Michael Oyedokun, a graduate of Computer Science, is the Chief Executive Officer of Aceworld Publishers, Ibadan-based publishing, web designing, and digital marketing firm. In this interview with ADIGUN TEMITOPE, the man popularly known as ‘Michael Ace’ shares some of his success secrets
What is Aceworld Publishers all about?
The brand started in August 2015 as a literary magazine, publishing works such as poems and fictions. Two years after, the publishing arm was launched to focus on digital publication. We believe we are in the digital age, so books should be more accessible in gadgets, which is why the marketing pricing table on our site comprises publications on digital platforms: Amazon, Okadabooks, etc. We have a bookstore too. In 2018, the magazine took a new form. We started to publish more academic works, career development articles, scholarships, internship opportunities. So we have the magazine and the publishing firm. In short, we are into content and book publishing. The edge rwe have is that we give total publishing package, including marketing. Five years and counting, we have a huge audience already.
What motivated you to merge your profession with your new-found creative and literary career?
Well, one thing didn’t lead to another as most people claim. I’ve always been a science student with an obsession for computer, internet and social media. Then in 2014, I came across poetry on Facebook and I started writing, learning from people, and winning contests. So, I wrote for quite a while, saw that I’ve garnered huge followers in such a short time. I wouldn’t want to throw that away, because that was the only field I felt like a celebrity. People follow me like I was a kind of genius. So I thought, whatever I do, I must find a way to engage this audience. It’s an already built ground for me. So, with my computer and digital knowledge, I drew a plot to combine both. Use my digital knowledge to enhance my writing, making my money, and use my already built audience as my market.
What are the challenges you’ve encountered since you started and how did you tackle them?
I hate disappointments. I hate to be turned down and this is why I would rather die than ask you for a favour when I know you’ll turn me down. But running a publishing firm with no backing, no funds, and I couldn’t even afford such fees, was very challenging. So, I broke out of the idea of running things myself (the first challenge) and sought sponsors. The love for my brand made me succeed in that, though. Then a bigger failure came in because no one was ready to help. People would rather ask for more than they give. So I paused at some point in time to restrategise. This was when I drew a line between my passion and profession. I started doing more of what makes money than what I love. In the end, I was able to finance it, of course, with the help of Phunso Oris, who has always been there. We call him a god. He is still doing the magic. Why do we call him god? Because he has an answer to every question as regards growth. He assisted financially too. He sponsored 99 per cent of all the contests Aceworld curated between 2015 and 2017.
What are the aims of your brand and how do you intend to achieve them?
As I can’t liken my brand to anyone existing around the world, it would be a bit technical to answer. I don’t do well with being a mentee from time. But then, in a few years to come, Aceworld will be one of the leading publishing and media houses around the world. But then, I’ve always had my way of doing things. So I can’t tell you what to expect. If anyone is interested in knowing, they can stay close to the thread. I’m already achieving them. Aceworld is work in progress. Watch out!
How do you see the literary and creative industry in Nigeria?
Doing well. I only wish our people can look at creativity through the lens of marketing. I don’t like seeing talented people suffer. Not everyone will get sponsor. If I was waiting for a sponsor, I would have been one of the several Nigerian youths roaming the street complaining about lack of jobs. Making money is an art in itself. So whatever you know how to do, the first thing you should think of before starting is how to market it. The literary community is doing well. But how much do we make? That’s the main thing.
Do you think Nigerian government’s policies are favourable to the literary industry in the country?
I don’t even want to talk about that at all. I’m not bittered but any industry waiting for government interference to grow is due for ruin. The music industry is not sponsored by the government and it is achieving great things. So, leave the government out, especially the Nigerian government. You talk about them, you talk about failure.
What are the changes you would like to see in the industry?
More money, more sponsorships and marketable arts. We have the brain. Let’s talk about how to sell it.
What qualities helped you in your career?
I’m consistent, especially in what I love doing.
What important lessons have you learnt in business?
In whatever you do, money matters, and to make it, you have to be deliberate. Being deliberate is not being obsessed with money. You can make money, if you chase it. You have to provide value. Give people value and they won’t even feel they are paying you.
What do you do for fun?
I don’t watch movies. I don’t go out. I don’t watch football and I don’t play it. But I listen to old school music. Thank God for Saheed Osupa. I work for fun (I think I’m obsessed) and when I am stressed, I call my girlfriend to talk. I drink coke too. I neither read novels nor poems, but texts and courses about my field. I’m a very curious person.
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