Who are you and what motivated you to get started with White Consult Technology?
I am Engr. Adebola Anofi. I am the lead consultant of White Consult Technology Ltd., a Renewable Energy Solution provider. My motivation is multidimensional. One, I was trying to overcome the stigma of my “new status” as a physically challenged person as a result of a neurological disorder borne out of an oversight during a medical examination from an accident I had. The other motivation is to fulfil a personal dream of adding value to the Nigerian system.
What specific problem are you solving with your startup and how are you?
Nigeria as we all know is the most populous nation in Africa with over 200 million population can offtake less than 5,000MW of electricity for both industrial and domestic usage. Looking at this figure, it is grossly inadequate and there is a very huge gap between the available energy and its demand. So, my start-up is to ensure we assist homes and offices to have access to affordable and environmentally friendly alternative power through Solar Energy Systems.
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
Our customer service has been top-notch. We ensure that our existing and potential customers have 24/7 access to us with a corresponding time for feedback and response to their inquiries. Our company’s CSR is also something we have been critical about. One of the things we take cognizance of is to be responsible corporate citizens by paying our taxes as and when due. We also try to give back to our community, and, one of them is our immediate environment and other public places.
Describe what makes your business/startup unique.
My start-up is not absolutely a unique one. But at the time we started about 9 years ago, there are very few people who are actually interested in adopting Renewable Energy Solutions as effective and efficient alternative means of power. Thankfully, we stick to our convictions, and to the glory of God, we are making progress.
How did you raise capital to fund your Start-up, and what advice do you have for other entrepreneurs seeking investment?
I did a lot of affiliate marketing for companies, and the commission gotten from this was very helpful in addition to the crowdfunding from family & friends.
What were the biggest challenges you faced and the obstacles you overcame?
Some of my challenges include having a consistent employee that will key into your work ethic and standard. So, what we do is to ensure we motivate our staff. For instance, we organize a family picnic for all cadres of staff and their immediate family members. We also give outstanding staff members awards and gifts at the end of the year. The other is funding. Nigeria’s Renewable Energy market requires big funding to source materials.
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What role did innovation play in the development of your business/startup, and how do you stay ahead of the competition?
In Tech Business, innovation is what stands you out and we have always kept ourselves abreast of new trends in the industry by deploying any new innovation in vogue. We also always inform our clients and other stakeholders of any new trends so we all can be on the same page.
We don’t compromise quality and standards in our job. For us, it’s zero tolerance for compromising quality and standards… We’ve also made ourselves visible and available 24/7.
Where would you like your startup to be in five years?
Business operations across Africa.
What software or technology has made the biggest difference to your business?
What one thing do you wish someone had told you when you started on your business journey?
Failure is a catalyst for the success of the business.
If you had the chance to do things differently, what would you do?
If I could do things differently, I would have opened a vocational centre for people to come in a gain knowledge. In today’s world, knowledge is the new currency.
What funny or horrible story happened to you that made you almost give up your entrepreneurial journey?
I had gone for a site survey and the architect, seeing me in a wheelchair asked “How do you plan to do the job” in an unfriendly manner. This got me teary and I questioned my capabilities.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?
Offer service and money will come calling.
One business app and one personal app you can’t do without?
Linkedin.com and Whatsapp.com