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PROMOTION: THE JKUAT TECH EXPO The annual JKUAT Tech Expo is back once more, bigger and better. Set for 3rd and 4th November this year, this two-day long technological Expo will be held in the JKUAT, main campus in Juja. Since its launch in 2010, the main aim of this event has been to help some of the smartest minds across Kenya by providing them with a platform to showcase their innovations. Every year, about 30 projects ranging from various categories such as Renewable Energy, Education, Agriculture, Water Management, Food Security, Security, Financial Inclusion, Construction, Waste Management, Transport and, Social and Communication get the opportunity to exhibit their designs. The expo not only gives a platform for showcasing to investors, but the participants also get training on creation of business models, patenting and getting financial sponsors in addition to mentorship from some of the industry gurus. Deeper into EXPO Being a not-for-profit entity, the JKUAT tech expo runs solely on the goodwill of its partners and of course, JKUAT itself. Over the years, key industry players have been part and parcel of the Expo family, engaging students throughout the two days. This is why the JKUAT tech expo has over the years partnered which both big corporations and start-up companies for the event ranging from Google, Mozilla, GE, Intel, Safaricom, PZ Cussons Kenya,
Coca-Cola, P &G and Andela to the government through the ICT board of Kenya, OLX and many others. Another great advantage of having such industry bigwigs around during the event is that the students participating have the opportunity to interact with potential investors in a bid to sell their ideas. The Two Days of the JKUAT Tech Expo The expo usually takes place in two days with the first day mostly being the showcasing of projects to interested partners, judges and also students in open exhibitions at the JKUAT Pavilion Grounds. This is not forgetting the opening of the event by the Chief Guest. In past years, the chief guest have ranged from the Vice President, Honarable William Ruto, President Uhuru Kenyatta, industry bigwig Manu Chandaria and ICT champion, Dr. Bitange Ndemo, just to name a few. The second day usually consists of more exhibitions and most importantly, panel discussions chaired by the different partners where current issues in the industry are discussed in depth with input from the students. In the end, all is culminated in the award ceremony at the end which sees cash rewards awarded to the top three projects and also winners in additional categories such as best social media presence. If you have a project you would wish to showcase or you would wish to sponsor the event, please visit their website www.jkuattechexpo.com. Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |022
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Inversk
Contents
Feature Story Passion: The Success Secret for Entrepreneurship Pg 4
How To Become a Contributor at Inversk. Pg. 24
Business What to look for in a Co-Founder
Inversk Life
Pg. 8 7 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Business. Pg. 10 3 Inexpensive ways To market Your Business. Pg. 12 How To Budget Effectively For Your Business.
Simple Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Fail and How To Avoid Them. Pg. 16
Dealing With Haters Professionally. Pg. 18 Evaluating Your Productivity. Pg. 20
Pg. 13
Digital Marketing What it is and how it works. Pg. 27
Inversk Career Negotiating the Benefits of a Job. Pg. 22
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk3|03
4
Understanding of Passion in Entrepreneurship with
CYNTHIA MUMBO
Oozing with passion for Sports, uncommon to most ladies, Cynthia Mumbo runs a sports
C the
ynthia Mumbo is a modern world class lady who believes in Edward de Bono’s words that a winner is the chef who takes
same
ingredients
as
everyone
else
and
management start-up,
produces the best results. She says, “Without
Sports Connect Africa,
passion, you cannot achieve your dreams. You
and organizes
must know what you want and focus on the greater
networking events, workshops, trainings and mentorship
outcome.” Venturing in an area that most women would shy from, Cynthia is a career marketer with a bias for
programs for sports
sports development and is passionate about using
stakeholders in Kenya
sports to change lives. She is a certified FIBA man-
and Africa.
ager and holds Sports Management Certification from Wits University in South Africa.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |04 4
SUCCESS STORY
Inspiration
T
“Without passion, you
he admirable lady that we see today has been mentored and shaped under her
5
cannot achieve
parents
watch. She grew up seeing her dad in the corporate world. He worked with Kenya
your dreams. You must know what
Airways. He later ventured into the business world. Her mum however worked for the government pretty much
you want and
all her life.
focus on the
With such a rich background Mumbo dived into the corporate world. She has in total over a decade work
greater outcome.�
experience in the commercial industry. This was despite her ultimate desire to have something she could
proud-
ly say belonged to her and those around her. She believes strongly that ownership of sport is what she and those close can confidently say is their own. Speaking from a business perspective; she admits that sports is an art that brings people of all walks of life together. Mumbo regrets that the modern day youth lack the business perspective. This is the ability to
covert the passion into something that can generate revenue. She is
however grateful that she has a background in both corporate world and in business. The mother of a nine years old son is now the
years. She later moved on to East Africa
CEO and Founder and Chief Executive of
Breweries Limited (EABL). She coupled
Sports Connect (Africa) Ltd. Sports Connect is
her career with learning Sales. After
a
in
completing her course in sales she
connecting sports stakeholders in Africa and
moved to Menengai where she began ex-
improving the capacity of sports entities and
ecuting more leadership roles. She be-
managers on the continent through sports
came head
consultancy, sports workshops and forums,
moved on to Chandaria industries as
sports marketing, event management and
Marketing Manager. All this experience
sports development.
for a young ambitious lady gave her in-
sports
consultancy
firm
involved
Mumbo has worked with great companies in and out of the country. These including Sameer Africa where she worked for five
of marketing.
