People & Lifestyle
Anne-Sophie Ave: Changing The Face Of Diplomacy Through The Power Of Personal Branding
It is said that great brands require great leaders.
Think of Microsoft and the name Bill Gates immediately comes to mind; Virgin and Richard Branson comes to mind or Apple and Steve Jobs comes to mind.
These leaders have utilized the power of their personal brand to generate love for their organizational brand.
One personality who is utilizing the power of her personal brand to change the face of diplomacy in Ghana is the French Ambassador to Ghana, Anne-Sophie (Akosua) Avé.
Whilst a country may not be a product like a mobile phone or a television set, there is still no doubt that some branding principles can help diplomats in positioning themselves to win the hearts and minds of their target audiences.
And that is exactly what Anne Sophie Avé has done.
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In this article, I will share with you 4 of such branding principles that in my opinion have catapulted her into becoming the Queen of People’s Hearts in such a relatively short period of time.
AUTHENTIC BRAND PERSONALITY
Authenticity is one of the biggest assets of any brand.
Consumers are attracted to brands that are genuine, credible, honest and true to themselves.
No matter where one comes from, humans are naturally drawn to people who care and have the right intentions to help others.
Anne Sophie Avé has stood out as an exemplary Ambassador by being herself; by being HUMAN.
Her genuine love for people and her compassion shines through every interaction she has, making her a great humanitarian. Her ability to empathize has endeared her to the hearts of many.
She is friendly, approachable and down to earth. This has helped her to cultivate meaningful and memorable relationships with different audiences generating positive stories about herself and the country she represents.
No doubt she has become the “queen of people’s hearts.”
Anne-Sophie Ave: Changing The Face Of Diplomacy Through The Power Of Personal Branding
UNIQUE POSITIONING STRATEGY
Great brands do not just focus on their products.
They focus on their target consumers, immersing themselves in their consumers’ lives, getting to understand their motivations, their desires, their behaviours and their aspirations.
Read Also: Woodin donates to the “Akosua Fund” of outgoing French ambassador, Anne Sophie AVÉ
By getting into the minds and hearts of their consumers they start to think and act like their consumers.
Consumers get to see themselves in the brand and they are able to lead these consumers to buy into their brand and products.
What Anne Sophie Avé did strategically throughout her term in Ghana was to immerse herself into the lives of her Ghanaian target audience; to think, feel and act like a Ghanaian.
From taking up a Ghanaian name Akosua, to buying foodstuffs at the local market, queuing to buy waakye at the popular waakye joint, traversing parts of the country with her ‘Meet and Connect’ initiative to connect with her target audiences, jamming to Ghanaian music, dressing up in Ghanaian regalia, co-scripting and playing a role in a local TV series to showing her unflinching support for the Ghana Black Stars during the 2022 World Cup qualification.
She has come to be seen as a Ghanaian at heart. It is thus not surprising that she was enstooled as the Nkosuahemaa (Development Queen) of the town, under the stool name “Nana Benneh III” as well as queen mother for her developmental works in the Osu community and Ghana under the name Naa Narley Owaa Oman I.
By integrating into the lives of her Ghanaian audience and gaining acceptance, she has creatively led her Ghanaian target audiences to warmly embrace her “organizational brand” FRANCE and all it stands for.
Great positioning strategy I must say.
GREAT CONTENT MARKETING
Great brands leverage relevant and quality content to engage their customers, building credibility and enhancing visibility.
Anne Sophie Ave has done remarkably well in this regard; creating and hosting an innovative TV show, the first by an Ambassador, “Touch of France” which was adjudged the “TV show of the year” at Ghana Media and Entrepreneurship awards ceremony.
The programme unveils the collaborations of France with Ghana in relation to the theme of the week ranging from football, health, fashion to gastronomy, business, music or holidays, literature, cars, SDGs, heritage, diplomacy, languages or dance.
The program gained popularity due to the choice of addressing subjects with invited Ghanaian celebrity guests who share both their views on the theme of the episode and their experience of France and the French language.
