By Strive Masiyiwa: Remarkable Business Lessons to Learn
Strive Masiyiwa is a well-known Zimbabwean businessman who has created a vast business empire in Zimbabwe. The entrepreneur has been building his empire for the longest time since he was young. He is also known for his efforts in humanitarian works in Africa.
Brief Strive Masiyiwa History
Masiyiwa was born on January 29, 1961, in Zimbabwe. His family had to flee the country when he was seven after the government declared independence. Strive studied at the University of Wales, earned an Electrical Engineering degree and started working in England. He then decided to go back to his motherland and bring the country back to its feet.
Even after the deadly independence battles in Zimbabwe, the exceptional businessman was determined to help the country grow. Strive has featured in Forbes Magazine once as among the most powerful men in Africa. In all the years of winning, struggling, and striving, there are few lessons we can learn from his story as far as business is concerned.
Critical Lessons from Strive Masiyiwa
Persistence is key
The first takeaway from Strive Masiyiwa’s story is that persistence is vital in business. After coming back from England, Masiyiwa went to work in the electrical industry, which was his field of study but left the job to start his company. His business was booming within a short time, and he wanted to expand his territories by diversifying.
However, the then government led by Robert Mugabe was not buying his idea and even refused to license his business, popularly known as Econet Wireless. Masiyiwa was almost bankrupt after fighting the government for about five years but later won the battle and started his businesses in Zimbabwe. From his story, we learn that persistence is crucial in everything, especially if you believe whatever you are pursuing is beneficial.
Masiyiwa almost went bankrupt but never gave up his dream to create a business empire and improve people’s lives in his country.
There is happiness in giving
Masiyiwa is known beyond Africa for his kind and humanitarian acts. The entrepreneur has awarded more than 200,000 scholarships to African students and offered over 40,000 orphans an education. Over time, the African billionaire has mentored young entrepreneurs on various platforms. He is also a massive supporter of agriculture and public health initiatives. Masiyiwa has financially supported such initiatives in Africa.
That is just the tip of the iceberg of the things Masiyiwa has been doing for his country and continent. From his lessons. Strive teaches young entrepreneurs that life does not revolve around getting what you want; there is also joy in giving. The business mogul has offered his wealth to poor people, given many resources and financial support to humanity, helped his country recover, and many other things.
Business should not mix with relationships
In one interview, Masiyiwa was quoted emphasizing the need for a boundary between politics and business. You should not join politics to boost your business or use your business to get into politics. If you keenly follow his story, you will notice that Strive is quite prominent and has a connection with big names such as Richard Branson.
However, he never mixed his business with his influence or relationships. His company had a life of its own. If you want your business to expand, do not interfere with your influence on relationships. Let the business run on its own as you live your separate life.
Grab any lucrative opportunity that comes by
Masiyiwa loves people and will always look for needs in the community and create solutions to these problems. In 1994, the majority of Africans had never seen a Telephone. People in the continent needed to find a cost-effective method of communication to reach business associates and loved ones wherever they were.
The young engineer saw an opportunity in the form of a problem and decided to create a solution. At the time, he had the resources and technology to bridge that gap. Meeting people’s needs creates wealth and capital, not just giving them the amenities, they need. Masiyiwa urges young entrepreneurs in Africa to take on opportunities once they come knocking. They should also use mobile phone technology and the internet to create new businesses.
Love matters a lot
Masiyiwa is mindful of family love, love to his spouse and his friends love. He is quoted several times saying that people matter a lot to him, and he loves giving them all the love he can. So, as you look to expand your territories and business, channel some energy to show love to other people. That is not just your family members and friends, love anyone and offer help where you can. There is always a feeling of true fulfillment when surrounded by people who genuinely love you back.
Some of the business lessons learned from Strive Masiyiwa may seem pretty obvious, but you can be sure very few entrepreneurs practice them. Practice these lessons to boost your business and empire.