She
then
depth understanding of the corporate world and the corporate perspective as well.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |05 5
The Passion
C
6
ynthia’s love for sports continued
loves to be able to give back and build busi-
to grow even as she advanced her
ness through sports, had never planned to
career in Sales and Marketing. She
stay in the corporate world forever. She
served in the executive committee of the
always knew that a time would come when
Kenya Basketball Federation for 6 years.
she would be somewhere doing something
Then, at 26, she was the youngest and still
with sports from an entrepreneur’s perspec-
managed the national team at the All Africa
tive. This is because she had learnt that
games
sports would also be a way for her to genu-
that
were
held
in
Mozambique
(Maputo) and within that period. This obviously continued to add up to her leadership skills.
inely earn a living. When Cynthia looks back, she appreciates that
“I’ve always learnt to take on leadership
everything that her company has been
able to do for sportsmen and women wheth-
roles and that has really shaped me to who I
er
am today.”
events management or consultancy has been
The extremely driven sports enthusiast who
through
sponsorships,
partnerships,
to change people’s lives.
Hatching of ‘Sports Connect’ In the exclusive interview with Inversk Magazine, Mumbo revealed that Sports Connect came into existence many years ago. It was however hit by challenges resulting to failure. Cynthia did not quit, she revamped with a lot of fear but with the hope that her company would stand firm. She says it was a dream that she held dear to her heart. She registered the firm in 2012.It has continued to grow ever since. Cynthia is grateful for having made a milestone in seeking partnership with EABL. She has so far managed to work with Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) which is a company in Dubai that deals with golf tours across the world that is Kenya, Ghana and Egypt inn African countries.
Advice
Cynthia Mumbo’s ideas and wisdom for young and novice entrepreneurs
On Passion Nothing comes easy, if you do not have the heart do not even begin doing it. Success is not a one day affair. Do a different thing to connect with your values and ensure you do not waste time with the people who do not back up what your
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |066
7
goals are. Build a dedicated team for your business that will ensure that the set goals are attained.
Final Word Failing is part of growing up. So many times,
There is no better joy than earning from what you love doing.
you will fail, but do not give up! Rise up, dust yourself and focus on attaining your goal.
Your passion should take you to the greatest heights you have ever wished for.
Success does not come in a wink of an eye. There is need for effort, for sacrifice and get-
A firm foundation and an undying zeal for
ting the right minded people. You should get
success should propel any you to the levels
out of your comfort zone and invest time
that have always been desired. All people are
and resources in what you are passionate
equal. They are only made different by the
about.
decisions they make and by the people they meet along the way.
In a time when most people are complaining of increased rates of unemployment, convert your passion into a business venture. This
On
way, you will earn a living through what you
Entrepreneurship
love doing and also go a long way in making yourself your own boss. Now is the time to align yourself with the
Entrepreneurship
is
beyond
owning
a
business. It is about taking an extra step and been keen on the market patterns. It is mov-
right people to show you the way into entrepreneurship and into the corporate world as well.
ing out of the comfort zone, embracing all the risks and aiming to the highest set goal. It is about not allowing oneself to get shaped by what others say. It is about converting passion to an entrepreneurial venture that will fetch good returns. Personally I have never met an entrepreneur who is not passionate. Real entrepreneurs are patient because it is never a guarantee that the results of the entrepreneurial
venture
are
instant.
So many times you will fail, but do not give up! Rise up, dust yourself and focus on attaining your goal.
Entrepreneurship calls for resilience, it calls for a thick skin that if one is hit on one side, he turns around are finds an even better
Story done by Kimani Patrick, He is the Founder and Chief Executive at Inversk
opportunity on the other side.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk7|07
8
BUSINESS
Hudson Ojiambo // Co-Founding
What to Look For in a Business Partner
A
business partner is a commercial entity with which another commercial entity or person has some form of alliance, with the sole intention of growing the business into a profit making company. It is a mutual bene-
fitual type of partnership in which both parties benefit in a way or the other. It is therefore, very important to choose the right business partners if you are to realize your dreams and aspiration. People whose focus is on your products/service, customers and your business. The future of your entity lies in the people you choose to partner with and surrounding yourself with the right people at the right
“The future of your business lies in the people you choose to partner with.�
time is crucial for hitting milestones. How do you know that you are dealing with the right people? 1. A Marketing Guru.
