''We Are Only Familiar with What We Know''- Yemisi Ajeojo Speaks on new Book
Yemisi, 23, is passionate about community development, business growth and guiding young people to recognize and maximize the resources within and around them for growth, impact and fulfillment. Join Opeyemi Tifase on this interview with Yemisi, telling how Social Media is the new CV.
NNI: Can we meet You?
Guest: My name is Yemisi Ajeojo, author of “Social Media is your new CV” a book where I shared how I have gotten amazing opportunities from social media and how anyone can position themselves online for amazing opportunities. From what to share, how to connect with the right people to how to use Linkedin, the book covers it all. I am also the co-founder of Triift Africa, a social enterprise that provides easier access to low interest loans, business support and advisory.
In addition, I am the co-founder of Cirkle Labs a digital social enterprise Leveraging on community and collaboration to influence education, enterprise and employment at the grass root level with digital tools. I have worked in private and public sectors in both Nigeria and the UK in roles that cut across innovation, community development, project management, economic development, governance, strategic leadership and business development. At the heart of it, I am passionate about making social impact- influencing people and systems, community development, business growth and ecosystems.
NNI: Kindly tell us about your book, ''Social Media is Your New CV''
Guest: I will always remember moving back to Nigeria in 2017 filled with a lot of uncertainties because almost everyone that heard that I was coming back had made sure to remind me of the unemployment statistics in Nigeria.
So, imagine my surprise when I got over 5 job offers in less than 2 weeks from people that I had met on social media. In addition to job offers, I have gone on to receive an invitation to speak at Tedx, speak at other amazing events and even sponsorship for some of the community projects I have done from people I only met on social media. I wrote this book to share what I did right with other young people.
Majority of young people are on social media, and these platforms provide access to a lot of opportunities and that is why I wrote this book.
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| Yemisi Ajeojo |
I shared not just my story, but the story of other amazing people I know who have gotten job opportunities and even scholarships just by connecting with the right people the right way and sharing the right content online. In my book, I have shared how anyone can achieve this too.
From how to set up a profile that stands out, to how to network correctly on social media and even how to use and get results from LinkedIn.
NNI: How can you leverage on opportunities that digital media provides?
Guest: When you continue to develop skills, and acquire knowledge that adds value to the community, as well as clearly communicate this value on digital platforms and intentionally engage with the right people you will find it really easy to leverage on opportunities that digital media provides.
NNI: What views do you hold as regards social media strategy?
Guest: A social media strategy whether as one created for an individual or business goes a long way to create an intentionality with being online and having a voice.
NNI: It is really strange how the older generation believe social media cannot earn one a living. What are your comments about this?
Guest: I don’t think it is strange, to a large extent we are only familiar with what we know. The job market is changing, 10 years ago or even 5 years ago a lot of the jobs that exist now with digital tools did not exist then. So, imagine growing up thinking that the only key jobs that provide financial security is to be a doctor, accountant, engineer or lawyer. But now you have a daughter or son who just sits all day with a laptop and earns money by working for companies in countries he/she has never been to. I can only imagine how hard it is to come to terms with.
NNI: What was your first experience as a TEDx Speaker?
Guest: I had the opportunity to speak at the first Tedx that took place in Bowen University in 2018. There are different ways to be a Tedx speaker, but the first thing is to have a message you want to share and be sure that you can share it as articulately as possible within a short period of time, maximum 12 minutes. This is very easy to achieve with practice. You can put yourself forward to speak at a Tedx event or just make sure that everyone around you knows the things you are passionate about and you would like to share this knowledge at Tedx event. That way, people are able to recommend you for opportunities when they arise.
NNI: What would you say is the biggest lesson failure ever taught you?
Guest: Failure has taught me to never define myself by a happening at one point of my life. That it didn’t go well today doesn’t mean I do not have a life to leave tomorrow.
NNI: What motivates you?
Guest: I am really result driven and passionate about making social impact.
The poverty rate in Nigeria is very alarming . Each time I watch the news, it is like a big weight has been put on my shoulders and I am staring at a ticking time bomb that will affect me and generations to come if I do not put my own effort towards addressing it.
Thank you very much for the audience. Your story is quite inspiring.
