Fortune's blog

[4/21, 7:03pm Greetings of the Monday Evening Coach Emmah Inc Leaderships.

Once more I would like to recognize Master Coaches and all the Coaches in the house. I am so excited to be joining you again on the Month of Networking.

With no much ado, allow me, ladies and gentlemen to further empty the contents of our April subject.

How to Pitch yourself and Network Effectively?

Practical Ways to Pitch and Network Effectively

Ladies and gentlemen, yes, over time I’ve seen people from wealthy families lunching with other top influencial people in some high profile hideouts and I’m sure you have probably been one of them.

If not, the next time you get a chance to interact with those top guys, the day you will attend that physical Business Seminar @ the Rainbow Hotel, the day you will sit on that high assorted table at Victoria Falls Safaris, the hour you’ll visit Lookout hotel…

I WANT YOU TO LEVERAGE THE CONNECTIONS YOU’LL MAKE— COMBINE THEM WITH YOUR talents, professional skills and translate that to MONEY
I know we’re all Life Coaches here. But we often lose it when it comes to pitching ourselves in introducing our business.
This is very crucial because this where the essentiality of NETWORKING is.

Yes, I know there is this traditional saying by most motivational speakers at Networking Events,

“Sell your market, sell your self” but have you ever wondered that a lot of other people are doing that same old traditional method of pitching self?

My Question to you is,

What sets you apart from all these other thousands?

What makes you different?

I’ve heard many people say: ‘Ey My name is ABC, I’m into Motivational Speaking, I’m into Cakes making, I’m into Books editing, I’m into Hair doing, I’m into Life Coaching with CEI and my business offers this and this blah blah….🤓

But the painful and inevitable truth is that, THEY’LL ALL SMILE 😊 and NOD and even Congratulate you or EVEN TAKE YOUR BUSINESS CARD, but my dear, the truth is: No one cares about your high detailed and packed profile or about your business concept. Why? Because it sounds unspiced and boring.
And this even reduces chances of a meaningful conversation

HOW THEN DO I PITCH MYSELF IN A NETWORKING EVENT?

Instead of you wasting time telling people about yourself,

✓ Ask questions about that potential person you just met.

✓ Find common points of interest and work your interests into the conversation.

I am not entirely dismissing the idea of Elevator Pitches at all but potential people are likely to engage more with you when you sell them your WHYs as opposed to what you do.
Allow me to use Publicly Speaking in this case as an example on how you can pitch yourself as a Public Speaking Coach.

Instead of you saying “Hey my name is Coach ABC, I’m into public speaking,” you can say, “I have had hard times in speaking in front of people due to lack of confidence and other factors, but I’m glad I am now able to stand in front audience of any number without any challenges. And I’ve come up with a platform where I assist people who face similar challenges that I faced.”

This way you will be able to effectively influence people and they’ll start believing in you and what you offer.

Coach Fortune is an Author||Editor||Life Coach

INTERVIEW||
Kwanele Khumalo, Poetry and His Grandfather

Somewhere, in the deep hinterlands of Filabusi, a new Sun beams to spread its rays across Zimbabwe. Not far from the Nazarene, Kwanele Khumalo leaves his birth place to battle his childhood days in Plumtree where his Grandfather becomes his friend if not an all time caregiver.
One time in 2014, Kwanele loses his Grandfather who leaves him hopeless and depressed. He then locates his talent in poetry, if it’s not poetry which located him. Poetry extends its arm to help him paddle across teenhood life ills. And up to this day, Kwanele is the Sun which spreads its rays to brighten the literary paths in Zimbabwe and the world in its fullness. How does he manage to pull the crowds through his poetry? How is he able to walk boldly to change lives of those who read his works? He pours it all in the interview below with Coach Fortune Munsaka.

