IDEA TO ACTION QUOTE: You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety.- Abraham Maslow

Are you like many people I know who have a regular salaried job and run a small business on the side? Maybe you are thinking of starting one?  Such businesses include selling - clothes, shoes, perfume, used cars, fresh fruit juice, vegetables, handmade crafts including cards and wall hangings, as well as services such as wedding photography, interior decoration, tuition, DVD library and many others.  These businesses are usually started with a specific financial goal in mind, like to raise extra money to pay the house-help;  for monthly household shopping,  to educate a relative, or to increase personal financial flexibility.

Chances are your current customers are family, friends, colleagues at work and members of your chama (welfare group). When you are ready to go to the next level you need to increase your client base. How can you do that?

Here are two suggestions:

1.        Use existing customers to introduce new ones to you.  You could offer an incentive such as a commission on the business they bring you. This is one way of exploiting word of mouth: using your existing customers as your ambassadors.  For this to work they must have a good experience of being your customers.

2.        Join (or create) a business networking group. This will help you to

a.        Raise your business profile

b.        Become better equipped -  as an individual in terms of up-skilling and learning from people who have already been through the journey you're on. As a business  for market research,  idea and feedback

c.        Become better connected and generate referrals

Effective networking is a give and take affair.  You should not get into it simply to get referrals and grow your business.  You should be prepared to offer some as well.  Networking will require more resources, especially time,  than you are currently putting into your kabiashara (small business), but without that extra effort you will not grow.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH MORE ENERGY 

IDEA TO ACTION QUOTE: Energy is equal to desire and purpose - Sheryl Adam

Sometimes you struggle to accomplish things that matter because you are using energy where it doesn't count.  Where is your energy is going? If you need to figure this out try the following exercises:

Take a piece of paper and list all the things that are currently open in your life.  A person's list could include things like

·         Decision about next step in my career

·         Opening a business account

·         Taking a family photo

·         Renewing membership subscription for...

·         Talking to X about Y

·         Visiting grandma

·         Finalising MBA

You may notice that you have the following categories of open items:

1.        Things that you can close easily and quickly. Set yourself a close deadline to do that.

2.        Things that you have been postponing for ever...ask yourself why, and  then act on that         reason.

3.        Things that you will not close, for whatever reason. Maybe you have outgrown an idea?  Drop them.

4.        Things that require a series of pre-actions before you can close them.  Prepare a plan to close them and start on it immediately.

Another exercise you can do to understand where your energy is going involves listing things that boost your energy and those that do the opposite. Look for clues in your physical environment, in your mental and emotional state, in your relationships.

Your energy booster list might include spending time with loved ones, taking a walk, reading a book, doing a sport or practising a hobby.

The energy drainer list might include clutter on the desk, unresolved personal and professional issues, a strained relationship, traffic, or even the view outside your window.

The idea is to interact more with the former, and less with the latter. You may find that a deeper reflection is required to understand why you keep doing the things that drain your energy, even when you know they do that. You will then need to work on that root cause before you can eliminate the undesirable behaviour.

Why should you bother?

"Energy drainers distract you from reaching your goals, undermine your leadership, drain your motivation, and create frustration and discouragement.  You get stuck" - Kathy Butryn

Start with a Vision and get the Job!

You will learn how to

1. Write your CV
2. Prepare for the interview
3. Handle common interview questions

Your Investment:  2650/= (includes workshop materials, tea and snacks)

Time?                2.30 pm  - 5.30 pm

Where?             1st Floor,  Luther Plaza, Nyerere Rd,opposite St Paul's church.

Register now  and confirm your place by sending 2650/- by mpesa to 0722 759 791

Registration closes Thursday, 3rd February.