There are so many businesses in Zimbabwe; new ones even emerge daily. It is now like anyone can start a business in any location and field. That to a certain extent is a good thing because it shows that more and more people are becoming enterprising. However, to another extent that can be an indicator that compromises are being made. I feel that most so-called businesses still do not have what it takes to be called businesses. Many Zimbabwean businesses lack so many basic things and at times you wonder. That is why I am discussing basic things your business must-have.
All-Encompassing Payment Options
We all know the monetary and fiscal dynamics in Zimbabwe. We operate in a multicurrency regime and as a business that must inform you of structural aspects. As a business person, you must appreciate that customers will come with varying payment scenarios. Some will come with EcoCash, One Money, or TeleCash. Some will come with Swipe, bank transfers, or ZIPIT. Some will come with cash e.g. ZWL$, US dollars, or Rands. Some will come with US dollars but in FCAs. Be in a position to accept Visa, MasterCard, or other remittance options such as World Remit, Mukuru and so on. You must be able to cater for any of such scenarios. You might not be able to cater for the whole spectrum but cover significant ground. It must be your business principle that you do not lose potential revenue due to payment limitations.
Active Online Presence
I have always underscored this and truthfully it is still a huge problem in Zimbabwe. Your business must have a website – even a one-page for starters will do. You must have social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for starters. Do not just have the accounts; they must be active with regular content and engagements with the audience. You must have a WhatsApp Business account – this is a must.
WhatsApp Business has remarkable features which if well appropriated, can turn your WhatsApp account into a website. WhatsApp Business allows you to set up an online catalogue. You get to organize your messages or chats by colour-coding using labels. You also get to set up greeting, away, and quick reply messages. Now you can even create ads on Facebook that lead to WhatsApp. It can also be linked to Facebook and Instagram. All these things must be in order such that when I Google your business all the information I need is there online.
Online Omni-Channel Customer Support
In-store customer support, where applicable, is a good thing. However, it must not only be limited to just in-store. Customers must be able to contact you remotely if they have any concerns. They should be able to do this via a wide range of options. There must be a contact number they can call, SMS, or WhatsApp if they need help. Your website must have a live chat feature to enable the customers to contact easily. There must also be an email address they can use to communicate any concerns. Your social media inboxes must also be another avenue for providing customer support.
There is a need for your business to have an omnichannel approach. This promotes a personalized interaction with every customer that contacts you. This means if a customer contacts you this time via email if they use WhatsApp next time they must not start from scratch. You must have a customer support framework that blends all possible channels to convey a unified message. Most businesses in Zimbabwe do not have online omnichannel customer support yet it is a must-have.
Branding Components
By that, I am referring to things you must have that communicate your brand. These can be branded company wear e.g. branded staff wear. This also spans to branded items such as calendars, stationery, and other items that can be strewn around your premises. I am also referring to banners, posters, signage, and even vehicle branding. I can also mention business cards – it is quite surprising how many businesses do not have business cards. Another key thing most businesses do not have is a company profile. Some get to realize their importance when they are asked for it. For as little as US$20 or so you can get a professional company profile done for you. All these are essential to your branding as a business. You would be amazed at the many things just having these components can do for your business.
As we steadily draw towards the end of 2020 commit to work on these things. Every business in Zimbabwe must have these 4 things I just discussed. Do not take them for granted – the benefits they can bring you are huge. The most thriving businesses in Zimbabwe right now all share these 4 basic attributes.
