One year ago, the enterprising businessman signed up for the service in a move that he says was a turning point in his life and business. He started with the bundle worth of ksh1000 as he felt it would be suited to his growing business, “I used to make a lot of calls co-ordinating business, talking to clients and my parents and fellow drivers, and I felt that this bundle would meet my needs” he says.
He also upgraded his phone to a Blackberry which enabled him to take advantage of the internet and data options offered by Zidisha Biashara bundle. “The Blackberry is very good for my business. I am able to access internet and I use the Blackberry Messaging service to keep in touch with my customers whether they are in Kenya or abroad,” Timothy explains.
Since he signed up, Timothy says Zidisha Biashara has had a greater impact on his business. “I’ve seen a lot of changes in terms of improved co-ordination, punctuality and convenience. I never have problems making calls and worrying about my airtime running out. I’m always comfortable talking to my clients. It has really made me more efficient.”
His business has also experienced phenomenal growth as his regular clients, impressed by his efficiency and accessibility, have referred him to others, greatly boasting his business clients. “They were very happy with me because they could see the progress that I was making now that I had signed up,” he says. A key driver was the website that was set up for him by the Zidisha Biashara team which enabled him to top into the power of internet. Once his website, www.wawatravel.co.ke was up and running, he could reach a global audience and market his services. “Many of my clients prefer to send emails and access my services on my website. I’m able to get into my emails around the clock thanks to the data option on my Zidisha Biashara bundle.”
Another aspect of the package that has been invaluable to Timothy is the Kuza Biashara information portal. Using the wealth of information on the website about to build a business, Timothy has learnt new skills that have improved his business. He also attended a seminar for Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) organised by Safaricom. “I have learnt a lot of things from the video clips on the website about marketing, about financing and how to run my business, save money and develop long term plans,” he says.
This information has been so valuable to Timothy that he has even been able to achieve a major business milestone by purchasing his first car. “I now own my own taxi. Kuza Biashara introduced me to a bank and I was able to get a loan to buy the car” ecstatic Timothy says.
Timothy is now a real champion of Zidisha Biashara and has convinced several colleagues to sign up and is even passing on some of the business skills he has gained.
Source: The Option – For a mobile life September – November 2012 edition
