When Your Hard Work Gets Ignored (Like a TikTok That Flops)
Imagine spending hours filming a TikTok dance, picking the perfect song, and adding cool effects. You hit “post”… and nothing. Three views, zero likes. Ugh, right? That’s exactly how it feels when you pour your soul into a SETA application—or any project—and it gets ignored.
Here’s the tea: 90% of SETA applications fail because they’re boring. They sound like everyone else’s. But the 10% that win? They’re like that one TikTok that goes viral because it’s different. Let’s talk about how to stop being ignored and start winning.
2. Why Most Applications Fail (Spoiler: They’re Forgettable)
Think about school group projects. Everyone copies the same info from Wikipedia, right? Yawn. That’s why the teacher gives a C. SETA applications fail the same way. They’re full of phrases like:
- “We aim to improve skills.”
- “We align with SETA goals.”
Snore fest.
Example: Meet Jamal. He runs a small bakery and applied for SETA funding to train his staff. His first draft was all facts: “We need ovens. We want to teach baking.” It got rejected. Why? No personality.
Then Jamal rewrote it like this:
“Last year, my grandma’s secret sourdough recipe saved my bakery during a flour shortage. Now, I want to teach others how to adapt like she did—turning problems into delicious solutions.”
Boom. He got the funding. Why? He added his story.
3. The 10% Formula: Be the TikTok Star of SETA Applications
Winning applications aren’t smarter—they’re cooler. Here’s how to copy them:
A. Tell a Story (Like Gossip)
People love drama. Start with a problem, like:
“When I first applied, I got rejected twice. Turns out, I was doing it all wrong…”
Example: A farming co-op’s application started with:
“Our first SETA application was so bad, the reviewers probably used it as a coaster. But then we learned one trick…”
Suddenly, reviewers are hooked.
B. Ditch the Robot Voice
Write like you’re texting your BFF. Ditch words like “utilize” or “commence.” Say “use” or “start.”
Bad: “We seek to facilitate skill development.”
Good: “We help people level up their talents—like a video game cheat code.”
C. Add a Plot Twist
Surprise people. One company wrote:
“SETA rejected us at first… and it was the best thing that ever happened. Here’s why.”
Plot twists = instant attention.
4. Your Action Plan: How to Stand Out (No PhD Needed)
Here’s your cheat sheet to avoid the 90% fail zone:
Tip 1: Find Your “Why”
Ask: “Why should anyone care?”
- Lame: “We train people.”
- Cool: “We turn nervous newbies into confident pros (and here’s how).”
Tip 2: Use the “Burger Method”
- Top bun: Start with a juicy story (like Jamal’s grandma).
- Patty: Add facts (stats, goals).
- Bottom bun: End with a big feel (e.g., “Imagine a world where…”).
Tip 3: Steal from Netflix
Netflix hooks you in 10 seconds. Do the same! Start with:
“This isn’t another boring application. This is a comeback story.”
Tip 4: Be Weird (Seriously)
Got a weird hobby or passion? Use it. Example:
“We train chefs like Super Mario collects coins—one skill at a time, with fireworks at the end.”
5. Your Turn: Stop Being Invisible
You know that kid in class who whispers answers and never gets noticed? Don’t be that kid. Speak up.
Try this today:
- Grab your last SETA application or blog post.
- Rewrite the first sentence with: “No one talks about…” or “Here’s the secret…”
- Add emojis if it feels right (🔥🚀).
Example:
- Before: “Our program improves skills.”
- After: “We turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I slayed it’ 💅.”
6. Share Your Win (or Fail)
Did you try these tips? Spill the tea! Comment below or tag me on Insta with:
- Your before/after application lines.
- The emoji that describes your journey (🍿 for drama, 🙌 for wins).
Let’s make the 90% fail rate cry 😎.