Some of the Ghanaian personalities who have appeared on the show include Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Bisa Kdei, Becca, Bola Ray, Anita Erskine, Marcel Desailly and Abedi Pele, Juliet Ibrahim, among others.
Coupled with her strong online presence (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) where she shares exciting content of activities she engages in: from meeting with celebrities and her fans, speaking engagements to visit of tourist attractions.
Her engagement strategy has been spot on.
IMPACTFUL AND EXPERIENTIAL BRAND ACTIVATIONS
Great brands no longer sell just products; they sell experiences that endears them to the heart of their target consumers through impactful brand activations.
Anne Sophie Ave has been deliberately collaborative; collaborating with Ghanaian personalities who matter in the Arts and Entertainment industry from musicians to actors/actresses to bloggers during her term as Ambassador.
Her immense involvement in the promotion of Ghanaian Arts, Tourism and Culture both locally and internationally is remarkable.
Her strong belief in selling unique brand experiences through brand activations gave birth to the highly successful Paris in Accra and Accra in Paris concerts, providing a platform for France-based artists such as Passi and Orti to collaborate and perform with Ghanaian artists such as Sarkodie,, Stonebwoy, Becca, Kwabena Kwabena, Gasmilla and Fameye.
Following from the success of these 2 events, it is not surprising that she has received high praise from many Ghanaians.
Just to recap a few of them on Twitter:
Sammy Anim Addo says: “She (Anne Sophie Ave) is a Game Changer. She has changed the face of Diplomacy in Ghana. She associates with the people as much as she can: market women, street kids, vendors and to the Arts & Creative industry, she is the star. To me she deserves a National Honour”.
Another Twitter follower says “A Ghanaian not by colour. Greatest Ambassador to Ghana ever.”
“This woman deserves to be celebrated. Great work contributing to put Ghana on the map.”
“We have to build a statue for this woman. She’s incredible.”
In a little over 3 years, Anne Sophie Ave has been able to connect people’s hearts and minds to her personal brand and ultimately to her “organizational brand” FRANCE.
Through her authentic brand personality, her unique brand positioning, relevant content marketing and the use of impactful and experiential brand activations, she has warmed herself into the hearts of many and has certainly lived up to be the “Queen of People’s Hearts”.
People & Lifestyle
‘Millennium Girls’ of Wesley Girls’ High School donate GHS 10,000 to the victims affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.
The Wesley Girls’ High School 2002 Old Girls Association, known as the ‘Millennium Girls,’ recently showcased their commitment to social responsibility by donating GHS 10,000 to Citi FM’s resettlement project for the victims affected by the Akosombo dam spillage. Representatives Nana Finba Austin and Edith Dede Acquaye presented the generous contribution at the premises of Citi FM, emphasizing the association’s dedication to the welfare of the community and reinforcing the enduring values of unity, compassion, and service instilled during their years at Wesley Girls’ High School.
The ‘Millennium Girls’ continue to set an inspiring example for alumni associations, embodying the spirit of giving and making a positive impact beyond their Alma Mater.
The ‘Millenium Girls’ are set to host the 187th Anniversary and Speech and Prize Giving Day of their Alma Mater, Wesley Girls’ High School in February 2024.
People & Lifestyle
DJ Justice GH kicks off The Justice Experience Tour on December 3
Get your dance shoes on! DJ Justice GH will bring the heat to clubbers nationwide this festive month with the Justice Experience Pub and Lounge Tour–a revamp of his annual end-of-year concert, coming to a location near you. The tour will begin at Monte Carlo Pub in Tema–his home city, this Sunday (December 3). Be there!
“I feel the night scene has become pretty boring and I want to change that,” DJ Justice GH said. “It shouldn’t always be artists, so I’d be teaming up with DJs and MCs this year. They have more to offer than you think and nightlifers can expect one of the best nights they’ll ever have this year.”
