LinkedIn saved my career life. Without it, I would be somewhere; possibly unknown, jobless, and broke. This is my story of how LinkedIn helped me escape Tanzania’s endemic unemployment.
Before joining LinkedIn, I was an endangered candidate. Like the Black Rhinos at Ngorongoro, my chances of surviving the job market were about to go extinct. My degree was no longer a big deal.
Coming from overlooked interiors of rural Tanzania, I had zero connections in corporate TZ. Having attended chronically underfunded and overpopulated schools, I stood little chance in the competitive job market. In short, I suffered a severe Network Gap.
Things changed when I turned to this wonderful invention called the Internet. With the internet, a dim light began to materialize inside my career tunnel.
A laptop and the internet provided me with what Jesus would say “Upon these tools, you shall build your career”. Digital skills are the rocks upon which careers are now built.
So I started learning one digital skill after another, mostly in marketing and advertising.
From content writing to copywriting, graphic design (Canva), web design and development (WordPress), Facebook Ads, and more. I was not going to leave any stone unturned. Specializing or niching would come later. But at that moment, I was determined to be someone who covered many angles in digital marketing.
I built (and still building) a skills arsenal that not only made me competitive in the local job market but also the international started to take notice.
Today, things look more promising about my career trajectory than I was in 2020. And the best part? Since 2020, I’ve never had someone to tell me;
When to be at work
What to wear
How to behave
All thanks to LinkedIn. I am now the most followed Tanzanian marketer on the platform. With over 36,200 followers. What this has brought is I haven’t sent a job application since 2020. I get reached out, not me reaching out.
In the system that works by who knows you, I made myself known through the power of writing online, showcasing my skills, and mastering the art of self-promotion.
If your life is anything like mine, coming from a family with limited resources in a third-world country, then what you want in life will not come to you in a linear fashion. And the unemployment rate in your country will only keep going up. The government will do nothing, as usual.
You have to pick your cross and stumble up the career hill. By which I mean take career matters into your own hands. Learning digital skills is a great place to start. And you have everything to start, like the tool you are using to read this message.
Untapped potential
But despite its potential, LinkedIn is the least used social media platform in Tanzania. It is a bit intimidating to many. I bet this is also the case if you come from a developing country. People haven’t woken up to these online opportunities. They are busy finding jobs in the old, super competitive way.
Your social media pages are not just a mere presence for likes and all; they’re a potential paycheck.
Most Tanzanians who would benefit from the platform (students, graduates, professional workers, founders) either don’t know of its existence, don’t believe in its potential, or think it is simply a place to find a job. LinkedIn is more than that.
As of December 2024, there were 1,512,000 LinkedIn users in Tanzania. This accounted for 2.1% of the country’s population.
If you’re into numbers, this may not seem significant from a country of 60+ million people. But this isn’t just any number. It is an exclusive subset of the Tanzanian population.
Your employer on LinkedIn.
Your client is LinkedIn
Insightful conversations happen on LinkedIn
Knowledgeable people to work with on a project are on LinkedIn
On LinkedIn, you will be standing in front of an audience full of potential.
When I launched my book in late 2023, I used the platform to promote presales and made TZS300,000 in two days. After launch, I reached a total of TZS1.4 million in two weeks. We recently expanded to provide domain and hosting services. So far, we copy-pasted some 13 customers who already trust me. Thanks again for actively creating content on LinkedIn.
Imagine if I was a silent scrolling ghost unknown to anyone. Would I have sold?
Getting started on LinkedIn
If I were to start from ZERO on LinkedIn, this is how I would get to 6000 followers in less than a year:
First, you have to do the necessary job of getting your content in front of people. Make sure you post not less than three times per week. You can go on the offense by showing up daily.
Send at least 300 personalized connection requests in four months. An example of a personalized request that gets accepted; 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘚𝘩𝘶𝘬𝘶𝘳𝘶! 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰! 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 🙂
Camping on the comment sections of medium size accounts. What you want is ‘association’. If people associate you with one or two established creators then you join their ranks. I would avoid big accounts because the author may not see your comment. You want someone where the chance of getting a reply is high.
Build a platoon of supporters. You need a team of at least five people to fight and bleed with you on the digital frontline. With these people, you support each other’s journey online.
And that’s it. Growing on social media is actually putting yourself in front of people. Be prepared to face criticism here and there.
Ok, before you go, allow me to insist on this; If the system works by ‘Who Knows You, then you have to make yourself KNOWN. This doesn’t mean going out of your way trying to please people so they include you in their circle. No. Let your talent speak volumes.
