Successful Entrepreneurs applying Project Management Skills.

This year we have decided to introduce some Guest Interviews to our blog.

In this series we will be looking at Successful Entrepreneurs and how they applied Project Management Techniques and Skills to deliver their projects on time and on budget.These are going to be exciting times on this blog!

Do have an inspiring reading and leave your comments and suggestions on our blog.


Series 1,Part One: Successful Entrepreneurs applying Project Management Skills.


Lets meet you?

My name is Saheed Adepoju, 27. I am the strategy and Innovation Manager of
Encipher Limited. Encipher's mission is to express and preserve our culture
using Technology.


2.  What's the buzz all about the 'Encipher Inye Project'?

Encipher INYE project started out as a pet project to have a device to run
my android-based applications. There weren't any devices but smart phone
which naturally costs alot. The Apple IPAD helped with formulating the idea
concretely and dropped the initial idea of introducing an android smart
phone into Nigeria. At the moment, Encipher INYE project has now become a
full fledged product and is a bedrock for Java/Android-based developers who
want to leverage on mobile platforms which is now said to be The future of
computing.




Interestingly, the specs of the final product was also announced. Here they are:
CPU:VIS8505 400mhz
16GB HDD
512RAM
LCD: 7″ 16:9 aspect ratio, 800*400 resolution
Camera
Wifi:802.11 b/g.
External 3G( means one can use their existing USB mobile broadband with the device).
Android 1.6 (codename: Donut).
35mm jack, HDMI output, support for TV-OUT, USB2.0, SD/MMC card port,
Accessories: User manual, HDMI cable.
·         CPU:VIA 8505 400mhz
·         16GB HDD
·         512RAM
·         LCD: 7″ 16:9 aspect ratio, 800*400 resolution
·         Camera
·         Wifi:802.11 b/g.
·         External 3G( means one can use their existing USB mobile broadband with the device).
·         Android 1.6 (codename: Donut).
·         35mm jack, HDMI output, support for TV-OUT, USB2.0, SD/MMC card port,
·         Accessories: User manual, HDMI cable.


3.  What are the Tablets PCs' selling points?

One of the tablet's selling point is its portability and locally available
local support. From a technology point of view, you have it that it comes
with a USB and mini USB port. HDMI output to connect to HDMI compatible
devices(cable included within package). It also is an open platform to allow
developers leverage to build 3rd party support. It also includes an SD card
slot that allows up to 8GB extra storage to be loaded.


4.What methodologies did you use to have such a successful project?

Well, the co-founder, Anibe Agamah, is a PRINCE2 certified personnel so we
leverage on his experience to provide a project structure following this
methodology. Also having stayed in the UK made us have a bias towards this
approach as it is much popular there. However, I must state at this point
that we never really have everything in perspective and hence sometimes do
things on a random basis but it usually fits into a bigger picture. We also
have all our resources being hosted by Google Docs as we don't stay in the
same location.


5. Any 'Lessons learnt' along the way?

Well if there is any lesson learnt is, always keep a network of people and
friends. It is because of such networks that Encipher has been able to
consistently grow into a Nigerian brand. Also transparency and honesty is a
weapon, it aids in letting the consumer know that one has their best
interests at heart.


6.Nigeria's environment as we hear is not enabling? How did you cope with
our environment?

In all environment, there are consumers, all Encipher did was to be in the
shoes of the consumer by letting consumers direct access to you. There is a
direct access to myself on any questions or clarifications an end user wants
to know and we provide such information as long as it protects our own
business interests. Thanks to the increase in popularity of social platforms
(e.g. Facebook & Twitter), we have been able to put a human touch to our
operations. I believe if most startups aim to meet their consumers in
person, it would go a long way in enabling their buildup into a lovely
brand.


7.What turns you on creatively? and what activity could you do all day
long without getting bored?

Well, I read tech news alot. I learn about Technology trends and where they
might end up going. Based on this, we launch Encipher AppStore following
Amazon's bid to build an AppStore for Android. Initially we wanted to buy
apps from Android market place but changed our minds to building ours
knowing the potential that will have in meeting our mission statement. Also
based on this trend, we are working hard on EncipherTV which we believe is
where all computing trends in taking us too and would be quite exciting too.
Also Encipher is first in achieving the EncipherTV project. Ok, i can pretty
much go on about the passion of building a remarkable brand but i am
guessing i cant get bored doing this.(laughs).


8.What do you want to be remembered for?

Interesting question. Well, as one of the plenty Nigerians who believe we
can change our country for the very good using information technology as a
tool.


9.Any tips for young upcoming entrepreneurs?

Just start and follow your passion. God in Heaven will provide all your
needs but you must take the leap of faith.


10.Lastly how can our readers contact you?

I can be reached on +2348063756672. My email is

Looking to get a PMP Certification then visit www.ritetracconsult.com.ng if in Nigeria but outside Nigeria consider our Multimedia Virtual Project Management classes more information here Multimedia Virtual PMP Training

Tell a friend about us.Thank you!

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