You Need To Make The Right Choices In Business- Zubaida Adamu Ibrahim

Zubaida Adamu Ibrahim is CEO of zubees_collectibles, a boutique that stocks Arabian and exotic perfumes, women's accessories and jeweleries. In this interview, she advises youths that entrepreneurship is the way to go, they don't really need government jobs to make it. 

TMG> Tell us about yourself-

Zubaida> I am from Bauchi local government, Bauchi state. 
I'm 23 years old and I have a B. Tech in Agricultural Economics and Extension, Msc. Agricultural Extension (in view).

TMG> What sort of goods does your company sell?

Zubaida> Zubees_collectibles is into selling perfumes  (mostly Arabian scents), accessories and jewelleries for women.

TMG> Why did you decide to become a sales person?

Zubaida> Actually, it was my passion for business, especially when the youths in my state organised an entrepreneurial hub, which motivated and built my confidence to come up with a business idea. All of a sudden, selling perfumes came to my mind because of the obsession I have with nice scents.

TMG> What sort of goods does your company sell?

Zubaida> Zubees_collectibles is into perfumes selling (mostly Arab), women accessories and jewelleries.

TMG> Which areas do you need to improve on in your company?

Zubaida> Advertisement! I need more advert strategies that will attract customers.

TMG> What are some of the challenges you have faced in starting your company?

Zubaida> There are some major constraints in starting a business in literally all areas, especially disappointments from clients who could order a product and then change their minds after you must have made the order. You could always find another customer to buy it but it's kind of disappointing and a bit inconvenient. Another important issue is dealing with debts.

TMG> Have you ever lost during sales and what did you learn?

Zubaida> Yes, I've lost so many times during sales and what I've learnt is that there won't be a successful business without failure, you fail and raise again through thick and thin. 

TMG> When do you stop pursuing a client? 

Zubaida> I tried to pursue a client on a product and, unluckily, she was not really glad about it because the scent was not to her liking and she blamed me. Since then I had to put a limit on how to pursue customers.

TMG> Who are you comfortable selling to and why? 

Zubaida> Sincerely, I appreciate all my clients but I'm more comfortable selling to men because they don't joke with payments seriously. 

TMG> What motivates you?

Zubaida> What motivates me in the business is my obsession with perfumes and my friend, also a perfume seller, who has been encouraging me. She said I have an advantage of knowing many people around Bauchi, so I should use that and go into the business. 

TMG> What is your ultimate career aspiration?

Zubaida> My ultimate aspiration is when my company will be able to produce perfumes on its own and have a signature brand to distribute all over the country.

TMG> How do you keep a smile on your face during a hard day to make sure your clients feel good?

Zubaida> When there is patronage, seeing the credit alert from a client makes me forget the hardships and makes me work hard. Making my clients happy by supplying their order.

TMG> In terms of sales skills, where would you like to get even better?

Zubaida> Sales promotion. I think I need more knowledge in that in order to keep my company at par or even better than the best.

TMG> Tell us about the greatest goal that you’ve ever accomplished professionally?

Zubaida> My greatest goal ever achieved is being an entrepreneur (CEO) and having a second degree at the same time.

TMG> What kind of sacrifices have you had to make to be successful?

 Zubaida> I've sacrificed my time many times and also my energy as well as resources.

TMG> Who are your role models and people that inspire you to move on in the world? 

Zubaida> My mom is my role model; she has inspired me a lot, especially during my undergraduate days to start looking for potential customers around the campus. I've also enjoyed the unending love and support from my family and friends.

TMG> What way can you encourage other youths not to depend on government for jobs but to be self dependent?

Zubaida> I encourage youths to go on their own rather than become dependents. Go for your passion, something you love that would encourage you to wake up, make money with money and work hard until you don't really need government jobs!

TMG> Do you socilise and when?

Yes, I socialize alot during my leisure times