JOECAMP : FROM FEAR TO EXPERTISE

From Fear to Foreign Clients: A Tech Journey with Joe

Welcome back to the Good Living Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe, a tech innovator and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in web development, digital marketing, and even tech-security integration as a Senior Special Advisor to the Police Public Relations Committee. Joe’s journey into tech is both inspiring and relatable, and his insights into the industry are invaluable for anyone looking to break into the field or scale their tech business.

How Joe Fell in Love with Tech

Joe’s tech journey began during his university days at Uni-Agric. He recalls being fascinated by his peers who could effortlessly operate computers while he felt completely out of his depth. “I didn’t even know where to click on a keyboard,” he admitted. But curiosity got the better of him, and during his Industrial Training (IT) at Planet Technologies, Joe’s life changed.

With no prior experience, Joe started from scratch, learning HTML and Java alongside his classmates. What set him apart was his passion. “I loved it so much,” he said. “I didn’t have a computer, so I paid to hire one for months just to practice.” By the end of his IT program, Joe had surpassed his peers in skill and confidence.

This early dedication laid the foundation for his career. After university, Joe officially launched his business, Jocamp Technologies, during his NYSC service in Katsina State. He registered the business, built a website, and started solving tech problems for clients.

The Evolution of Tech: From Coding to AI

Joe has witnessed firsthand how rapidly technology evolves. “If you were a tech person in 2012 and didn’t improve yourself, you’d be outdated today,” he said. Back then, building websites required manual coding with languages like Java and HTML. Now, platforms like WordPress and Wix have simplified the process, allowing even beginners to create professional websites.

But Joe emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics. “Start with coding,” he advised. “It strengthens your brain and helps you debug problems later.” While drag-and-drop tools are convenient, knowing the underlying code gives you an edge when troubleshooting or customizing websites.

When it comes to programming languages, Joe is a fan of Python. “Python is the future,” he said. “It’s versatile, especially for AI and chatbot development.” He explained how AI is revolutionizing industries, from automating customer service with chatbots to creating humanoid robots.

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One of the most striking parts of our conversation was Joe’s shift from local to foreign clients. “As a tech person in Nigeria, if you don’t look out for foreign clients, hunger will kill you” this one made me laugh. lol. But the reality is stark: foreign clients value tech services more and are willing to pay significantly higher rates.

For example, a website that might sell for ₦250,000 locally could fetch $3,000 (over ₦4 million) abroad. Joe shared how he now focuses on securing international clients, leveraging platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. “They know what they want, they pay more, and they don’t stress you,” he said.

This shift isn’t just about money—it’s about respect for the craft. Local clients often don’t understand the value of tech services, Joe explained. “They’ll say they want a website to ‘get mails,’ but websites are not for getting mails.”

AI: Friend or Foe?

We also delved into the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Joe sees AI as a tool to make life easier, not a threat. “AI can’t create itself,” he said. “It’s humans who program AI to solve problems.” He dismissed fears of AI taking over jobs, especially in creative fields like content writing. “AI can generate ideas, but it’s up to humans to refine and personalize them.”

Joe is particularly excited about AI’s potential in chatbots and video creation. Platforms like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are transforming how businesses interact with customers and produce content. “AI is moving at lightning speed,” he said. “We need to catch up.”

Digital Marketing: Finding Your Target Audience

As a digital marketer, Joe shared valuable insights on how businesses can thrive online. The key? Knowing your target audience. “If you’re a web designer, your audience is business owners, bloggers, and schools,” he explained. For content creators like podcasters, success lies in engagement.

“YouTube and other platforms prioritize content that keeps viewers hooked,” Joe said. “If people spend time on your video or blog, the algorithm will recommend it to others.” He emphasized the importance of quality content, catchy visuals, and consistent branding to build a loyal audience.

Taking Physical Businesses Online

Joe highlighted the untapped potential of taking physical businesses online. “Accessories, jewelry, and phone gadgets sell well online,” he said. Platforms like Jumia and Temu have proven this model works, but Joe encourages entrepreneurs to build their own e-commerce websites.

“Run ads on Facebook and Google to drive traffic to your site,” he advised. “Use tools like Pixel to track visitors and optimize your marketing strategy.” By taking control of their online presence, businesses can reach a global audience and maximize profits.

Final Thoughts

Joe’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, hard work, and adaptability. From a university student scared of computers to a tech entrepreneur with international clients, his journey is inspiring. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned professional, Joe’s insights offer valuable lessons for navigating the ever-evolving world of technology.

Thank you for tuning in to the Good Living Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone looking to break into tech or scale their business. Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep living good!

— Your host, Koke