There are lots of lessons budding and aspiring entrepreneurs can learn doing business in the tough Nigerian environment. This is the submission of Sonia Omon-Obehi Ovuehor, CEO, Sonaira Business World.
According to the Multiple Business owner, “We’ve experienced enormous challenges, including theft and fire outbreak,” she said citing examples from her experience. “But we never gave up. That is why the clientele base of Sonaira Business World keeps growing daily.”
Continuing, she said: “The Nigerian business environment is extremely tough due to the country’s depreciating economy. But at Sonaira Business World, we focus more on the future.”
Another key lesson for businesses who want to survive in Nigeria, she stressed, is to keep improving their services.
“We try to keep up with the time by upgrading our goods and services,¨ she pointed out.” In that regard, we focus on our strengths while trying to beef up areas of weaknesses. And in doing so, we don’t try to imitate any other business.”
The Sonaira Business World CEO further avowed that it is important that entrepreneurs start small.
Said she: “All great things started from a small point. An entrepreneur is someone who can make something out of nothing. It’s better to start small, make small mistakes and learn quickly, than starting too big and make mighty blunders. This is one of the ways of sustaining a business in this time and age.”
Having a Plan B, she canvassed, is a necessity for business owners. Referencing the devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, she said: “The experience was brutal and an eye-opener for business owners who didn’t have other sales platforms like social media.’
Sonia Omon-Obehi Ovuehor, who did not rule out the possibility of venturing into philanthropy, counselling and mediation in future, advised aspiring entrepreneurs thus: “Develop a passion and make money out of it. This is the first step of breaking ties with poverty.”
