Kathrine: I’m An Orphan But I Won’t Do It – Episode 9
She said, “Most people don’t know that it is very easy to get customers, but very hard to keep them. As a hairstylist, I don’t struggle to get customers as much as I struggle to learn how to make the few I already have keep coming back to patronize me.”
“I know a hairstylist here in Lagos who attracts at least 20 new customers on a very good day, whereas I struggle to get 10. On less favorable days, she gains neither new nor old customers, whereas my existing customers return in significant numbers, leading to monthly record sales in the millions.”
“Meanwhile, she strūggles to make 300,000 naira because during bààd days, new customers don’t come, and her old customers don’t return that much either due to how rūdē, unprofessional, and põõrly she treats them.”
“They never enjoy her services, leave unsatisfied, and never think of coming back, let alone recommending them to others. This is my little secret, Victoria, and this is why, despite the increasing number of hairstylists in Lagos, I remain the most sought-after and most patronized.”
The slim lady, Victoria, sighed and said, “You’ve said everything, dear. These are exactly the same principles I’ve been applying as a dropshipper, which made me a household name despite thousands of dropshippers in the 36 states.”
“Majority of my competitors are in a bid to cash out massively from all ends; hence, they sell and offer almost all the niches there are at once.”
“For example, you’ll find a dropshipper who sells clothing, jewelry, skincare products, accessories, and gadgets, home decor, among others, all at once.”
“They make the mistake of thinking that success lies in how many needs you can satisfy, not knowing that it lies in how many people know you to be the best in satisfying a particular need better than everyone else.”
“A vast majority of Lagosians and the 36 states do know me to be the one and only supplier of skincare products. Hence, rather than buying from a dropshipper who supplies over 10 different categories of products.”
“They buy from me, believing I must be an expert and one who knows the nitty gritty of skincare products, capable of delivering the best of qualities since that is the only thing I’m known for.”
“Second to this is partnering with a local supplier. A lot of dropshippers think that customers would sing their praise or perhaps clap for them if they always ship their products directly from international suppliers.”
“This could actually be the best option and could, of course, build trust and confidence in the minds of your customers. But not if, in a bid to render top-notch service, you end up wasting their time.”
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“In business, time is considered by many as important as money. No matter how authentic or original we tend to offer or deliver our services, if we don’t satisfy our customers on time, like salt, our product or services lose their flavor and become as use|ess as medicine after dēēàth.”
“This is why, despite having all the connections in the world, it may sound surprising that I partner with local suppliers far more than international suppliers. Not because I lack the wherewithal or finance, but because it reduces shipping times, helping me to always deliver on time compared to my competitors.”
“And guess what? I end up winning two zeroes by satisfying customers, thereby getting repeat customers and also saving so much money that would’ve been used to cushion shipping costs.”
When I thought I had heard everything from the hairstylist, Victoria revealed even more secrets as a dropshipper that would’ve cost me millions of naira to learn.
I sat like a statue, with my right hand supporting my puzzled and astonished jaw, wondering where on earth I would’ve been taught so many indispensable business secrets from two of the most successful businesswomen in Lagos in a single sitting.
I knew at that moment that this was the handiwork of God, no doubt, because I never premeditated or decided that I was going to board that particular bus.
I only left the house, and though I nurtured thoughts on what kind of business I should do with the 500,000 naira I was going to get from the bank.
I least expected and never imagined that I was going to get two business moguls to educate me for free on the bus on the ins and outs of business. So much so that even before I got to the bank, I’d already known exactly what to do with the money.
That was actually the first miracle I’d had in a very long while. I felt so blessed and at the same time, so emotional.
It seemed at that moment like I had found a companion. I enjoyed for a moment the benefit of a friend indeed and having someone to run to when you’re confused and need guidance.
The sweet memories I had shared with my Mom and Sarah, like a cool breeze, hugged me tight until I felt cold, and made me long and pine for their presence like the brooks pant after the water.
I became completely lost in the maze of recollections and remembrance. It was at this moment that the conductor summoned my spïrit back into my body when I was told they had reached my destination.
I jolted like one who was brought back to life, paid the conductor, and staggered my way down, half-conscïous, half-unconscïous.
I managed to cross the bustling and hustling road and walked over to Guarantee Trust Bank to cash the check.
As I entered the bank’s premises and got to the main entrance, I decided to remove the check from my handbag and hold it in my hands since I was already inside.
Lo and behold, the check was not inside my handbag. I turned my handbag upside down and still couldn’t find it. I didn’t know if I should scrēēàm or fa!nt. My heart began to béàt so fast that I couldn’t breathe.
I knelt down right there before the bank’s door, unable to breathe, until one of the security personnel sighted me from a distance and rushed to know what was wrong.
To be continued ✍️