It’s a question I see many people ask....
I have seen the answers on many online forums:
Rice, Beans, Kapenta (Sardines), Salaula (Second-hand clothes),
Mobile Money booth, food business, Network marketing...etc....
Of course, all these answers are ok...buying and selling is
business.
Most of us start out like this!
Over 10 years ago as a student at UNZA,
I was trading in earrings and necklaces...buying from COMESA market and
reselling at UNZA.
One time I bought Egyptian handmade bags during the Ndola Trade Fair
and sold them...etc...
Most often, these are short term Hustles...
Now I would like to challenge you; are you thinking long term or
short term?
Do you dream of building an empire, a strong brand or do you simply
want to make some extra cash?
Do you look at some of the established brands and think how it would
be cool to build one of those from the ground up?
[**this kind of big dreaming is not for everyone and that's ok...]
If you just want to earn some extra income, by all means go with any
of these suggestions...
Buying and selling is also good in these scenarios:
• You are just
starting out,
• You are not
sure what to do,
• You are not yet
clear about what your talent/passion is etc...
However, if you hope to be a recognizable business person, the
thinking needs to be different.
Here are my six tips:
1. Start Where
You Are With What You Have:
Most people's big dream needs lots of capital. If you keep waiting
for capital, you may never start. This is one of those times I encourage
trading as a way to raise money and also learn certain business principles.
[**trading is not the only option when starting with limited
capital, others are service businesses, or consultancy business...etc.]
2. Incorporate
Your Natural Talent & Passion:
It’s really hard to keep doing something you have no passion for.
Do you see yourself buying and selling rice, salaula, kapenta etc.
consistently for the next 10 years?
Such consistency is easier with passion.
Of course, passion alone is not enough. This is why I didn’t say
follow your passion, I said incorporate your passion because building a brand
often involves more than just your passion. It includes other things you might
not like too much.
3. Educate
Yourself:
Asking what business you should start using such and such an amount
is already a sign of a lack of business knowledge. Educate yourself. Read
blogs, books, watch videos, listen to audio books, audio materials, podcasts
etc... When I became more serious about business, I started reading 3 to 4
business blogs everyday then a business book every two weeks or so. Knowledge
can make all the difference. It can give you confidence, competence and
clarity. Attend business events, conferences, seminars workshops etc...
4. Keep the
Right Company:
What is the dominant topic of discussion among your close friends?
Zeeworld, Mpali, slay queens, stingy boyfriends?
All these are fun topics and do have their place. But do you ever
discuss business, how to grow, what to do about competitors etc.
What kind of content do you forward to one another? Educational and
inspirational videos or videos about the latest online scandal? Company
matters.
5. Mentorship:
A good mentor can help you get results faster, avoid certain common
mistakes and know what you don’t know...this is critical. Sometimes you don’t
know what you are supposed to know.
Next question is how do you get a mentor? Most successful business
people are too busy to give you free dedicated one on one mentorship. If you
can find such a person, go for it. The alternative is to pay for
coaching/mentorship. What if you can’t afford? Then read books. That business
leader can mentor you through their books. I have never spoken directly to one
of my most important mentors...I simply consume his material, both free and
paid ones. Start where you are even with mentorship.
6. Lastly,
Start Small, Think Big:
Instead of just selling Nakonde Rice to the neighbours, why not
think of growing into a national supplier?
Instead of just buying and selling shoes or perfumes, why not dream
of creating your own brand?
Instead of just buying and selling fish, how about giving Yalelo a
run for their money? And when you meet local demand, how about processing it,
selling across Africa, across the world...maybe tinned bream fish?
Am just saying there is more beyond buying and selling at Kantemba
level.
I have written a small eBook with 66 business ideas titled: Start
Small, Think Big...it’s business ideas you can start with
limited capital.
- Susan Mwenda-Mulongoti
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