GRBusiness
Tips to Starting a successful business in a bad economy
By Anyanso Mma
First: Concept
The idea of what you want to do. Sometimes it starts like a dream, a spark or an insight of a niche.
Second: Development
Build a system that runs operations either online or offline (office, shops, marketplace) or both online and offline
Third: Legal and accounts
Register with CAC, open company account (corporate account is always an edge) It gives your business shame face and makes you accountable too.
Fourth: Staffing and manpower
You need to hire;
- Sensible people with able hands
- People who share your dreams/ideas and concept
- People who understands systems
- People who have value to even obey and follow your system
- People who are willing to work for you, etc.
But as a startup you are not advised to over staff your small business when you have not started making profit, unlessave the cash to kick off and sustain operations before profits.
In most cases, the initiator of the business is expected to do most of the jobs, fill in for every department, do the run around, do the accounting, make the mistakes, etc to save cost in staffing and human resources management (HRM)
Fifth: Test run/experiment
Before your official launch, test run and experiment your operations as a customer, as a staff and as admin this will enable you see loop holes in your system and salvage wreckage from one mistake.
Sixth: Human Resources Management (HRM)
Even you as the business owner fall under this. HRM is not only for your staff.
Once you engage a worker or a worker, HRM must be applied if not you will not maximize their potential.
Human- This means that staff are human beings and not trees or mere machines
Resources -This means what a staff or staff have to offer you and your company
What they can do based on their abilities
Potentials embedded in them
Management- Is what you can do with them in terms of;
Workloads/tasks/assignments/responsiblies
Welfare (bonuses, promotions, leave, etc)
Salaries
Communications
Training for knowledge transfer
Retraining to refreshing their brains
Hierarchy
Dismissal
Punishments/consequences
Seventh: Upgrades/remodelling
Change of logo (if necessary)
Change of brand names (if necessary)
Change of company themes/colours (if necessary)
Change of slogan (if necessary)
Change of location (if necessary)
Expansion to a 2nd or 3rd branch
Website upgrade
Change from manual to automation
Change of hardware (if necessary)
Change of software (if necessary)
Change of vendors (if necessary)
Change of uniforms (if necessary)
Strategic expansion plans
Location facelift (if necessary)
Product reselling
Research and development (R&,D)
These are the common idea of things an entrepreneur has to out into account before starting a micro, small or medium level business.
The point is many entrepreneurs stop at the first step. They have difficulties birthing their own ideas.
That is where TheMap steps in from step one to the last. We make starting and doing business both online and offline very easy with a beautiful interface even if you don’t have a location.
TheMap started as an idea and now…
TheMap is the entire Real life redeveloped into an app.
Directory for everything, everywhere, everyone and every platform online.
TheMap is the guide to make finding and intereacting with places, people and things very easy. It is a fusion of various apps placed a new one.
You can also make money n TheMap through our social Monetization program which enables you own and operate various profitable ventures both ways Online and offline and have returns remitted into your account.
If you have existing business, TheMap can bring offtakers to sell off your products and services faster and easily with your having to stress about marketing, sales representative, payments and settlements.
TheMap helps you with logistics is your business have products that needs to move from you to your customers doorsteps.
TheMap gives your business state of the art technology such as CC payment solutions, CRM systems, digital marketing actions, communication channels such as toll FREE calls for your customers and much more
You can also own locations and have the location setup on your smart phone for easy management as people visit those locations in real life, you get reports on your smartphone and earn money with the power of Google maps and TheMap (local Google). You can own multiple locations and make money from them irrespective of your location. You can be in a different state or city and own and operate locations that is another state or city all entirely.
This is why technology is involved.
We have track records so be sure of your own testimony.
Have you ever palyes the monopoly board game? Where you own location and make money from them as other players jump in you then charge them according to the worth of your property and development on the site.
That is exactly what Themap.online is all about.
The differences between TheMap.online and the monopoly board game are;
- TheMap is real locations programmed with Google maps as a local google and setup on your phone as against just having imaginary locations on the monopoly board game.
- TheMap makes you real money that is paid into your account as against monopoly money that is worthless in real life and limits to the monopoly board game.
- Smart phone users (almost everyone has a smart phone) will jump into your locations online or offline and you are paid for life.
Imagine you own and run various filling stations within and beyond your neighbourhood and TheMap helps you deliver fuel and other filling station products and services to people who find convenience in that delivery and you make jeje money in your bank account .
Like I mentioned earlier, you can own multiple. locations and make tons of money from them because now they are not monetized yet so be the first to monetize and dominate your neighbourhood and beyond; Restaurants, Filling stations, Schools, Filling stations, Churches, Shops/stores/Super markets, Hotspots, Roadside sellers, Hospitals/clinics/labs, Laundry dry cleaning, etc.
Explore TheMap.
