Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / NewStats: 3,195,328 members, 7,957,874 topics. Date: Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at 10:49 PM |
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Business / My Tech Start-up Journey (42620 Views)
Could You Start Up An Online Business? / Journey: (DAY 20 - $105 so far) Follow Me As I Make Money On Fiverr From Scratch / A New Tech Start-up, Can You Call It A Success After 3 Months? (2) (3) (4)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (Reply) (Go Down)
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by martineverest(m): 11:42am On Mar 23, 2015 |
Great one from u,bro...dis was how bill gate and jobs started 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by freetowns: 12:01pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Wowww. OP seems ur thread is on front page now. I must say your thread made me go ahead with my idea now. Tho m doing it alone for now as I can't find a worthy partner for now. I would be launching this idea say in 4 months. Thank you so much for this thread. You are an inspiration to me and others. If u want someone to work for u for free, u can count on me. Would b able to do 1day a week for u free. I believe I can learn a lot from u in the process. God Bless 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by stonecoldcafe: 12:05pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Op keep doing you, success. As for staff, sad story. Graduates keep crying out for jobs so I don't get it. Please when next you choose to employ, let the job seekers know what they are in for. I find some employers mask certain tasks or radically turn it around - now that sucks! If their job involves marketing, spell it out, ask them about previous experiences and let them be under no illusion that it is something else. Its a growing business so they need to know it entails going out there and talking. Give them free reign to talk during interview eg tell me about yourself. What do you think of this? If you don't like what you hear allow them go. There are good graduates out there but at the end of the month, most just want to earn their wages and GO home! Find the ones with passion for your niche. The ones with fire in their bellies and spark in their eyes. Good luck. Will be following this thread. 4 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:14pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Wow! I logged into Nairaland today just to catch up on the usual gist and couldn't believe my eyes! Thank you all so much for your encouragement. I'll try to respond to each post individually. To those who have gotten some inspiration, i'm glad i was able to help you along. Please come write your experiences so we can build a community of collaborators and entrepreneurs. We are only as good as our community. I hope we can build a great community via this thread. Who knows we may even take it offline someday. As to revealing my start-up, I can safely say that i won't be doing so for quite a while. Thanks again and keep the posts and experiences coming, love to read them. I certainly will be giving regular updates. 3 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by UjSizzle(f): 12:17pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
This is good. Wish you all the best 2 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:26pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
databoy247: Thanks a lot man, i'll be in contact in due course. As regards recruiting, i take your point on board. I don't think i'll be hiring for another little while anyway. Will try and get a handle of things first and perhaps go for a secretary like you suggested. We'll see how it turns out. You're right about the product speaking for itself. In my short experience, Nigerians like to know who is behind anything hence why i'm linking the product to my person. Over time i will be able to separate my person from the product. It also works for now as we can't afford any sole branding spend. All resources currently are directed towards acquiring users. We are doing online ads and have acquired most of our users via it. It's only small scale as we have an MVP that can't do a lot of things we want it to do. We want to be guided by our users and not what we think will be good. Our website also needs a lot of work and features before it is ready for large scale online consumption. Thus we are focusing largely on direct offline sales. |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:37pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Ibime: Thanks for reading and posting bro. If i tell you the website you'll be disappointed More seriously, the interest from this thread is from a business side whereas my start-up is targeted at a non business niche. Two very different interests. Media interest like this is only temporary and hardly ever enduring. The front page feature is only fleeting. I want to build a repeatable and scalable acquisition channel. Visits via this thread will be distracting as they weren't initially attracted by the value proposition i'm offering. People will only sign up out of curiosity. We don't have time for that distraction especially as we personally call everyone that signs up. 4 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:40pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
remsonik: Well done, i encourage you wholeheartedly to pursue your dream. You won't ever regret doing it but you will regret not pursuing your passion |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:42pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
