Fear of unknown, reason people shun private business<
BR>People should develop self-confidence, and they would do better on their own since going by the huge population of this country, Nigeria, there is
market for any service in the country.
Before I went into this business, I was a sales executive of a popular paint producing company. I rose up to
management level in the company, but as fate would have it, there was a management crisis which led to my losing my job in the company. When I was relieved of my job, a friend of mine took me to Alaba International Market and introduced me to somebody who is into musical instruments and I
began to stay with him. The turn of event could easily be felt than imagined. A graduate who had got to the management level in a very big company, then coming to sit in the open market with traders who are barely literate. But the truth is that I had no alternative.
Initial challengesWhen I went into private business, the major challenge that I encountered was finance. The person that I did what I may refer to as apprenticeship, we did not have any agreement for settlement. He was giving me allowance for transport and feeding. So, when I was through with him, I had no money to start my own business. But God provided people with heart of milk who gave me credit facilities and when I stabilized, I paid them all.
There was also the challenge of adaptation. You know somebody who had got to a managerial position in a reputable corporation now going to stay in an open market with illiterates. But I had to throw pride away and face the reality which was that I was down and I had to stand up. God was on my side and a month after I had gone into private business, I decided to balance my account and I discovered that all the years that I had been in paid employment was a waste of time.
Challenges facing entrepreneurs in NigeriaThe challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria is enormous. You know that Nigeria is rated among the Third World countries. Third world countries are the underdeveloped or mildly put, the developing countries. Countries in this category are noted for lack of infrastructure. Nigeria came first in this. You and I can see that in Nigeria, infrastructure is completely non existent.
Apart from the problem of infrastructure, there is also the problem of inconsistency in the policies of government. This is one major factor that has made long term planning very difficult. Today, government may bring out one figure as duty, before the week runs out, the duty would be changed.
Why we are uniqueWell, I can say that in the industry that we found ourselves that we are unique. There is a saying that it is not how long but how well. We came on board in 2000, but today, it would not be an exaggeration if I say that we are the number one in the musical instrument industry. The secret of our instant success is honesty.
We make sure that we stock only the best in terms of
quality. In fact, all our products are of very high quality. The bulk of our customers are churches and as such, even if you are the devil himself, you cannot afford to sell sub-standard products to a church. So, the quality of our products makes us to stand out among the lots. We also offer out-of-the-world after sale services. Apart from selling, we install and also repair.
Management styleI believe in delegating responsibilities, I don’t give unattainable or inhuman targets. By this, I mean that I cannot ask anybody to do what I cannot do. Before I tell you to do anything, I will first of all make sure that it is what I can do myself.
Marketing styleWhen we started in 2000, we printed hand bills to herald our arrival. Later, when we began to get customers, we began to get referrals. That is people who have patronized us and were impressed by the quality ofour products and services began to tell their friends, relations and colleagues about us. Right now, we have developed a marketing team that goes out to canvass for sales. As I said earlier, the bulk of our customers are churches, so, any new church building is our potential customer.
VisionAdvice to people in paid employmentThe advice that I have for people who are in paid employment and wish to resign and go into private business is to first of all make sure that they get their priorities right before they resign. The reason is that Nigerian economy is not conducive. They should do feasibility studies on the business they want to go into. If it is possible, they should hire a professional. After that, they can then go into it. However, it is advisable that they should start small.
By Nat Ekpa
e-mail: nat_arome@yahoo.com
Tel:234- 708 396 4159
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