Don't Bill An Entrepreneur!!!

Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria will stress you mentally, emotionally, financially and you'll be left with "God Abeg".

This is 5:30pm.

Writing to you on my way home from the store. And I'd like to give you a full explanation of how having a business has affected me, but I'm afraid it would be too much for you to handle, so I'll attempt to explain anyhow...

It's been a year since I started managing and running a business, and it's been one of the most difficult, adventurous, and tiring experiences of my life. I've seen a lot of things, observed a lot, and learned a lot in this business, and I must compliment all small business entrepreneurs in Nigeria for their efforts.

This tweet, which I came across a few days ago, perfectly depicts my current situation.

As a small business owner in a remote area, dearest reader, there are days I will cry and beg God to bring customers my way. Today is one of those days and I'm writing to you with a tired and broken heart.

I run a provision business; I sell in wholesale and retail, and my business is situated in a remote area.

Yeah, I know what you are thinking, Rebirth, Biscuit Seller??? My guy, Nigeria happened, ooh. I've been job hunting for a while now since I finished NYSC, and it hasn't been favorable. If there was a monetary value to the amount of times I heard "we'll get back to you" following an interview, I'd be a millionaire by now.

Companies weren't getting back to me So, I decide to go into business to keep myself busy and sane while I still job hunt. All thanks to my mom for the encouragement and push to start this; if not, I'd still be sitting at home depressed, broke and sad, it's not like I'm rich self, I'm still broke #uglytears.. but that's not the discussion for today.

As an entrepreneur, there are days when I will come to the store, stay there, and return home with 1000 naira as my sales for the day.

I get upset occasionally, sometimes I cry saying, "Holy Spirit, if my head is bad, please fix it because I don't understand this." But, honestly, it is the country we live in. Everything is becoming more expensive, the cost of living is rising, people are struggling to feed themselves, and life is becoming increasingly exhausting.

Based on my observations and that of someone who has previously worked a 9-5 and is now running a business, I believe a 9-5 worker has an advantage over a business owner when it comes to income. 9-5 workers pay are fixed, and certainly, at the end of the month, you know you will be home with your pay even if it's small. It's different for entrepreneurs.

Stay with me…

I launch a business with N50,000 in funding. I calculate the market price of the purchased products, then deduct my selling price from it to determine my gain.

Here is how it works:

I bought a carton of biscuits for N2,230, and there are 48 pieces in it. I sell one for N50.

48 multiplied by 50 equals 2,400. Subtracting the market price of 2,230 yields N170.

So N170 is my profit from one carton of biscuits.

Imagine being unable to sell more than 1 carton of biscuits for a month. So, At the end of that month, my earnings is just N170. That is ridiculous.

You see, If Nigeria economy do not challenge your patience, you see Rats! This beast will put you to the test. You're complaining about not generating sales, then you go to the store to discover that some items have been opened. The truth is, they don't even open one product and consume it; they can consume ten pieces at once. This is genuine; I am not exaggerating. And when you calculate the cost, you will notice that your gain has been deducted, leaving you with nothing. How pathetic!

The problem is that most people see a large store like this, filled with a lot of things and assume the owner must be a millionaire. However, the gain we are getting from the store is just a penny..Not to mention people who will buy on credit or those who will directly and indirectly steal from you or the Rat's food festival, which would cause you to lose money.

It's actually not easy for entrepreneurs honestly..

Photo by Dev Asangbam on Unsplash

At this rate, if you have any job offer for me—for which I will not be interviewed—they will just scan my resume and hire me. Please refer me or hire me; I am available.

Or if you are wealthy and I mean wealthy in the sense that you own properties on Banana Island and need someone to spend your money on, please know that I am a soft lady who deserves a soft life and always available for enjoyment, please come and get me off the street. O ti su mi #cryinginbrokeness

On a more serious note, If you have a buddy who runs a business, especially a provision store, or you have a parent who operates a store, it is important to avoid taking credit or eating from their products. This firm yields no profits.

Support them, don't bill them unnecessarily, don't steal from them, and send them money if you can, cause they are going through a lot, you won't know what's involved until you're into the business, I tell you.

Now I'm speaking for myself: please don't bill me for I am not a big girl, I'm just a Biscuit seller #criesinbrokeness; instead, send me money!! Cause I need it more than you can imagine.

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Just a side point for anyone considering quitting their job to start their own business.

Quitting your job is an extremely significant decision. Before taking the move, give it some serious thought. Plan carefully and strategize effectively.

I believe that continuing at your job while building your business as a side project until it is validated and has some traction might be a wise decision if you ask me.

Before quitting to start a business, ask yourself; if you are financially and mentally prepared to work for 6 months (or more) without pay. Are you comfortable with the possibility of starting over in 6 or 12 months, minus the security of a job?

If you've answered these questions and you see that you can do it and it will be favourable for you, fine.. But if you weigh the risk involved and you can't, I'd likely you do business on the side, for the time being. You're welcome #smiles

You know how we roll; I always love writing to you, and I'd love it if you write back to me.

I'd want to hear your thoughts on this;

Do you prefer being a salary earner or a business owner?

Do you run a business? What business do you own? What are your experience as a business owner, how has it been for you?

.

I know you want to know what I prefer, honestly, right now I only want to be Emi Oga, Odogwu's Bride. I just want to be pampered and taken care of, because life is not supposed to be difficult for a Queen like me. #chucklesinDelusion

This will be all for now my Dearest , until next week.

Have a lovely weekend

Love 💖

Your Fayvouritegirl.