuss or brainstorm this till you arrive at a suitable brand name.
Build a team or go solo
My Kuburah Diamonds Boutiq is solely run by me, my sales and delivery personnels . But my Zango Women Livelihood & Empowerment Programme has a team — a group of skilful and resourceful empowered women who come together to make it a successful project.
Therefore, If you eventually decide on what to do, decide if the business is something you can ran yourself or whether you will need a complete team.
Look for suppliers or vendors
If you are planning to start trading in skincare products, you need to know who and where to get your raw materials and packages. If it is clothes or accessories, find out who are you buying from?
Again, you’ll have to be concerned about t the source and the quality of the supplies you procure.
Register your business
Note that, as you are thinking of the business and brand name, a thousand and one people are also thinking along the same line so you have to act smart.
It is important to register your business formally at the appropriate quarters so someone does not go ahead of to claim ownership of your business name. Smartness is a good characteristic of a successful business person.
Grow your business
If you are truly passionate about starting a business, trust that doing all the things you will need to grow that business will come naturally and you will do it effortlessly regardless the set backs.
Here, you can grow it by introducing it to people close to you, family and friends, these are the first word of mouth ambassadors of our business. Subsequently introduce your business at places you go and the event you attend.
Carry your business fliers or portfolio around, drop business cards and fliers at front desk and reception if possible. Speak to people, introduce your business. Open a social media business page, invest in advertising or if you have the power to grow it organically, you can do that also.
I wish you all the best.
[The writer is the Founder of Kuburah Diamonds Foundation]
By Adiza Kuburah
Conflict at work is more common than you might think. According to 2022 research by The Myers-Briggs Company, more than a third of the workforce reports dealing with conflict often, very often, or all the time in the workplace. The same report found that managers spend an average of four hours per week dealing with conflict, and nearly 25 per cent of people think their managers handle conflict poorly or very poorly.
Addressing a dispute might feel tense or awkward, but resolving the conflict is typically well worth it in the long run. Whether you’re trying to mediate conflict between colleagues or are directly involved, here are seven steps you can take to manage workplace conflict.
1. Don’t put it off
Facing conflict head-on is hard. However, waiting too long to address it can negatively impact your emotional well-being, focus, and the entire office environment. If you’re feeling angry, letting that emotion fester can also escalate it over time. This can make you less responsive to other points of view and make it harder to resolve the issue.
The sooner you can address the conflict, the better it will be for you, the person you disagree with, and your entire team.
2. Learn all you can about the problem
It’s important to determine the type of conflict you’re dealing with. Begin by considering the cause of the conflict. For example, ask yourself whether someone said something that upset you or if you have emotions of anger and resentment that stemmed from something that happened.
Then try to identify if it’s a task, relationship, value, or team conflict. Once you know what type of conflict it is, you can work to resolve it with specific tactics for that situation.
If you skip this step, you may waste time or escalate the situation further by trying to address issues irrelevant to the real conflict.
3. Actively listen
Listen attentively when people share their side of the story. Active listening is one of the most valuable professional skills you can possess. This type of listening involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also listening to understand their point of view.
No matter your role in conflict, it’s easy to begin sharing your opinion with little regard for the other people involved. However, it’s important to learn about all sides of a disagreement to make well-informed decisions before drawing conclusions.
To reach a resolution, you must step back and prioritize listening over talking. Ultimately, that will encourage the other person to do the same when it’s your turn to speak. –source: betterup.com
Today, I focus on the Temple Of Praise Ministries International (TOP Church) in Helsinki, as I continue my description of personalities or institutions and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The TOP Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments that must be made known to the public. 
Some history
The Church was established in Finland in September 2016. Since its inception, it has steadily grown both spiritually and numerically, by the grace of God, as disclosed to me by Mr Matthew Anini Twumasi, the Presiding Elder of TOP’s branch in Finland. The TOP Church has other branches across Africa, Europe, and America.
The Church in Finland was founded with a vision to create a welcoming and dynamic community where people could experience God’s love and grace (see, www.topchurchfinland.org). According to Presiding Elder Matthew, the TOP Church operates within a unique environment where Christianity coexists with what is seen as a largely secular society.
Despite this, he submits, there are significant opportunities for outreach, unity, and demonstrating the love of Christ through service and community engagement.
Activities
Church services at the TOP Church are typically held on Sundays for the main worship. In addition, there are mid-week prayer sessions, Saturday prayer services, and a half-night service held on the last Friday of every month. “We also organise quarterly programs”, Elder Matthew added.
His impression of the Church so far has been positive. “It is a vibrant and welcoming community where members are committed to worship, fellowship, and supporting one another in faith”, he stated.
In sum, Elder Matthew said the Church continues to grow by God’s grace. “We remain hopeful and committed to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the faith of our members, and making a positive impact in society”, he continued.
Achievements
The TOP Church has a number of achievements and achievements. Some of the strengths include strong community bonds, cultural diversity, and deep commitment to spiritual growth.
I also remember that during the COVID-19 period, I heard that the TOP Church was one such bodies that hugely supported its members and others to cope with the situation.
According to Elder Matthew, the challenges facing the church include “adapting to cultural differences, engaging the younger generation, expanding outreach in a secular society, and securing a permanent place of worship”.
Role in the Ghanaian community in Finland
The TOP Church plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the TOP Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
The Church also has mechanisms in place to support its members who are bereaved as a way to commiserate with them in times of death and funerals.
The Ghanaian community has played a vital role in the growth of the Church. Their strong sense of fellowship, dedication to worship, and active participation have helped build a solid foundation and attract others to the ministry, according to Elder Matthew.
Integration
By its activities, the TOP Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society.
This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process.
The role of migrant associations and groups such as TOP Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