Fortune Munsaka: Who is Kwanele Khumalo the person?
Kwanele Khumalo: Kwanele Khumalo also known as Mntungwa kaMbulazi is a poetry author and a journalist born in Filabusi and grew up in Plumtree.
F M: Kindly tell Zimbabwe and the world about Kwanele Khumalo the Artist.
KK: I am a poetry writer who discovered his talent after losing his grandfather. I started writing poetry after my grandfather died in 2014, poetry became my solace after suffering depression in which I wanted to take my life. It helped me to understand life better as well as losses in general. I am just a rural boy whose community is well unaware of the so called depression raise by a grandfather after my father denied me care that is given to all kids under normal circumstances. I grew up in a rural area and tasted all sort of poverty under my uncles the late Amona Nleya and Nicholas Nleya( still alive). Raised by a single mom, Egnes Nleya ‘ NaMaKhue.
FM: Who sculptured the best Kwanele in you?
KK: Stanley Onai Mushava the poet I revere. He was my tutor at National University of Science and Technology ( Nust)
FM: What can you about how the world is or has reacted to your Literary works in the past years upto now?
KK: The world have accepted me well I have drawn a huge following on social media especially Facebook with 15 thousand followers which I believe is a huge pull up.
FM: Any Awards you have won in the country and outside? And how have they impacted you in your writing career?
KK: I have won an award in South Africa and I have also holding a National Arts Merit Award certificate for my book Who killed grandfather?
FM: Artists of today have normalized Online voting for nominations in order to gain Awards and recognition. Have you witnessed that? If so, what value do you think it brings to the one voted for? And who should vote, the fans or anyone who comes across an invitation to go and vote on the online channel regardless of having tasted the work of the artist(s)?
KK: It is well for startup and recognition by the world at large but I can say a true writer or authorship comes within, one has to believe in his God given calling and the rest can take its shape.
FM: In your opinion, how is the readership culture in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole?
KK: Well people do not read much anymore there fore writers should always keep in check with the modernism and fight technology, nothing can beat writing and creativity. We need as writers to engage our readers and understand what they real want

STRATEGIES FOR READING POETRY
With
Coach Fortune 28/02/2025

Sometimes reading POETRY is like riding on the muddy road. It can take you ages to really get what the poem is about. To win in reading poetry you have to listen carefully to what is said and essentially, to notice who says it.

The following Strategies can help you make poetry less of a burden

1. IDENTIFY THE SPEAKER
The speaker is the imaginary voice assumed by the poet. Sometimes the speaker is the speaker, other times the speaker is a Character created by the poet.

Therefore, it is essentially equal that whenever you read a poem, look for clues that will help you make inferences about the speaker’s personality, experiences and attitudes.

2. READ LINES ACCORDING TO PUNCTUATION
Pause at commas, dashes, semicolons and elipsis marks (three or four dots) then stop longer where there’s a full stop. Don’t stop at the end of a line unless the punctuation indicates that you should.

When sentences end in question mark, read them as questions. When they end in exclamation mark, read them with emphasis.

3. USE YOUR SENSES
Use your sense— sight, hearing,smell, taste and physical sensation to:
• understand and experience the poem’s world fully.
• Envision the setting and action by painting a mental picture from the poem’s world.

4. PARAPHRASE THE LINES
If you’re unsure of the poems meaning, you may want to restate a line or passage in your own words to help you understand it.

Basically, these are some of the few ways that can help you each time you read poetry.

Have you ever wondered how a book goes from concept to publication?

As a publisher, I’m often asked about the book publishing process. It’s a fascinating journey that transforms ideas into stories and manuscripts into finished works.

If you’ve always had a dream of writing and publishing a book, it’s indeed that time of the year to reframe this in.
Here’s a brief overview of the key stages:

1. Writing: The author writes the manuscript or may work with a ghostwriter, narrating their ideas while the chapters and content are developed collaboratively.
2. Editing: Once the manuscript is complete, it goes through multiple rounds of editing:
   • Developmental editing focuses on structure and content.
   • Line editing enhances style and flow.
   • Copyediting polishes grammar, punctuation, and consistency.
3. Designing: A professional designer creates the book’s interior layout and cover. A visually appealing design not only enhances readability but also ensures the book stands out to its target audience.
4. Publishing: Authors can choose between:
   • Traditional publishing: Submitting manuscripts to publishers or agents.
   • Self-publishing: Retaining full creative control and managing the process independently.
5. ISBN and Copyright:
   • An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is essential for distribution and sales tracking.
   • Securing copyright protects the author’s intellectual property from unauthorized use.
6. Printing: For physical books, authors may choose:
   • Offset printing for large print runs.
   • Print-on-demand for smaller quantities.
   Quality control is crucial at this stage to ensure the final product meets industry standards.
7. Distribution: Getting the book into bookstores, libraries, and online platforms is key to reaching readers. This often involves working with distributors or leveraging online marketplaces.
8. Marketing and Promotion: Effective strategies help build visibility and drive sales, such as:
   • Social media campaigns.
   • Book signings and events.
   • Blog tours and newsletters.
9. Launch: The book launch sets the tone for success. Whether virtual or in-person, a well-planned launch generates excitement and encourages initial sales.
10. Post-Publication: After the launch, continued promotion and reader engagement are vital. This includes:
    • Gathering reviews.
    • Participating in interviews.
    • Maintaining an active presence on social and literary platforms.

Publishing a book isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about creating an impact, sharing stories, and connecting with readers.

Are you curious about publishing your book? Let’s connect and turn your manuscript into a masterpiece!