2. A person you shares your vision and
A perfect business partner ought to be very much excellent when it comes to sales and marketing. He must be impressive in his/her sales capabilities and a person with a drive to hit the personal goals set. A person who is ready to get the lead and follow it up till the deal is done. Am talking about that Marketing guru capable of converting doubts into deals, a person who goes out of his comfort zones to ensure that the Marketing objectives set are realized. A guy who knows where a great potential lies and goes for it. A person with complementary and marketing skill sets, aligned on the company vision and equally committed to the company’s success. That is the guy you should be looking for.
piration.
as-
It has been proven that finding an associate you can work with and count on week in and week out is no mean feat. Many give up on the way; others just realize later that their interest is not on that type of business, therefore opting out. This might affect you and your business. A brilliant partner is always that guy who shares the same vision and aspirations as you. A person who is very passionate and knowledgeable about the kind of business you are doing. A guy you can lean on and in the same career or business as you are is preferable the best fit. When looking for a potential business associate, it's important to find someone who not only shares
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |088
9
your vision, but also has the ability to say ‘no’ when you go astray , an individual who is ready to walk with you through the valley of death all the way to heaven, a guy who sees possibilities where lies impossibilities.
4. A good decision maker and perfect leadership qualities. It's always super critical to
“A good business partner
identify a partner that has
understands the importance
of your own strength. A
strengths that are outside person who makes wise
of compromise without
decisions that means well
being too compromising,
for the
having the courage to
tion, and a motivator to
business, con-
sulting before taking achis staff. A good business
address tough financial
partner understands the
issues and even personal
importance of compro-
matters that might impact
mise without
being too
the company.”
courage to address tough
compromising, having the financial issues and even personal matters that might impact the compa-
2. Experienced Business partner is an asset.
ny. A great leader who
Your business is bound to make it when you are associated with
leads by example and is
the right and experienced guys. Persons who have a vast
ready to sacrifice what he
knowledge about your business, great strategies and executions
has for the benefit of the
that can steer your entity to even greater heights. Experience is
company. A person whom
not just the amount of time spent within an industry; it’s also the
you can well trust, keep-
obtained knowledge, observation and hands-on involvement. The
ing the companies records
experienced guru, who knows where to strike gold, and when to go
and information confiden-
for a prey. A guy committed to ensure you succeed in your doings
tial.
because he knows perfectly how to handle the situation at hand. 3. Financially stable partner is always a plus for you. One of the main reason people go into business partnerships is financial security. Having a business partner with a great financial muscles is a problem half solved because it assures you that whenever issues to do with finances arise, you won’t struggle or be forced to look for help from financial institutions, which mostly take time before issuing with loans. This gives you courage and confidence to face the task ahead. This is also an assurance that your associate is up to the task should your entity need finances for expansion, salaries, growth or even Marketing.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk9|09
10
BUSINESS
Grace Njoki // Starting Out
7 Things You Should Know Before Starting A Business
S
tarting your own venture is no mean feat. It is bold, taking a risk, because it could go either way. You could hit the market, or you could make huge losses; which is why you need to have a solid plan before investing into it. Below are 7 things you should put into consideration before taking the big step:
1. Your Competitors Business is like a game of chess. You need to know who you are up against. You need to know their strengths and their weaknesses as well. You shouldn’t just dive into the pool without knowing well who the main players are in your area of specialization, what they are succeeding on and what moves you can make that will keep you relevant and raise you to a
respectable position in the market. Learn what their customers appreciate. Capitalise on what they are not doing. Cash in on their weaknesses. Research well, otherwise they could easily
“Networking
throw you out of the market, if they have been there too long.
and building
2. Your target market
relationships
You need to define your target
with people
market. Markets are segmented
could rake in
based on various economic and
huge profits by
needs you are trying to meet.
working with them.”
social factors. Define whose Then channel your efforts towards that direction. It will not only make your work so much easier, it will give 10 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |10
11
BUSINESS
Grace Njoki // Starting Out
you a brand your customers can easily identify you by. In addition, you need to consult your customers. This can be done through questionnaires, social media, and encouraging feedback from your customers. Offering this ensures you get in the head of the customers, know exactly what they want and also breed loyalty.
5. Potential Partners. You could identify people in your area of business that could be very instrumental in your venture. Networking and building relationships with people could rake in huge profits by working with them. For example if you bake cakes, you could partner with a wedding planner in order
3. Funding
to tap that market.
You need to list down your initial business
6. How You Will Get Your Name Out
needs and their financial value. Setting up a
There
business will cost you some deal of money. You will need to sit down and take a financial assessment. If you can’t raise it all, you could take a loan from institutions or from family and friends. You also need to have a rough estimate of when your business will get past the break-even. Financial assessment will allow you to know just how profitable the business is. 4. Legal issues Depending on the nature of your business, there are some legal obligations you will be required to fulfil before and after the formation of the business. You need to familiarise yourself with such, as failure to comply will cost you a big deal in the future. Such requirements include tax cuts, licensing, document required, etc.
