Entrepreneurship Coaching

Entrepreneurship is a journey that demands focus, discipline, resilience, and a willingness to take action. In this coaching feature, Diana Kabaila shares practical lessons for aspiring and growing entrepreneurs, from understanding your industry and building strong teams to embracing personal growth, networking, collaboration, and overcoming the fear of starting.

A reminder that success comes with challenges, but with determination, continuous learning, and faith, every entrepreneur has the potential to grow an idea into something extraordinary.

BY DIANA KABAILA

As an entrepreneur and author, I have come to appreciate the value of coaching and information sharing, given that one’s experiences can influence and motivate to action those that need to hear from others that have walked a path before them.

It is encouraging to note that personal efforts to shape the entrepreneurial minds of those with young businesses and the aspiring ones, have contributed to growth of enterprise in Zambia.

Read on:

9 To change your life’s story from ordinary to extraordinary, you have to be focused and determined to walk the extra mile and awaken the sleeping industry giant that is in you, believe that the market place has enough room for smart and hard workers to become captains of industry.

9 But let’s be candid, there is a price to pay for success, to become a captain of industry you need a lot of discipline and tenacity; and you will face setbacks, things will not always go according to plan.

9 Through challenges, you learn perseverance and the importance of investing in personal growth. Personal growth will teach you to let go and not take personal what has not worked.

9 Always have a plan B. When one endeavor fails or you simply outgrow it, move on with your head high because such is life. Avoid holding on indefinitely because negative environments have a way of consuming you. Self-pity is an absolute no, pity does not pay the bills. Believe that God has a reason for redirecting you.

9 Before starting a business, have an understanding of the industry that you have chosen to invest in, to avoid financial loses and regulator penalties. Avoid copy and paste of businesses, because what will work for one, may not work for you. Believe that short cuts will cost you.

9 Build good teams that will manage your businesses without your direct supervision. Invest in good digital systems that will enable you to monitor performance remotely.

9 Build good networks, position yourself strategically and be fearless to walk with giants and captains of industry. Show up with confidence, learn and speak the same technical lingo to gain trust of investors and clientele.

9 Step out of the comfort of working for others for too long; working for others is simply creating wealth for them. They will pay you according to agreed contract terms and conditions, but when you leave, their business continues without you.

9 And as you make excuses to not start your business now, other innovative minds are launching businesses that are similar to the one that you are keeping in your head, if you do not make a move now, yours will always remain an idea.

9 The older you get, the less energy and patience to invest in a start-up. Naturally your risk appetite reduces and you start looking for investments that have the right mix of risk and return.

9 Lack of working capital should not be your excuse to not start your entrepreneurship journey. You can collaborate with those that have financial muscle, you can contribute your technical expertise to the partnership. And being a woman, I know too well that village banking is a good alternative source of funding for a small business.

9 If you entertain decision paralysis that prevents you from starting a business now, chances are that you will never become an entrepreneur, remember that time waits for no one.

9 As you, an entrepreneur, seek business support from others, start by supporting your fellow local team. It’s in the simple things, such as liking and sharing someone’s post on Facebook. Celebrate the growth and wins of others. Remember good deeds come back to us.

Above all else, trust God for grace to flourish in your entrepreneurship journey. Pray because prayer has power to change situations. The Bible in Jeremiah 29:11 reads: For I know the plans I have for you, to prosper you and give you hope for a future - so declares the lord.

God bless.