Sarah Guantai, the founder and CEO of Kijani Curlcare and Skincare shares her story on building and launching a Kenyan beauty Brand out of her hair and skin struggles.
We visited her at an exhibition stand at KICC Nairobi for an exclusive interview. Sarah and her Co-Founder and Husband Rodgers Egesa shared their journey from a passionate entrepreneur to a beauty brand owners.
Join us as we delve into the secrets behind building a successful Kenyan brand.
Do you have an inspiring story that you would like to share? let me know here.
If you need video production services, you can reach out to by clicking here or visit our video production consultancy website here.
Stress can be a debilitating factor in the business world. Consider this scenario: A client approaches you with a project, and you agree to terms. You begin work, anticipating the client’s cooperation to ensure a successful outcome. Despite your expertise, the client’s lack of collaboration hinders your ability to deliver quality service. This disconnect creates unnecessary stress, as you find yourself navigating unreasonable demands while striving to meet project goals.
How do you handle a situation like this? Will you give up and request for cancellation of the contract?
I have been in this situation in the past and here is how I coped.
Giving Up
After a stressful experience with a client that ended up costing me more than what I earned, I decided to stop offering that service to other clients. However, years later, when a similar incident occurred on a different project, I realized that giving up was a mistake. I should have continued providing the same services despite the negative experience.
Do Not Let One Experience Mess Your Vision/Dreams
I recently watched a video on YouTube about a philosopher who said he believes in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the belief that a living being’s non-physical essence is reborn in a new physical form after death. It’s also known as rebirth or transmigration.
Reincarnation, in a business context, signifies the opportunity to rectify past mistakes and start anew. It implies that setbacks are not necessarily fatal but rather stepping stones towards a better future.
Your reaction to negative experiences can significantly impact future opportunities. Remember, every setback presents a chance for improvement. While it’s unlikely the client causing the issue will recommend your services, don’t let this deter you. Focus on learning from the experience and seeking out new opportunities to showcase your skills.
Dust yourself off and confidently move forward, as the next opportunity awaits.
You gain valuable insights from challenging experiences and ultimately become a leading force in the market.
Relook at Your Pricing
Evaluate the challenges you faced during the stressful project. Consider whether increasing your rates is necessary to mitigate potential future frustrations. If so, don’t hesitate to adjust your pricing accordingly.
Many frustrations arise from projects where clients expect additional work without compensation, often due to inadequate initial budgeting. This can lead to increased stress and, in some cases, even threats of non-payment if you refuse to provide services outside the original agreement.
When analyzing the sources of stress during a project, consider the potential impact on your profitability. It’s disheartening to invest significant time, effort, and sleepless nights into a project only to realize that the final profit margin is negligible or even negative.
The goal of any business is to be profitable so stay focused.
Build on Contract Agreements
Always establish clear terms and conditions with your clients, regardless of whether they’re individuals or businesses. Draft a comprehensive contract agreement that outlines the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and any other relevant details. Ensure both parties sign the agreement and retain copies.
If a client fails to sign and return the contract within a specified timeframe, consider it a breach of contract and reserve the right to cancel the project. Any associated costs should be borne by the client.
The contract you sign with the client will serve as a safeguard during your service tenure. It will clearly outline the scope of work and any additional services that may incur extra fees, preventing misunderstandings and setting clear boundaries for both parties.
Learn to run your business unusually so that it gives you exemplary results.
Relook At Your Team
The root of your problem might lie within your team. While many individuals claim expertise, they often lack essential interpersonal skills. It’s crucial to invest in training your team members on effective communication and cooperation. Those who consistently fail to meet these standards may need to be replaced. Don’t tolerate incompetence.
Neglecting underperforming team members can lead to subpar service delivery and dissatisfied clients. Don’t hesitate to take decisive action by terminating the employment of individuals who consistently fail to adhere to your standards and expectations.
Conclusion
Pressure and stress are inevitable parts of business growth. Learning to manage them is crucial for long-term success. When feeling overwhelmed after a challenging project, avoid making rash decisions. Instead, take a step back and reflect on the underlying causes of your stress, such as pricing, contracts, or team dynamics. By addressing these root issues, you can effectively alleviate pressure and create a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment.
And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article insightful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you need professional video production services, you can reach out to me here. Alternatively, you can visit our business website here.