“Use social media and personal network hard to start building a reputation with not just potential customers”
You will need to create awareness of your presence in the market. Without a big marketing budget, start small and focus on building relationships. Use social media and network hard to start building a reputation with not just potential customers, but also local journalists, suppliers, fellow retailers, local business organisations. Start a blog, keep your profiles updated on Face book and Twitter, offer to write articles or talk for free on your expert subject, etc 7. Skills gap, experience and training You need to start up a business whose inside knowledge you have. You will very likely find it difficult to handle a field you have no advantage in. Some are especially highly technical. If you aren’t that equipped, enrol for classes, read about the area from the internet, ask around from experienced individuals etc. You could even start off as an employee in the field, then afterwards when you have amassed enough knowledge and experience start out your own. 11
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |11
12
BUSINESS
Seraphine Onyango // Marketing
3 Inexpensive Ways To Market Your StartUp Business
Y
ou have taken the bold step in
website and more referrals equates free mar-
the journey to transform your
keting for your business.
dreams into reality. First of all, congratulations for being daring enough to take action and not
dwell in the dream land.
However, you realize
that building that empire takes a lot of hard work, perseverance, creativity and most importantly, money. More specifically, how do you make consumers aware of your product or service? After all, you also want to be profitable, unfortunately, you do not have Safaricom’s marketing budget and this can be quite frustrating but do not be
2. Product Specialization Since you already have a target audience, the focus shifts to how specialized is your product? Product development is the main objective here, with the aim to provide value for your consumers. Ensure your product or service is easily accessible and solves an actual need to your target market. Typing up any loose ends that would hinder the smooth flow from purchase to delivery, aids in creating a pleasant customer experience.
afraid, where there is a will there is always a
Work to provide quality products. In fact, a
way. As a start-up, there are three inexpensive
perfectionist’s mentality applies really well
ways you can market your business;
in this area. A good product makes a happy
1. Target Marketing You probably already have your target audience
client and a happy client, leads to referrals. Make sharing easy for your consumers
in mind. That’s good, however, how specific is
This final step should be easy if you have
it? As a business, it is imperative that you nar-
perfected the first two. Your clients are your
row down your audience and make it as specific
“brand ambassadors” and you have to light-
as possible. Who are they? Where do they like to
en their load considering you are not paying
hang out? What’s the age bracket they are in?
for the free service they are offering you.
Their gender? And where do they get infor-
For ease of the referral process, you must
mation about their products from? Would be
make it simpler and less time consuming for
some of the questions you have the questions
them to share information about your prod-
you have to get answers to.
uct or service. Social media icons on your
This enables you to better frame your messag-
website that directly send your clients to
ing to suit your clients’ needs. Remember, if
those pages is essential. Also the consistent
you become a problem solver through your
use of appropriate photos across these plat-
messaging, you become an authority in your
forms is key and so is the content.
field. Consumers will refer others to your 12 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |12
13
BUSINESS
Agnes Opondo// Budgeting
How To Budget Effectively For Your Business
B
udgeting for your business is a step that every serious entrepreneur observes. Having a blue print of your anticipated business expenditure cannot be overemphasized especially when starting up. The most effective financial budget includes both a short term, month-to-month plan for at least a financial year and a long term, quarter-to-quarter plan of at least three years that you use for financial statement reporting. In the startup phase, you will have to
make reasonable projections about your business expenditure in establishing your budget.
This means that you will essentially look at factors such as: annual earnings, sales in the following years, price of products and services, operating expenses, number of employees needed, income tax rate, fixed assets, payment terms and options for clients and customers, loans that the business may need to take, collateral and interest etc. All these should be captured in the budget for a startup as they have huge impact on the day to day operations of the business and its progress in the coming years. As for the actual preparation of the budget, you can create it manually or with the budgeting function that comes with most bookkeeping software packages. You can also purchase separate budgeting software such as Quicken or Microsoft Money this may seem like a lot of information to forecast, but it’s not as cumbersome as it looks. The following tips can guide one on the budget making process for the startup: 1. Spending assets.
2. Operating Expenses
This includes the things you need to use in
These refers to the day to day costs that will be
your business over the long term. For exam-
incurred as a result of running the business.
ple, a graphic artist might need specialized
Make assumptions on such expenses in order
printers and a drafting board, among other
to know the amounts spent per day or even per
things. A record label owner will need record-
month. They include expenses such as salaries,
ing equipment. All of these items make up
rent, business licenses, stationery etc.
your starting assets. For every item on this list, make an educated guess of what the amount of expense will be. If you can't esti-
3. Liabilities This is what the business owes its creditors,
mate the price for an item off the top of your
investors etc. For this, break down each bank
space and prices. Contact insurance brokers
paid-in-capital, treasury stock, and retained
head then do some research. For instance, call loan separately. Do the same for the stockholders’ equity—common stock, preferred stock, real estate agents to inquire about rental to ask about insurance plans and prices.
earnings. This will help you keep track of borrowing culture.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk13|13
14
will aim to achieve the targeted profits. The
4. Profits The essence of any business operation is to make profit. Therefore it is important to list the projected profits that the business is likely to make should it stick to its business plan. The profits projected should be reasonable. This will keep the investors and the entrepre-
main aim of a budget is to guide the business in its expenditure therefore anything that will incur costs should be captured in the startup budget. This budget is however subject to change as the entrepreneur may adjust it to suit the prevailing conditions of business.
neur focused on the business goals as they
Important All payments to Inversk are made via Lipa na Mpesa
Till Number 670837 Helpline: 0727868768 Email: support@inversk.co.ke 14 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |14
15
Inversk Life Ideas To Improve Your Life As An Entrepreneur 15
16
INVERSK LIFE Simple Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Fail and How You Can Avoid Them about it. A wise person learns from others mistakes and works on perfecting it. So‌why do entrepreneurs fail?
