Running My Business Gives Me Room To Be My Own Boss> Amina Ahmed Waziri

"As an enterpreneur, one should be a risk taker willing to accept losses"

Amina Ahmed Waziri is the CEO, El-waziri-collectibles, an online store that deals in assorted goods. She spoke with TMG about the business saying it's "not for the weak-hearted. 

TMG> Tell us about your background?

AW> I am Amina Waziri, a graduate of Mathematics from IBB University, Lapai. I was a classroom teacher before venturing into business. 

TMG> What made you go into production and selling?

AW> What actually prompted me was the passion that I have always had for it and the flexibility involved because it gives me room to be my own boss. It's just something I love doing

TMG> What sort of goods does your company sell? 

AW> El-waziri-collectibles sell goods ranging from Luggage boxes, Abayas, Laces, Wrappers, Men's Jalabbiyas, Brocade fabrics and more

TMG> Tell us a little about everything you do and what's the future of El-Waziri Collectibles?

AW> I buy and sell goods at affordable prices strictly online and very soon I'll be getting a boutique to sell goods physically. 

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

AW> I need to improve in attending networking events, increase customer retention and build more sales funnel

TMG> What do you feel is the next step in developing your sales skill?

AW> The next step in developing my sales skills is to build stronger and better relationship with my customers and also increase my visibility to reach more buyers

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

AW> The biggest challenge I faced was when I was heavily pregnant when I started and needed to reach to buyers and also had to get enough rest. The start- up capital was another challenge and also winning the trust of customers didn't come easy because of online scammers

TMG> What style of management do you think works in becoming successful in your kind of business?

AW> The kind of management that works in becoming successful in online businesses is to define your brand and image, being creative, staying focused, and being prepared to make sacrifices while providing great services

TMG> Tell us about a successful sales pitch you used for a difficult client. How were you able to sell good(s) to him/her?

AW> Hmmmm...I'm not sure if it's a sales pitch but I once sent some goods a customer ordered (set of suitcases) to Abuja and told her to pick them up at my brother's place and make the payment upon pick up. There was a time I also agreed with a logistic company to waybill to a buyer but gave an instruction that the goods should not be released to the buyer until she credits my account and payment is confirmed

TMG> Tell us how you manage other responsibilities of your business?

AW> I look for opportunities to expand sales and also seek to develop relationships with possible business partners or vendors

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

AW> Yes, I have lost during sales and I learnt to be more prepared and not lose focus because every enterpreneur is a risk taker who is willing to accept losses.

TMG> How do you keep up to date on your market target?

AW> I keep updating my website, stay up to date with my competition and improve what I have to offer.

TMG> When do you stop pursuing a client? 

AW> I don't believe in giving up, maybe it's just not part of me because when I notice that a client doesn't have money for a product they want, I present to them another of lesser price...so I don't stop pursuing a client

TMG> Who are you comfortable selling to and why?

AW> I'm comfortable selling to retailers than wholesalers because they are the only people who will help to promote your brand by referring you to friends

TMG> What motivates you? 

AW> What really motivates me is the passion I have for the business and the flexibility involved

TMG> What is your ultimate career aspiration?

AW> My ultimate aspiration is to become a world class collectibles with branches across the state and the country at large.

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

AW> I believe in the saying that "smilers never lose and frowners never win", so I always wear a smile no matter what because it attracts clients.

TMG> What way do you think your organization could do better?

AW> We could do better by being more determined and dedicated and also develop the ability to deliver goods under pressure and keep to delivery promises.

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

AW> The greatest goal is customer retention and increase in number of referrals because it has helped in connecting us to buyers from far and near. 

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

AW> I have sacrificed alot, including putting my customers first, my sanity (hahaha) and my sleep because I juggle the business and my home.

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon?

AW>I would like to learn and improve on business management skills, communication and listening, financial skills, critical thinking skills etc

TMG> How do you manage risks in terms of damages and losses?

AW> I try as much as possible to avoid damage and losses but they are part of business, so I accept them in good faith.

TMG> What is your advice to young people who want to start a business like yours?

AW> Online business is not for the weak-hearted, so there is need to be resilient and focused. Decide what's important and hold on to it by defining your business.

TMG> How do you socialize and when?

AW> I socialize by hanging out with my family and visiting friends and places of recreation mostly weekends.

Regards

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