DJ Perbi, DJ Toyor, DJ Xpliph, DJ Ronky, DJ Mpesempese, DJ Lord, DJ Wobeti, DJ Mynor, Sheldon The Turn Up, DJ Shiwaawa, DJ Mac Tonto, DJ Cartoon and countless more are on the list of supporting acts to storm Accra, Koforidua, Aflao, Kumasi, Tamale, Swedru and Takoradi alongside DJ Justice GH.
If you don’t want to miss this feature-packed experience, follow DJ Justice GH (@djjusticegh) on Instagram to know when he’s hitting your city.
People & Lifestyle
Grammy Nominee Tyla Tells Apple Music About New Single “Truth or Dare”, Collaborating with Travis Scott & Summer Walker & How ‘Water’ Changed Her Life
Superstar in the making Tyla joins Zane Lowe on New Music Daily to discuss her new single, “Truth or Dare” available now. They discuss the making of the new single, reflect on her smash-hit “Water” changing her life, recent collaborations with Summer Walker and Travis Scott, and more.
Tyla on having fun making her new single…
It was so fun to make. I just feel like I’ve worked on my sound so much these past years working on the album, so making this type of music is easy for me. I love it. I love it. Whenever I make something that I’m excited about, I want to drop it same time. But there’s a lot of times where I learned that being patient is important because I notice that once I wait and I spend more time on certain things, I always come up with something better.
On ‘Water’ changing her life…
Water literally changed my whole life completely. It’s so crazy how a song can change your life like this. It’s beautiful. It’s so exciting. I’m so happy that people are loving the sound, coming from home. So yeah, I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
On what she’s learned from collaborating with people like Travis Scott and Summer Walker…
It feels so surreal working with people that I’ve always loved and listened to. Yeah, I love it. I love that I’m able to also share my sound with other artists, bigger artists, and share their audience and their audience, experience sounds from home. Collaborating is my favourite. I love working with new people. When I was working on my album, I was travelling literally the world and working with everybody. So yeah, it’s cool that I get to now work with the big names that I’ve always been watching my whole life.
On making her forthcoming album self-titled…
For now, my introduction to the world, I just wanted to be clean, Tyla. I want people to get to know my name and get to know my sound because my first project is going to be Tyla in music form. So, I felt like self-titled would’ve been the best way to go.
On her recent success…
I think I’m trying to acknowledge it. It doesn’t feel real as yet, to be very honest. A lot of the times, I’ll just be doing what I usually do, and then my team has to remind me, “You can’t do that anymore.” So, I’m kind of adjusting to it. But yeah, I’m just excited that more people are hearing my music and enjoying the stuff that I’m putting out. And yeah, I’ll still have to get used to this whole change, but we’ll see. We’ll see.
On the idea of “home” and how it feels now that her music is representing her community and where she’s come from…
I haven’t been home in long since Water started blowing up. So, this is my first time home, and everyone’s just so welcoming and so excited and happy. So, it’s such a good time to be here. It’s summer for us here, so you can imagine how the vibes are here. South Africa is the place to be. Summertime, crazy.
On what she missed the most being on the road and away from home…
Obviously my family. I have a big family. I’m very close with them., So being away for so long is so difficult. So, definitely family and the food. Definitely my mother’s food. My mother knows as soon as I land, she knows the routine. She has to have a whole meal ready for me. And every single time, it’s there. I have Pap. It’s there. South African food is what I crave all the time, literally.
On her favourite artists from South Africa…
I always listen to Kelvin Momo. He’s a piano producer. Crazy. Crazy. Everyone should listen to him. I’m always listening to him. I’m listening to Nasty C, Kabza De Small. There’s so many amazing artists out here in South Africa.
People & Lifestyle
Can You Snort Kratom?
If you are using kratom, this thought might have crossed your mind: ‘Can I snort Kratom?’. But, the answer to this question is a big ‘NO.’ Kratom forms clumps when it is exposed to moisture. So, it is not favorable to snort kratom.