1.
Money driven attitude Most entrepreneurs fail because they
O
One of the most important thing in your life as an entrepreneur or
as an individual is to study people’s failures. Find out what other individuals or companies did wrong to avoid finding yourself in the same mistake. There’s no need having history repeat itself when you are in a position to do something
3.
Lack of self-discipline An entrepreneur who lacks
discipline is treading on the path of failure. Most entrepreneurs acknowledge the benefits of self-discipline but the number that takes the
tend to focus all their energy in generating
initiative to develop and strengthen it is
profits. Many believe entrepreneurship is
relatively small.
about making money. If this happens to be
Self-discipline leads to perseverance, ability to
your primary driving force then you are
resist temptations from illegal deals, ability to
headed for doom.
push on despite challenges and even failure
As an entrepreneur, your main driving force ought to be creation and addition of value. Identifying a need in society and working towards availing it or making it better in line with what you enjoy doing; that should be your primary motivation.
and trying over and again until the set goal is
2.
established. Being a key ingredient to success it is of essence if you possess self-discipline which can be done through the necessary training and exercise.
Low Entrepreneurial Intelligent Quotient (EIQ) Entrepreneurship requires understanding of the business idea and its targeted market.
There is also need to identify competitors and learn their strength. It is also important to know who a potential investor is. This has led to failure with most entrepreneurs who tend to focus on their idea and neglecting the need for knowledge. Some have their mind wrapped up in wealth acquisition that they forget the urgency of learning. You may have a billion dollar idea, but if you fail to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, failure becomes inevitable. As an entrepreneur, you need to enhance your business knowledge through reading, mentorship from established entrepreneurs, attending business conferences and indulging yourself in activities that ensure you are at per with the current market trends or ideas. 16 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |16
17
INVERSK LIFE
4.
Failing Phobia Another reason why entrepreneurs fail is
5.
Having a “me, myself and I” attitude
No man is an island. Some entrepreneurs
“being afraid of failure.”
Fear of being ridiculed, not being able to perform as others, fear of failure may lead one into not
fail because they are unable to embrace this. Other entrepreneurs, for fear of being
unleashing their potential. Some good ideas will never be heard of because those in possession of them are afraid of their
outshone, will fail to involve others in their business idea.
inception into society or if the idea is heard it
Different minds bring in different ideas,
will be from someone other than you who first
hence the need for teamwork. Do not be
formulated the idea.
insecure with your idea because you will
If the idea felt important to you enough to have you do anything to see it become a reality, it does not matter whether it’s generally acceptable or not or whether it fails or not. Failure is a natural part of business growth, do not let insecurity deter you from stepping out.
never be able to know the best way to approach it from someone who is better than you. You need to empower others and seek for advice from those who have already established themselves. @InverskMag
Join Our Inversk Community on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/inversk
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk17|17
18
INVERSK LIFE
Increasing Productivity DEALING WITH HATERS PROFESSIONALLY
C
By Agnes Opondo linton is the head chef at the restaurant where he works. He earned this position early this
year when his employer was blown away by his culinary expertise. His track record speaks for him as he rose up the ranks really quick. However, despite being at the top of his game he feels his current position is limiting his growth. His dream is to employ himself and employ others -
discouragement. “Man are you sure you can handle the pressure that comes with running your establishment?” You are far too kind! I am sure you will be giving soft loans to customers who say they can’t afford to pay!” said James amid giggles. “What happens when your biashara is not doing well and you can’t give your wife the life she is accustomed to? Or even worse, can’t take the tois to school?” He asked Clinton.
Clinton wants to run his own restaurant.
Despite their long friendship, James has
When he told James, his longtime friend
always had something negative to say
about his dream, all he got was sheer
about whatever his friend plans to or has 18 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |18
19
INVERSK LIFE already achieved. He makes negative comments
No one is perfect but good things should be
about almost everything that Clinton does or
appreciated. Negative people come in many
owns and the worst part is that he accompanies
forms, they could be people close to you
his dissenting remarks with a distinct sarcastic
such as friends, family and even colleagues
laugh. It’s funny how he has never actually liked
or strangers who have nothing good to say
anything about his friend. Clinton has given up
about you. No matter the form they come in,
so many opportunities because of the ill advice
you should not let them steer you off bal-
his friend has offered him. It’s no shock that
ance.
Clinton’s wife, Regina has never liked her
hus-
band’s friend. Unfortunately her advice against James has always landed on deaf ears as Clinton has always sort advice from his ‘counselor’. As sad as this situation may be, it is a reality in some people’s lives.
