9 tips to make your business dream a reality

Dreams keep you excited about the future. They’re what help you reach your potential and keep you motivated.

But you don’t want all those goals you’ve set out to remain some vague ideas. And that’s where Priscilla Wanjiru comes in. She is one of those people who have been able to turn her dreams into reality.

She is a full-time banker, working as a relationship manager, but she’s also found time to publish a book, work on a second one, write and record an album, become a motivational speaker, and set up Ordinary Women Extraordinary God, a group that brings together 60 women from across Africa, the US and Europe.

She spoke to Hustle about what it took to make all this possible.

1. Have a plan

You cannot venture into something without planning. And when you’re planning, don’t do it alone. Involve other people as these are the ones who will guide you. It doesn’t mean that you depend on their views – because different people will tackle challenges differently – but you want to have a group of people that challenge your thinking and give you the confidence that you’re making the right decisions.

2. Research on the business you want to get into

There is a lot of information you need before you can get into business. You need to know your competitors. You must find out how and where to sell your products. For instance, I cannot market my book on prayer at a nightclub. You have to determine your costs, as well as the methods you will use to market your products. You need to know your customers and ensure what you’re selling is in a language they understand, packaging they won’t question, or a price they can afford. Don’t underestimate the importance of research.

3. Be confident in your abilities

In everything you do, you must believe in yourself. If you don’t, you’ll never make it. You will face challenges and obstacles, but if you tell yourself you have it within you to overcome them, then you’ll achieve what you set out to. There are those who will dismiss your idea, others will not take you seriously – a lot of the time, you’ll have to find the strength to keep going from within yourself. Build up your confidence for this future when you’ll need to talk yourself into staying the course.

4. Visualise living your dream

As a young girl, I used to tell myself that I would become an author. I wrote children’s books but they were never published, so I gave up on that line of writing. However, I held on to my dream to become published, and now I am. I also used to sing in church and tell people that I wanted to become an artiste. Today, I have a gospel album out in the market. Use language that solidifies your dream – don’t disparage yourself or minimise your ambitions. If you want it badly enough, work towards it.

5. Choose partners wisely

The people you choose to work with can either make you move forward or go in reverse. Look for people who will help you achieve your dreams, push you to work towards your goals. They must be ready to want to help you.

6. Manage time

There aren’t enough hours in a day to do everything you want to, so you have to manage the time you get wisely. Divide your day into the various things that you must do.

A lot of people use night hours only for relaxation and sleep. For me, these are working hours as well. I write, sing, compile motivational talks at night. I have a day job, so my time during the day is restricted. I use weekends to pursue my other interests. Don’t postpone working on your dreams until you get enough time. That may never happen.

7. Do things your way

Keep on trying. Success is a journey, not a destination. Work at achieving your dreams without giving up. You can’t try indefinitely without a breakthrough. It might not work the first or second time, but eventually you’ll figure out a way to overcome the hurdles in your path.

8. Have role models

Role models guide you. I have mentors in both writing and gospel music. I love reading Beth Moore’s books. They inspire me, and I can use her messages to inspire others. I have given myself five years – by 2022, I want to be a minister of the Word of God, so I listen to the sermons of evangelists and pastors I admire, read their books and reach out to them for advice.

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