Snorting or Insufflation of kratom can damage the mucous membrane and irritate your throat. People can experience negative effects, including overdose. But there are ways in which you can consume different strains of kratom without any problem.
In this article, we will talk about the side effects of kratom snorting and what are the best ways to consume kratom. We will also discuss the dangers related to snorting kratom. So let’s get started.
Why Would Someone Snort Kratom?
Usually, the Southeastern people used kratom by chewing the leaves of the plant. But as kratom’s popularity increased, it was manufactured as capsules, powder, and liquid shots for consumption. People usually take kratom orally, but there are various reasons people snort kratom:
Get High Quickly
Many people believe that if they snort kratom, it will be directly absorbed into the bloodstream, which will make them get high quickly. Some users who use kratom for recreational purposes consume kratom like this.
Lack Of Knowledge
People who lack knowledge regarding kratom and its proper use snort kratom. Kratom forms clumps when it comes in contact with moisture, so it can further cause health issues.
Can You Smoke Kratom?
Other than taking kratom in capsules and powdered form, it is also smoked by many people. However, a significant amount of leaves is required to achieve the desired effects. It can be harsh on the throat and lungs, but you can get high quickly. Make sure you purchase kratom from reputable brands to get only the purest kratom. You can check this post to learn more about the best brands to buy kratom.
As compared to other herbal supplements, kratom smoke can be strong. It also produces a sustained euphoric effect, but you need a higher amount of supplement to achieve that euphoric state.
Here are some points to know before smoking Kratom:
- New kratom users or those who are sensitive to kratom must not consume more than one gram of the substance.
- At lower doses, you will feel mild stimulation, and your mood will be uplifted.
- If you smoke a significant amount of kratom, like 5 grams, then you will have noteworthy effects.
What is the Best Way to Use Kratom?
Other than snorting kratom, there are many ways in which you can consume kratom and get its various benefits. Manufacturers sold different types of kratom strains in the form of powder, capsules, extracts, etc. You can use kratom in the following ways:
- Kratom Capsules: If you don’t like the taste of kratom, you can go with kratom capsules. This method eliminates the bitter aftertaste and also offers a convenient way to take your daily dose.
- Kratom Tea: Brewing kratom tea is a timeless tradition. To create the best kratom tea, boil water on a low flame for 10-12 minutes and add kratom leaves or kratom powder to the water. Strain the liquid, and your kratom tea, with its amazing benefits, is ready.
- Kratom Powder: People also use kratom powder along with normal water. To make it more fun, you can blend kratom powder with chocolate milk. If you are lactose intolerant, you can opt for a milk alternative. You can also make kratom cookies to get the best of both worlds. You just have to pour kratom powder when you are making the dough for the cookies, and it’s done. People make kratom cookies to get the benefit of kratom and the sweetness of cookies.
- Kratom Extracts: These extracts are a more concentrated form of kratom. It can be created from kratom leaves of kratom powder. Its dosage is far more potent than the kratom powder.
Dangers of Snorting Kratom
Snorting kratom can be very dangerous for you and against your best interests. There can be short-term and long-term side effects of snorting kratom:
- Short-Term Side Effects: Nose Bleeding, nasal swelling, trouble breathing, nose and throat irritation, buildup of mucous membrane, nasal blockage.
- Long-Term Side Effects: Lung Infection, Damage to the respiratory system, Damage to throat and nose, Damaged mucous membrane, Blood clots in lungs, pulmonary embolisms, nasal inflammation, and perforation of nasal passages.
Along with these, snorting kratom can also cause various mental and physical problems:
Hallucinations, anxiety, aggressive behavior, tremors, seizures, vomiting.
Snorting kratom can be dangerous, so make sure you consume kratom in the form of tea or powder, etc. You must also know about the different strains of kratom and their benefits; in that way, you can select the best kratom strains for you.
Final Thoughts: Can You Snort Kratom?