©Anyanso MMA
Improved efforts at collaboration among financial service providers, telecommunication operators, and tech Startups, with conscious effort geared at consumer awareness, have been proffered as key remedies to the challenge of financial inclusion in the country.
This is the viewpoint of stakeholders that gathered for the second edition of Payment Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) held recently in Lagos.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, Ebehijie Momoh (Mrs.), the managing director and chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, said that with 64% of Nigerian adults being financial included the country has made immense progress in that regards.
She said that between 2012 till date, the country has recorded robust regulatory reforms, especially the launch of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) in 2014 making it easier to identify and track customers across different banks.
“This initiative enhanced the credibility of the financial sector and increased confidence in formal banking systems.
The growth in adoption of smartphones has also helped the financial sector to leapfrog financial inclusion. Nigeria has 142.16 mobile internet subscriptions with an average consumption of ~7.04GB / month as of January 2025. If you juxtapose it to the 15.9% decline in shipments of feature phones to 18.8 million units in Africa as at Q1 2024, you will understand that the uptake in smartphones has helped us a great deal.
Mrs. Momoh who spoke through Mr. Munachi Duru, the head of Innovation and Strategic Partnership at AfriGoPay, said the adoption of artificial intelligence banking gave birth to solutions like smile identity, a leading KYC verification provider launches facial recognition capabilities in Nigeria as neobanks and commercial banks are deploying AI-based KYC verification tools, enabling cheaper and efficient customer acquisition and servicing.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF) Limited said that with progress made in accelerating financial inclusion to unbanked and underbanked communities in Nigeria, SANEF has leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next step to advancement in financial services in the country.
She noted that as technology evolves rapidly within the financial ecosystem, Financial Inclusion must continue to be at the center of the nation’s progress.
According to her, agent banking has been a game-changer in expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria. “By deploying agents in underserved areas, we have brought financial services and banking products such as account opening, cash in, cash out, bill payment, transfers and other services closer to the unbanked and underserved.”
Speaking during a panel session, Mr. Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Mobile Money & Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), spoke of lack of collaboration and slow institutional drive towards AI as key barriers hindering digital inclusion.
He harped on the need for information sharing among fintech operators, and improved free flow of information to consumers. “The human barrier angle needs to be addressed. Fintechs need to be pushed to move forward, AI cannot operate itself.”
In his contribution, Mr. Chika Nwosu, managing director of PalmPay, reiterated the need to reach the consumers with simple format communication and education style.
He said operators should create awareness and design consumer-centric approach in developing any products. This will not only draw the consumers towards the product, but also generate trust and ease the use of such products.
Focusing on the use of AI to ensure reach, inclusion and security, Azure Application and AI Specialist at Microsoft UK, Olusoji Solomon Adeyemo, spoke on the need for AI and Blockchain in the bid to extend services to rural communities and the unbanked.
According to him, “AI, Blockchain and CBDs are shaping the future of payment, and there is a serious need for education. We need to align with global trends in new tech adoption.”
While noting that AI can ensure reach, Adeyomo said blockchain will also create digital identity that is exclusive and will promote digital financial inclusion.
In her position, Oluwabunmi Ogunyemi, the customer support lead at Moniepoint MFB, proffered physical and digital meet with customers, even in rural areas, as a viable means of inclusivity.
Also speaking, Olusegun Afolabi, the co-founder of Face Technologies UK Ltd., called for improved collaborations among stakeholders in the financial sector.
According to him, the fintech companies must also embrace effective identification solutions, focusing on biometrics and card technologies to ensure topnotch security for users.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Peter Oluka, co-Convener of the Forum, noted that the financial inclusion journey in the country has come to a crucial juncture where over 30 million adults are still financially excluded, many of whom reside in rural areas or belong to vulnerable demographics.
He noted that despite 12% growth in access to formal financial services between 2020 and 2023, as recorded by the EFInA Access to Financial Services Survey 2023, challenges still exist that hinders the unlocking of the potentials of digital payments to drive inclusive growth in Nigeria.
He further posited: “As digital infrastructure grows and fintech innovation accelerates, we must channel these advancements toward building a more inclusive, secure, and trusted financial ecosystem. This is not just about transactions — it’s about empowerment, opportunity, and economic participation for all.
Nodding in agreement, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-Convener, PAFON, reiterated the need for all stakeholders in the financial payment industry, including regulators, to participate in forums as PAFON, to map out, growth strategies with consumers and other strata of the ecosystem.
He promised to invite security stakeholders, such as the EFCC and others in subsequent editions of the event. This will help give insight into security concerns in deployment of products and services in rural and unbanked communities.
Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) is a platform dedicated to shaping the future of digital payments and financial services in our country.
