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If you think about why your customers buy, you gain a better perspective on how to serve them. For instance, if you’re a caterer and your main focus is just on food—“I cook the best food!”—and you’re on Instagram posting endless pictures of it, you’re too focused on just food! Food! Food! Then you’re leaving a lot on the table. Now, start asking yourself this: “Why do people buy food? Sure, they buy it for events, or maybe they don’t feel like cooking at home.” When you ask these questions, you’ll realize, “Oh! They need food for events. Where do these events usually happen?” This leads to the next step: “Which event centers can I partner with?” It’s a straightforward approach—you propose to event centers that they get a cut, maybe 15%, if they work with you. You can showcase the companies you’ve served, the places you’ve catered to, and your active social media presence. That’s a solid, win-win deal! So, the key here is understanding that someone out there is already serving the customers you’re targeting with different products. Collaborating with them opens up new opportunities. Now, think of a gym. Most people sign up for two main reasons: to look attractive or to lose weight after a doctor’s advice. Another segment is professional athletes who practically live in the gym. However, the most common reasons—looking good and avoiding health issues—create massive opportunities. It’s not just about working out; what goes into your body matters too. This is where nutrition comes in. You can work with dietitians to create meal plans tailored to various needs—six-pack seekers, those on aggressive weight loss journeys, or individuals wanting to bulk up. Collaborate with the gym owner to offer these plans at reasonable prices. The gym isn’t just a place to lift weights; it becomes a comprehensive package. When customers come in, they can access a nutritionist, physiotherapist, and even massage services for pain management. You’re not just selling a gym membership; you’re offering a holistic wellness solution. Now, think about your own business: How can you expand your service offerings by understanding your customer’s true needs and collaborating with others to create a complete solution? Share in the comments section below. If you need help, reach out to Dimewise today!

Many businesses start small, but most have bigger aspirations. While growth is a natural goal, achieving it requires effort, time, and sometimes a bit of luck. Although you can’t control every aspect of growing a small business, there are steps you can take to influence the process in your favour. Here are eight tips to help you set your business on the path to success. Research Thoroughly Before expanding, it’s essential to research the market to determine if the timing is right. Assess current trends, future forecasts, and your competition. Understanding what’s working for your competitors and how you can offer better services is key. Build the Right Team Growth often requires new talent. During hiring, look for candidates with relevant experience and fresh ideas. Remote workers and freelancers can also be a valuable resource, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Consider investing in a VPN to ensure secure file sharing across locations. Network Relentlessly Networking, both locally and online, can significantly boost your business growth. Building relationships within your industry and related fields can provide long-term benefits and help you navigate challenges. Acknowledge the Risks As your business grows, it’s crucial to address cybersecurity risks. Protect your business from data breaches using strong passwords and a password manager. Ignoring these risks can lead to costly damages. Value Existing Customers Your current customer base is a valuable asset. It is essential to maintain their loyalty through special programs and exclusive offers. Listening to and engaging with your customers helps you stay ahead of trends and identify new opportunities. Manage Your Finances Growth requires investment, so it’s vital to keep your finances in check. Eliminate wasteful practices, and consider partnerships or loans if necessary. Streamlining your finances can reveal opportunities for improvement and support your expansion efforts. Be Adaptable Adapting to changing market conditions is crucial for small businesses. Encourage your team to brainstorm and innovate quickly. Cloud storage can help by providing secure, accessible file storage that enables collaboration from anywhere. Remember, growth is a journey, not just a destination. By following these tips, you can accelerate your small business’s growth and enjoy the rewards of your efforts. What steps will you take today to start this journey?

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Why is the cost of living continuing to rise in Kenya? Do you know that setting clear financial goals is more important than ever? According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, many #Kenyans struggle to make ends meet, with 36% of households unable to meet their basic needs. Amidst these challenges, having specific, well-defined financial goals can be a game-changer. Imagine you’re planning to start your first business. The thought alone can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear, manageable goals can turn that dream into #reality. Whether it’s using the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is essential in setting these financial goals. Using SMART goals, you can outline a plan to save a certain amount each month, monitor your progress, and adjust as needed. For instance, if your goal is to save KES 500,000 in three years, you must save approximately KES 13,900 per month. This clear, measurable target makes it easier to track your progress and stay on course. However, many people find it challenging to set and stick to these goals without guidance. This is where Dimewise comes in. At Dimewise, we offer personalized financial coaching and resources to help you set and achieve your financial goals. Our experts will work with you to develop a tailored financial plan that fits your unique #needs and #aspirations. Take control of your financial future today! Visit [www.dimewise.co.ke](http://www.dimewise.co.ke) to learn more about how we can help you set SMART financial goals and achieve financial success. Join the Dimewise community and start your journey towards financial independence. Click Here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqVW12JQ35GBYkZ990GZ8B  