Avoiding them is one way of blocking their negativity. For instance if you sit next to a negative colleague at work you can avoid their negative vibes by listening to music as you work instead of listening to them. Another tip could be killing them with kindness.
“Life becomes easier when you delete the nega-
Just because they hate on you does not mean
tive people from it” Anonymous. Let’s face it, not
that you should reciprocate. Show them that
everyone will love you or what you do no matter
you have no time for hatred and negativity
how good, eloquent, kind or even hardworking
by being nice to them. You could also use
you may be. You will always find people who are
their criticism to better yourself. For in-
so quick to point out your flaws. Sometimes
stance, if someone says that you are too soft
there are positive critics who point out your fail-
analyze that and see if at all its true and if it
ures with good intentions and even show you the
is then try and change for the better.
right way to do things. However, there are also the negative ones who suck out the good and zoom in on the failures. Some are so bad that they do not think twice about throwing shade on you or even spreading lies and rumors about you.
However after all is said and done, never let your critics and haters define you. Surround yourself with positive minds that encourage you to be a better person. Understand that as much as some people may not like you, you are free to be whoever you want to be. Haters
These kinds of people are like lovers who do not
do challenge you to be better as they give
appreciate what you contribute to the
you a reason to prove them wrong with every
well-
being of the relationship. They will always have
hateful remark they make. So the next time
something defeatist to say about you, your hair,
someone hates on you for no apparent rea-
your style, your attitude, your work etc. Letting
son, just remember what Tiwa Savage says in
them get to you is like staying in an unhealthy
her song “Bad” “You don’t like me, unfollow”
relationship because you are scared of what will
or better yet, just shake them off like Taylor
happen when you leave and start over.
Swift.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk19|19
20
INVERSK LIFE Evaluating Your Productivity With Gathoni Kinuthia I got a lot done this past two
past. This will help you know
weeks, work wise.
how much time to allocate to
While I’m glad I made headway in projects not related to my creative work, I saw this as an opportunity to learn. To evaluate what exactly I did. So, I made a time monitoring schedule which excluded hours or minutes taken to sleep, cook and eat,
it and how to speed up the process. If you’re like me, short intense time slots work best and so I put tasks that need all my concentration around this time. Other tasks like emails and follow-up calls can be slotted for when the pressure isn’t as high.
respond to emails, catch up
In a work setting things
with news, check social
change and you will have to
media and all that.
be flexible. Those staff
Then I set the priorities like
meetings and site visits are
doing class assignments,
important for business as
reading while on the daily
well as professional growth.
commute and meditation or
The trick is to make up for
as I like to call it ‘mind
that time by cutting back on
rejuvenation’ time. Because
something else. You won’t
these were activities I did
just find time, you have to
daily, I set apart about four
create it.
hours to do them regardless
Creatively speaking, we have
of how the plan for my day
been made to believe that as
was. Now I was down to
artists we have to work
about seven hours or so to
constantly to improve on our
plan for.
craft. Isn’t that an unrealistic
When you’re targeting to
fallacy we propagate! We have
accomplish things at the end
family, friends and other
of the day, you will have to
commitments to honour as
check on how you have per-
well. And when your art
formed these tasks in the
becomes intense, 20 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |20
21
INVERSK LIFE time-consuming and mind-numbingly boring
of the way the previous night will give you
then it makes you despise it more than
clarity of tasks to look forward to.
appreciate it. Create. Exhale. Reflect. Repeat.
In dealing with productivity, evaluating
The home front could suffer if cleaning and
measurable results will help you move
cooking are not put into consideration. I
around the proverbial ‘pieces on your
believe I’m speaking to budding entrepre-
board’ to get the maximum results. You will
neurs who have not set hiring a cleaning
notice that you spend too much time
service in their budget, though if you have
replying to comments on social media
that’s great. Besides, stacking dirty clothes until the weekend could be detrimental as I have come to learn.
throughout the day while
I watch TED talks
Instead I have do mid-week cleaning
on productivity,
and tidy up before putting my feet
read books and
up. I also learnt of meal preps quite recently after scouring the net for easier nutritious recipes. You plan out your menu for the week, and then do grocery shopping. Have a
you could schedule to do it once in the morning and again in the evening. Or that your house gets cluttered
use apps that help
easily when you can clear it out before going to bed. It is
me keep up with
all about the “small things”
the responsibili-
and adjustments to find a good manageable routine to
ties to be done.
work with.
huge “cook-out” and after the food
I’m emphasising on manage-
cools down you store it in separate
able because there’s no use
dishes for the week and pop into your freez-
achieving daily goals while you’re misera-
er. Voila! You don’t have to slave over your
ble. While I realise that there is so much
jiko all night trying to cook a meal after a
more to be improved on I strive to make
hard day at work.
the most of my time. I watch TED talks on
Now that you’ve reviewed all these hours and time spent doing tasks, the next step will be to plan the following days’ activities. One thing you may overlook is as soon as you
productivity, read books and use apps that help me keep up with the responsibilities to be done. In this day and age there’s an app for everything.
