Passion vs Money

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Business, if you had a chance to start your own business what would you do? Would you follow your passion or what’ll make you money?

Often times we go for what works, what makes us money and not what we are called to do or destined to do. There have been those that succeeded in doing any kind of business, and those that succeeded in their passion business, and there are those that failed at both.

If given $100,000 what would I go for? I know I would invest in my passion but I think I’ll also invest into something else that works. Not because my passion won’t work, but because I know I won’t stop going after my passion hence I need something to back-up my passion for those rainy days when funds run dry.

There is no harm in doing what works, but there is always joy in doing what you are passionate about. I don’t think you’ll ever go wrong pursuing your destiny with a passion. In the mean time, do your research, what works right now? Is it a business in swimming pool supplies, door hardware supplies or in selling commercial kitchen appliances? Don’t hesitate, do it wholeheartedly, but don’t forget - when the time is right you should pursue your passion. You may never retire when you pursue a passion.

Business, Technology And the Older Generation

I am faced with a question of why do a lot of  women feel the need to stick to one thing and not think outside of the box when it comes to business ideas? Someone I know keeps talking about getting into a business that either involves a boutique, a phone business, or cosmetics in Tanzania. I can very well understand that these are the things she likes and spends her finances on, and also because a lot of women she knows are also in these similar businesses. But it makes no sense to get into something JUST BECAUSE!

I have several times advised her not to try any of those businesses, instead, either get into agriculture or not do any business at all. I say this because, if you can't see yourself making above the bare minimum, then you are not qualified for the business. Lack of knowledge of what you need to do to get a step ahead in your revenues is a big challenge. Not having creative ideas on how your business can stand out from the rest or reach a wider target is again another challenge to the business and your finances. 

The point I always make to her is, there are plenty of shops and perhaps 70% or more of  in Tanzania selling cosmetics, phones, or clothes, what guarantees you that yours will have more customers than the next shop? And this I say because we are not talking about a 20 or 30 year old lady who wants to open a 'talk of the town' shop with great marketing ideas, using social media to promote her business, getting international connections to make imports easy on her, or cater to celebs to get fame for her business. This is an older person with ideas of (1) have a capital, (2) have a sales lady, (3) get a good location and (4) import goods from a country where things are affordable and viola! money will come flooding in. 

In this day and age, where everything needs extraordinary to succeed, how can we still have the old age mentality? Or even worse, not think of a need to get education on what we want to invest our money/time in? Is there any hope for the older generation in this era where technology is what might give you an edge? 

I do not say this to hate but to have a genuine understanding of why people think being a next shop on a busy street will guarantee financial success. I say this because I tried doing a boutique business, and for the most part, most of my clients were from other regions and I had to ship items to them, thanks to social media and good bus services. Will this be something that an older person can do? Or must one hire a marketing guru for a business that has capital close to what a marketing expert might require for a year's retainer to help the business grow? will that be worth it?

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Meet n Mingle February 17th 2018

Guess what, Meet n Mingle is back!! 2018 February 17th  - Save the date.

Meet n' Mingle is a social networking event done in a speed dating format. WHY speed dating you would ask, well, how many social events have you gone to with hopes of meeting someone new and you would eventually leave the event without making new connections? Speed dating for social networking purposes is the best way to have an eventful night, purposes such as making new friends, finding potential business clients, promoting your business or ideas, finding love, or just having a night out. Men and Women ages 20 years old to 50 years old are invited to this fun filled event. You can reserve your seat now by paying 5,000 Tanzanian shillings to M-pesa 0752 487 449 or Tigo Pesa 0655 368 988. 

See you there!!

Online Shopping in Tanzania

 

 

 

Lately, I have been an addict of Online shopping in Tanzania. I have been an Ebay, Amazon and Jabong online buyer for years, but being in Tanzania, I wondered whether I should trust the online sellers, especially with all the scary stories I was hearing from random people.

So, I first tried the Online market by selling my Camera on Zoom Tanzani. The transaction went smooth, that was a TICK for me. I figured there will probably be trustworthy sellers out there as well. I then started selling my boutique clothes online mostly via Instagram, that too worked out perfectly well.

 

Then came the time for me to be the buyer, I was skeptical paying someone in advance without knowing them personally! But so far so good, I have successfully bought items on JUMIA Tz, and from one of my new favourite instagram seller @usedthingstz.

 

I am thrilled by the online markets and very much glad they exist especially now that we are swamped with work day in and day out.

 

Enjoy online shopping :) but also be cautious, coz not everyone is trustworthy!

-By-

Addy

Tips for first-time entrepreneurs

For more read The Citizen, 11th October 2016, page 18.
Good read!!!