A Call to believe in the Nigerian Dream

XForx Products (Naija Web Explosion, Young Talent Support)

Interview With XForx Creative Technologist Ayodeji Ayeni

Can we meet you?

I am Ayeni Peter Olamilekan Ayodeji, I was born in a border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic. Where I attended Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School before I moved to Ilorin in 2003 to complete my secondary school at Sheik Abdulkadir College Ilorin, after which I attend Bethesda Bible Institute in 2007, I then went on to study Computing at Informatics Institute of Technology.  I worked with Yaliam Press Ltd before I resigned to start up Xtra Forx.

You studied computing, how did you come across design?

I have been designing and creating brands before I went to study Computing. I think it’s a hubby that has turned to a profession. Because I love creative work I have decided to take it to the next level, though I still engage in software engineering and other aspect of computing.

You had a good job in Abuja, why did u decide to resign?

There is difference between job security and job satisfaction. I think I found satisfaction in starting up Xtra Forx though I have to take a hard decision of losing my comfort, guaranteed monthly salary and other benefits of working with a large company like that in Abuja.

I have a vision to provide employment to millions of youth all over the world and to achieve that I have to start somewhere because I believe in this word Small is Beautiful. So I don’t have to be GREAT to start up, but I can start small and become GREAT.

What is XForx all about?

Our philosophy at XForx is ‘There’s a CEO in everyone’ so XForx is basically a solution provider for everybody.

Why did you decided to start XForx in Ilorin and not Abuja or Lagos?

XForx our operation is not restricted to a particular location as we serve clients all over the world. We only choose to make Ilorin our base for operation and we are building our headquarters here by God’s grace.  Our mission is to redefine branding, advertising, design and printing in Kwara State, by creating brands and design of global quality for Kwarans.

How did you come up with the name XForx?

Laughing! The Inspiration came while we were at the police station about five years ago, I and Damilare the Business Development manager since every young man with a laptop is a suspect to our Police.  We believe no change can occur without a force according to Isaac Newton law of motion. And if you are a science student you will understand what escape velocity is. So if you want to launch a rocket into the moon you need some extra force to pass the earth’s gravity that is where the word Extra Force came from. So if you want to launch your business above all competitors and stay on top of your niche you need Xtra Forx (XForx for short).

XForx was officially unveiled 3 months ago, how has been the progress?

We can only give all the glory to God, because He has been our CEO. And the entire team members are doing a great job. For the past three month all I can say is that our clients have been smiling.

 What makes XForx different from every other design or branding company?

I will say that it’s our unique approach to each project we do.

What have been XForx' major challenge since start up?

Apart from the general challenges that a new company faces in our part of the world which if you reside in Nigeria should know, I will say making some of our new clients understand what a professional design and brand is and paying for them have been a major challenge. And that is why we have setup a programme to train entrepreneurs and even the general public on Branding and Beyond Branding.

Where do you see XForx in the next five years?

By His grace we should have XForx in UK, Ghana, USA and some other part of the world. Our school of Creative Technology and state-of-the-art Studio in Ilorin.

Can you tell us something people don't know about you?

I have never written JAMB EXAM before.

When you are not designing what do you do?

Hmmm! I read Christian Literatures, Art and Design Magazine and I watch bestseller films; and I like spending time with friends, even though the computer will be around me somehow. I think when am not designing am actually sleeping. 

Seeing some of your blogs, groups and page are you a motivational speaker?

Depend on your definition of a motivational speaker. I am a normal guy that faces every single problem people and especially youth face out there. So I only teach what I have experienced and proved.  I don’t go around telling people sweet lies on how they can become a billionaire and live a failure proved life. I teach more of bitter truth on how you can be a success in the midst of failure that is real.

Presently I teach and write on four major topics, which link to each other. Take a Bold Step, Business Innovation and Development, Academic Excellent, and Beyond Branding. If you want me to teach on any of this topics you can hook me up at www.facebook.com/ayenicology.

Word for upcoming entrepreneurs?

You don’t have to be great to start up, but you can start up small and become great. At XForx we are always there to make your start up interesting and easy.

Message to fans and clients

XForx appreciate your support as we continue in the art of creating your imaginations.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL BRANDING TO KWARANS

THE IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL BRANDING TO KWARANS - Oluyide Damilare

Tell me why Global branding is of great importance and I will show you how to stay ahead of your competitions.

It has been generally observed that your environment goes a long way in influencing you, your business and your way of reasoning. Brands like ‘Isiaka and Sons Ltd, Madam Sheri Food Canteen, etc’ are all functions of the environment they emerged from. The ignorance attached in virtual sales and profit making also deprive some people of hitting the gold in their respective industries.

Kwara state has been attached with the stigma of poor business opportunities, growth, stability and even availability hence variosu markwting strategies have and are been applied. Your marketing strategy will be most effective if you recognise the power of branding and by expertly tailoring campaigns to meet your specific needs without exceeding the budget otherwise business close up or even bankruptcy will be inevitable. The question now is:

How do I develop a Global Brand?

 Developing a brand requires putting yourself in front of the people who are willing to give you money for what you offer and this has been confirmed from a couple of universally proven techniques:

The First Identity: More than just logo design; a brand encompasses the customer's perception and awareness of your company. Be sure to take time to really think your brand through and through. Then, let the Professionals (XForx) put your ideas into a plan of action. This helps develop strategies which help build up an introduction to your company, and then carry on creating a greater reach across multiple advertising venues including web, print, screen and more.

WWW: A website is your first chance to make a great first impression on your customer. It's well known that a poorly designed site reflects poorly on the company, regardless of how great your service or products are. Countless "do-it-yourself" web design programs have sprung up in recent years, designed to help you create a site as quickly as possible - but what if your competitors are using the same old "bam bam la la" template? The bottom line is this - customers want a site that loads quickly, easy to navigate and processes orders securely and without a lot of hassle. If your site's first impression isn't leaving them with that kind of attitude - then speak with your Global Marketing Consultants (XForx) about some tips to make your site perform better

Search Engine Optimization:  You may have thousands of competitors in your industry, but only the top 10 matter. Make sure your business has a viable presence in all major search engines. Rely only on Certified Search Engine Optimization Professionals (XForx) to help you maximize your ranking and start getting (and keeping) visitors to your site.

Social Networking Media:  New methods of spreading the word are now available to a global audience. If you aren't taking advantage of micro-blogging services like Twitter, social networking spaces like FaceBook, or video networks such as YouTube, then you're missing out on reaching thousands of active potential customers at the click of a button. Learn how to target these ready buyers through superb social media.

Public Relations: Have you ever felt lost among a sea of voices when it comes to website promotion? Unfortunately, some public relations specialists feel that the louder they yell, the more attention they'll get. With the right avenues, you can count on a Good Global Marketing Network (XForx) to deliver the kind of reach that only an experienced firm can provide. So get your business in the news, and start making valuable contacts in the media who sincerely want to hear from you and learn about you.

So, ask your self "will developing a cohesive strategy add value to me or my business?" This depends on the ability to expose your brand to the correct market niche as cheap and fast as possible.