The people they know don’t have the skills and talent you have. That’s where you come in, my friend. Let the world know you for what you bring to the table (expertise). Don’t be resentful and say “Ah they give it to themselves”
There’s a way you can get in the game. LinkedIn is a good place to do so. You can go from an unknown nobody to someone whose talent people have seen, heard, and know.
If the policy you make for others isn’t going to imminently impact you as well, you shouldn’t be making policies. Take the machinga problem in Dar es Salaam for example; the machinga understands something about people that policymakers either overlook or don’t understand.
They (machinga) understand that humans are irrational and you can predict their irrationality. Most people end up buying something they didn’t plan to buy.
What a machinga does is interfere with people on their way to or from their daily routines. They position their products where there’s high foot traffic and with some persuasion, you will find yourself buying something you didn’t plan to.
Machinga are the equivalent of those annoying digital ads you come across while browsing the internet; from YouTube ads, to website display ads — they are all machinga interfering with your online experience.
So when policymakers or city planners who are not machinga come up with a Machinga Complex project, a facility where all machinga should be allocated, they miss a big point. They assume that humans are rational creatures who will make a conscious decision to go and buy a collection of random nonessential things.
Organizing machinga that way so you can easily tax them sounds good. But doing so means killing their business. They will go to that place, which has no foot traffic, and spend the whole day without making a single sale. They will eventually abandon the building and you will find yourself with the same machinga problem and wasted money on a useless project.
So what’s the solution
City planners and policymakers have been thinking small about this. They usually have the wrong question when they ask “How do we solve the machinga problem in Dar es Salaam?”
They have been trying to solve a wrong problem, which is why all solutions never work and they resort to using police force to chase the machinga away.
We never had a machinga problem in Dar es Salaam. We have a poverty problem. One sure sign of whether a country is poor is when throngs of petty traders suffocate its cities. This is a grim reality we have to grapple with.
The right question for the authorities would be “How do we increase economic opportunities in rural areas so that young people won’t swarm the city in search of better economic options?”
You create the machinga problem in Dar es Salaam when you fail to subsidize smallholder farmers in rural areas. Or when you provide rural dwellers with mediocre infrastructure. Mind you, umeme “umepita” vijijini, wengi wanaona nguzo tu.
The reason I’m here in Dar is that, like thousands of other young people, I looked around my village and saw dark days ahead. It is not fun staring into the unknown next week not knowing how you will make aftatu. You will eventually conclude “Cha kufia nini, bora niende mjini”.
At least in the city, you can make a dollar per day engaging in petty trading.
Dar es Salaam is projected to reach 10 million people by 2030. It will be a stampede trying to solve the machinga problem by then.
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of cinematic inspiration to reignite that entrepreneurial flame.
Here, we’ve curated a list of six movies every founder, creator, or freelancer watches. You’ll not only enjoy but also learn invaluable lessons and motivation for navigating the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship.
Grab your popcorn!
1. The Social Network
Discover the genius behind Facebook’s Rise
The Social Network is a fascinating story behind the creation of Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg’s relentless pursuit of his vision and the challenges he faced make this film a must-watch for budding entrepreneurs. The film explores the entrepreneurial spirit, shedding light on the complexities of startups and the determination needed to overcome obstacles.
The internet’s not written in pencil, Mark, it’s written in ink.
Erica Albright
2. Joy
Empowering entrepreneurs with grit and resilience
Joy is a powerful narrative of a woman’s journey from adversity to triumph. Jennifer Lawrence portrays the tenacious Joy Mangano, a self-made businesswoman who transforms her life by inventing the Miracle Mop. The film beautifully captures the entrepreneurial spirit, emphasizing the importance of resilience, creativity, and unwavering belief in oneself.
Don’t ever think that the world owes you anything, because it doesn’t.
Rudy Mangano
3. Wall Street
Navigating the ambiguous world of finance
Wall Street delves into the cutthroat world of finance and the pursuit of success. The iconic character Gordon Gekko, portrayed by Michael Douglas, embodies the drive for wealth and power. For entrepreneurs, the movie serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical business practices.
Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.
Gordon Gekko
4. Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
Celebrating honesty and integrity in business
This Bollywood gem tells the story of Harpreet Singh Bedi, an unconventional salesman. This film stands out for its emphasis on ethical business practices and the value of honesty in entrepreneurship. It’s a refreshing take on success that inspires entrepreneurs to build their ventures on integrity.
Customer ke liye hum customer se jyada kuch nahi, aur employee ke liye hum company se jyada kuch nahi.” (For the customer, we are nothing more than the customer, and for the employee, we are nothing more than the company.
5. Pirates of Silicon Valley
Chronicles of tech titans: Jobs vs. Gates
For tech entrepreneurs, Pirates of Silicon Valley is a riveting exploration of the fierce rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. The film captures the birth of the personal computer revolution, offering insights into the determination, innovation, and strategic thinking that fueled the success of these industry titans.
