B U S I N E S S F E A T U R E ; T A K U N D A C H I W E Z A
to use the old cliché , " We Are The Future ." The entrepreneurs we are talking to now are the very same people who are going to be active in shaping the future we are going to live in . This is a simple fact . I would like to engage these people as they embark on their journeys so we can align our visions moving forward . I think everyone , young and old , should be paying attention to young entrepreneurs if they want to stay relevant . Trends show the following : 1 . The average consumer is getting younger and younger each day . Who else can understand that consumer more than youth ? 2 . Technological disruption has come front and centre . The average tech CEO is under the age of 35 . Need I say more ?
GMI : The Young Money Show airs midweek during the prime time slot . Do you think that this time slot is effective in reaching your target audience ?
TC : I don ’ t think there is ever an ideal time to reach everyone . However , our target audience is one that is invested and that will not just wait to stumble upon our program but make an active effort to tune in . Our intended audience is a go-getter and a plan-maker . One who will search for our information , knowledge , and mentorship . Whatever day or time it may be . GMI : You have profiled some of the most influential entrepreneurs on your show . What criteria do you use for choosing your guests ?
GMI : You have profiled some of the most influential entrepreneurs on your show . What criteria do you use for choosing your guests ?
TC : The criteria we use is simple : there must be a proven track record of conventional business or leadership for you to be profiled in our program . This is not a show to interview " dealers " or people who have found riches that we cannot tie down to tangible operations . And funnily enough , you don ’ t necessarily have to be " young " to be on the program . However , your energy and approach must be enthusiastic , your vision new and ground breaking , and your passion be about the success of the constituency of youth .
GMI : What are the common challenges and successes shared by the entrepreneurs that you have come across ?
TC : One of the most common challenges you will hear about is financing . This is a challenge for whoever should not be an inhibiting factor . Many businesses have been built through bootstrapping . Start operating and then you can begin to look into financing . Another major challenge faced by start-up entrepreneurs is a lack of adequate training and information regarding accounting and cash flows . This is the single most dangerous thing for any start-up . In general , it is the fundamentals of good business practice that I see many entrepreneurs struggling with . Very often , they have the right idea and the right energy but lack the discipline and consistency to operate a long-term venture .
One of the general successes I have taken note of is taking advantage of trends seen abroad and applying them locally , particularly in the tech space . There is no need to reinvent the wheel .
GMI : What important take-aways would you like for young listeners and even well established business people to get from The Young Money Show ?
TC : I have a statement I like to say that I heard somewhere that says , " I ' m not young enough to think I know everything ." And I think this is generally it . There is something for everyone , whether you are a young person looking for advice on how to make your dreams a reality or an established person looking for inspiration on new business practices , a better understanding of the youth target market , or even a business to invest in . This show is for anyone with a keen interest in business .
GMI : Are you collaborating with organisations that can assist entrepreneurs with either mentorship , networking or funding through The Young Money Show ?
TC : The Young Money Show is a cog in the wheel of an overall organization called the Young Africa Network . The Young Africa Network is an organization that exists to create platforms , opportunities and support for young business people through networking , financing , training and mentorship . This entity structures arrangements with various third parties to facilitate such initiatives . We are open to working with other entities that have a vested interest in ensuring the success of our youth . Our pursuit is not a selfish one , and we are happy to collaborate . The pie is big enough for everyone .
GMI : What motivates you in life ?
TC : I love people . And overall , I want to see people happy . More specifically , I want to see the position of Africans elevated . This drives me , and this gives me creativity and energy in all that I do .
GMI : In parting , what other ventures can we expect from you ?
TC : I am a typical Zimbabwean with my hands in many pots . However , you can expect to see further expansion in logistics and marketing . I am also considering a dive into the TV / Video space . Watch this space .
Tune in every Wednesday on ZiFM Stereo at 1915 hours and join Takunda Chiweza on ' The Young Money Show .
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