Time on Your Side: Mastering the Workday as a Rwandan Entrepreneur
Time on Your Side: Mastering the Workday as a Rwandan Entrepreneur
Author: Oleksandra Prysyazhnenko, Expert at ConsumerCentriX
Every entrepreneur has the same number of hours in a day. But not everyone uses those hours with clarity and intention. In Rwanda’s fast-moving business landscape, where many juggle multiple roles, shifting priorities, and community demands, how you manage time can be the difference between progress and burnout.
The most common time struggles aren’t caused by a lack of tools. They often stem from what’s happening internally: the hesitation to delegate, the endless tweaking of a proposal, or the quiet dread of an overflowing inbox. These patterns don’t show up on your calendar, but they shape everything.
One powerful way to regain control is to start spotting these invisible traps. The Superpowers e-book, which inspired this guide, offers a self-reflection quiz that helps you uncover hidden habits. You might find out that procrastination shows up as overplanning, or that perfectionism hides behind “just one more edit.” Identifying these patterns is a practical first step in creating a workflow that aligns with how you think and operate.
Next comes emotion. When you stare at a simple task and feel stuck, the issue is rarely the task itself. Often it’s fear, stress, or mental fatigue. These emotional blockers confuse your priorities and delay action. Recognising this link changes how you approach time, not as a technical problem, but as a mindset issue.
To move from insight to action, use practical tools. The Eisenhower Matrix is one of them. It sorts your tasks into four boxes: do now, plan for later, delegate, or delete. Many entrepreneurs feel everything is urgent. This tool forces clearer thinking and helps you decide what truly deserves your focus.
Another essential principle is the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle. It reminds you that a small number of activities drive the majority of your results. Instead of doing everything, double down on the few things that matter most. For example, one sales meeting that brings in a key client may be worth more than a full day of scattered admin work.
Time mastery isn’t about squeezing in more. It’s about designing a rhythm that works with your energy and supports your goals. One small shift, like leaving buffer time between meetings or starting each day by tackling your most important task, can transform your workweek.
There is no universal system. The best approach is the one that fits your current season, your strengths, and your responsibilities. So ask yourself: what can I shift today to lead time, not chase it?
Tips for Managing your Cash Flow
Tips for Managing your Cash Flow
Good cash flow management is a critical skill for every small business owner, and it is important for cash flow to remain positive for your business to thrive. Positive cash flow occurs when the money entering your business from sales and accounts receivable is higher than the amount of the cash leaving your businesses through expenses like rent, employee salaries, and other costs. Positive cash flow ensures your business can manage unforeseen circumstances. Negative cash flow happens when the cash you are spending from your business is more significant than your incoming cash into the business. This indicates trouble for the company. Without adequate cash flow, your business may underperform – canceling orders and ultimately needing to lay off employees. In Rwanda, 42. 5% of entrepreneurs are still operating, partially or fulltime, but only 35.8% are selling, while 57.5% of entrepreneurs are not operating at all at the moment as a result of negative cash flows.
Luckily, there are several steps your business can take to fix the harmful cash flow problems and get into a positive zone.
Here are some tips on effectively managing cash flow in your business.
Get invoicing right.
Invoicing is one of the essential pieces of the puzzle regarding cash flow management. Speed up your cash inflows by delivering your invoices quickly so that you receive faster payment from your clients. Consider investing in automated invoicing such as point of sale machines so that you can improve your turnaround times and minimize delays in sending invoices.
Keep your financial records up to date.
Update your financial records as often as possible. This can help you gain a clear insight into your business’s financial health, which will give you a more precise foundation from which you can forecast your future cash flow, make important decisions, and plan for high and low seasons.
Build a cash reserve you can rely on in tough times.
Building a cash reserve is very important, and it can be done once you hit the break-even point. Businesses face highs and lows – having enough cash to fund your working capital needs can be critical for its continued survival during a low season business.
Liquidate cash that may be tied up in outdated assets or overstocked inventory.
Businesses sometimes have unused equipment, outdated assets, or too much inventory, all of which can be put to better use as income. Equipment and inventory can lose value as new equipment is produced or as customer preferences change. Regardless of whether you sell below initial value, liquidating assets that will not be utilized can contribute to a healthy cash flow.
Consider implementing these strategies to improve cash flow management in your business.
Common Mistakes You May Be Making as a Businessowner & How to Avoid Them
Common Mistakes You May Be Making as a Businessowner & How to Avoid Them
Small business owners have great ideas and solutions – after all, that’s probably what led you to launch a business; but sometimes, these ideas lack the proper execution that lead to success. While there may be several reasons a small business is underperforming, here are some common and avoidable mistakes small business owners make, along with tips for overcoming them.
- Not Taking the Time to Plan: Lack of planning leads to the production of lower-quality work. Here, you are trying to do everything at the last minute without clear targets or a path to those targets. Take some time to prepare a detailed business plan, and ensure it brings out what your products or services are, how will you earn income, how you will finance business costs, and many other details critical to its success. Having a business plan will provide you with a road map for your business, identify potential challenges, and outline what resources you will need to run your business. Learn more about how to prepare a business plan by clicking here.
- Trying to Do It All by Yourself: It is helpful to include people in your thought process as you are bringing your idea to life and choosing solutions to challenges that might arise. One mind provides the same range of answers and can keep an entrepreneur from gaining more knowledge that would better support the business. Rely on a team of diverse individuals, depending on the needs of your business for human resources, and delegate tasks according to their expertise.
