Starting a business, growing one and sustaining it can be very frustrating. What makes it worse is the lack of resources that comes with it, especially the knowledge and skills required. Some call them hacks, others have named them shortcuts, whatever you call them, they seem to be the enablers for sustainable, thriving businesses in this fast paced world. It’s even more discouraging when the meaningful resources are reserved for bigger fish who can pay better. Meanwhile the more affordable business seminars can leave you feeling confused and inadequate.
15 odd years ago I lost the opportunity to go to university due to financial challenges in my family. It was a tough time for me, I had always wanted to be a paediatrician and I worked hard to pass my classes well so I could. Eventually I let go of my dream to find an alternative, at the same time I had to fend for myself. I had no idea what to do, my guardian at the time suggested a secretarial course so I could make money quick. I settled on a gap year to explore the world and see what else was out there. We agreed, although as an orphan I knew the clock was rocking.
We were in SA at this point, and I went job hunting with no clue how to. I ended up job hopping as a bar tender, waitress, internet Cafe girl, and as a maid. These experiences changed my life in many ways, but the most pivotal was the internet Cafe experience! I saw these young South Africans come in, subscribe for a month’s access, and run their businesses from there. It was then that I spent time observing and then crafting a business proposal for a business that would create employment back home. I just had to make it work because the people back home needed such a platform.
My cousin was into artiste management in SA, so I approached him for partnership to do the same in Zim. My intentions were to increase employment opportunities while funding the non-profit I run now. I came back home and hustled like a bro, but nothing came out of it. My cousin pulled out after about 5 months – I had to sink or swim, and the waters were rough.
While walking at Avondale Shops wearing my company t-shirt this lady stopped me and asked if we supplied promoters. Without skipping a beat I nodded yes, we exchanged numbers, she placed an order and left me there terrified. On my way home I Googled what a promoter is and does and hired my first 5 promoters. Fast forward to about 6 months later, and I had an army of 275 promoters nationwide, an exclusivity contract with said lady and more money than I could use wisely with the knowledge I had then.
It was then that I closed my business, reopened it as a department in this lady’s company because I wanted direct mentorship. I thought it would be just for a year what a joke LOL, a comedy ROFL. Long story short I have been learning and trying m my hand at various side hustles for close to 2 decades now. I was thrust into the world of business, and 15 years’ worth of lessons later, I’m in love and grateful for that.
The way my heart is setup hasn’t changed since 2009 when I worked in that internet Cafe. I still don’t get why people should wait 15 years to sharpen their skills and learn the hard way. For this reason I’ve setup Woza! – a business strategy solution for small businesses, particularly for solopreneurs who want to scale up, but need that extra helping hand. It’s time for me to utilise my learnings & networks from my experience working for local, regional, and global companies and brands.
Woza! (Yes, say it with the exclamation mark) is the hack for building, growing, and sustaining your business as a Zim business owner. Get in touch with me on 077965585 or email woza@swebhule.com for a quick chat about your business. To maximise efforts and results we only take 3 one on one client’s at a time, so don’t hesitate, COME THROUGH – Woza!
