Inspiration

Recently I attended a meeting where the main speaker dismissed WhatsApp as a useless platform for business communication. And in the mainstream media of late people have been writing passionately about their hate for WhatsApp. One of their biggest beefs being about WhatsApp groups, especially the fact that you can be added to a group without being asked first; and …

If you are like the kawaida (common) entrepreneur, when starting your business your main focus was to sell your products or services and get money. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you don’t forget what you are working at: creating a strong business that will outlive you. If your intention is to build an empire (which I hope …

But Forge Ahead “I lack support and encouragement from those who surround me. I left employment to pursue my dream, but everyone is against me,” wrote a reader of Mkazi magazine. This challenge is shared by a good number of entrepreneurs, so much so that having your family and friends’ support while starting a business is more an exception than …

Do you want to achieve extraordinary results? Then organise yourself like a Super Achiever. Utilise your power hours. Power hours are defined by Darren Hardy, Publisher of Success magazine, as when you are most mentally energised, able to focus, concentrate and stay in a rhythm. For instance I’m at my best for creative activities at night. For exercising early morning or early evening …

“You have an idea for a new business. You are sooo excited that you start telling your friends and family about it (mistake). You are confident this product solves a big problem in the market (mistake). You make a vision board and start drafting your business plan (mistake). You recruit some family members and an enthusiastic friend to work with …

I trust you are now firmly back into business after #ObamaHoliday. When Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor, Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative, enumerated the following facts (and some more) during the SPARC Advocacy forum in the run up to the #GES2015, she brought into sharp focus the necessity of educating the African woman. The face of poverty in Africa …

Last week I talked about the initial stages of the hiring process in order to find staff that share your passion. In this second and last instalment, let me talk about the character of the new hire, the onboarding process and the legal aspect in 5 points. Hire Friendly People Your employees are more likely to work hard and enjoy …

This is a question that has baffled many a small business owners at all times. Being passionate about your venture is one thing, but finding staff who share your passion is an uphill task. For a business to be successful especially when it’s still a startup, it’s important to surround yourself with individuals who are qualified and who share your …

People who will never be satisfied no matter what you do for them, those who look for opportunities of getting something for nothing or who claim a refund for goods they have made use of have existed since times immemorial. However, even though they constitute a very tiny minority, we tend to amplify their presence in our minds because dealing …

A few years ago, I attended a workshop where a manufacturer shared how his ‘Made in Kenya’ reasonably priced leather belts hardly moved from the shelves. On the advice of the Indian shop owner who stocked his products, he removed the patriotic label and doubled the price. The belts started flying off the shelves. This is an illustration of the …