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Finance & Business

10 Underrated Skills Every Entrepreneur Should Develop

Published

6 years ago

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Forbes – All photos courtesy of YEC members.

Forbes – Every entrepreneur has skills and attributions that make them unique. However, there are certain qualities that all business owners should have. While some are obvious, like confidence, passion and persistence, others are a bit lesser-known.

We asked a panel of Young Entrepreneur Council members to share some underrated skills that entrepreneurs should possess—but often don’t. If you recognize a skill gap within yourself, work to bridge it so you can boost your chances of success.

Members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss underrated skills that entrepreneurs should possess.

1. Intuition

Intuition is real and it is one of the most impactful traits for success. It helps when you need to make a decision beyond just having the facts. It gives you the sense to continually be aware of what’s happening around you. And it provides a way to hone your understanding of people, their reactions and their behaviors. Intuition has always served me well. That’s why I always listen to that little voice. – Serenity Gibbons, NAACP

2. Delegation

When starting a business, entrepreneurs wear so many hats and get used to carrying the bulk of the workload. But as the business grows and the demands increase, it is absolutely vital to learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others. This can be a hard grip to loosen, especially when we are so used to doing it all. But I find that entrepreneurs who aren’t able to make this leap often suffer burnout. They are overworked and their productivity decreases when they’re trying to do too much on their own. You have to learn which tasks are important enough to keep and which tasks you can let someone else take ownership of—even when that means things may not get done exactly the way you’d like. Pick and choose your battles! – Leila Lewis, Be Inspired PR

3. Mentoring

Having a solid startup team matters, but it is easier said than done. As a first-time entrepreneur without venture capitalist backing, you find the best you can for the money that you can afford, and then you might have to spend time grooming them. When your startup grows, you might want to build your mid-level leadership layer organically rather than bringing someone from outside, as culture fit really matters. As a leader, you should have the ability to groom your team and help them find their strengths and areas for improvement. You also need to inspire them to achieve something, even if they might not be able to see it yet. When scaling the business, this becomes a crucial skill. – Shilpi Sharma, Kvantum Inc.

4. Trust

In the earliest stages of their businesses, many entrepreneurs are operating alone or with only a tiny team. For this reason, when your business grows and your team expands, you might be hesitant to give up the reins. You often feel you need to be a part of every project, every meeting and every email chain to ensure that everything is running smoothly. The problem is, this kind of micromanaging can create roadblocks and prevent team members from sharing their ideas. My advice is to focus on surrounding yourself with talented people and giving them the freedom to make a contribution. They’ll come up with ideas and initiatives that you never would have thought of. Being able to let go of some control and trust in your team is a skill, and it’s essential for entrepreneurial success. – Amy Balliett, Killer Infographics

5. Nurturing

Sometimes people think of the urge to nurture as a weakness. We want to take care of our friends, family, clients and employees. By harnessing that urge to nurture and focusing it on my business, I treat the company as a living, breathing entity that needs my help to survive. This helps me to transform that feeling by reframing the business into something that requires boundaries and care. – Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

6. Creative Problem-Solving

Entrepreneurs are confronted with challenges on a daily basis, and most don’t come with a troubleshooting manual. A great entrepreneur will relish each “problem” as a new opportunity to flex their creative skills to work towards solving whatever gets thrown their way. The ability to pivot and adapt when confronting the unexpected is a key component to enjoying the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. – Melaine Privitera, Mobius

7. Communication

There is no such thing as over-communication. When I stepped into the CEO role, I realized that to keep all departments aligned I had to communicate the near- and long-term priorities and company vision many times, in many ways, over and over (written, verbal, in person, on calls). I felt like I was repeating myself all the time, but for an engineer in the company focused on one piece of the product, it’s easy to forget how what you are doing fits into the big picture. And that’s a key role of leadership: to clearly and regularly communicate what we are doing and why to keep everyone rowing in the same direction. – Frances Dewing, Rubica Inc.

