Posted: February 20, 2017
or most young people when they think about a business, the first thing they think about is capital. In 2005, without much research, Matati ventured into furniture business. He borrowed a loan, employed carpenters and bought enough stock. He knew very little about carpentry and furniture then and within a year, he had to close shop but still repay the loan. Luckily, he was still employed and was running the business as a sidekick, which is not uncommon with many young people.
In 2008, he began Vigo Delivery Services, a petty errands partnership business. He understood the business well since he was employed as an errands person. He saw a business opportunity, prepared a business plan and began to actualize the idea. It actually took me Ksh.3,500/= to register and begin my business. I had the idea, and it pushed me to where I am today, he says. I started by walking from office to office, place to plac e and I was able to save enough to be able to buy a motor bike. The motor bike has helped me be more efficient and reliable, he adds.
He has learned valuable lessons such as the need for market research and getting the right people to work with. I am a product of EPTF. EPTF trained me on how to run a business and has continued to walk with me to date. They have also been my clients since 2009. I have learned the importance of being patient with my clients since different clients have different needs,he adds. I have also understood the importance of being around mentors who encourage me to go on and not to give in, he adds.
Staying around positive people has been a plus for Matati since business is about identifying an opportunity and positively following through. Although the business presents some threats such as rising insecurity in the city that has led to increased theft of motorbikes, He has remained focused. He has been one of the victims of motorbike theft but has continued to dwell on the prospects that lie ahead. The industry is growing at a fast rate since most organizations prefer to outsource the services of a petty errands company instead of hiring fulltime employees.
Young people, your associates matter, stay around people who have a focus in life. He concludes.