10 lessons (Africans are learning) from that $16 billion Facebook just gave WhatsApp
So now that we’ve wiped our jaws on the floor, and (kind of) come to terms with the sheer hugeness of the huge buy that Facebook just confirmed for the hugely successful WhatsApp, we’ve scanned through the African – and especially Nigerian – ecosystem reactions, and we’ve got 10 simple lessons people are sharing.
One sentence for each. #NoTime – some people are counting their billions already.
1. Don’t. You. Ever. Stop. Moving. The dramatic difference five years has made in the life of Brian Acton is enough to give pause.
Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking forward to life’s next adventure.
— Brian Acton (@brianacton) August 3, 2009
Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute.
— Brian Acton (@brianacton) May 23, 2009
2. WhatsApp focused on building its user base – headed for a billions users.
3. Mobile Only versus Mobile First. We’re on the right path, Africa.
4. High Risk, High Returns – Sequioa – $60mn and only investor getting $3bn.
5. Engagement is key – Zuck admits WhatsApp did more engagement than Facebook. He obviously couldn’t sleep on this.
6. Align with the future – Zuck got 1 billion users with Facebook and plans to get next 1 billion with mobile and WhatsApp was already on track.
7. Build a kick ass product – WhatsApp is nothing but kick ass. Simple. Cross platform. Awesome UX, UI, and innovative.
8. Patient dog. Fattest bone. Instagram – $1bn, Snapchat – $3bn(offered), WhatsApp – $16bn.
9. Mark Zuckerberg now owns half the world. He is the AntiChrist.
10. [Insert your local proverb here]
Over to you, motivational speakers and pastors!
[Photo Credit: Compflight, TechCrunch, Google Images]
Short, illustrative and sweet.
Hahaha. Definitely some valuable lessons for every business and tech entrepreneur. Thanks for the share.
You're welcome. Glad you found value 🙂
11. If you are enjoying what you are currently doing, then don't worry too much about where it'll take you. The moment you stop enjoying it, move on to something else. 1 day is a very long term in the Clouds.
12. I don't have a facebook account, but nice piece.
True! Hahaha about No Facebook. Guess if you use whatsapp you are kinda do 🙂 – Nubi
One other lesson is that Brian Action is a very positive guy. He doesn't feel bad about rejections and believes that there is always another day and another opportunity ahead. Now look what it got him. This is pure hope and self believe.
Self belief* rather, but who has time to correct typos, people are already busy counting their billions.
Yes o my brother.