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No matter what you do, the color of money is constant

Money
 Photo; Courtesy

 

When you do any job and you are paid, the money you receive does not spell what you do, that was the counsel of my grandmother.

She was not of the idea that you work hard in school to do ‘dirty’ jobs but just in case that was the only job available to enable you put food on the table, then go ahead and do it. You get the money for genuine work done.

I recently met a woman who sells high-end utensils in Pipeline, Nairobi. I was curious. The estate is known for its low-income inhabitants. How can they afford a dinner set of Sh6,000 when their rent is about Sh3,500 for a single room?

“In fact, I make good sales here,” said the lady. “My sales have actually shot up since I came here three months ago.” She sells goods on the internet. Online marketing is good business, she says, but nothing beats the traditional direct selling.

“Someone comes back after buying an item and tells you how good it is. You feel encouraged and motivated,” she says. To keep both her online and direct customers flowing, she ensures she brings in quality and unique items.

“This makes the buyers feel special. You know how it feels to be served elsewhere with utensils similar to the ones in your shelf at home.”

To have an edge, always strive to be innovative in service provision. This woman has beautiful utensils that encourage even those whose shelves are full to add more “just for that unique guest”.

Therefore, do not go into business for the sake of it but have passion for it. Sell what you believe in. Your belief will drive volume sales.

To make your online business flourish, make sure your presence is felt all the time. Join Facebook and get into those groups that have large followings to reach thousands of potential customers with just one post.

Kilimani Mums Marketplace, Hello Mama Kenyan Moms Bazaar and All Business, Nothing Personal are some of the groups you can join to start selling your stuff.

On Twitter, you get into the trending topics by sneaking in your agenda. If the hashtag is on #stopcorruptionke for example, you can put in your items for sale and say in 140 characters something like ‘for above board transactions deal with us on...’ then you add the trending topic.

 It will be clever if you are also commenting about the topic before you share pictures of the merchandise you are selling. You should be careful because this strategy can backfire. But the good thing is that you will get noticed.

Get out of the comfort zone:

Although the lady lives in an exclusive estate, she knows the reality. Her neighbours can go to her supplier and buy from there. The truth is that the so-called middle and low-income earners are the biggest spenders when it comes to stocking items. That is the group that you target for better business returns.

Always remember that your friends and family are your first market:

Design your products for them and if feedback is good, you get confidence to sell to other people. Ensure you treat each customer with a special touch. For example, do not sell the same wine glasses to co-wives.

Maintain the standards:

After making, good money, some people take it for granted that they will always have customers. It is advisable that these standards are maintained throughout.

Anyone trying elsewhere for a deal will come back when that deal disappoints because they know they will get good products at your place. Let your hallmark be quality.

As my grandmother used to say, the color of money is the same. If Gikomba gets you the money and quick sales, head there and do your business. But never cheapen your brand because you are taking it to the low-end market.

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