“Money Lessons From…” is a monthly PiggyVest series that aims to review Nigerian media through a financial lens and glean relevant money lessons from them.
For this month’s “Money Lessons From…” we will be analysing All’s Fair in Love, a flick about two childhood best friends and business partners, Demi and Kanla and their curious infatuation with their newly hired executive consultant, Mbali, who was low-key a part of a money laundering syndicate.
A love triangle and a criminal enterprise; sounds exhilarating, right? Well, that’s for you to decide, since it’s currently streaming on Prime Video. Regardless of your rating, All’s Fair in Love sure does get great points for its stunning cinematography, costume designs, and cast. With faces like Timini Egbuson, Deyemi Okanlawon, Buhle Samuels, and the iconic Ireti Doyle, it’s easy to ignore the lack of suspense.
And if you’re wondering what money lessons we could possibly glean from a movie about a love triangle, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Keep reading!
A cocktail of business and pleasure
Demi and Kanla love a good time, and why shouldn’t they? But these master playboys suddenly decide to retire their boots the moment this chic, mysterious, new consultant they hire to help with the global expansion of their fashion business, comes into the picture. You can almost see all critical thinking exit stage left.
On the other hand, this consultant, Mbali, who Chief (why are criminal masterminds in every Nollywood movie named Chief?) sent to deceive these two friends into accepting her illegitimate investment, forgets her mission and starts falling in love with both men. Talk about a wrench in your plans!
And as you know, pleasure and business do not pair well. Demi and Kanla were not pleased to find out they were being played, and neither was Chief. So, naturally, all hell breaks loose.
How can you maintain professional boundaries?
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You must maintain clear boundaries between personal and professional relationships. Murkying these waters can cause conflicts of interest and harm your income, relationships, and business.
Here are some tips for maintaining professional boundaries:
- Be firm and clear with your professional principles and boundaries.
- Make sure you’re honest and transparent in all your discussions.
- Ensure that all job functions are defined clearly.
- Remain professional even when fraternising after-hours.
- Stick to official communication channels and maintain a professional tone and language.
A creative and a businessman
Several scenes — and outfits — in and we have a clear picture of the distinct roles and personalities of the two business partners: Demi is portrayed as the brains of the company, who makes sure the business remains afloat by seeking investment opportunities and handling their financials, while Kanla is the cool, creative genius behind the brand’s designs. Despite their differences, they divvied up the business responsibilities based on their strengths, and their fashion business thrived.
Some takeaways?
- Choose your partnerships wisely:
A great business partnership works because two people who share the same goal — and complementary skillsets — come together to build something they believe in. Before the unexpected love triangle, their dynamic worked; a mutually beneficial and harmonious business pairing, despite their intimate, brotherly bond.
It’s best to build a business with people you trust and can vouch for. Look within your circle first (family, friends, coursemates, colleagues or acquaintances) for people to grow a business with. As long as you stipulate your business terms and plans clearly (and are not in love with the same person) your business is bound to succeed.
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- A creative business is still a business:
Kanla, a true creative, would change his mind about designs at the last minute, costing the company time and money. Luckily Demi always stepped in to keep him grounded, and calm the angered and overworked staff members.
As a creative, you must remember that businesses must stay profitable in order to self-sustain. Squandering company resources on frivolous creative pursuits will send you back to your village in record time, so be careful when making decisions that cost money. Also, surround yourself with people who keep you in check, and supplement your bursts of spontaneity with doses of sound reasoning.
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Investment or money laundering?
Taking their business to a global audience would require an influx of funds; funds these partners would need from external investors. Could Demi have accepted his father’s offer to invest in their business? Maybe. But their already strained relationship stood in the way. And so he declined his father’s support at every turn.
Enter “LUAN investment group”, which Mbali recommends strongly. But this company is just a front for Chief’s money laundering syndicate, and the partners, being in bed with the devil, are about to make the worst decision of their lives and accept their investment offering.
Luckily, before the deal goes through, the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) intercepts the boys and reveals the truth to them. Things slightly escalate, but the FCC, of course, saves the day. The rest is Kumbaya.
How to identify a money laundering scheme
Money laundering is a familiar term to many of us, but not as many people understand how it works and what it means. Money laundering is taking illegitimate(ly earned) funds and “cleaning” them to make them appear legitimate.
Some signs include:
- Clients with shady or paperwork or identification documents.
- Suspiciously large cash sums.
- Unusual patterns with their cash transactions.
- Frequent transfers of funds between accounts
As a business owner, you must be vigilant to avoid falling victim to such schemes. Money laundering is illegal and can cost you your livelihood and freedom. The consequences are not as cute as the movies portray. Do your due diligence and report any suspicious activity to financial agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Financial Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
