Every tech entrepreneur must understand that building a lasting business should be the long term goal of a startup venture. If this reality is imbibed, then we would admit that business success goes way beyond lines of code or apps developed. It would hinge on how relevant the apps are to societal problems and firm marketing structures put in place to maximize all of its gains.
Now, we have gone beyond the days of self-isolation, expecting everything to come together in our little corner. It is time to reach out and acquire the business skills that would make complete and creative entrepreneurs. As a tech entrepreneur, if you never knew this before, I am glad to let you know that you are a creative. Accepted, coding is a full time job, but that does not mean you can’t create some spare time for business development – especially if you see it as a fitting enhancement to the coding process.
There are numerous resources, that go beyond funding, geared towards supporting startups to succeed by providing them with the required skillset to run a successful business. There are also some very helpful organizations like Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN), Enterprise Creative, and Fate Foundation. The first two work closely with the British Council to organize trainings, meetings and programs once a month. Attending such functions can teach you a thing or two about business, entrepreneurship, raising capital and networking. Some of them even hold pitching sessions to potential investors who would scrutinize ideas and ask hard-hitting questions that make you realize the harsh realities of the business environment and encourage preparing.
Let’s consider another strong point in this same space. Apart from getting techies, startups must also learn to attract and retain other creatives – writers, social media managers, business inclined persons, publicists and such similar skilled people. A business environment needs to feature a fair blend of these skills to have people interact properly and build the right teams. To solve problems, you need different components present to contribute to cooking the broth, so that it does not become a waste of time and effort in the end.
Startups in Africa need to realize that even in the face of daunting challenges, we are no less blessed with amazing potential to grow long-lasting businesses. Complain all we can, but in truth the opportunities exist if we would skillfully navigate the terrain and be ready to put in the effort. No one seats back and expects success to fall into their laps, especially not a startup that already has slim chances of survival. The solution is to bravely defy the odds.
In light of these, maybe it would be right to ask: “Would you want to attempt something if there was absolutely no chance of succeeding?” If you are attempting that start-up, then you believe that it can grow and succeed, so why not farm in the effort that could eventually take you to your desired destination.
