Eric Kinoti is the proprietor of Shades System East Africa – a company that manufactures and supplies tents, as well as Safi Sana home Cleaning Services/CFM
So you want to start a business because you want to make more money or are tired of being employed? Well, starting and running a business is not easy, it’s very taxing. You need to be focused all the time and have the passion that will push you through the tough times. However, there are some things I know from my personal experience that can help you get it right. This is my advice to all the entrepreneurs on different issues.
1. Before you start, do a very thorough research. You have to admit that just because your idea excites you, doesn’t mean there is a profitable market for it. Look at the best market, where to sell, which is the best time to start, how you will market your product and so forth.
2. Money is a servant, idea is King. I have read stories that if you have an idea without money, it dies. I don’t know where they read that from. With a good a idea you will get money or funding. With a good idea and good marketing, money will flow in.
3. Great things usually don’t come easy. You will have to go for it. Make it happen. Partner and collaborate with others who share similar vision and thoughts with you. You need to realize you cannot excel in what you are not passionate about. You will only be frustrated and distracted.
4. Money does not define who you become. Know what you want, define what you want to do and chase it. Chase it till you find fulfillment in it and don’t be carried away with what everybody is doing.
5. Prioritize your dream and your goals. There will be lots of challenging situations but by all legal and moral means, keep pushing, don’t give up, and don’t just sit back. Put the vision in action. Always be hungry and innovative to improve your business, if in doubt of a certain strategy, implement in small portions and monitor results.
6. The Key thing to any successful business is the passion and driven founders. You have to believe in yourself, your product and your business wholeheartedly. If that is in place, you will make the business work.
7. Take any and every opportunity that is given to you. The more opportunities you get involved in, the more likely it will be that you will find yourself starting a business. And make sure you have fun doing it. Don’t hesitate to get on board to any place you hear there will be information sharing, learning and networking. In business, it’s about who you know and where you are.
Eric Kinoti