8. Willingness To Ask For Help

You have to know how and when to ask for help. Be specific. What would help me right now? Ask someone who can give you what you need (Who can help me?). Women especially feel pressure to be everything—to be a perfect mother, keep a perfect house and have everything in order. Add in running a business, and now your priorities as a woman are competing with your priorities in what is still viewed as more of a “man’s world.” Like it or not, gender roles still exist, and many women feel like everything is falling apart around them while they run this very successful business. Ask for the help you need with the house, with the kids and with getting things done to free you up to do the big stuff and the fun stuff. – Alisha Navarro, 2 Hounds Design

9. Open-Mindedness

The more open-minded you are—the more you are willing to listen to others and take suggestions, or pivot and try a different path—the more likely you are to succeed. However, it can be challenging to have an open mind given the current environment of narrow-minded thinking. Plus, it can be challenging to see beyond your own ideas. However, it is well worth taking others’ suggestions and perspectives. – Angela Ruth, Calendar

10. Curiosity

To have entrepreneurial success, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and to always be looking at better ways or new ways of doing things. By being a naturally curious person, you’ll find yourself constantly learning and exploring new terrains that might lead to your next growth idea, way to cut back expenses or productivity booster! – Adelaida Sofia Diaz-Roa, Nomo FOMO

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Christian Wealth Principles

6 Biblical Money Foundations That Unlock Financial Freedom – What the Bible Really Says About Wealth

You will learn about Godly wealth principles and Christian money tips. It covers managing money, financial freedom and you will also explore Biblical investing, and blessings.

Published

3 days ago

on

June 16, 2025

By

Introduction

Is money evil? Should Christians be rich? What does the Bible really say about wealth?
Many believers struggle with finances due to mixed messages. But Scripture provides clear wisdom about money management. In this post, discover 6 Biblical money foundations that help you enjoy wealth without guilt and handle finances God’s way. This will help you in Faith and finances. You will learn about Godly wealth principles and Christian money tips. It covers managing money God’s way as well as spiritual and financial freedom. You will also explore Biblical investing, tithing, and blessings.

Watch the full video breakdown on our Faith & Fortune Finance YouTube channel [embedded below].

___________________

1. God Owns Everything—We Are Just Stewards

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

God owns it all—your money, house, gifts, even your ideas.
You’re not the owner. You’re the steward.

Action Steps:

  • Shift from ownership to stewardship
  • Ask God how to manage what He’s entrusted to you
  • Use wealth to glorify God, not just yourself

Quote:

“When we see money as God’s, we handle it differently—with purpose, peace, and power.”

2. Diligence and Hard Work Bring Prosperity

Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Financial laziness is mental, physical, and spiritual.
Avoid laziness in planning, learning, and building wealth.

Example: Oprah Winfrey built a global empire through diligence—not luck.
Biblical Application: Psalms 1:3 – “Whatever he does prospers.”

Faith + Action = Prosperity

Action Steps:

  • Show up early. Learn. Network. Execute.
  • Serve God in your work, not just in church.
  • Work is worship when done with purpose.

3. Avoid Debt and Live Within Your Means

Proverbs 22:7 – “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Debt leads to anxiety, stress, and missed opportunities.
God’s people are called to financial freedom.

Real-World Example:
Chris Hogan teaches the power of debt-free living in Everyday Millionaires. These everyday millionaires became wealthy by saving. They also budget carefully and avoid debt.

Action Steps:

  • Budget with a plan, not emotion
  • Buy only what you can afford
  • Practice the “banana principle”: Don’t chase what’s ripe today but rotten tomorrow.

4. Tithing and Generosity Invite God’s Blessing

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe… see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”

Generosity invites God into your finances.

Real-World Example:
Bill Gates’ philanthropy helped eradicate diseases and feed nations. He gave to bless, and the blessing multiplied.

Action Steps:

  • Tithe as an act of faith
  • Give beyond money—give time, wisdom, love
  • Be a blessing to others

5. Invest and Multiply What God Gives You

Matthew 25:14–30 – Parable of the Talents

God expects you to grow what He gives you. Don’t bury your potential.

