CORPORATE SCENE
Competition
We try not to be too focused on the myriad of competitors out there . Our objective of empowering , especially women , means we are in a Blue rather than Red Ocean . We believe if we continually focus on an untapped market and keep improving our product we will do well . The era of leveraging digital in doing business is still in the infancy and there ’ s a lot of education needed for it to grow . The more the players the better as there will be more cooks to bake the cake .
Marketing Our Business
What we offer is mostly B2B and a big part of our marketing is network even during this Covid-19 . We do a lot of personal selling and my team reaches out to relevant people . We also use digital including social media and we have a website that ’ s easy to navigate . However in Zambia we have partnered with FNB Bank which advertises our services in above-the-line marketing channels .
CSR Activities
Yes we believe strongly in giving back to society as any good citizen should . We have focused on underprivileged children motivated by my personal journey . My late daughter had cerebral palsy and I understand the challenges , emotional and physical of bringing up such a child while still working and looking after other members of the family . This experience led me to my desire to give back to challenged children not just financially but also my time and I involve my staff as well . We therefore identified Children ’ s Homes we support financially . We visit them regularly , not just during Christmas taking with us items they need and spending time with the children . We hope to continue with this as we involve like-minded organizations in this worthy cause .
Lessons Learnt
Your product is not suitable for the market until the market has a say in its design and delivery . My competitors are my learning opportunities . I have learned to see them from a different perspective and internalize the fact
What keeps you awake ?
Simple answer is I work in my sleep . My business keeps me awake . I know that if the market does not respond to my product then my impact will be less . The loss is not just a loss of business for me but the whole chain that supports the business and those that benefit from it especially women and the youth . The opportunity we provide to change lives is a huge responsibility that keeps me awake .
Legacy
I want to be remembered as one who created opportunities for women and the youth . I am talking of lasting opportunities that impact generations . It has been my belief , and this has been validated by my work , that people have the skills and drive , all they need is opportunities to realize their potential . ■