Specialisation will get you out of poverty

A casual friend called me last week and said ‘I consider you now a close friend’ and I was like, why?
The last time we had a conversation, you left very angry and being a busy body. I moved on with my work without thinking about you, I tell him.
This casual friend, as I still consider him, is a multi-talented person with a big heart which many people have taken advantage of.

Upon getting what they wanted, this friend of mine was left empty handed.
This guy has rescued many people out of carelessly acquired debts and also stood as security for his friends borrowing money for personal purposes.

He ends up having to pay by working hard since he is multitalented and it was not until last year that he finished paying off debts of other people.

Last year, the guy was in need of about Shs2m and he asked about 20 people, many of whom are beneficiaries of his hard work and seemingly doing well but none came to his rescue.

Since I have my own financial challenges, I contributed a small percentage (most business people are asset rich).
I know some people don’t get it when I say stuff like the above.

Most multi-talented people do not know how to handle the basics of life including basic financial management which ends up hurting them and those close to them who are meant to be beneficiaries of their efforts.
This can even be seen in Uganda. People generally fear to advice talents.

In the western world, there are companies that help talented sportsmen, musicians, academics etc.
That allows the talent to focus on their core agenda. This casual friend of mine did not get my percentage without a lecture about life and money issues which did not go down well with him.

We also discussed specialisation, which is a big problem of multi-talented individuals based on my own life story.
I have many talents that can put food on the family table but I have decided to focus on tourism as my major stay for almost 20 years now.

Specialisation accompanied by discipline and character can help one enjoy their life’s career.
Anyway, back to my casual friend. He told me that he thought through all the discussions I have had with him over the years.
He has now settled with one business which has taken off, by keeping books of accounts, paying himself a small salary which pays all of his bills.

My conclusion is that we should not fear discussing hard stuff with people especially if we have passed through some of the same experiences. They might get angry but with time some return and testify.

The writer is an investment expert and ceo at Great Lake safaris and Uganda lodges

— [email protected]