Despite facing increased criticism and governmental crackdowns, recognized religions across the world continue to expand and flourish even in challenging economic conditions and climates. What could be the secret to this success? What strategies are religious organizations employing that contribute to their welfare, and can these be replicated in the business world to promote prosperity and well-being?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years, 45% within five years, and 65% within 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses survive to be 15 years or older. These statistics have remained relatively consistent since the 1990s.
Among the reasons cited for the failure include lack of capital, poor management, unsuccessful marketing and faulty business model.
So, what can business owners learn from religious organizations to prevent failure? In this article, I’ll share three values that can transform business operations.
Service
Prior to joining my local church, I had no experience in serving others. Once I became a member, I volunteered for one of the church’s ministries. This experience taught me the importance of offering one’s time and talents freely, with a genuine commitment to excellence. It’s a mindset that every business owner should strive to emulate.
A business owner’s primary focus should be serving customers with the best products and services. This principle of reciprocity is also evident in faith: By giving our best to God, we believe we are blessed with a good life and strengthened faith.
Imagine a world where businesses prioritize customer satisfaction over profits. By consistently delivering exceptional products and services, they would undoubtedly generate countless referrals. The immeasurable value of a happy, satisfied customer can significantly impact a business’s long-term success.
Customers can pay any price you name when they realize your services are top notch.
Specialty
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the sheer volume of products and services within a single business niche can be overwhelming, particularly for startups. To navigate this complexity, specialization is key. By focusing on a specific product or service line, businesses can carve out a niche and excel within it.
For instance, Christian ministers dedicate their lives to studying and teaching the Bible. Through consistent engagement with the scriptures, they develop a deep understanding of biblical principles. By specializing in biblical teachings, they become masters of their craft, capable of addressing spiritual concerns across various life stages. This exemplifies how specialization leads to mastery.
This is a common pitfall for many startups, leading to failure within a few years. They often succumb to market trends, abandoning their original focus to chase after emerging, potentially lucrative niches.
Someone with this tendency of jumping from one business to another ends up as a Jack of all trades and a master of none. This is not good health-wise. Its very important to specialize in one in order to stand the test of time.
Community
From a church perspective, fostering a strong community is paramount. New members are welcomed into the church family through orientation sessions, where they are introduced to the leadership and organizational structure. Subsequently, they are invited to participate in training programs designed to deepen their understanding of the Bible and enhance their worship experience.
Businesses should prioritize building strong communities with their customers by actively welcoming them into their inner circle from the moment of purchase. This can be achieved through various strategies, such as offering training sessions to educate customers about the business model, purchasing process, product packages, and available discounts. Additionally, businesses can effectively communicate important updates, such as new store openings, through automated SMS, email, or personalized outreach.
Conclusion
Embarking on a religious journey requires dedication and trust. Over time, one learns that unwavering commitment and a positive outlook yield significant rewards. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a meaningful spiritual journey. Religions offer a wealth of valuable lessons that can be applied to various aspects of life, including business.
If you’re facing challenges in your business and have a negative perspective on religion, I encourage you to reconsider. By exploring the teachings of various religions, you may discover valuable lessons that can help you overcome obstacles and find renewed hope.
And that is it from me here. I hope you found this article helpful.
What are some of the values you have learned from religion that can be adopted and applied in business? Let me know in the comments section below.
And if you need professional video production and content creation services, you can reach out to me here.
In the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, I offered predefined service bundles for weddings and events through my video production company. As a seasoned video producer, I eagerly awaited responses from potential clients after presenting them with these packages. However, I often encountered ‘crickets’(silence):-). This pattern gradually diminished when I discovered that clients preferred personalized quotes tailored to their unique requirements, leading to a shift in my approach to better accommodate their desires.
Currently, I offer exclusively tailored service packages designed for recurring needs that share common specifications. This approach stems from my observation that potential clients within my specialty in media tend to have meticulous and discerning preferences.
To streamline communication, I present them with a selection of pre-priced options, allowing them to make a choice that aligns with their financial plan. Should they desire additional features beyond their selected package, an extra charge will be applicable.
This brings us to the question on which between custom quotes and service packages is right for your business? To begin with, lets first delve into why the two are necessary in any business.
How Much Do You Charge For Your Services?
