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The presumption is that when people begin to write about their experiences, they have crested the old age hill and are basically reminiscing about the good old days when they had no time to write anything besides cheques and reports. While in certain instances that may be true, in others, such as mine, it remains a presumption.

I started a company last year in September with the hopes and dreams that I would be a millionaire some time soon. However, as said, the best laid plans of mice and men go awry, and being a man trying to get out of the rat race, the fates that be decided I was good for both man and mouse. However, in planning my business and seeking investors- an endeavour I am yet to successfully conclude- I have learnt a few things that I believe anyone and everyone starting a business should know.

1. Think: The glamour of whipping out your business card emblazoned with the words Managing Director or CEO is one of the most attractive things about owning and running your own business. So is the illusion that you can walk in and walk out at whatever time you feel like. It, unfortunately, is not that easy. Before you start your business, think about how you’ll raise the money you need, think about how you’ll take care of your bread and butter if your first customer doesn’t come striding through the door for the first three months , think about how it will affect you and the people around you. As you set-up and grow ,think about how you can get more customers, think about how your competitors will react to your new product and how to improve both your business and yourself as a person. Owning and running a business is a dynamic and involving thing so remember, keep thinking.

2. Believe: One of the hardest things about setting up your own business is the people around you. People who tell you that you are making a mistake; that you will fail. It may be an employer unwilling to let go of a star employee or your parents who feel that since they paid your fees (along with everything else), you are obligated to do as they wish. It might be your better half who is afraid losing of the good quarters they have become accustomed to or even a potential investor trying to discourage you so as to take advantage of you. Whatever the case, you need to really believe that you will achieve what it is you set out to achieve, and believe it to the hilt. It will help you keep going no matter what.

3. Be Inspired: The process of starting and growing your business is not as easy as seems. With suppliers denying you much needed credit, banks and investors being tight-fisted with capital and the long hours of hard work that one has to put in, the temptation to give up is a constant one. However, most people who have made anytihng of themselves tell that it is not brains, money or luck that got them to where they are, but sheer persistence. So how do you keep yourself going at all times? Read the stories of people who have made it like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates or one the local magnates such as James Gachui and Chris Kirubi. Listen to music that inspires you, dance, keep a friend who believes in you close by, tape a picture of the new Range Rover to the edge of your computer screen, or one of the bell-ringing ceremony at the Nairobi Stock Exchange if you aim to have your company listed at the bourse. Whatever it is, see it, feel it and be inspired.