Enterprenuers should be passionate about the business they want to start

Everyone can own a business because we are in a world of limitless opportunities — those we create ourselves and others that we chance on from time to time.

It is a beautiful thing when a woman is empowered financially. It is, therefore, important that every woman makes an effort to create or start something that will give her financial liberation.

Today, I share with you the path I followed to become a fashion retail owner and a social activist. Read through and see if you can adapt any of the tips or fine-tune them to suit your personal needs.

Passion

Before embarking on any business journey, one would have to be honest about the passion behind the establishment of the business. It is the beginning of how one feels about the whole business idea.

Certainly, there are ups and downs in starting and running a business so one would have to be ‘super passionate’ about what they intend to start. Don’t just wake up and do it because you think everyone is doing it or because you have some loose money. Ask yourself if you’re, indeed, passionate what you want to start.

Business idea

A good business idea could make a successful business. Your business idea can be what a lot of people are already doing but it does not matter. Make sure you are willing to start and make the idea you have stand out from the rest.

3. Get a brand name. Your brand name is what you will be identified with. Your brand name is what you will use to advertise your business, the products you sell or the services you offer.

Your brand name must be one that resonates with your target audience and one that can be identified easily. The brand name must symbolise what you do. Your brand name should stand out and must be on top of people’s minds. You can discuss or brainstorm this till you arrive at a suitable brand name.

Build a team or go solo

My “Kuburah Diamonds Boutiq” is solely run by me, my sales and delivery personnel. But my Zango Women Livelihood & Empowerment Programme has a team — a group of skilful and resourceful empowered women who come together to make it a successful project.

Therefore, If you eventually decide on what to do, decide if the business is something you can ran yourself or you will need a complete team.

Look for suppliers or vendors

If you are planning to start trading in skincare products, you need to know who and where to get your raw materials and packages. If it is clothes or accessories, find out who you are buying from.

Again, you’ll have to be concerned about the source and the quality of the supplies you procure.

Register your business

Note that, as you are thinking of the business and brand name, a thousand and one people are also thinking along the same line so you have to act smart.

It is important to register your business formally at the appropriate quarters so someone does not go ahead of you to claim ownership of your business name. Smartness is a good characteristic of a successful business person.

Grow your business

If you are truly passionate about starting a business, trust that doing all the things you will need to grow that business will come naturally and you will do it effortlessly regardless of the setbacks.

Here, you can grow it by introducing it to people close to you, family and friends, these are the first word of mouth ambassadors of our business.  Subsequently introduce your business at places you go and the event you attend.

Carry your business flyers or portfolio around, drop business cards and flyers at front desks and receptions if possible. Speak to people, introduce your business.  Open a social media business page, invest in advertising or if you have the power to grow it organically, you can do that also.

I wish you all the best.

[The writer is the Founder of Kuburah Diamonds Foundation]

By Adiza Kuburah