…and entrepreneurial tips for the day
One is always reluctant to start a business when they do not have the necessary resources, particularly funds. As a business consultant, you can provide advice on how to start a small-scale business to someone who is unemployed, but it would not be useful to them since they lack the initial capital or knowledge to acquire it. To begin any business, you will need a certain amount of money, depending on the level and type of business, although some enterprises require only small amounts to start.
Firstly, if you want to start a business but lack the funds, you should consider taking on some form of freelance work to save money. While it may be challenging to secure corporate jobs in Nigeria, there are still plenty of opportunities for lower-paying and less professional positions available. For example, salesperson and brand ambassador roles are still abundant. Since you have a dream that you are pursuing, you should humble yourself, take on one of these jobs, and save some money for investment.
How to obtain money through cooperative savings:
There are cooperative societies primarily associated with microfinance banks, but I will be discussing cooperative savings operated by individuals. Cooperative groups are formed by a specific number of people with the goal of enabling them to save a set amount of money each. If you want to be a part of this, you should look for one. These groups are easily found in office or market environments. However, if you cannot locate one, you can create one yourself. For example, if you need N300,000.00 to set up your business, find 19 other financially reliable individuals who are either workers or businesspeople to join you and form a group of ten. Each person should be registered with a number for money collection. Afterwards, everyone should commit to contributing N15,000.00 monthly. You should lead the group. Set a specific day in the first week of the month for all members to give and pool together their money. Once it reaches N300,000.00, it should be given to the person whose turn it is to receive the bulk money. In 10 months, the cycle should be complete and everyone should have their full savings. If you and your group members decide to continue with another round of saving, you can do so. However, if you cannot, you can disband the group. After all, you now have enough money to set up your small-scale business.
Entrepreneurial tips for the day:
In the corporate world, organizations recruit employees for various functions, including secretarial and technical writing. Writing is crucial in organizations because reports need to be completed, and there needs to be correspondence between the organization and its clients to ensure proper communication and transparency. Larger companies can afford to hire and train staff to handle these responsibilities, but small portfolio companies cannot. Portfolio companies are companies that have recently started operations after registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). They often cannot afford to hire staff and are sometimes run solely by the CEOs. These companies operate out of small offices, shared spaces, and even from home. Since the CEOs may not have the necessary expertise in business writing, they often hire consultants to help them. Consultants can assist with tasks such as writing company profiles, proposals, reports, project cost estimates, and tender technical submissions. These submissions may cover topics such as health and safety, quality assurance and control, environmental policies, and community affairs.
To become a business writing/document consultant, you must possess proficient writing skills and have experience in corporate documentation. Today, I will explain how to create a company profile and market yourself as a business writing consultant.
A company profile is a comprehensive overview of a business presented in the form of a flipbook. It highlights the business’s objectives, mission, and vision. Additionally, it showcases the company’s history and past accomplishments. In essence, it demonstrates what the business offers, why potential clients should engage with them, and provides contact information.
How to prepare a company profile
Before writing a company profile, it is important to know what it should include. The profile should consist of the following:
1. Cover page: This page should display the company name and the title of the write-up. It is usually colorful and includes the company’s logo.
2. Table of contents: This provides a list of the chapters in the profile, including the page numbers and where each chapter starts.
3. “About Us” section: This section provides information on when the company was founded, its history, and its values.
4. Mission and vision statements: These unveil the company’s purpose, objectives, and goals.
5. Leadership team and organizational chart: This section describes the company’s leadership structure.
6. Products/services: This is the most important part of the profile as it highlights what the company does. It provides information about its products and the types of services it offers.
7. Evidence of contracts executed: This section showcases the contracts the company has completed over time. It includes information on clients, dates, and client contacts. If the company sells products, it should also include information about the companies it usually supplies products to.
8. Album: This section displays pictures of the company’s products or services it has provided.
9. Certificates/permits: This is the closing part of the profile and contains clear photocopies of the company’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate, tax clearance certificate, Value Added Tax (VAT) certificate, and other relevant certificates and permits.
Once you have gathered all the necessary details for your company profile, you can choose to spiral bind it after printing or print it as a booklet, if your budget allows. Company profiles are usually produced in multiple copies, and each potential client receives one without returning it. Additionally, a profile should typically be at least 20 pages long. It is important to note that you should only write and produce copies of a company’s profile after they have paid at least 80% of your fee. Some people may try to avoid paying for paperwork after they have received it.
How to attract clients
If you are a skilled writer and can produce excellent company profiles, you should start by visiting local shops and offices. Inform them about your services and, if possible, provide them with a sample profile you have completed. In this line of work, referrals are important for getting orders. If you do a good job and satisfy your clients, they are more likely to recommend your services to others who may see your work. This can lead to new clients contacting you directly. Ultimately, the quality of your work will market itself.
If you would like more information on cooperative saving or the company profile business, please contact me using the phone number or email provided above.