How to Use Social Media to Reach Your Customers Over the past 16 years, social media usage has skyrocketed. Back in 2006, only 11% of adults used social media. Fast forward to 2018, and that number jumped to 69%. This huge increase has caught the attention of businesses, both big and small. Where Are Your Customers? You know social media is important, but how do you reach your customers? One word: video. YouTube is the most popular social network in Kenya for all age groups over 18, according to Business Daily Africa. A whopping 94% of 18-24-year-olds use YouTube, and the numbers remain high for 25-29-year-olds (83%) and 30-49-year-olds (80%). Even 56% of those over 50 are regular YouTube users. Facebook follows closely behind YouTube in popularity in video sharing. Around 80% of people aged 18-49 use Facebook, and it’s still used by 55% of those over 50. Instagram and Twitter are more popular with younger users. Business Daily reports that 71% of 18-24-year-olds use Instagram, but this drops to 53% for 25-29-year-olds, 25% for 30-49-year-olds, and 16% for those over 50. Twitter usage follows a similar pattern: 45% among 19-24-year-olds, 36% for 25-29-year-olds, 24% for 30-49-year-olds, and 14% for those over 50. How Can Social Media Help Your Business? Understanding which age groups use which platforms helps businesses tailor their messages and reach their target audience more effectively. 🌟 Brand Awareness With 69% of adults on social media, increasing brand awareness is easier than ever. Social media helps 44% of local businesses and 90% of marketers boost their brand recognition. Engaging with consumers through posts, comments, and direct messages can significantly elevate your brand’s visibility. 🌐 Customer Service Social media is a great tool for improving customer service. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow businesses to get instant customer feedback and inquiries. This quick communication method is popular, with 59% of Kenyans saying social media makes it easier to resolve issues. Being responsive and friendly can build strong customer relationships and show that your company cares. 💰 Sales Whether you use paid advertising or organic posts, social media can drive sales. About 41% of business owners rely on social media to generate revenue. Understanding who uses which platform is key. For example, 41% of women are on Pinterest, making it a good choice for businesses targeting female customers. LinkedIn is useful for reaching college graduates, as half of them use it for networking. Connecting with customers and getting your products or services noticed has always been a challenge. But with nearly 70% of adults on social media, it’s never been easier. Over 77% of small businesses use social media, and it’s worth considering for your business too. At Dimewise, we can help you use social media to grow your business. Connect with us today and start leveraging social media to your advantage! Join the Dimewise Community Today! Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, access valuable resources, and get the support you need to succeed. Let’s achieve success together! 😄🎉

Running a small business can sometimes feel like walking a financial tightrope – one wrong move, and you could find yourself in a sea of debt. But don’t worry, smart business owners! Managing your business finances doesn’t have to be so tricky. With the right tips, you can make saving money easy and even fun. Imagine running your business smoothly and efficiently, just like a well-oiled machine, all while keeping costs low. Sounds amazing, right? In this guide, we’ll share simple, practical tips to help you save money while running your small business. Let’s discuss ways to reduce the hidden costs of doing business. 1) Saving Plan The main principle of minimizing expenses is to write a financial plan and stick to it. To learn how to do this, you can attend courses at local business groups, listen to advice, get support, and share effective strategies. And guess what? Dimewise Youth and Women Empowerment Centre has got you covered! At Dimewise, we offer courses and workshops specifically designed to help you create a solid financial plan, manage your expenses, and find innovative ways to save money. Our community support system ensures you have access to expert advice and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. So, if you’re looking to boost your business while keeping costs low, Dimewise Youth  and Women Empowerment Centre is here to help every step of the way. If we consider savings in terms of the price of the product, the main thing is not to overdo it. After all, most customers want good value, not just the lowest price. In some cases, it makes sense to increase the price of one or two products and observe the results. 2) Utilizing Freelancers Hiring full-time employees can be expensive when you factor in salaries, benefits, and office space. According to Upwork, businesses can save up to 30% by using freelancers for tasks like graphic design, writing, and social media management. For example, Mike runs a marketing agency and needs a new logo. Instead of hiring a full-time designer, he found a talented freelancer who delivered a stunning logo at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the freelancer didn’t take up office space or drink the last cup of coffee without refilling the pot. 3) Dealing with Late Payments When a client owes you money, the question always arises: maintain a good relationship or demand payment. Several late payments can lead to an unstable financial situation for your business. When concluding a contract, stipulate in writing possible sanctions for late payment. One is the calculation of interest on the amount of the debt incurred. 4) Use of Outside Expert Assistance As a small business owner with few employees, you may not have all the skills needed to grow your business. Sometimes you need to turn to outside help in areas such as marketing or business consulting. It would be best if you weighed the costs against the potential benefits to your business. Modern marketing (for example, advertising on social networks) is more effective than traditional marketing (mailings, advertising, etc.). Business consulting can help you develop a new business plan, but it’s not cheap. An alternative option could be a mentor. As a rule, mentors work at a lower cost to you than professional business consultants. The list of suggested tips is, of course, not exhaustive. But by following the basic rules of running a profitable business, your competitiveness in the modern market will increase significantly. Running a small business is no small feat, but with the right strategies, you can save money and boost your bottom line. Remember, every penny saved is a penny earned – and potentially invested back into your business. Need more personalized advice? Reach out to the experts at Dimewise. Our team can help you navigate the financial maze and find tailored solutions to save money and grow your business. Contact us today, and let’s turn your financial worries into financial wins!  Call: 0727 696913 Email: info@dimewise.co.ke Website: [www.dimewise.co.ke]