This is a common question that service-oriented business owners get asked by potential clients a lot. If this question is new to you, you may find yourself responding without fully grasping the client’s requirements. It’s crucial to understand the underlying needs behind the inquiry to provide a satisfactory and comprehensive answer.
Many new clients who ask this question do not really know in detail what they really want. For example, someone may specify in their request that they want drone footage incorporated into their video not knowing that this will cost them extra money.
The first thing that you do when a client reaches out to you enquiring about the services you offer is to interrogate them properly so that you understand what they really need. Are they familiar with the service you are providing? Do they have a brief or terms of reference of what they want delivered to them?
Once you know the type of client you are dealing with, you are able to easily decide whether to send them a custom quote or your rate card. Some clients requirements do not require rate cards, they require custom quotes.
With this said, lets now look at the pros and cons of each item.
Service Packages and Custom Quotes Pros and Cons
Packages Pricing/Rate Card
Custom Quotes
Only works for some services.
Works well for all the services you provide.
Ideal for recurring events with similar deliverables e.g. wedding, photography e.t.c
Popular for request with clearly outlined requirements and deliverables.
Can save one time they could have spent preparing a quote.
You are not limited on the amount you charge. You can charge whatever amount you want.
You leave it to the client to make a choice. Only serious clients will follow up on it.
Ideal for requests by companies and government entities.
You are in control. You only deliver what you have outlined in the package. No more no less.
You deliver what the client wants.
Your rate card/ Packages may be cheaper to some clients making you to loose them.
Can send different quotes to different clients based on your evaluation of their requirements.
Needs revisions over time based on demand.
It requires time to draft one and its not guaranteed your client will accept it.
Table comparing the pros and cons of of packages and custom quotes
In the business world, there are diverse strategies for setting service prices. Some individuals find it straightforward to provide custom quotes, tailoring prices to each client’s needs.
Others prefer the simplicity and transparency of a fixed rate card, detailing their service fees, which suits their business model effectively. Both methods have their merits and cater to different preferences and operational styles.
The variety of services you provide may warrant the inclusion of both options. This approach ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle any inquiries that come your way, utilizing the most suitable option for each situation. I hope you have found this article helpful.
You can always reach out to me for a quote on video production services here. I can help you out on that line.
If you are a freelancer, you have some benefits that can help you create a lasting online business, unlike someone who has a regular job. For example, freelancers can decide their own schedule. They work when they want. This gives them the opportunity to take care of their businesses. For someone who has a fixed employer, their main concern when it comes to work is pleasing their boss. The boss sets the hours they have to work.
Video – Escape The Freelance Hamster Wheel – Build Your Own Business
This means that as a freelancer in 2024, you have a better chance of success if you start a business now. That’s why in this blogpost, I will share with you 2 strategies to build a thriving business as a freelancer.
Use Your Skills from Freelance Sites To Build a Niche Business
Launching your own business is exciting, but the initial uncertainty can be daunting. Freelancing platforms offer a springboard, a dynamic testing ground to discover your entrepreneurial calling. As you complete diverse projects, pay close attention to the tasks that spark joy and expertise. Is it web design that gets your creative juices flowing? Or do you find analyzing data deeply satisfying? Recognizing these inclinations is your first step.
Next, use the platform’s search engine and project listings to delve deeper. What specific niches within your chosen field are in high demand? Are there recurring project types you excel at? This intel is invaluable. By analyzing your strengths and aligning them with market needs, you’ll uncover a lucrative niche – your sweet spot.
Remember, freelancing is a stepping stone. Once you’ve identified your niche, leverage the platform’s network and reputation to build your own portfolio and client base. Create a dedicated website showcasing your expertise and target specific clientele. Don’t underestimate the power of testimonials and positive reviews from platform clients – they add social proof and credibility.
As your independent business flourishes, gracefully transition away from the platform, taking your established client base and honed skills with you. Remember, the platform was a stepping stone, not a destination. By using it strategically, you’ve transformed from a freelancer to a business owner, ready to conquer your chosen niche. So, step onto the platform, explore, experiment, and discover your true entrepreneurial potential. The path to your dream business might just begin with a well-placed click.