This leads to the end of this article; we talked about how snorting kratom can create problems for you. Snorting kratom is not a good idea; the powder will form clumps in your throat and lungs and can cause serious long-term side effects.
There are many ways to consume kratom; you can take it as a capsule or make kratom tea. It is also available as extracts, which are the most concentrated form of kratom. You can make kratom consumption fun by adding the powder to your chocolate milk or making cookies.
Kratom has many benefits, but only if you take it the right way. Snorting kratom can harm you in many ways. Its short-term side effects include nose bleeding, swelling, nose and throat irritation, and nasal blockage. It also has long-term side effects like mucous membranes, nose, and throat damage. It also leads to lung infection, blood clots in the lungs, and pulmonary embolisms.
So, we recommend using kratom safely by consuming it the proper way. Snorting kratom will not get you high but can damage your respiratory tract and lungs. So be careful and safe.
People & Lifestyle
Exploring the Latest Technological Advances in Fishing Reel Design
Fishing, once a simple pursuit with rudimentary tools, has undergone a transformative journey with technological advancements. Piscifun, a prominent brand in the fishing gear industry, stands at the forefront of this evolution. Let’s delve into the latest technological innovations that Piscifun incorporates into their fishing reel designs, enhancing the angling experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Precision Engineering: Micro Gearing for Smoother Operation
One of the standout technological features in Piscifun fishing reels is the implementation of micro gearing. This precision engineering involves the use of finely machined gear components, resulting in smoother operation and increased performance. Anglers experience reduced friction, allowing for seamless casts and retrieves, making each fishing excursion a more enjoyable and efficient endeavor.
Carbon Fiber Drag Systems: Power and Sensitivity in Harmony
Piscifun recognizes the crucial role that drag systems play in fishing reel performance. The brand integrates advanced carbon fiber drag systems into their reels, combining power and sensitivity. This innovation ensures that anglers can smoothly adjust the drag to handle various fish sizes while maintaining a level of sensitivity that allows for precise control during the fight.
Corrosion Resistance: Shielding Reels Against the Elements
Fishing often involves exposure to harsh elements, and Piscifun addresses this challenge with cutting-edge corrosion-resistant technologies. The brand incorporates materials and coatings that protect the reel from saltwater corrosion, ensuring longevity and reliability even in the most demanding environments. Anglers can trust their Piscifun reels to withstand the test of time and the corrosive effects of saltwater.
Lightweight Design: Graphite and Aluminum Alloys for Maneuverability
In the pursuit of the perfect fishing reel, weight plays a crucial role in determining maneuverability and comfort. Piscifun leverages the latest materials, such as graphite and aluminum alloys, to create lightweight yet durable reels. This technological advance allows anglers to enjoy extended fishing sessions without experiencing fatigue, ultimately enhancing the overall fishing experience.
Sealed Bearings: Enhancing Durability in Challenging Environments
Piscifun understands the importance of bearings in reel performance, and their incorporation of sealed bearings is a testament to this commitment. Sealed bearings provide an additional layer of protection against water, dirt, and debris, significantly enhancing the durability and lifespan of the reel. Anglers can confidently take their Piscifun reels into diverse environments, knowing that the sealed bearings contribute to reliable and smooth operation.
Dual Brake Systems: Fine-Tuning Control for Precision Casting
Achieving precise casting is a fundamental aspect of successful angling, and Piscifun addresses this with the implementation of dual brake systems. This technological innovation allows anglers to fine-tune their casting control, adapting to different fishing conditions and lure weights. The result is increased accuracy and casting distance, providing anglers with a distinct advantage on the water.
Advanced Gear Ratios: Speed and Power Tailored to Fishing Styles
Piscifun fishing reels come equipped with advanced gear ratios that cater to diverse fishing styles. Whether anglers prefer high-speed retrieves or require the power for deep-sea fishing, Piscifun’s innovative gear ratios provide versatility. This technological advancement allows anglers to adapt their reel’s performance to specific fishing scenarios, ensuring optimal efficiency and success.