POSITIONING

POSITIONING

In today’s world — loud, competitive, and fast-paced — standing out is no longer about talent alone. It’s about positioning — the deliberate art of defining how people see you, what you’re known for, and the value you represent.

For any woman who wants to rise above the crowd, positioning is power. It’s what sets the trailblazers apart from the crowd-followers.

Let’s explore how you can position yourself effectively in five vital areas of life — with inspiring Nigerian examples to guide you.

1. Career Positioning: Becoming the Go-To Woman in Your Field

Career positioning means shaping how your colleagues, bosses, and industry perceive you. It’s about being seen, heard, and remembered for excellence and impact.

How to Position Yourself:

* Develop expertise in a niche — be the one known for solving specific problems.

* Show consistency in work ethic, communication, and results.

* Be visible — share your achievements and insights on LinkedIn or at industry events.

* Volunteer for high-visibility projects that showcase your leadership.

Inspiring Nigerian Examples:

* Ibukun Awosika — positioned herself as a woman of integrity and leadership, becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected boardroom voices.

* Odunayo Eweniyi — co-founder of PiggyVest, built her brand as a bold innovator and advocate for women in tech.

* Temie Giwa-Tubosun — founded LifeBank, merging health and logistics innovation to save lives.

2. Academic Positioning: Standing Out Beyond the Classroom

In academics, positioning helps you go from being a regular student to a recognized thought leader in your area of study.

How to Position Yourself:

* Publish your research, join academic forums, and attend conferences.

* Seek mentorship and network with intellectual leaders.

* Create a distinct academic identity — be known for your focus or excellence in a particular area.

* Apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships that align with your vision.

Nigerian Examples:

* Tomike Adeoye leveraged her Mass Communication background to build a thriving career in media.

* Dr. Ola Brown combined medicine and finance to position herself as a multidisciplinary expert in healthcare investment.

* Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) blends her academic knowledge of literature and social issues to influence minds through spoken word.

💼 3. Business Positioning: Building a Brand That Commands Attention

In business, positioning determines how customers perceive you — are you premium, affordable, innovative, or people-focused?

How to Position Your Business:

Craft a strong unique value proposition (UVP)* — what sets you apart.

Create a cohesive brand identity* — your visuals, tone, and customer experience should tell one story.

Build trust* through testimonials, consistency, and transparency.

* Collaborate with other brands to expand your reach.

Nigerian Examples:

* Chioma Ikokwu (Good Hair Ltd) positioned her brand as luxury and high-class beauty.

* Tara Fela-Durotoye made House of Tara a pioneer in African beauty entrepreneurship.

4. Relationship Positioning: Building Connections That Elevate You

Your network determines your net worth — but positioning shapes how people treat and value you within that network.

How to Position Yourself:

* Be known for emotional intelligence, kindness, and reliability.

* Maintain clear values and boundaries — don’t blend in just to belong.

* Build mutually beneficial relationships — collaboration, not competition.

* Surround yourself with people aligned with your goals and energy.

Nigerian Examples:

* Toolz Oniru and Michelle Dede exemplify authenticity and grace in personal and professional relationships.

* Folorunsho Alakija has built her connections on principle, purpose, and integrity — not flattery or convenience.

5. Influence Positioning: Owning Your Voice and Story

Influence isn’t about popularity — it’s about powerfully shaping perspectives. Positioning yourself as an influential woman means defining your message and staying consistent with it.

How to Position Yourself:

* Share valuable insights online — consistency builds credibility.

* Be authentic; real stories attract real influence.

* Collaborate with other voices to expand your reach.

* Stick to your core message — your brand must be recognizable and trustworthy.

Nigerian Examples:

* Toke Makinwa positioned herself as a lifestyle influencer who owns her story unapologetically.

* Bimbo Ademoye built her influence on relatability and humour.

* Deborah Enenche positions her influence around faith, boldness, and individuality.

TAKEAWAY:
Positioning is not about pretending to be someone else.

It’s about strategic authenticity — deciding how you want to be perceived, and intentionally aligning your actions, voice, and values to match that vision.

Positioning helps the world see, feel, and remember your unique story.