wake up you spend thirty minutes rifling through your closet for clothes to wear. And while I’m fascinated by the monochrome outfits of T-shirts and jeans that Silicon Valley has advocated for I prefer more elaborate getups. Getting those decisions out
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk21|21
22
CAREER
Gabriel Githinji // Negotiating Benefits For A Job
employers don't advertise that they A lthough are open to negotiating benefits or anything else in the compensation package, the reality is that anything is negotiable, given the
right circumstances. The right circumstances in a benefits negotiation include finding a suitable candidate and not letting benefits get in the way of possibly losing that candidate to another employer. For employers, the cost to negotiate benefits versus the cost to provide a slightly better benefits package is far less expensive than losing the candidate and starting the recruitment and selection process all over again.
>> Reluctance
>> Offer
Job seekers often fear that any attempt to
When an employer extends an offer of em-
negotiate will result in the job offer being
ployment, the verbal offer may be followed by
withdrawn, while many recruiters may be
a written offer. The offer contains the job ti-
open to negotiation -- you just have to ask.
tle, department and salary. A list of benefits
While a recruiter or hiring manager won't try
may not be included in the written offer be-
to purposely low-ball a candidate by offering
cause many organizations have a variety of
a salary that's below the market rate or a
health plans, disability and life insurance op-
poor benefits package, it's rare that they will
tions, and benefits that depend on the em-
invite the prospective employee to negotiate
ployee's selection for herself and her depend-
her benefits package. Confidence goes a long
ents. Since the benefits typically are not listed
way in asking for improvements to the com-
in the written job offer, candidates have a bet-
pany's benefits package.
ter opportunity to negotiate.
>> Relocation Candidates who are successful in a long-distance job search should always try to negotiate for a satisfactory relocation package. Many large corporations have formal relocation packages that use a formula to determine how much to pay the candidate for moving. The formula may be based partly on the employee's salary, as well as the distance between the candidate's home city and the new location. Relocation costs include moving the employees 22 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |22
23
CAREER household items, home purchase or reimbursement for closing cost and realtor fees, as well as temporary housing in the new city and payment for incidental expenses associated with moving.
>> Flexibility Employers concerned about their employees' ability to achieve work-life balance as well as companies that support a family-friendly workplace usually are open to negotiating flexible work schedules, telecommuting options and even remote reporting relationships. For example, an employee may want the option to telecommute for a portion of the workweek. This type of flexible option benefits both the employee and the employer and as such, is best initiated by the candidate who can articulately propose how the company benefits from such an arrangement. The advantage for employers that permit
telecommuting is that
it improves the company's image as employer of choice. Employers that provide telecommuting options often recognize the need for worklife balance, and they are how their
concerned about
employees' commute affects the
>> Health Benefits Of all the benefits available to employees, health insurance may be the most difficult
environment. In addition, time off for school-
to negotiate. Employers purchase health
related volunteer roles and time off for the em-
benefits on a group basis; given insurance
ployee to volunteer time to her favorite charita-
regulations and guidelines for purchasing
ble organization are examples of flexible work
group insurance, it's hard to change the
options that may be up for negotiation.
group structure for a single employee who wants to negotiate.
>> Vacation Negotiating for additional vacation days is an effective way to compensate for a salary that might be below what the candidate would like to have. For example, assume you're going to work for an organization that provides two weeks of vacation time, yet the employer knows your salary demand was significantly higher than the company could pay. Ask for additional vacation days to compensate for the lower salary. Don't ask for an unreasonable number of vacation days; start with asking for an additional two weeks, or 10 days of vacation in addition to what the company provides.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk23|23
24
INVERSK CONTRIBUTOR
Become an Inversk
Contributor The ideal length for a post at Inversk is
write something that you would want to
between 800 and 1,500 words. It must
read yourself.
not have been previously published on any site. Here are the steps to take;
1. Come up with a great idea. It should be within your business area of interest or expertise. We want you to
2. Send us a query. Send our editor a proposal — not a full article. Keep it brief: a tentative headline; two or three sentences explaining what your articles will be about; and one sentence saying why you are qualified to write them.
24 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |24
25
CONTRIBUTOR Based on this proposal we will let you know within two business days whether to Start submitting your articles. If you do not hear from us in that time, please assume that we
The ideal length for a post at Inversk is
will not be able to publish your submissions; you should then feel
between 800 and
free to offer them elsewhere. Our Editorial email is: write@inversk.co.ke
1,500 words. It must not have been
If you qualify to be a contributor >> Submit completed articles.
previously published
Please don’t send us rough drafts
on any site.
and ask our editors to critique or tell you whether you are on the right track. Paste your article into the body of an e-mail, or attach it as a Microsoft word document. What happens next.
maximize web traffic.
