Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bisi Alimi, founder and CEO of Zihone, located in London, England, UK.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is a service business built on enabling empathic leadership within corporate Nigeria. Nigeria is the biggest market on the continent of Africa. Apart from the share of the market space within the continent, it is also the most populous black nation in the world, boasting a population of well over 200m, of which more than 40% is below the age of 40. This is a very enticing market for global corporations. However, the labour market is porous, with little or no job protection and workplace diversity, equality, and inclusion policies mostly lacking. The leadership seems to be toxic, and the workplace is less inspiring. The work of Zihone in Nigeria is to help businesses tap into their talents, protect them, and create a supportive workplace while recognising the diversity they exhibit. Our customers are corporate Nigeria, multinational corporations, startups, and young corporate leaders.

Tell us about yourself

For over five years, I have worked within the DEI space in the UK as a trainer, facilitator, and speaker. The more that I participated in this kind of event, the more I saw the reason to do something more groundbreaking with my experience and passion. In 2015, I traveled back to Lagos, and I was speaking at an event when I heard the tone, the language, and the discourse about workplace culture, and I was taken aback. So I started a journey of observation, and every time I go to Lagos, I make sure I spend time at events, conferences, and seminars that involve corporate Nigeria. The more I spend time, the more I see the need for an intervention. Starting Zihone is my way of doing something about a situation I see on the ground.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Securing my first two contracts even before we have a solid structure on the ground. I see this as a testament to trust. I know this is just the beginning, but having these clients invest in a startup that still doesn't have a website is, for us, a considerable achievement.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being the burden bearing. I have spent all my savings on starting this business, which is frightening and scary. What if it doesn't work out? Also, securing grants has been challenging. As a service startup, not having a tangible product has been very challenging and unattractive to investors.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Network - I know many entrepreneurs have heard this many times and, by now, are tired of it. But it is essential for entrepreneurs. Networking is not always about taking. It is also about giving. You are an entrepreneur because you have something to offer. Something unique and innovative, and someone out there will learn from it, so don't just network to take. Network to give as well.
  2. Get a mentor - being an entrepreneur can be very lonely, and most times, it will test the power of your self-worth, so having people you can reach out to will help you. They will see your blind spot, and you want that area covered.
  3. Get excellent and passionate people on your development board and trust them. Development board members are like your angel investors, but they give their time and connections this time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bisialimi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bisialimi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bisialimi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bisialimi/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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