Be The Go To Expert in Your Local Area
Your local community can be a breeding ground for entrepreneurial dreams. Starting as a local freelancer allows you to tap into existing networks and build authority within a specific niche. Imagine yourself as a freelance writing whiz, sought after for crafting compelling website copy for local businesses.
The beauty lies in starting small. Attend local networking events, connect with business owners, and showcase your expertise. Offer initial consultations at reduced rates to demonstrate your value. Word-of-mouth recommendations travel fast in a close-knit community, quickly establishing you as the go-to expert.
As you garner clients, resist the urge to stay stagnant. Use that income to invest in building your business presence. Develop a professional website highlighting your services and testimonials. Partner with local graphic designers for a brand identity that resonates with your community. Consider offering workshops or speaking engagements to further solidify your expertise.
Remember, every satisfied client is a potential walking advertisement. Deliver exceptional service, exceed expectations, and nurture genuine relationships. Soon, your local freelance work won’t just be an income stream – it will be the foundation of a thriving, community-rooted business. You’ll be the name on everyone’s lips, not just a freelancer, but the local expert everyone trusts.
Conclusion
While the initial glow of freelancing is undeniable, its very flexibility can become a double-edged sword. The constant hustle for projects, the feast-or-famine cycles, and the blurred lines between work and life can be addictive, yet ultimately trap you in a cycle of tasks without building something bigger.
Owning a business, however, liberates you from this treadmill. It shifts the focus from simply “doing” to “building.” You chart the course, set the vision, and create a structure that fosters growth and impact. Instead of being solely tethered to client demands, you’re empowered to say “yes” to the projects that align with your long-term goals, shaping your business into the embodiment of your passion.
Sure, the responsibility is greater, but so is the reward. It’s the difference between renting a swanky apartment and designing your dream home. The latter, while demanding effort, grants you ownership, freedom, and the satisfaction of creating something truly your own. So, step off the freelance hamster wheel and embrace the liberating power of building a business. It’s where you truly discover your entrepreneurial potential and leave a lasting mark on your community, and maybe even the world.
If you are looking for help with content creation, let me know by reaching out to me here. I will help you out.
In the past, I have received e-mails from foreign prospects wanting to setup their businesses in Kenya after reading a past blogpost I wrote and or watching the video on How to Start a Business in Kenya. In the blogpost, I only outlined the steps one needs to follow in order to setup a business in Kenya.
While this answered some of the questions, I still get requests for consultations from interested parties to demystify some of the things that are related to starting a business in Kenya as a foreigner.
People develop interest to setup a business in Kenya for various reasons. The big question most of them have is; how do I get started with the process? What are the some of the things I needs to know before registering the business?
In this blogpost, I will share top tips to foreigners wanting to establish their business in Kenya.
Tip No. 1: Mandatory Requirements You Need To Have
Business registration in Kenya is carried out by Business Registration Services (BRS). They have outlined some mandatory requirements that one needs to have in order to register a foreign business or company in Kenya. Here are key ones you need to have.
Valid Visa – You need to have a valid visa to stay in Kenya. If your have plans of setting up a business in Kenya and your Visa is about to expire, make sure your renew it to avoid penalties. Visit Evisa portal to learn more.
Investment Capital – If you are registering/setting up your business in Kenya as an investor, you will need to provide a proof of investment capital of $100,000. You are required to provide this in form of a bank statement. visit Kenya Invest Authority to learn more.
Local representative – If you have links to a Kenyan citizen who you intend to partner with in the business you want to register; then you will not need to provide proof of investment capital as mentioned above. This option works best for someone who does not have the required investment capital but still wants to setup their business in Kenya.
Once you have these 3 items with you, you are now ready to setup your business in Kenya as a foreigner.
Tip No. 2 : Registration of Business in Kenya is Done Online
Most government services are now digitized in Kenya. You can start the process of registering your business online on the BRS portal. You will be required to sign in with your Ecitizen credentials. Click on sign up to create an account with Ecitizen before you login. This is where you will use your Visa to register.
If you are registering an already existing company registered in your own country of residence, please make sure you have in handy a copy of the certificate and its registered office address.
Tip No. 3 Think Twice Before Nominating a Lover You Met in Kenya To Be Your Local Representative😎
Its no doubt that Kenyan people are warm and welcoming. One can quickly fall in love and forget everything. But when it comes to business, think twice before you consider nominating a lover you met in Kenya to be your local representative. Business rules do not recognize emotions when things go south.