Our editors will acknowledge receipt of
After that we will request you to send us
your article the same day, and let you
your brief bio. This means: your name;
know whether it has been accepted for
the name of your company (with a link to
publication.
your website); and your social media
If it is, our editors reserve the right to
links.
edit the article at their discretion,
We will then create an author’s account
including changes in the text, subheads
on our site and send you login details to
and headline, to improve readability and
start blogging at Inversk.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk25|25
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INVERSK TECH
Digital Marketing 26 Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |26
27
INVERSK TECH
Digital Marketing
D
What it is
Advantages
1.
Empowers small businesses Any business can compete with any
competitor regardless of size. Using the marketing budget that the business can afford, a business can be able to carve out its own niche in the market place. In the digital world a
igital marketing is a term whose
crisp well thought out website with a smooth
meaning has distorted from the
customer experience and fantastic service is
inception of the word itself.
king- not size.
Before we delve into what it is, we should first look at what it is not. Digital marketing is not posting about products on your
2.
It makes it easy quantify and measure results
Facebook page (we call that endorsing)
Anybody is the business world will tell you that
neither is it a get rich quick Ponzi like
data is king. A lot of the risk associated with
scheme.
business has a lot to do with the unknown.
Digital marketing quite simply means marketing in the digital space. But what is marketing? Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.
Digital marketing addresses this problem quite effectively. In traditional marketing a business for example might pay for a billboard to advertise its products. The amount the business will pay is based on how many people may see the billboard during the duration the ad is up. The key word here is might. There is no verifiable way to know how many people
3.
Reduced cost In traditional media, a company may
need a fixed amount per year to dedicate to advertising. In the online realm, a business sets its budget according to the intended results of the campaign. There is no fixed amount. Pay as little as you want or pay as much as you want, the only thing that matters is your marketing goals.
actually saw the ad. In the digital world, it is possible to know exactly who sees your ad. In addition to that it is also possible to see where the people who saw your ad come from and in some cases one is even able to build a complete profile of the viewer including age, sex and even spending habits (yes even spending habits). To a business this information is vital and enables it to plan its marketing campaign more efficiently.
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk27|27
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DIGITAL MARKETING
THE How
Now that you have a clear grasp of what is possible, let us go through how digital marketing works. There are three main ways to go about it.
1. Search
2. Social Media
Search includes using search engines like
Everybody is in something. Be it on Facebook,
Google, Yahoo and Bing. Search engines are
Instagram, Snapchat etc. The process is still the
simple to understand. A user visits a site and
same but very refined. Using all the information
searches for what he/she want, Simple and
someone posts on social media, a complete
very basic. However that is where the
profile of the person is built and the person is
simplicity ends. The search engine in turn
served ads that are relevant to the person.
invites advertises to advertise on the pages
Tools you can use in this category include Face-
of the results of what a user is searching. A
book, Twitter and Instagram marketing.
search engine, through machine learning and rudimentary artificial intelligence is able to
3. Content
build a complete profile of a user. The search
Content is very powerful. As an internet user
engine knows who the user is, their
visits the website that interests them, relevant
preferences, demographic and the user’s
ads are shown. For example a person reading a
exact location. All this information is used to
car blog will be shown advertising that involves
determine the kind of advertisement that the
cars. Video advertising is also a form of social
user will be shown. Thus a user is shown
media but it is in a category on its own. Video is
advert which is relevant to them. A tool you
the most engaging of all media and thus an in-
can use in this category include Google
credible powerful tool. Tools you can use in this
AdWords.
category include affiliate programs and YouTube marketing.
That being said, the internet is just a tool; the principles of traditional marketing still apply. As an entrepreneur, you need to have a definite strategy and plan of action for your business whether it is it for increasing sales or improving brand awareness. You also need to keep watch on the metrics and adjust your strategy regularly. This is enabled by the flexibility of digital marketing. A good search engine optimized website goes a long way. Building a following on social media will also help your brand to engage one on one with your customers. However, the search engine, social media and content should be used together for the best results of your business. 28
Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |28
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THOUGHTS On Entrepreneurship If you just work on stuff that you like and you’re passionate about, you don’t have to have a master plan with how things will play out.
Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO
There’s lots of bad reasons to start accompany. But there’s only one good, legitimate reason, and I think you know what it is: it’s to change the world. ~ Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote
at Facebook
Be undeniably good. No
Timing, perseverance, and ten
marketing effort or social
years of trying will eventually
media buzzword can be a substitute for that. Anthony Volodhkin, Founder at HypeMachine
An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way. Reid Hoffman
make you look like an overnight success. Biz Stone, Co-founder if Twitter
To enjoy life, you don’t need fancy nonsense, but you do need to control your time and realize that most things aren’t as serious as you make them to be. Timothy Ferris, The 4-Hour Weeks
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Issue 5 | October 2016, Inversk |29
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INVERSK CAREER
Now you have been imparted entrepreneurial insights and lessons, why not send us your thoughts about this Inversk Issue? Send your comments to support@inversk.co.ke
Inversk Magazine is a publication of Inversk Limited Write to us on P.O Box 28085— 00200, Nairobi. Call: +254 727 868 768 or Email info@inversk.co.ke
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