Starting a business can be an intimidating task, especially if you are not sure where to begin. But the truth is, you can start your business from anywhere. All you need is determination, persistence, the willingness to learn, and a few tools. So, when you don’t know where or how to start, Start Anywhere. Simple enough advice from Flutterwave, isn’t it?
Why do you want to start a business?
Quite often this is the first and easiest for us. Why do we want to start a business? Because we see a gap that needs to be filled. Because we want to be like some of the great entrepreneurs we admire. Because the idea of creating something from the ground up is very appealing to us. Because we want to make money. We have our different whys and they’re all valid. Building a business makes a difference and grows our economy. According to The World Bank, SMEs account for the majority of businesses worldwide representing about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. We need more businesses.
The first thing to remember is that every successful entrepreneur started somewhere. They didn’t magically know all the answers and have all the resources at the beginning of their journey. They started small, made mistakes, and learned from them. They tried new things, failed sometimes, and eventually found success.
So, if you’re unsure about how to start your business, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Many successful entrepreneurs have been in your shoes, and they’ve found a way to make it work because they started with their “why.”
Where and how do you start? Flutterwave says Start Anywhere.
If you’re feeling confused about how to start or where to start, don’t worry. The good news is that we live in an age where there are countless resources available to help you get started. The internet is a treasure trove of information that can help you learn, I mean, you’re here reading this. There are many online communities where you can connect with other entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences. There’s social media to help you reach customers. There’s Flutterwave with tools that help you sell. So, Start Anywhere.
Start with what you’ve known
“Start Anywhere, using whatever you have, and you’ll be just fine”
Yinka Anidugbe-Olaniyan
Founder Sweetpod
Yinka, the last child of a family of 4 started out cooking as a child to keep herself busy. She’d go on to finish school, get a job like most of us but maintain her love for baking as a hobby. She’s now founded a fast-growing food company that first sold products in unlabelled boxes.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to start big. You can start small and grow as you go. You can start by selling your products or services to family and friends, or by setting up a small online store. As you gain more experience and confidence, you can start to expand your business and reach out to a wider audience.
Start with what you have
Shedrack moved to Lagos in 2013 for a job that unfortunately for him at the time, fell through. He was lucky to meet a shoemaker at the time, so he decided to learn. He didn’t sit in his disappointment, instead he used what he had. He only had access to a shoemaker and willingness to learn, and that’s all it’s taken. His shoes are being worn around the world now.
It’s important to remember that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or mistakes. Instead, use them as learning opportunities to improve and grow your business. What do you have access to? Use what you have.
We’re just trying to strive, wring water out of stone. The challenges that we face every day and the outcome we get from all our daily struggles, it’s just fascinating how we survive.
Shedrack Ovakpo, CEO, Sheddi Nigeria.
Shedrack Ovakpo, CEO, Sheddi Nigeria.
Start where you are
Nonye, founder of Kasai Clothings, was a student dreaming of building her own fashion empire. She started her would-be empire by retailing clothes from her school dorm. From her corner in that dorm room she was selling and delivering nationwide. She now has her own brand of clothes and even branded slides.
Ultimately, the key to success is to start. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect moment. Use the resources available to you, take action, and keep moving forward. As you gain momentum, you’ll build confidence and start to see results.
In her words, “it’s simply about your dream because a dream is all you need to get started, start anywhere.”
Just Start Anywhere.
Starting a business can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t let confusion or fear hold you back. You can start anywhere, use the available tools, and grow over time. Believe in yourself and take the first step today. Who knows where it might lead you tomorrow?
Start Anywhere.