Survival for the Fittest

I was having a conversation with a friend recently. Some vulnerability brings about authenticity. Authenticity builds trust, it is a powerful ingredient in building long term relationships.

My pal in the past had worked as a matatu tout while studying for a degree. He is now an entrepreneur specializing in team building for motivation and productivity as well as working as a master of ceremonies making events memorable.

As a tout you get to know your frequent travellers like the airlines.

On this particular occasion, a frequent traveller asked my friend why he was carrying a bag on his back. Brian (not his real name) replied, heading to college today. The passenger responded it is great to have academic qualifications and training. Mutua continued, when you have time pass by Ngara market.

Brian exchanged contacts with Mutua.

After a few days, Brian visited Ngara market and met his usual passenger at work. Unknown to him Mutua was a hawker who started his second hands clothing business with a?capital of only 5000 shillings.

His initial stock was 10 good quality trousers that he sold for 1000 shillings each. On a good day he would sell 60% from his makeshift shop by 2pm and hawk the rest at a reduced price until all stock is sold out. The goal was to sell the remaining 40% with a smaller margin for capital preservation and eliminating dead stock.

Then Mutua opened up, he was a graduate of information sciences studies and has masters degree in Arts. He was forced to seek ways of survival, paying bills and having a livelihood when getting a formal job became elusive.

Today, Mutua has three fashion outlets in Ngara, Nairobi CBD and Kilimani. Creating rewarding and lasting customer relationships has kept him in business in the last seven years.

Dear friend there is always something to learn and opportunities to serve.

How fit is your mindset to spot, evaluate and exploit opportunities by creating value at the market place?

Can you spot an opportunity and look for ways to exploit the same for mutually beneficial relationship?

Kazi Kwako (It is your game, play it)

Vincent Ogutu

VOVO Perspectives

Making what is hidden Visible

Author of Lessons from the streets

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