Abide Skills Institute

Don’t Rush to Take an Apprentice Until You Understand This

Everybody wants to feel like a boss.
That feeling of someone calling you Madam or Oga while helping you sew.
It looks sweet from the outside.

But if you rush into it, it can scatter your peace, your business, and your focus.

Understand these points first:

1. Apprentices Don’t Save Time, They Cost Time First

You may think taking an apprentice will make your work faster.
At first, it won’t.

You’ll spend time teaching, correcting, redoing, and explaining the same thing again and again.
They will spoil fabric. They will sew wrong stitches.

And if you’re not patient, you’ll lose both your peace and your clients.

Apprentices are not instant help.
They are an investment of your time before they become useful.

So instead of rushing for “free help,” understand that you must give more before you gain.

2. Sewing Well Is Not the Same as Teaching Well

Some tailors sew beautifully but cannot teach to save their lives.

They get angry easily.
They can’t explain steps clearly.
They expect learners to understand everything instantly.

Teaching is a skill. It requires patience.

You must learn how to break things down slowly and clearly.
If you cannot explain with patience, you are not ready to train anyone.

3. Every Apprentice Needs Boundaries

Don’t make your apprentice your best friend or younger sister.

Set clear boundaries from the beginning:
• Time to resume and close
• Rules for touching fabrics and machines
• How mistakes will be handled
• Discipline for lateness or disobedience

When there is no structure, disrespect and misunderstanding will grow.

4. Have an Apprentice Agreement Form (Very Important)

This is where many tailors make mistakes, no written agreement.

Later, the apprentice may say,
“You didn’t teach me this,” or
“I didn’t agree to that.”

Create a simple apprentice agreement form. It should state:
• Duration of training
• Training fee (if any)
• What they will learn
• Rules of conduct
• What happens if they leave early
• What they are not allowed to do (like collecting clients directly)

This one step can save you from unnecessary drama in the future.

5. Never Take an Apprentice Out of Pity

Pity is not a business plan.

You can help people without carrying their full responsibility.

If you take someone just because “she begged,” you may end up training someone who does not respect your effort.

Be kind — but be wise.

If you’re not ready, help them find another training place.
Don’t destroy your peace because you feel sorry.

Taking an apprentice is not a bad thing.
In fact, it is a beautiful stage of growth.

But growth without structure brings stress.

Before you bring someone under your roof:
• Organize your business.
• Build patience.
• Create systems.
• Set boundaries.

Leadership is not about being called Oga.
It is about being responsible for someone else’s growth.

Prepare yourself first.

Because when you train someone the right way,
you’re not just raising an apprentice, you’re raising your legacy.

I am the kings tailor.

THE ONLY BIRD THAT DARES TO ATTACK AN EAGLE IS A CROW, BUT THE EAGLE NEVER FIGHTS BACK. HERE IS WHY:

1. The crow is the only bird bold enough to sit on the eagle's back and peck at its neck.
Relentless. Annoying.

But the eagle... stays calm.

2. The eagle doesn't flap. Doesn't fight. Doesn't waste energy. It does one thing: It rises.

3. The higher the eagle soars. The thinner the air becomes. The crow? It can't handle the altitude.

4. Eventually, the crow gasps. Loses strength...And falls off.Not because the eagle attacked

But because the eagle ascended.

5. Let the crows talk. Let them peck. You don't have to respond. Just keep going higher.

6. They can't follow you forever. Your growth will suffocate their noise.
So don't engage. Elevate.

Be like the Eagle, lots of lessons in the life of an Eagle

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Abdulwahab Zulaihat Asabe, Azeezat Titilayo Alaso Oke

As I woke up this morning and praying, a thought came to mind with regards to what to post on this platform.

We are aware of what it takes to plant a seed of choice and nurturing it to give us a good yield of bountiful harvest.

It occurs to me that this can be related to our different businesses starting from when we conceived the idea of what to start with just like determining the right kind of seed to plant.

Kindly read what I came out with at the end of my thoughts. Read with open mind and pick one or two lessons from it.

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

*Nurturing Your Business: The Journey from Seed to Flourishing Enterprise*

Planting a seed and starting a business share many similarities. Both require vision, patience, and consistent effort to transform an idea into a thriving entity. Let’s explore how the growth stages of a seed can provide valuable lessons for startup business owners.

**Planting the Seed: The Idea Stage**

When you plant a seed, you start with the hope that it will grow into something significant. Similarly, the idea stage of a business is filled with potential. At this point, your idea is just that—a concept with the potential to grow.

**Lesson:** Just like a seed needs to be planted in fertile soil, your business idea needs a strong foundation. Conduct market research to ensure there is a demand for your product or service. Validate your idea with potential customers to refine your vision.

**Germination: The Planning Phase**

For a seed to germinate, it needs the right conditions: water, oxygen, and the right temperature. This stage is delicate and critical. For a startup, this is the planning phase where you create a business plan, secure funding, and begin assembling your team.

**Lesson:** Just as a seedling needs proper care to germinate, your business needs a well-thought-out plan. Create a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, target market, and strategies for growth. Seek advice from mentors and industry experts to ensure your business is on the right path.

**Sprouting: The Launch Phase**

As the seed begins to sprout, it breaks through the soil, seeking sunlight. This represents the launch phase of your business, where your idea starts to take shape in the real world. You introduce your product or service to the market and begin to attract customers.

**Lesson:** The sprouting stage requires resilience. Not all seeds sprout immediately, and not all businesses will see instant success. Be prepared for setbacks and remain flexible. Gather feedback from early adopters and be willing to pivot if necessary.

**Growth: Scaling Your Business**

Once the seedling has sprouted, it begins to grow, developing roots and leaves. For a business, this is the scaling phase where you expand your operations, increase your customer base, and refine your offerings.

**Lesson:** Growth requires resources and strategic planning. Just as a plant needs nutrients, water, and sunlight, your business needs investment in marketing, customer service, and product development. Focus on building a strong brand and cultivating customer loyalty.

**Maturity: Sustaining Success**

A mature plant is robust and self-sustaining, often producing flowers or fruits. In business, this stage is when your company has established a solid market presence and consistent revenue streams.

**Lesson:** Even mature plants need care to remain healthy. Similarly, continuous improvement is vital for a thriving business. Stay attuned to market trends, innovate regularly, and invest in your team’s development to maintain your competitive edge.

**Reproduction: Diversification and Expansion**

A mature plant produces seeds, ensuring the next generation of growth. For businesses, this stage involves diversification and exploring new markets or products.

**Lesson:** Diversification is key to long-term sustainability. Look for opportunities to expand your product line or enter new markets. This not only spreads risk but also opens up new revenue streams, ensuring your business remains resilient in a changing market landscape.

*Conclusion*

The journey from seed to flourishing plant mirrors the entrepreneurial journey from idea to successful business. Each stage of growth requires careful planning, nurturing, and adaptation. By understanding and embracing these stages, startup business owners can learn valuable lessons that will help their ventures thrive in the competitive business world.

Remember, like a gardener, you must be patient, dedicated, and attentive to nurture your business from its inception to its full potential. With the right care, your startup can grow into a robust and flourishing enterprise, bearing fruits for years to come.