Storyscape With Oluwasegun

If you are a sales associate in Nigeria, your ability to read the mind of the customer is almost as important as the product you’re selling. Nigerians are smart, observant, and value-driven shoppers. They won’t just buy because you are smiling; they buy because you’ve met their reasoning pattern. Here are key ways to know how Nigerians reason when buying from your store: 1. They Weigh Price Against Perceived Value A Nigerian customer often asks themselves, “Am I getting my money’s worth?” It’s not always about finding the cheapest option, but about getting the best quality at the best price. As a sales associate, highlight durability, unique features, and after-sales benefits not just the cost. 2. They Want to See, Touch, and Compare Even if they saw the product online, they’ll still want to inspect it physically before buying. They might compare it with other items in the store or even with a competitor’s price. Be ready to demonstrate and explain without sounding defensive. 3. They R...

In sales and customer service, success isn’t just about having a great product or service. It’s about how you communicate. Customers are more likely to trust and buy from people who speak their language and understand their needs.  Here’s what customers truly want to hear: 1. “I Understand What You Need” Customers want to know that you’re not just trying to sell them something but that you genuinely understand their needs. When you say, “From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you need something reliable and budget-friendly. I have a perfect option for you,” it shows you’re paying attention. 2. “This Will Make Your Life Easier” People don’t just buy products—they buy solutions. Customers want to hear how your offering will solve their problems or improve their lives. Saying, “With this, you won’t have to worry about that issue anymore,” speaks directly to their desire for convenience and peace of mind. 3. “Others Have Tried This and Loved It” Customers often feel more confident whe...

Understanding customer behavior is a crucial skill in sales. Not every customer who walks into a store or inquires about a product is ready to buy. However, there are telltale signs that reveal when a potential buyer is serious. Knowing these signs can help you focus your efforts, close deals faster, and improve customer satisfaction. Here’s how to identify a customer who truly wants to buy: 1. Clear and Specific Inquiries A customer who asks detailed questions about a product or service is often a strong prospect. They inquire about features, pricing, availability, and delivery timelines. For example, someone asking, “Does this shirt come in other colors and sizes?” is more likely to buy than someone casually saying, “It looks nice.” Tip : Respond with clarity and enthusiasm. The more confident your answers, the closer they move toward making a decision. 2. Repeated Engagement When a customer keeps coming back—whether it's to the store, website, or even through follow-up messages—...

Selling to a customer  is an experience on its own. From the moment they walk in, you can almost predict the conversation. Take for example customers in Lagos "How much is this?" followed by the classic "Ah, they’re selling it cheaper down the road." In a bustling city where everyone wants the best value for their money, knowing how to sell without sounding pushy is a skill every seller needs. It’s not just about the product it’s about how you present it. Here’s how to make sure your customer leaves satisfied and you close the sale successfully: 1. Know Your Product Inside Out The first rule of selling is confidence, and confidence comes from knowledge. Understand your product’s features, benefits, and even potential drawbacks. This way, you can answer any question without hesitation. 2. Understand the Customer's Needs Every customer has a reason for showing interest in a product. Ask open-ended questions to find out what problem they’re trying to solve. When yo...

Introduction In today’s rapidly evolving job market, simply having the right qualifications is no longer enough to guarantee success. In Nigeria, where the professional landscape is as competitive as it is diverse, the key to standing out lies in how well you brand yourself. Personal branding is the art of defining and communicating what makes you unique, and how you can add value. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, venturing into entrepreneurship, or seeking to influence your industry, building a powerful personal brand is crucial. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a personal brand that not only reflects who you are but also propels you towards your career goals. 1. Understanding Personal Branding Personal branding is about creating a distinct identity that sets you apart in your professional life. It involves showcasing your skills, experiences, and values in a way that resonates with your target audience be it employers, clients, or peers. U...

Understanding the difference between a CV and resume is key, especially when applying for jobs in Nigeria. This is a simple explanation intended for the Nigerian job or recruitment industry. How to Know the Difference Between CV and Resume While Applying for Jobs in Nigeria Curriculum Vitae (CV) What It Is : A CV is a lengthy document that tells your whole professional story. Normally, it will be longer; probably about 2–4 pages or more. It includes: - Education : Specifics about your qualifications and previously attended schools. - Experience : A full list of all the jobs you have ever had along with descriptions of your work and achievements Late gonna seem like an afterthought, so far be it for you. - Awards : Any awards or honors you have received. - Professional Affiliations (Memberships in professional organizations connected to your profession) When to Use It In Nigeria, a CV is most used specifically for jobs in establishments like academia and research. It is also...

If you have a product that’s not selling well and you want to move it without running out of stock, here’s a simple way to do it. Whether you’re a salesperson, a sales manager, or a merchandiser, these steps will help you. 1. Check Your Stock and Sales First, look at how much of the product you have and how much you’ve been selling: Check Your Stock : Find out how much of the product is left in your store or warehouse.    Look at Sales : See how much of this product you’ve sold before. This helps you understand how well it might sell during a promotion. Knowing this will help you plan better. 2. Plan Small Promotions Next, decide how you want to promote the product without causing too much demand: Target Specific Customers: Think about who would want to buy this product and focus your promotion on them. This helps you avoid selling too much at once. Offer Limited-Time Deals: Create short promotions, like discounts for just a few days. This ...

1. Introduction : Nigeria’s Night Economy As the sun sets over bustling cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, a different Nigeria comes alive. The traffic jams ease, the street vendors pack up, and the chaos of the day gives way to a quieter, yet equally vibrant, night-time economy. This is the world of Nigeria’s night workers—individuals who take on the challenging task of keeping the country running while the rest of the nation sleeps. From the street corners of Lagos to the quiet wards of Abuja’s hospitals, these workers are essential to the fabric of Nigerian society, yet their stories often remain untold. 2. Types of Nigerian Night Workers Security Guards In Nigeria, security is a major concern, particularly in urban areas where crime rates can be high. Security guards play a critical role in maintaining safety and order, especially at night. In cities like Lagos, guards are stationed at residential estates, office complexes, and banks, keeping watch...

As a content writer and publisher with experience in managing customer interactions, I've learned how crucial it is to handle angry customers effectively. A key aspect of this is knowing when to stop talking. Sometimes, silence can be more powerful than words. Here’s how to navigate this delicate balance, especially with customers who value respect and direct communication. Understanding the Angry Customer When a customer is upset, their emotions are heightened, and their primary need is to feel heard and understood. Your role is to be a compassionate listener rather than a persuasive talker. The Art of Active Listening Active listening involves more than just hearing words; it requires understanding the emotions and concerns behind those words. Here’s how to practice active listening: 1. Empathize : Show genuine empathy by acknowledging the customer’s feelings. Phrases like “I understand how frustrating this must be for you” can help validate their emotions. 2. Paraphr...

In the bustling heart of Lagos, where the city never sleeps, my store was a haven for many. But one day, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by a furious customer, Mrs. Adeola. Mrs. Adeola stormed into the store, her face flushed with anger. She had purchased a beautiful dress for a special occasion, but upon reaching home, she found a noticeable tear in the fabric. Her voice was loud and filled with frustration as she approached the counter. I could see the distress in her eyes, and I knew this situation needed more than just a quick fix; it needed empathy. I stepped forward with a calm demeanor and a warm smile. “ Good afternoon, ma'am. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience you’ve faced. Please, tell me what happened,” I said, inviting her to share her story. As she spoke, I listened intently, nodding to show that I understood her frustration. I didn’t interrupt; I allowed her to vent her feelings. After she finished, I could see a slight change in her expression – the first s...