E don happun, I don tell am.

The previous article I posted on this platform highlighted the need to learn skills that can be transacted online. Not just any skills, but high-income skills (high-income skills are skills which solve high-value problems and as a result, people pay highly for them), as the naira was at risk of devaluation.
In case you missed that post, let me tell you some of the issues discussed on it.

We discussed the need to learn high-income skills, such as copywriting, web design and development, graphics design, etc and register your services on global freelance platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. We learned that this is important because the naira was at risk of devaluation following the drop in oil price and the projected additional drop in oil price. These price reductions are some of the economic effects of the Wuhan Virus.

Whilst our only fear at the time that article was written was the expected devaluation of naira caused by the Wuhan Virus, we certainly have more than just the naira to worry about. We have our sustenance and daily bread to worry about now because the Wuhan Virus which many initially thought was a White man virus has shown itself to be a Black man virus as well as is already in our country.

To curb the spread of the virus, schools have been asked to close, gatherings of over 30 (the number given differs across states) people have been prohibited and some workers have been told to work remotely.

What does that spell for you?

For some people, the recession has started already. For others, it’s a season of boom
While many are groaning and praying for this season to pass, you should look for the opportunities hidden in this challenge and feed on them.

Let me give you an insight.

The government may soon have to take stricter precautionary measures as the reported cases of people with the virus seems to be increasing by the day. As at the time of writing this, there are 22 confirmed cases in Nigeria, according to NCDC’s report. To curb the spread of the virus, more offices may have to tell their workers to work from home. You should expect a proliferation of online stores as offline stores may have to stop operation pending when things return to normal.

Where do you come in?

Think, what services would businesses new to the online environment need?
Copywriting: they’ll surely need to be able to attract visitors to their sites and convert these visitors into buyers through the ‘seductive’ use of words. As a copywriter, you are a salesman in print. You write copies which make people invest in whatever you are selling, even if they have to borrow to do so.

Graphics design: they’ll surely need a logo and other designs

Web design and development: They’ll surely need websites
Etc.

I hope you get the point now.

If you possess these skills, you are already at an advantaged position and you should look for ways to project yourself to your client.
If you don’t you should learn one of them.

Online stores like Amazon are experiencing a boom in sales as most foreign countries are not just practising social distancing but also self-isolation. Of course, people still need to shop, therefore online stores have become their go-to place.

If you’re a copywriter, this will be a good time for you as you’ll have a lot of product descriptions, buying guides and sales copy to write.

Now I’ve given you a hint on how you can make money despite whatever challenges there are now, what is your next action? Do you want to just sit and blame the government for not closing the border earlier and banning international flights or do you want to take advantage of the new opportunities before you, by learning copywriting or any other high-income skill?

Remember, you have no control over how things will turn out because of this virus. Therefore, be sure you’re one of the tough people this season will produce. Don’t get swallowed by the tough times.