We’re not pirates. We’re not stealing, we’re extending a hand to them. We’re saying, ‘Join us. Invent your future with us.
Steve Jobs
6. The Pursuit of Happyness
From struggle to triumph, a tale of perseverance
Will Smith’s portrayal of Chris Gardner is a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination. Gardner’s journey from homelessness to a successful career on Wall Street serves as a testament to the power of perseverance. This film is a motivational compass for entrepreneurs facing adversity.
You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.
Chris Gardner
So there you have the list of business epics every entrepreneur watches. These movies not only entertain but also provide valuable insights and motivation for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of a startup, seeking inspiration for ethical business practices, or craving a dose of perseverance, these films offer a diverse range of lessons.
Where to Watch?
You can find these movies on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Max, and more. Go and have some valuetainment!
Naitwa Shukuru Amos. Kabla sijakudokezea siri ya mafanikio mtandaoni, naomba nikupe stori yangu fupi: Hapo Mwanzo hapakuwa na jina Shukuru Amos kwenye uso wa dunia ya digital marketing. Yote yalianza mara baada ya mimi kutangaziwa kwamba nina wiki mbili zimebaki nifanye mtihani wa mwisho chuoni.
Hapo ndipo nikagundua ninaelekea mtaani nikiwa jobless and unemployed. “Nikimaliza chuo nitafanya nini?” nilijiuliza.
Nikisema nirudi kwetu kijijini, hakukuwa na ishu ya kufanya. Nikisema nibaki ndani ya jiji la Dar es Salaam, hapa pia hakukuwa na ishu ya kufanya.
Je, nilimua lipi? Nilianzaje? Nimejifunza yapi ndani ya miaka mitano kufikia hatua ya kazi kunifatuta mimi na si mimi kutafuta kazi? Yote haya nimeeleza ndani ya kitabu changu kiitwacho; MBELE YA MUDA: Kama Unataka Mali, Utaipata Shambani.
Tunakoelekea, kila mtu atalazimika kuingia kwenye uchumi wa digitali. Ndipo kutakuwapo kilio na kusaga meno kama hujajiandaa.
Shukuru Amos
Tatizo la Vijana wengi Tanzania ukiwemo wewe
Vijana wengi wana shida ya kujiwasilisha kizembe kwenye maombi ya kazi. Tatizo hili linajidhihirisha pia wanapoingia kwenye soko la uchumi wa digitali.
Haiwezekani mtu una followers 10,000 halafu bado unalalamika kuhusu kukosa kazi. Haiwezekani! Lakini ndiyo shida waliyonayo Freelancers wa Kitanzania. Wengi hawana jina lenye hadhi.
Pamoja na ukweli kwamba uchumi wa digitali unaweza kutufanya kuondokana na ukosefu wa ajira na umasikini, inasikitisha kwamba vijana wengi hawajawahi kupata pesa mtandaoni.
Kama unachangamoto hii, una matatizo manne. Nitakupa mawili hapa (mengine ndani ya kitabu):
Unashindwa kuandika kwa sauti yenye mamlaka.
Unashindwa kuonyesha ukomavu wa fikra kupitia maandishi.
Hapo zamani za kale, walikuwepo watu wanaitwa Alchemists. Hawa walikuwa wanajaribu kubadili madini ya risasi kuwa dhahabu. Lakini mwishowe walikata tamaa. It was impossible turning lead into gold. Mimi sitaki wewe ukate tamaa.
Unaweza kubadili content kuwa jina lenye hadhi na kufanya fursa zikutafute. Siyo wewe kuhangaika kutafuta fursa muda wote.Kufahamu tatizo la 3 na la 4, pamoja nini cha kufanya —nunua kitabu changu.
Maoni ya baadhi ya waliosoma kitabu hiki
Je, Mitandao inalipa au hailipi?
Hebu Fikiria Upo Kwenye Stage Hii:Huna wasiwasi juu ya wapi na namna gani utapata mteja, au ajira. Unapata meseji (qualified leads) 4-9 kwa wiki za watu ambao wako interested kufanya kazi nawewe.
Uko vizuri kwenye kushawishi mkikutana au kwenye simu. Watu ni wengi kuliko unavyoweza ku-handle. Huna tena habari za kuandaa CV, kujitolea au kwenda kuongeza mastaz. Unafanya kazi ukiwa nyumbani au popote. Foleni za Jiji tena basii.
Hayo yote yanawezekana. Mimi mwandishi wa kitabu hiki nipo kwenye stage hii sasa. Sitafuti kazi. Kazi zinanitafuta! Kama mimi kijana kutoka uskumani ndani ndani nimeweza, hata wewe unaweza. Mitandao inalipa ndugu yangu!
