A lot has been said about the benefits of social media -- both personally and for business. And Timilehin Bello's story of how he started what would become one of Nigeria's leading PR firms using little more than WhatsApp is a perfect case study.
Since launching Media Panache in 2016, Timilehin has gone to win several accolades, including being named one of the Top 25 Innovators in Europe, Middle East and Africa by the Holmes Report.
On this week’s edition of How I Work, he walks us through his work routines and how he stays productive.
Current role: Founder, Media Panache
Location: USA & Nigeria
Current computer: MacBook 2017 13’’
Current mobile device: iPhone XS
Describe how you work in one word: Smart!
Tell us briefly about how you started your career and how you got where you are today.
I started my career from loving social media passionately. I just loved connecting with friends, sharing updates, announcements, and sending BCs (Lol!).
From passion, I got to work as an intern in a PR Company, was retained as a full staff, worked with the company not just as a staff but as a partner, and then started my own PR firm in 2016.
I’ve grown tremendously, winning awards, speaking, and acting as a jury on top PR awards across the world.
Walk us through a recent workday.
It’s simple. Checked email - Created a document - Chatted with a client - Called a client - Talked to staff - Lunch and email went together - Planned - Talked to journalists - Searched for client’s keywords - Checked Instagram!!! - Slept - Checked email again - Slept.
What apps, gadgets, or tools can't you live without?
Notepad, Gmail, Instagram, Twitter, iPhone, SeekMed, PS4, MAC, Google Maps, Apple Music, WhatsApp, Clock App, and Bank Mobile app (lol!).
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What's your favourite shortcut or hack?
Using a toothbrush to straighten my eyebrows, moustache and little beard. LOL. But serious life hacks: smile, pray, rest, eat, work, and rest.
What tasks don’t you like but have to do?
Reviewing plans and budgets and sometimes replying emails.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I put the jobs to be done on my notepad and title it “To-do List for Today” then I include “done” once I do them.
How do you recharge or take a break?
White wine, cinema, pool & fun park. Lately, my love for white wine has been real. Then I also go to the finest Italian restaurant to have sweet bread and pasta.
What do you enjoy or spend time doing besides work?
Playing FIFA on PS4, surfing Instagram, speaking with friends, working out, and just staring at the ceiling.
What are you currently reading, watching or listening to, or what do you recommend?
I’m currently reading The Real Estate Investor’s Pocket Calculator by Michael C. Thomsett. I’m watching #MoneyHeist! And listening to Gary Vee’s podcasts, Onos’ Alagbara, Sinach’s There’s an Overflow, and Korede Bello’s Mr Vendor.
I strongly recommend everyone reads Satya Nadella’s Hit Refresh and follows me on social media: IG: @bigtimi and Twitter: @MrBigTimi.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
“Do it. Two things will happen, you will either fail or succeed, if you fail, get up and start again, if you succeed, you are a superstar.” - Femi Falodun, CEO ID Africa.
What's a problem you're still trying to solve?
Making PR as easy as possible for the world. Simply doing your PR by yourself from the comfort of your home.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Evans Akanno, CEO and Founder, Cregital.
If you will like to sponsor the How I Work series, send and an email to business@techpoint.africa or call +2348186016629