goofyone: Thanks for reading and commenting. I didn't attempt to paint cortes as a saint. All i did was use an aspect of his story to illustrate a principle. As evil as he may have been, he clearly did some useful things one can draw from. Remember that even a broken clock tells the correct time twice a day. 7 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by Liferace: 12:48pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Op,reading your stories brought me to tears..not sad but happy. My family made the decision similar to yours about two years ago,the only difference is we were all in nobody was left behind. We have experienced a lot,from staff walking out on us to loosing all our hard earned money to a fraudster(how that happened is still a misery till date). Currently,i am trying so hard to support my husband looking at another business that can keep family going. How are you able to cope with business to business in Nigeria?. The way Nigerians demand for money is alarming and frustrating!. Wishing you success. 3 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:56pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Oildichotomy: Thanks for your post. I've lived and schooled in Nigeria too so i know what's up. I interviewed quite a number of people myself before i formed the opinion i have. I wasn't looking for much, infact, i ignored CV's in many cases. I just asked open ended questions and listened. So many people just couldn't deal with this. These kind of people i can't hope to teach anything. People need a minimum set of skills that our schools are unfortunately not equipping them with. like databoy247 alluded too, I don't have the cash for them to learn on my watch. As regards class distinctions, i'll take money from anyone who will give it to me. It is however hard to convince someone to part with 20 dollars for software when they're struggling to find food. So i hedge my efforts by going after the 'haves'. I like you am a great procrastinator. I had a presentation to do at work today and didn't prepare it until this morning. What helped me not procrastinate my startup is: 1. I was extremely passionate about it. 2. I put some money into it early on. Not a lot just a little to buy a domain name. Once i did that i had skin the game and stopped procrastinating. 3. I read, listened and watched a lot of entrepreneurial stories. This motivated me plenty. Good luck with your venture and please update us as you go along. 3 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 12:57pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
9japipper: Thanks. Would love to connect. Just send me a PM. |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 1:00pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
400billionman: Thank you for your comment. We are still managing tiny revenue, certainly not a billion man. If you hate stories, i dare say that this thread might not be suitable as it is a story of a journey. 2 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by 1k001(m): 1:19pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Liferace: Thank you. Well done in your support of your husband. My wife stepped up and took a lot of responsibility when i was let down. There's nothing like a supportive wife so please keep at it and don't lose the faith as hard as it may be. B2B in Nigeria is hard, long and you have to deal with people who just want a cut for doing their job or nothing in some cases. When i've found a reliable method i'll tell you until then i'm doing trial and error. Wishing you all the success in the world too. |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by dammylarey(m): 1:56pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
I love your post and this would be the first time reading a tread till the end and i even have some text from it on my wordpad so i could make some research because am presently having some hard time working on a project ..i mean an idea.Great post though. 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by surveycash(m): 1:57pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Wow. First time I will be reading a thread from start to finish on the spot! Good, interesting read filled with hands-on experience by both OP and commentators. Three things I learned from you are LEARN, LEARN and LEARN. I have downloaded all recommended literatures and heading to the library now Good one. 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by yusufu16: 2:04pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
I quite agree with databoy my oga OP. For most startups, exposure is very critical in the initial stage in order gain public acceptance of your brand. You can create the much needed curiosity for the public through online ads. I want to say that I have gained a lot from your experience. But you can even make your startup litle easier if you bring your wife onboard. You can teach her how she can buy into the you vision. Its easier you know. While you concentrate on other things on she focus on other things like marketing. Again instead of renting an office , you can use a friends house or your house. It saves money again. OP you also forgot one good aspect of any business. and that is PR. If you are an introvert like me, then i think is good if you can hire a PR Specialist. We are still in speculations of this your startup though. Nobody will steal your idea here since you have started operation and have made all legal rights. By telling us what your business is on this forum, some people will be in a better position to give more advise on how you can move your business to the next level. There is no point hiding it. 2 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by yusufu16: 2:07pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
I have learnt alot on this topic. I am looking forward to starting my own eCommerce soon. 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by siralexis(m): 2:09pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Am really interested in joining u to build this together...am in Nigeria tho,and we can work together...whatsapp@+2348185548236 Mcseunbayo@gmail.com. |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by ekolina(m): 2:11pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
I am so grateful op for this great piece. I have always wanted to start something of my own but my biggest problem is having an idea that is unique. So far from your post I have learnt I need to start reading and looking for problems to solve within my environment. 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by xlnc2324: 2:34pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Good job......following. |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by Wallie(m): 2:36pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
