In 2010 I was jobless, So I borrowed 100 from my cousin. Airtel had just reduced their calling and SMS rates to 2 bobs and 1 bob respectively. It was good news for me. With 100 bobs, I bought 10 lines at 10 bobs each. I went ahead to sell them on the streets at 50 bobs.

Starting wasn't easy but like David, I encouraged myself in the Lord. By the end of the day, I had 500. I went back for more lines.

The agent was shocked and increased the price to 20b0b per line. I still bought it. And because of my commitment, she gave me a registration book. I was paid 10/- for each person I successfully sold the line to and registered.

When I went back home that evening, I rebranded myself. I was not going back on the street. I will target offices and schools. And how will I do that?
By the grace of God I crafted a message:
I am an Airtel agent.
My mission is to educate our clients on the features of the airtel line.
How to send please call me.
How to set a missed call alert
how to be an airtel money agent
Remember that was in 2010.

That was a good attraction. I would put on my best shirt with a nice marching tie. Polish my sharpshooter and venture out.
Schools gave me the best results.

I gave everything an official approach. I would go to a school and go trait to the Headteacher's office. Introduce myself officially and ask for permission to sensitize or educate our clients, the teachers, on the features of an Airtel line.

The headteacher would then call all teachers to the staff room and I would be given ample time to pass my message across. Thereafter, many of the teachers would buy the lines and register.

After one month, my stock had risen to 5k. Then I saw some Alcatel phones that were going for 600. I bought several and added them to my stock. It was good business.

In 2015, I started another business here in Nairobi with 2k.

Someone had advertised vacancies for salespeople, and I went and took up the job, Well, we had to sell some goods on the streets.

I did for three weeks, quite the job and I was paid my dues. That is what I used to start the business. It was a nice venture. But that is a story for another day.

Isaiah Bulali

Articles by Isaiah

2022

STARTING SMALL