Umechoka kuandika Dear Sir/Madam bila kupata majibu?
Kama kutuma maombi ya kazi umeshatuma sana. Vyeti unavyo vya kutosha. Pengine umejaribu mitandao lakini unaona kama wembe ni ule ule. No job!
Ndani ya MbeleYaMuda, nimeandika “Usiwe mtafuta kazi maarufu” kwani hakuna mtu anasema “Muone fulani huwa anatafuta kazi”. Watu husema “Muone fulani huwa anafanya hicho kitu.”
Mbele Ya Muda ni kitabu chenye MADINI yatakuyokufanya ujione ULICHELEWA kuanza kufaidika na NGUVU ya Mtandao.
Kimeandikwa na mimi, the most followed Tanzanian marketer on LinkedIn. Ambaye uandishi na uwasilishaji wangu unafuatiliwa sana kwenye mtandao huo.
Moja kati ya mada zilizomo ndani ya MbeleYaMuda, utajifunza Personal Branding, Uandishi na Uwasilishaji unaoleta Pesa na KUHESHIMISHA Jina. Pia utajifunza kuhusu Biashara Mtandaoni, Saikolojia ya Maudhui na mengine tufanye siri yako. Maana yana ukakasi kidogo kuyasema hadharani. Lakini ndiyo siri ya mafanikio mtandaoni.
Majibu, Maujuzi na Maujanja YOTE Utayapata ndani ya kitabu hiki.
Kitabu hiki kwasasa kinapatikana kwa mfumo wa soft copy pekee. Bei ni Tsh 29,900/=
BOFYA HAPA kununua kitabu, au BOFYA HAPA kunicheki WhatsApp. Au nipigie 0742 085 089.
On November 30, 2022, ChatGPT was released. Since then Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a game-changing technology. It is reshaping everything, including social media marketing.
There is an endless stream of content on social media as brands and influencers desperately seek attention. And AI is at the center of all this.
It is unwise to adamantly dismiss AI. According to an analysis of over 15,500 news articles and blogs, there was a staggering 550% increase in interest in AI from 2022 to 2023. Social media marketers are swiftly caught on. More companies are planning to double or even triple their use of AI across various activities.
Source: Hootsuite Social Trends 2024 Survey
The Surge in AI Applications
The Hootsuite survey reveals compelling statistics showcasing the surge in AI adoption by organizations. In 2024, there is a projected 318% increase in the use of AI for customer support activities and a 260% increase in AI utilization for image editing.
Consumer Skepticism: Adopt with Care!
It is not all fun and game having an AI tick off some tasks from your busy schedule. A lot of people are having doubts. The survey uncovered that 62% of consumers are less likely to engage with and trust content if they know it was created by an AI application. Adopt with care.
Generational Divide in AI Trust
Your uncle does not really like this whole new AI thing. So keep in mind that different generations perceive AI-generated content differently.
Gen Z appears more adept at distinguishing between AI-generated and human-created content, expressing higher levels of trust and engagement. In contrast, baby boomers exhibit the opposite tendencies, showcasing a greater reluctance to embrace AI-generated content.
Redefining Authenticity in the AI Era
Despite some people’s doubts, AI is inevitable on social media. So marketers will have to redefine authenticity. In 2024, the most successful brands will shift their focus from who (or what) creates the content to the brand experience it provides.
With AI in the mix, the critical questions become: Does it feel right? Does it reinforce the brand? Does it work? By addressing these, concerns about whether a bot created the content become secondary.
Working Smarter with AI
Here is what to do if you’re a marketer or brand trying to effectively navigate the AI landscape in 2024:
Know Your Audience: Understand your audience’s perceptions of AI based on factors like age, culture, geography, or interests.
Delegate Wisely: You should know which tasks to delegate to an AI and which require a human touch.
Establish AI Policies: To avoid potential pitfalls, set clear policies and best practices for AI usage in social media.
To Sum this Up: Do Not Fight AI
AI is not going anyway it’s here to stay. Brands that embrace AI intelligently, consider consumer perceptions, and redefine authenticity, are poised to thrive in this new digital landscape.
Note: The statistics and insights mentioned in this article are derived from the Hootsuite Social Trends 2024 Survey.
Remember, in the dynamic world of social media, adapting to technological advancements like AI is not just a choice—it’s a necessity for those who aim to lead the way in 2024 and beyond.
PS: 2024 is going to be a competitive year for brands on social media. If you’re tired of worrying about when or where the next customer for your business will come from, let’s talk. Contact Shukuru Amos from Tanzlite at +255 742 085 089.
