I still remember the joy of making my first 500k in online business. Having around entrepreneurial friend like Jane, who have made out successful paths for herself in physical business endeavors. I felt inspired to explore offline ventures. Jane, particularly, had thrived in her POS business, and she encouraged me to consider investing my money into it which I refused.
I didn't understand the quote, "don't tell people your plans only let them see results." I thought I could confide in my Jane since she was already doing well in her POS. I told her how much I had and how I'm looking for a physical business to invest it in. I told my siblings too and one of them encouraged me to invest in the palm oil business. I was clueless on how to go about it. So when I told Jane, she told me she knows someone who can connect me. I did my planning and was ready, Jane linked me up with the person who does the buying.
“U.D has been in this business for years, all you have to do is send the money to him and he will go do the buying?”
Accompanying U.D on the buying journey proved more taxing than anticipated, navigating through various communities in search of oil sources. Despite the initial difficulties, seeing others engage in similar transactions reassured me of U.D's credibility.
We waited for the date they agreed to make the oil available and he traveled back. Truly when I saw my 15 gallons of oil, I gave a sigh of relief. Then we bought at 20,000 naira per gallon and U.D’s sourcing fee was 30,000 naira, I sold it at the rate of 25,0000 naira per gallon. I didn't make so much because of the gallons I purchased at first but as I continued I started making enough profit.
However, my trust in Jane was soon tested when she approached me seeking financial assistance after facing losses in her POS business. She complained she doesn't have enough capital and pleaded I should lend her 200,000 naira to be paying by installment, I sentimentality didn't consider the money was my business money, I agreed since she said it's lending.
When jokingly talking of agreement, she jokingly shook off the idea with a reply, “what are friends for, trust me, I won't disappoint you. I promise.” Her words gave me confidence and she instructed me to send the money directly to the U.D's account so he could buy for her too, which I did.
However, as time passed, Jane's repayment became elusive, despite her apparent success in the oil business. My attempts to remind her of our promise were met with casual dismissals, leaving me feeling betrayed.
The thought of reporting to the police crossed my mind but there was no evidence, as the transaction was sent directly to U.D, leaving me with no concrete evidence to pursue legal action. Despite my brothers' advice to let go, the sting of betrayal pressed.
The experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of making wise choices in business dealings. While it was painful, it shaped my resolve to approach future ventures with greater caution.