How Smart Actions Led NYSC Corper ‘Gladys Adija Markus’ to Success

When Gladys Adija Markus, a young NYSC corper, opened her foodstuff shop in a quiet, tucked-away market in Jos, many people questioned her decision.

The location was far from the bustling areas where shops thrived, and her family and fellow traders were concerned about how she would attract customers.

They feared that her shop’s hidden spot would lead to low foot traffic and minimal sales.

But Gladys was undeterred.

What others didn’t know was that she had already taken a smart, strategic step long before opening the physical store, she had built a solid presence on social media.

Gladys had been selling her products online, creating a loyal customer base through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

By the time she opened her shop, 95% of her customers were already connected to her online.

“My shop wasn’t about relying on local foot traffic,” she explains. “It was about giving my business structure and credibility. I had been selling to people from all over Nigeria before I even opened the shop doors.”

As the weeks passed, those who were once worried about her hidden location were amazed by what they saw.

Constant shipments were going in and out of her shop, while others in the market saw fewer customers.

When asked how she was making it work despite the shop being in such an isolated spot, she would smile and say, “It’s all thanks to grace and social media.”

Gladys’ story is a shining example of how smart actions like leveraging social media can turn a business into a success, no matter where it’s located.

Today, her business isn’t just catering to locals in Jos but has expanded across all 36 states in Nigeria, powered by her online sales.

Her journey proves that location doesn’t define your success; your strategy does.

By using social media, she was able to build trust, engage with customers, and create a brand that resonated with people far beyond her local market.

Why Social Media Was Her Secret Weapon

Social media allowed Gladys to break through the limitations of a physical shop.

She used Instagram to showcase her products, Facebook to connect with customers, and WhatsApp to take and process orders.

With every post, she built relationships and reached out to new potential customers.

“People often think social media is just for fun,” she says, “but it’s a powerful tool for business. Every day, I receive orders from customers I’ve never met in person. It’s changed my business completely.”

Her advice to young entrepreneurs, especially women, is simple: “Don’t underestimate the power of social media.”

You don’t need to have the best shop location or huge resources to succeed.

With a smartphone and internet access, you can grow your business and reach millions of people.

Key Lessons from Gladys’ Success:

Start Online: Before you invest in a physical location, build your presence on social media. Gladys started by connecting with her customers online, which became her business’s foundation.
Think Beyond Your Location: Don’t limit yourself to local customers. By using social media, you can reach people far beyond your immediate area.
Engage Consistently: Gladys was consistent with her posts, responding to customers and building relationships through her online platforms. This consistency is key to growing your brand.
Turn Social Media into a Business Tool: Social media isn’t just for entertainment. Gladys used it strategically to generate sales and create credibility for her brand.
Believe in Your Vision: Despite doubts from those around her, Gladys believed in her plan and stayed focused on her goals. Her confidence and smart actions led to her success.

Smart Actions Leads to Big Success

Gladys Adija Markus is a true example of how smart actions and the power of social media can transform any business.

As a young NYSC corper, she didn’t let her hidden shop or the opinions of others hold her back. Instead, she used her online presence to build a business that reaches across Nigeria.

Her journey shows that you don’t need a perfect location to succeed, just a phone, social media, and the determination to make it work.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, follow Gladys’ lead and make smart use of social media. Success could be just a post away.