I have had cases of foreigners resolving toclose their companies after they broke up with their intimate local representative. I do not advise anyone to set up a business in Kenya based on intimacy unless you have taken a step further and got married.
And those are my 3 tips for foreigners wanting to setup their business in Kenya.
I hope you found this article helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
When the pandemic hit, many businesses struggled to survive. But for Daniel Mwaniki, an event organizer and co-founder of Golden Chef Limited, it was an opportunity to innovate and diversify. He and his team developed and launched their own line of sauce products, using their culinary skills and creativity.
The sauces were a hit, and soon they expanded to other products, such as spices, marinades and onion garlic paste. Now, Golden Chef Limited is not only a successful event company, but also a thriving food brand that caters to different tastes and preferences.
“We first started off delivering precooked samosas to homes. We were delivering it with a small sauce we made.”
Our Sauce Products
Daniel and his brother saw their home delivery service expand as more people wanted their sauce. That was when they decided to develop their own line of sauce product and get it to the market. But first, they went to Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to get their sauce certified.
“We had to go to KEBS to standardize our product. We came up with products known as Sweet and Sour Chilli, Sweet and Sour Dip, Barbecue Dip and Barbecue Chilli. Also, products coming up is Onion Chilli Garlic and Onion Garlic paste.” Says Daniel.
Aside owning a line of sauce products, Golden Chef company also offers outside catering services and events organizing. Just after Covid lockdown in the year 2020, Daniel teamed up with his brother to start the business.
“My brother is a chef, and I am an events organizer. We started by doing home deliveries. We came up with various packages for weekends. One could get a package of full chicken, potato chops, burgers, a bottle of wine delivered to them”
Golden Chef Growth
It’s now 3 years since they started their business and so far there is a lot of growth, there is so much progress. “Since we started, we have acquired our own equipment for hire. We hire out kitchen equipment’s. We have chaffing dishes, Sufurias, plates and we can cater for up to 500 people comfortably.” he quips.
Daniel says one of the biggest challenges they are experiencing is delivery.
“The challenge we are having right now is delivering our products. We are looking for people who can partner with us in delivering our sauces. We are grateful to God because covid was a blessing in disguise to us. We were lost, confused but God came through for us. We started off with home food delivery services and now we are growing and doing events.”
Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Daniel encourages all aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to take a leap and put their product idea in into existence. He says that the market space is enough for everyone.
“First have a vision, put it in writing, then you actualize. You must have a plan then follow it step by step with a long-term perspective. But first, start with what you have.”
Daniel Mwaniki- Golden Chef Limited
Watch Full Interview
While Golden Chef has grown over time, marketing remains a challenge to their growth. “Some people haven’t familiarized with our products. That’s what we are working towards it every day.”
He encourages Kenyans to buy Kenyan products and promote local businesspeople and thus grow the economy.
Take Customer Feedback Positively
As Daniel concludes, he encourages everyone in business to take feedback positively and use it to improve on their products and services.
“We are open for feedback and criticism. If it’s a good thing, just tell us, we are open to anything.”
If you are interested in Golden Chef’s products, you can reach out to them on all social media network @GoldenChef_Ke.
I hope you found this article insightful. What are your thoughts?
Please share and let me know in the comments section below.
Do you have a inspiring entrepreneurial story like the one of Daniel from Golden Chef? please send me a message on our contacts page here. I will be happy to come and tell your story.
Until next time, bye bye and take care.
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Video- How To File Company Annual Returns on Business Registration Portal Online
Video Transcript
In this video Tutorial, I am going to show you how to file Company Annual Returns on Business Registration Service portal (BRS). Stay tuned.
To file your company’s annual returns, go to brs.ecitizen.go.ke and login with your ecitizen account details.
On your eBusiness dashboard here, to right of the business that you want to file returns for, click on view.
On the new window click on maintain company on the top right. This new page will open. On this menu to the left, click on annual returns.
The years that you have not filed the returns will display to the right under business details. Choose the and download the file that you will need to fill in order to file the returns.
Mine is empty because this account is for a new company that was formed recently. Once you have completed filling in your returns, upload the file and click submit returns.
And that is it on how to file company annual returns on BRS portal. I hope you found this video helpful.
