BUSINESS MONDAY: How often do you check your email?

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One time, I almost lost an internship position because I didn't check my email.

This happened when I started my digitalpreneurship journey. I was ignorant about certain essential habits that I could go on for weeks without checking my Gmail for messages. It never occurred to me that an opportunity could be lurking there, waiting for me.

Actually, I would apply for opportunities, make cold pitches and hurriedly go back to scrolling through Facebook and Instagram.

Then, one glorious morning, I MISTAKENLY opened my Gmail app. And do you know the first message that greeted me?

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You Got In!

Dear Ukpono,

Congratulations! We are thrilled to inform you that you have been selected for the prestigious XYZ Internship!
Proceed to...

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That single mistake almost cost me a huge opportunity filled with thrilling experiences. However, this was an eye-opener. Which explains why I wish to share these lessons with every young person who is starting their career.

1. Make it a habit to check your email daily

The world has gone digital. This means that the email address you provide during your job applications, school admission and pitches is no longer a mere formality. It is your primary point of contact. In fact, your digital P.O. Box.

By making it a habit to check your mail daily, you are not just ensuring that you get notified of any incoming mail, but also subconsciously training yourself for the future. As you progress, you will realise that you would literally (just for emphasis) be living in your inbox. Your ability to reply to those mails promptly would not only build your reputation, but also earn your client's trust.

2. Learn how to use different digital tools.

There are numerous digital tools to serve various workspace functions.
For instance:

• Google docs or MS Word for writing and documentation
• Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations
• Zoom or Google Meet for virtual meetings, including collaborative apps like Slack, Trello or Basecamp.

Understanding how these things work will help you stay organised and productive.

3. Have a “search engine mindset”

No human is a cynosure of knowledge. No matter how experienced you are in a field, there will always be gaps in your understanding or new pieces of information to learn. This is why you need a go-to search engine like Google, YouTube, etc.

They will come in handy when searching for new industry trends or when you encounter any technical issue.

In summary,
✔️ Check your emails often
✔️ Understand how different digital tools work
✔️ Make Google your friend

These are my suggestions for all young people who wish to succeed as modern-day digitalpreneurs or entrepreneurs.

I hope you found this valuable. ❤️
Happy new week!
_{Published 21 July 2025}