Energy
AVEVA is providing data management support for renewable natural gas projects
Reporter: Godwin Ezeh
Key Highlights
● AVEVA’s industrial information infrastructure has been selected by Archaea Energy to provide key data management support
● AVEVA’s industrial software to optimize performance across Archaea’s RNG plants
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software driving digital transformation and sustainability, has been selected by Archaea Energy, the largest renewable natural gas (RNG) producer in the US, to build a comprehensive operations data management infrastructure.
Using AVEVA’s software, Archaea Energy can collect, enrich and visualize its real-time operations data, enabling performance analysis across its growing network of plants.
Using AVEVA PI Data Infrastructure, a hybrid solution with cloud data services, the plants will be able to share data to highlight operational opportunities and optimize efficiency.
Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA, stated,
“Through this collaboration and the use of AVEVA PI Data Infrastructure, Archaea’s growing network of plants will have streamlined operations with accurate performance analysis throughout the expansion. AVEVA’s CONNECT software platform leverages industrial intelligence from a central location, making it easier to deploy additional digital solutions in the future.”
“As the largest RNG producer in the United States, we are dedicated to delivering reliable, clean energy,” said Starlee Sykes, chief executive officer of Archaea Energy. “This relationship will allow us to optimize operations and offer detailed performance analysis as we continue to expand across the country.”
Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises(SMBs) are the backbone of most economies accounting for 90% of businesses, over 70% of employment, and 50% of global GDP, according to the United Nations. They drive growth, innovation, and job creation worldwide.
In Nigeria, they play a crucial role in stimulating local economies and contributing to the country’s GDP.
Recognising their impact, WhatsApp is committed to empowering SMBs with the tools to succeed through the WhatsApp Business App, by reaching their customers where they already are.
WhatsApp continues to be the best way for people and businesses to get business done in Nigeria. With its efficient features, the WhatsApp Business App has become an indispensable tool for small businesses, helping them streamline communication, enhance customer engagement and drive sales. And we know customers love communicating with businesses over WhatsApp too, as nearly 80% of people globally message with a business at least once a week.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimise your business operations, here are five essential WhatsApp Business features that can elevate your efficiency and customer interactions.
1. Catalog – Showcase Your Products and Services
Gone are the days of sending multiple images and descriptions individually to customers. With the Catalog feature, you can create a digital storefront where customers can browse your offerings within WhatsApp. This is just like a mini-website which makes it easier to showcase your products, prices and descriptions in an organised way.
How to Use It: Go to Business Tools > Catalog. Add product images, videos, names, descriptions and pricing.
2. Quick Replies – Save Time on Repetitive Questions
Answering the same customer questions repeatedly? Quick Replies let you create preset responses for frequently asked questions, saving you time and ensuring fast customer service.
How to Use It:Go to Settings > Business Tools > Quick Replies. Create and save responses such as a greeting message or order confirmation. Use the shortcut “/” to insert a quick reply in any chat
3. Labels – Stay Organised and Track Conversations
Managing multiple customer interactions can be overwhelming, but the Labels feature helps by categorising chats in different ways, such as order status or customer type. You can create labels with different colors or names and add the conversations to an entire chat. This keeps your inbox organised and ensures no customer is left waiting.
How to Use It: Open a chat, tap on the three-dot menu > Label Chat. Assign relevant labels like New Customer, Order Placed, Pending Payment.
4. Away Messages – Engage Customers Even When You’re Away
Never miss a customer inquiry again. Away Messages allow you to set up a greeting or away message, ensuring customers receive timely responses even outside business hours.
How to Use It: Go to Business Tools > Away Message / Greeting Message. Set up a custom message and schedule when it should be sent.
5. Meta Verified – For Enhanced Protection and Account Support
A paid subscription that helps your business build credibility with new audiences, Meta Verified can help drive more engagement and grow your brand. With Meta Verified, you’ll receive enhanced account support, can use WhatsApp across multiple devices and easily create a professional WhatsApp web page that’s tailored to you.
How to Use It: Go to Settings or Business Tools > tap Meta Verified.
WhatsApp Business is packed with features designed to help small businesses grow, stay organised, and engage with customers effortlessly. By leveraging these features, you can enhance your customer experience, increase efficiency and ultimately drive more sales. Start your own journey with the WhatsApp Business app here.
PAFON 2.0: Experts Highlight Ingredients for Accelerated Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
Emulate Christ’s virtues, Glo urges Christians at Easter
“Jesus + Nothing Worship” Leaves Lasting Impact, Amplifying the Message of Christ’s Sacrifice and Resurrection
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
We Do Not Accept Refugee Application Directly From People – Canadian Govt.
-
Spotlight2 days ago“Jesus + Nothing Worship” Leaves Lasting Impact, Amplifying the Message of Christ’s Sacrifice and Resurrection
-
Finance1 day ago
PAFON 2.0: Experts Highlight Ingredients for Accelerated Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
-
News2 days ago
Emulate Christ’s virtues, Glo urges Christians at Easter
