Successful Business Woman Tosi Ufodike

Tosi Ufodike: Successful Business Woman & Radio Host

Sylvia: Hi Tosi. I am excited to connect and interview you! Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to interview with me.  Please tell us about yourself and your business?

Tosi: Hello Sylvia. I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me about my businesses. I am Tosi Ufodike, CEO  & Founder of My Good Nanny, the leading diverse nanny placement agency in America. I am also the driving force behind Dare 2 Aspire bi-annual conference, which inspires current or aspiring women, especially Moms to start a small business. I host MGN Radio on blog talk radio which reaches about 30,000 parents.  In addition, I am an ambassador for young girls and an author of two books.

 

Sylvia: Love it!  You are truly living your passion. I commend you for your efforts in educating women thru your bi-annual conference.  What does success mean to you?

Tosi: Earning a living and making a difference by utilizing my God given talents.

 

Sylvia:  How do you create work-life balance?

Tosi: I focus on the high priorities and outsource the lower priorities. I am a wife, mom, working mother. I cannot do it all. I believe in hiring people to help me, that is why I founded My Good Nanny. There is no such thing as a “superwoman” only a tired one. Have a support team to help you and create the balance you deserve.

 

Sylvia:  What? No such thing as a ‘superwoman?’ Seriously, you are right; it is important to create balance in your life so as not to become overwhelmed or worse, stressed out. What steps are necessary for a woman entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?

Tosi: Repeat after me. Pray. Focus. Pray. Focus. Seriously, there are so many mental and physical distracters. You really have to pray to God for guidance and stay focused on pursuing your dream. It is not easy but it has been done a million times over, and you can do it too.

 

Sylvia:  Yep, point well taken! It is important to give back.  In what way do you give back to your community?

Tosi: I love to give back. It is so important to pay it forward. I know God put me on this earth to help children. Most of my philanthropic efforts are centered on helping children. Currently, I am one of the ambassadors of ‘The Girl Child Network.’ This great non-profit organization helps disadvantaged young girls in Zimbabwe, Africa. Please see their link:  http://www.girlchildnetworkworldwide.org.

I also support the March of Dimes and Selective Mutism Awareness.

 

Sylvia: Wow, thank you for ‘Paying it Forward’ something we all should do. It means so much to give back!  What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?

Tosi: Have a plan. It does not have to be 20-30 pages long but you need to know your mission. What are you in business to do, what makes you different, and how are you going to tell the world about your product or service.

 

Sylvia: Yes, a plan is very important.  I stress this to my clients who want to start businesses. What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?

Tosi: There are so many opportunities in a downturn economy; the key is not to put the cart in front of the horse. You have to really focus on the details of your product and service and make sure there is a demand for what you are offering. Always remember, even in the worse recession some company made millions….it is about seizing the opportunities at the right time.

 

Sylvia: How do you promote/market your business?

Tosi: With My Good Nanny, I am so blessed that we obtain a majority of our customers through word of mouth. We have a lot of repeat customers. Our customers help us spread the word about our unique service and company. We have fans all over the world.  I also host a very popular blog talk radio show called MGN Radio which really extends our reach globally.

 

Sylvia: So smart! I am in awe of your business model. To help parents find reliable help for their kids… is indeed important. What books and resources would you recommend to other women in business?

Tosi: I absolutely love The Wall Street Journal and Black Enterprise Magazine.  I love the articles and information; these are some must haves for women serious about their business.

 

Sylvia: Yes, two of my favorites as well! What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?

Tosi: Don’t focus on the fluff, the business cards, titles, assistants. Build your brand and your reputation. The real rewards will follow.

 

Sylvia: How do you stay connected in mind body and spirit?

Tosi: I pray a lot. God has saved my life so many times.  God keep me alive because I have a purpose to fulfill.  When I forget that purpose or stray from his direction, God reminds me. Also, when I visit Nigeria, West Africa I always leave with a humble spirit. I see so many children who may not have a lot financially but are still very happy. No fancy designer clothes and shoes, they are just playing outside or happy to talk to someone from America. It really humbles me and I think about the children I meet either on the roadside, at the airport, or at my village. I get my inspiration from them. I want them to know whatever card they are dealt, they can make it, they can survive.

 

Sylvia: The power of prayer!  What is your favorite quote to live by?

Tosi: Nothing is ever over until you stop trying. I love this quote because it is so true, whether you are trying to lose 10 pounds, fighting for your marriage, praying for a child, or starting a new business. Nothing is ever over until you stop trying.  Just keep pushing ahead, remember success lies ahead.

 

Sylvia:  Share with us two industry or general business related tips that could help other women business owners.

Tosi: Certainly, the two that comes to mind:

1. Have a Facebook page and use it. The one thing I don’t like is when someone tells me they have a Facebook page and I go      to check it out and it is empty.  No posts, No business contact information.
2. Be nice to everyone you meet; if you are in business you just never know who is connected to who. It can really hurt you when you burn bridges.

 

Sylvia:  You are an awesome woman with a very kind heart.  Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with our members and subscribers.  Please share your contact information.

Tosi: You are welcome.  My contact:

• Website: www.mygoodnanny.com
• Website: www.d2aspire.com
• Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MyGoodNanny
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Dare2Aspire
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/mygoodnanny
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/dare2aspire
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mygoodnanny