What Business Should You Start?

What Business Should You Start?

Its a question I see many people ask....

[Read on for my recommendations]

I have seen the answers in many Social Media groups for startups.

Rice, Beans, Kapenta, Salaula, 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 hand made 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 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

…are not sure what to do

…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 5 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

Its 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 lack of business knowledge. Educate yourself. Read blogs, books, watch videos, listen to audio books, audio material, podcasts etc.. When I became more serious about business, I started reading 3-4 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, slayqueens, 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 cant 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.

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.

If you need my list of business ideas for limited capital, find a link in the comments.

I have written a small ebook with 66 business ideas titled: Start Small, Think Big...https://susanmwendamulongoti.com/product/start-small-think-big/

It normally goes for $3. I will set it to $0 for the next 1 week.