When someone mentions trees and tree planting, particularly in Kenya, memories of the late 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner, environmentalist and human rights activist often come to mind. It was under the leadership of Professor Wangari Maathai in 1977, within the National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK), that the Green Belt Movement (GBM) was founded, addressing the challenges faced by rural Kenyan women through collective tree planting to combat environmental degradation and empower communities.  Recognizing the systemic issues of disempowerment, GBM initiated seminars on civic and environmental education, advocating for democratic reforms and accountability. Beyond Kenya, GBM campaigned globally on climate change and rainforest conservation, promoting the ethos of “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Professor Maathai’s Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 elevated GBM’s profile, underscoring the impact of grassroots activism. Her legacy endures through GBM’s multifaceted approach to environmental conservation and community empowerment, embodying holistic development principles. On December 22, 2022, under the leadership of His Excellency President Ruto, the administration launched a program to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, halting and reversing deforestation, and restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.  However, in April 2024 the devastating effects of heavy rains felt across the country, resulting in loss of life, property destruction, and displacement of families, the government decided to designate May 10 as a public holiday to commemorate the casualties and launch a tree planting initiative to address climate change. Dimewise Stands and supports all the families and friends who are victims of the floods. Moreover, we have launched a flood response initiative to raise funds to assist small and medium enterprises affected by the floods. Our goal with this fundraising initiative is clear: to provide immediate relief and support to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) devastated by the recent floods. The purpose is twofold: first, to help these businesses recover and rebuild, enabling them to continue serving their communities and providing livelihoods for countless individuals; and second, to demonstrate solidarity and compassion in times of crisis.  Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those affected. We urge you to join us in this endeavour by donating generously. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and offer hope to those in need. To donate, please use the M-Pesa paybill number 247247, with the account number 1852. Your support is greatly appreciated. SMEs are essential to our economy and can significantly contribute to the government’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Efforts made by entrepreneurs and Small business owners to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices into their businesses are crucial. By participating, let’s demonstrate environmental stewardship, enhance community engagement, and reap benefits like improved air quality. Together, we can join hands for a greener future.  

In today’s fast-moving digital world, businesses face a hidden enemy: cyber threats. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are especially at risk without strong protection. That’s why we’re here at Dimewise Empowerment Hub, ready to make a change. Teaming Up for Safety Partnering with the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) has given SMEs an opportunity and skills they need to face digital threats of cyber risks. Through cyber security training, we aim to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs with hands-on and practical skills and knowledge helping them strengthen their defenses against changing cyber risks. Why Cybersecurity Matters Think of cybersecurity as a shield for your business, keeping it safe from online attacks. In Africa, most businesses don’t have enough protection. With so many attacks happening, it’s urgent to make our defenses stronger. That’s the reason we convened yesterday at Our Kitengela Hub to provide our fantastic clients with insights into cyber defence. Simple Steps, Big Results: We believe in easy ways to make a big difference in cybersecurity. Knowing what’s on your computers and keeping things updated is crucial. With Dimewise Empowerment Hub, our mission is clear: give SMEs and Entrepreneurs what they need to keep their digital assets safe. The Price of Doing Nothing: Cyber threats don’t care how big your business is. Even small shops can be targets. And if you’re hit, it could cost you around $39,000! So, taking care of your cybersecurity isn’t just about safety; it’s about protecting your money too. Ready to protect your business from cyber threats? In our next article, we’ll talk more about stopping phishing and malware, why backup plans matter, and how to keep your email and reputation safe. At Dimewise, we’re not just helping SMEs; we’re building a digital family that’s ready for anything. Let’s work together to keep our businesses safe in the online world. To join the Dimewise Community, please complete the provided form. It should only take you less than a minute to fill out.  https://form.jotform.com/241244704957561