1k001: Nice! I'm currently in the same boat but my SAAS B2B startup is US based and I'm currently seeking Series A funding. Dealing with institutional investors is nerve–wracking and time consuming especially when you're a solo founder like me. The amount of equity and terms they're seeking when you find a receptive investor almost makes you say "fu.k it', especially when you're looking at your burn rate! Couple the fund raising headache with customer development and acquisition, conversion of users to paying customers, attending trade expos, continued software development, resource issues, keeping an eye on VC funded competitors, uncertainties in some of your hypothesis, a full-time job, and family obligations...I will be writing a book once I exit. :-) By the way, if any Nairalander attends Johns Hopkins, I will be participating in the 2015 Startup Fest at Carey Business School to recruit. 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by ogbiwa: 2:36pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
@ik001 i doff my hat to you man. You sir are a good example of the future generation we all clamour for in this country. If we have a quarter of graduates and unemployed alike who will stop lazying around waiting for the government to make them billionaires but rather take their destinies by the scruff of the neck, believe you me unemployement will no longer be a menace. And you know what, i believe strongly in the Nigerian market, though others might see it as unpredictable and highly volatile, but you would agree with me that the guys with good eyesight, you sir included, know that this is an enterpreneural goldmine, dripping, untapped goldmine. Just that most of them wont dare admit in public, but these guys leave the organised life in foreign countries to run back here and set up shop, in the so called volatile market. wetin dem see wey carry them waka come? Going through your article it freaked me to see how much we had in common, and yes there goes the phenomenom that we always identify with some of the best minds around. great minds attract and you sir are one. Anyways i believe u have taken the most important step towards good success- stepping out, ur on the right track, just keep going undettered, this is by far one of the most rivetting and inspiring piece i've read on Nairaland and whoever piques my interest and that of other great minds here will def capture the interest of governors and decision makers up there. The sky is just ur basketball court bro, make sure God is the numero uno in all ur plans and endeavors, we'll def work on something together by His grace, from one success to another 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by Wallie(m): 3:06pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
ogbiwa: I’ve done quite a few things in Nigeria but all I’ve ended up doing was dearly paying for the experience of knowing what not to do. The question every entrepreneur should ask is, "do I fully understand my market and the customer segment I will be appealing to?" Once you understand your customer segment or have someone on your team that does, evaluate your plan to get the resources that you will need to be successful. If you do not have the knowledge AND resources needed, odds of being successful will be against you. The Nigerian market is truly a gold mine and competent competitors are almost non-existent in some sectors but without the requisite knowledge and resources, one will just end up being another government-contract-seeking briefcase company but what do I know… 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by Ibime(m): 3:22pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
1k001: I'm guessing it's an app to help people manage their health and access healthcare sha. |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by KORLAR(m): 3:30pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
1k001: I have a social networking site. Please can I have your contact info? |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by darqly(m): 5:41pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Op, not to sound pedagogical, but your style of writing is one of the reasons I'm following your posts. The grammar is proper and very few typos, plus the content is totally enriching! I've not commented before now because I'm still on page one, this stuff is truly informative. It's good to see someone treading the path you're on, I'm a FinTech Entrepreneur just starting a company. I'll chip in more and ask a few questions as the need arises and also share a few of my resources. Keep up the good work 4 Likes |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by GIYAZZ(m): 7:21pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Ok Oga Ibime, thanks for the reply. But I've replied you again. Please do me that favor I asked for. #Peace Spitzo |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by shinebabe(f): 9:11pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Great and eye opening thread. God bless the soul that told me about this thread. #Jackoftrades 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by shinebabe(f): 9:13pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
Great and eye opening thread. God bless the soul that told me about this thread. #JackofalltradesMoi |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by MyNaijaNaira(m): 9:50pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
1k001: Such an inspirational topic. I wish you all the success in the world. I'll be keeping a close eye on this topic for updates. Another book I would recommend reading is - The 7 Day Startup by Dan Norris 1 Like |
Re: My Tech Start-up Journey by uo067: 10:32pm On Mar 23, 2015 |
surveycash: Pls how did u download dem cox i need dem too. Any site or sumtin. thax |
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (Reply)
Arthur Eze Shows His Ogene Dance Steps, Gifts Group N500k / ABA Mega Mall, Potential Biggest Mall In Africa / Earn Weekly Pay With Longrich Business
(Go Up)
Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 93 |