10 ESSENTIALS OF BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS AT SCHOOL

Abayomi Alo, started his Graphics Design business immediately after his Secondary School Education and after he resumed UI his business still continued till date. He is a 500 Level student of Agric Economics Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. He experienced a different kind of stress, but still managed to cope.


His decision to combine studies and business, especially being able to build his business in school despite various Graphic Designers around is a worthwhile one. He said “truly there are many Graphic designers out there, but to be different from others you must strive to give your customers something different and unusual”.


My question on how to build ones business made him gives these ten tips on how to build your business in school.


1. HAVE A PASSION

Your first step into building your business in school is to be inspired and find something that tickles your fancy. He said “to be successful you must have sufficient passion to keep you going”.

2. LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

You need to learn about all what your prospect business entails; the risks and actuality of business ownership. This will enable you to navigate.

3. THINK OF YOUR OWN IDEA

Coming up with a good idea is not easy and fast, but your idea will determine the success or failure of your business.

4. MAKE SOME FINDINGS ABOUT YOUR IDEA

You can search online about your business and learn more from those that have ventured into a business you are about to begin. He said “EXPLORE”.

5. TALK TO OTHERS

Talk to those that can encourage you emotionally; your friend and family. Be open to criticism and hear what they can say about your idea.

6. START YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Find out about your competitor and dig deep to create a full-fledged business plan. Do something unique from others.

7. DETERMINE YOUR TARGET MARKET AND COME UP WITH A SALES/MARKETING PLAN

From your findings you will know what your customers (Students) need, use their needs to give them something greater. Here, you giving your customer exactly what they need will make them ask for something greater; why not give them something greater. Sales and marketing will develop your business. They are what drive your business. You must be able to present your business well, starting from your Logo, your business name, brand, theme and slogan.

8. COME UP WITH A FINANCIAL MODEL

Here, you have to consider your customer (Students). In this case the lower the price the higher your customer. Your charges must be reasonable, affordable and profitable. You must be able to balance everything such that your charges will not affect your profit

9. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS AND OBTAIN NECESSARY THINGS TO START FULLY

Registering your business is mandatory to beginning your business. Make sure all the equipment, capital, goods for your business is on ground. Then, you can start to put all plans and finding into action. Your business begins in full.

10. DEVELOP A GOOD RAPPORT WITH YOUR CUSTOMER

Do whatever you can do and improve whatever you can afford to make your customers happy. Be friendly with your customer and develop your customer service. Doing this will develop your business greatly.

What other tips do you know on how to build your business in school?