An open letter to upcoming entrepreneurs
By Valden Findlay
My dearest young friends.
First and foremost, I must congratulate you for being brave enough to follow your hearts even as I know you are scared and worried… As you should be.
I will not lie to you. The road you are on now is a tough one and you will experience so many bumps and twists and turns. But it is worth it in the end.
Even as you just begin, you will face doubters and detractors, you will face hardships and challenges not even your parents may have undergone, brick walls. People will not understand you, some will mock you, you will loose friendships and relationships, but it’s a sacrifice that you need to make.
You need to know that the deck is stacked against you. The odds are not in your favour because you are going against the tide and convectional wisdom. That’s why only the strongest and bravest will make it to the end.
I have also seen my fair share of challenges and I feel if there is anything I can give you, which I needed the time I was you age and at your time in development, it was a heads up of things to come and some tips on how to manuever and survive. Some of the biggest challenges you’ll face are with capital.
The money market as it is, is oriented towards salaried workers, the conditions for entrepreneurs are by all measures insane. The interests are unbeareble, availability is a nightmare, and the the demands are just unattainable for anyone who doesn’t have money already.
The other challenge is that newcomers in the market have to dislodge the already existing titans, who already have loyalties and a much bigger financial muscle. Very eager to squash you before you even make the first step.
To survive, you must offer a service 10 times better and in most cases at a cheaper price. So be very innovative and take advantage of technology. Be ready to put extra hours of work and hire people with the same motivation as you.
Do not underestimate the value of mentorship and apprenticeship. Learn from the people doing what you want to do at least for a few years even if you are not getting paid. As an entrepreneur, you must know that money is secondary. Knowledge and a good network are worth more than gold. And to top it all, you must realize that there is some knowledge which only comes with age.
Collaborate with one other, keeping in mind that you need to set up a solid legal framework in terms of terms of service and contract to one another so that you don’t have any problems in the end.
Keep your ears to the ground, bid for everything you can, look for new opportunities day in and day out. Take advantage of NGO and government programs. Things like CEEC and CDF and bank offers orientated towards CSR. Something one day will surely work out for you if you have the mental fortitude to keep pushing and not give up.
I genuinely wish you well in your endeavors. Put God first and just keep on trying. I shall try to guide you where I can just as many others I have realized are willing. Your Fellow youths such B Flow and accomplished business leaders such as Mizinga Melu and many many more.
Lastly, I advise you to hold on to your faith. Sometimes things will go so sour that the only saving grace from giving up is knowing that God is in control and he will be there with you. Be brave. Be courageous. Be tenacious.
#valdenfindlay