Real-World Examples:

  • Warren Buffet invests long-term with wisdom and restraint
  • Ray Dalio succeeds through planning, research, and principles

Action Steps:

  • Start small—just start
  • Learn to invest: stocks, skills, businesses
  • Multiply resources for Kingdom impact

6. Practice Contentment—Avoid the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10 – “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

Wealth is a tool, not a goal.

Real-World Example:
Dave Ramsey lives and teaches contentment after rebounding from financial failure. He preaches peace over pressure.

Action Steps:

  • Be content with what you have
  • Avoid comparison and consumerism
  • Focus on eternal rewards over earthly riches

🎯 How to Apply These Biblical Money Foundations Today

✅ Recognize that God owns everything
✅ Be diligent and hardworking
✅ Avoid debt and impulse purchases
✅ Tithe and give generously
✅ Invest wisely
✅ Practice contentment daily

Watch Full Teaching on YouTube

👇Watch this full video breakdown with real-life case studies and extra teaching only on Faith & Fortune Finance:

Conclusion

God’s financial principles aren’t just spiritual—they’re practical. Apply them and you’ll see peace, purpose, and prosperity flow into every area of your life.

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Finance & Business

As Nigerians Battle Pains Of Soaring Petrol Price

This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy.

Published

8 months ago

on

October 16, 2024

By

BY IFEANYI MOGBOLU

The Daily Times-The latest fuel price hike in Nigeria is beyond frustrating. Every time we think it can’t get worse, it does, and yet again, ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of it.

It’s like a never-ending cycle, where the government’s promises of reforms or stabilisation always end up as empty rhetoric. The cost of living is already sky-high, and now, with fuel prices rising again, transport fares, food prices, and basic commodities are bound to follow suit.

It’s enraging because it doesn’t feel like anyone is truly considering the everyday citizen who is struggling just to survive.

This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy. The subsidies are gone, and now we’re left in a situation where the prices of everything keep climbing, while salaries remain stagnant or non-existent for many.

The disparity between the elites and the masses is growing, and it feels like nobody in power truly cares about the suffering of the people.

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The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground.

It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum. The state of living is unbearable, and the lack of empathy or real action from those in power only adds salt to the wound.

There’s a deep sense of anger and betrayal that comes with seeing your country’s wealth mismanaged, while the people continue to suffer. It’s hard not to feel like we are constantly being taken for granted, pushed further into hardship without any hope of relief. Something has to give, because this state of affairs is unsustainable.

QUOTE:

The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground. It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum.

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Finance & Business

Nigeria To Receive $5.600,000 From Bill Gates, For Health And Agricultural Reforms, GMOs

Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.

Published

9 months ago

on

September 27, 2024

By

Bill Gates, GMOs, KASHIM Shettima

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving Nigeria through Vice President Kashim Shettima, a $5.600,000 funds to speedy up health and agricultural reforms in favour of the GMOs in Nigeria, and flood relief.

Through the Foundation’s head of Global Development Programme, Dr Christopher Elias, Bill Gates pledged $5 million grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics they called “industrial cassava” and $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives.

Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.

Recall that on 4 September, Bill Gates had described the Nigeria’s economy as “stagnated” and proposed agricultural reforms for faster and increased growths in crops, fruits, vegetables amongst others to enhance nutritional values of the Nigerian citizens through the agricultural sector.

In that meeting Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Bill gates urged Nigeria to adopt “innovative crop varieties with shorter growing periods, higher yields, and better pest resistance” pointing to the GMOs to address the food crisis.

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Moreover, at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, VP Shettima reaffirmed to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development in Nigeria’s national agenda.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis”.

He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication and urgently working to secure locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.

VP Shettima, promising swift action to the Gate’s Foundation on import permits for certified seeds, the VP said, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.

“We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” he added while reiterating the government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation.

“With the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the nation remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

In his response, President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, said the Foundation is burdened with worries of the severe flooding in Borno, and is “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”

Speaking of Polio, the Foundation said, “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” Dr. Elias noted.

Also, President of Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme emphasizing that a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

In his words, “Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhees stressed.

He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified GMO maize seed to build a foundation seed system in Nigeria.

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