Building my Business 101

Entrepreneurs are people who see a gap or a problem and prefer solutions. This is why businesses exist. 

Starting a business is one of the scariest things you will do, why? It's a new experience you are venturing into even if it's a business that already exists and you are improving upon it. The experience of starting something new, the uncertainties and the ever-changing factors is a herculean task for even the brave. 

In my previous blog, I talked about finding my 'Why' and boom I was in business.., No! It didn't quite happen like that. 

Let's backtrack a bit, I had my grand vision which is to support businesses achieve big things, then I went on to search if it existed and looked at what already existed. I read up on a lot of articles and documents on what I wanted to do and how I was going to differentiate myself.

While I was researching I started a mini-blog and sent out Newsletters on things I already knew regarding what I wanted to do. I put out content upon content about 6 months before I started the business fully. I got some enquiries and feedback amazingly but no client. 

Then I got to put everything about the business on paper in a structured way -my business plan, mind you, my business plan is not the terrifying-looking documents you see around, mine was just a simple roadmap highlighting the majors e.g what I want to do, who my target audience is, how do I intend to serve them, how will I get them, the cost implications, and my pricing. These factors can change as well they are not set in stone so don't wait to get the perfectly written business plan, the secret is, make it simple and flexible enough 

Then comes getting the word out aka Marketing. When l say marketing i don't mean going to look for graphics designers yet, well, I couldn't afford to pay one (I am yet to do a proper marketing flyer and looking forward to doing one ) but word of mouth and intentional networking.

Asides from my email marketing, I told family, friends and my network and set up accounts on social media (Instagram, Linkedln and Facebook) and just kept posting.

I had the privilege of working in a creative agency (Endive Projects) with @deboajayi where he literally opened my eyes and heart to the world of digital marketing. Haven't met anyone as passionate about helping businesses sell via digital channels. @deboajayi is a maestro.

And one day, I got a call and a person said someone I do not know referred them and I believe in the Ministry of Angel's, who definitely made someone take note of the work and effort I had been making in starting and yes, that's how starting up was like for me. 

I am not there yet, nowhere near perfect, I am updating my business plan and figuring out my business model as I go along. But, hey! I have made progress, I am not where I used to be.

Was your experience any different?

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