Now what business lessons can one get from a Matatu driver? Plenty, but we shall highlight a few key ones.
Understand your product
Matatu drivers know that they need their vehicles to do their work. They develop an innate understanding of their vehicles. They understand its size and how they can maneuver it to get through the narrowest of spaces without scraping the other car. They also know the ins and outs of the vehicle and can tell when something is wrong just by a sound. Similarly entrepreneurs need to understand their product. This helps them in determining how they can leverage it to get the best opportunities and also helps to quickly determine where there is a problem and how to solve it.
Understand your market
The market here is the routes that a driver uses to get you from point A to B. Matatu drivers are probably the most educated people on a towns roads. They know the shortcuts, which roads are spoilt and how to navigate through them, which roads are dangerous at what time. They also have their ear constantly to the ground, should there be a police bust operation they have the information in minutes and use alternative methods to avoid the problem.
An entrepreneur similarly needs to research, understand the market and how it works. If you understand the market you can manipulate certain policies to your advantage and navigate around areas that could give you problems. You also understand the best channels through which to promote your business.
Acknowledge and move on from mistakes
Every once in a while a Matatu driver makes an error in judgement that could result in damage in one form or the other. This does not stop them from getting back on the road the very next day. They understand that mistakes happen and that life goes on. The marks on the vehicles are testaments to errors they made and serve as reminders to avoid that very mistake. An entrepreneur should also understand that at times they might make mistakes or wrong judgement calls. This is not the end of the road. It only means that you have to take a step back and re-evaluate your plan.
Ditch bad products or choices
Matatu drivers have to choose which road or lane to take. They often choose that which they feel has the least traffic and hassle. They are not afraid to change lanes should they see one that holds more promise than the one they are in.
An entrepreneur should also learn to ditch a bad product. Yes, you thought that this product would be the answer but some time down the road you begin to see the error of your ways. Do not let your business fail because of one aspect. If it is not working and you have given it your best try, then cut it off and move on. Learn from the error and ensure that the next product does not have the same mistake.
Networks are important
How do Matatu drivers constantly evade the police and city council? They use their connections. They form intricate networks with drivers of Matatus that ply their routes as well as other routes. They also develop simple signals that help them quickly pass on messages.
Entrepreneurs need to have networks in all business areas that affect their business. This enables one to get pertinent information as early as possible. It also alerts one to possible opportunities or challenges that may come your way and allows you time to prepare. You also need to understand business lingo so that you do not miss out on any information that could be passed along inadvertently.
Know your rights
Matatu drivers have another unique trait, they know their rights, know when they are in the wrong and know when they are clear of blame. In a scenario where the Matatu is free of blame there is no way that even the most adept speaker can persuade them to accept even a portion of blame. When they are in the wrong however they will try to find a way to get out of the situation with the bare minimum of expense.
As an entrepreneur you need to know the legalities of the system. If you should end up in a situation where you have a legal issue on hand you should be able to clearly determine your situation. If you are in the clear there is no way that the other party can try place blame on you and if you are in the wrong then you understand how to solve the situation with minimal damage to the company.