- Overspending or Underspending: Overspending often leads to the accumulation of debt, and underspending overlooks essential factors that would need to be carried out for business success. These two factors hinder the idea’s viability and can lead to closing a business or never seeing it fully off the ground. Create a budget to project your business expenses and income for a given period, for example, the upcoming year or quarter. Review that budget against actual expenses to understand where you might have overspent or underspent on your business, giving you a solution to the problem.
- Forgetting About Financing: No matter how good an idea is, we need to think about where funds will come from to get that idea up and running and what will be required from us as business owners to access them. A business plan should outline how much start-up capital or financing you’ll need to launch or grow your business. Before approaching funders, make sure your business plan is clear and well-structured and that you have a short pitch prepared addressing why your business is a great investment to make. Seek formal financing wherever possible, such as loans from reputable institutions, government funds, or donor funds, to avoid high or unclear costs, unfair collection practices, and potential safety risks.
- Not Marketing or Advertising: The world learns about what we are doing through marketing and advertising. When your business is not advertised or marketed well, it loses out on potential clients. Depending on your target market, use a marketing channel that guarantees a wider reach and engagement from your target market. With increased digitalization around the globe, consider using online platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, which are popular in East Africa, to put your business products or services out there. Create a content plan for the week or month to ensure your target market is always informed of new products or services your business is providing. If you have enough capital, consider paid advertising for platforms that are most popular to your target marketing such as Facebook. Ensure you include your business contact information and address in your marketing materials to make it easy for your potential clients to find you.
- Losing Focus: Losing focus is the same as losing the heart of the idea. Most small business owners lose focus when they do not have a proper schedule for their daily, weekly, or monthly tasks for their business. Create a calendar with scheduled tasks, each with a start and end date. Having a calendar with scheduled tasks will help you to balance high-effort and high-priority tasks while tracking your progress against set deadlines for tasks.
For an idea or solution to excel, it needs proper planning and greater emphasis on all the points mentioned above. Putting all of them into practice will add more life to the idea and open more significant opportunities for the solution and its viability.
Nurturing Mental Wellbeing: Insights from Entrepreneurs
Nurturing Mental Wellbeing: Insights from Entrepreneurs
We have the privilege of hearing from entrepreneurs who have grappled with the challenges of maintaining their mental health amidst the demands of their ventures. These firsthand accounts will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for coping with the unique pressures entrepreneurs face.
Hearing from Entrepreneurs: Shared Experiences in Mental Wellbeing
Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Constanza
Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Constanza
Being an entrepreneur is an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and the pursuit of success. However, amidst the excitement, it is crucial to prioritize mental wellness. In this article, we dive into the experiences and advice of Constanza, an entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the business world while maintaining her mental well-being.
Originally from Italy, Constanza Casullo has managed her day job as an office worker and established a remote business called Devkenya. Devkenya aims to connect Kenyan web developers with clients across the African continent, focusing on Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. Their services range from company websites and e-commerce platforms to mobile apps, SEO, and website redesign.
When asked about the rewards and challenges of running her own business, Constanza acknowledges the positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, she finds immense satisfaction in witnessing a website come to life and observing how it benefits businesses. However, she also highlights the constant time constraints, expressing a desire for more than 24 hours daily. This limitation can be frustrating, but Constanza remains determined to overcome it.
A vision of the future drives Constanza’s entrepreneurial journey. She envisions a world where the efforts she puts into her business will be worthwhile. She believes East Africa will significantly shape this new world with its burgeoning tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Drawing from her experiences, Constanza offers valuable advice to fellow entrepreneurs, particularly in managing their mental well-being. Here are two key insights she shares:
Managing Communication Overload: Constanza advises entrepreneurs not to let the constant influx of WhatsApp messages overwhelm them. In her experience, people in Rwanda tend to rely heavily on WhatsApp for business communication. She emphasizes that entrepreneurs are not obligated to respond immediately. Taking a few hours to reply will not determine a business’s long-term success or failure. Constanza suggests having a separate phone number dedicated solely to business matters or even deactivating notifications to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Embrace Clarity in Communication: To avoid living in a state of uncertainty, Constanza emphasizes the importance of clear communication with clients. For instance, when a client mentions calling in the afternoon, she advises asking for a specific time. Similarly, if a client promises to send the required materials, she recommends setting a deadline. By proactively seeking clarity, entrepreneurs can avoid unnecessary ambiguity and maintain a sense of control over their work.
Entrepreneurship is a rewarding yet demanding journey that requires careful attention to mental wellness. Constanza’s experiences and advice shed light on the importance of managing communication overload and embracing clarity in business interactions. By prioritizing mental well-being, entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of running a business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Claudine
Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Claudine
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, maintaining good mental well-being is crucial. We often find ourselves caught up in the demands of work and life, leaving little time for self-care. However, entrepreneur Claudine shares some valuable insights on how to prioritize mental wellness and find balance amidst the challenges.
One of Claudine’s key pieces of advice is to incorporate exercise into our routines. While it may seem difficult to find the time, even a regular exercise routine can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. Physical activity not only helps to relax the body but also clears the mind, allowing us to recharge and refocus. So, whenever possible, make it a point to engage in exercise and experience the positive effects it can have on your mood and energy levels.
Another important aspect of nurturing mental wellness, according to Claudine, is to connect and laugh with friends and family. Taking time to socialize and share moments of joy can be a great way to escape from work-related stress. Laughter has a remarkable ability to alleviate tension and boost our mood. By surrounding ourselves with loved ones and engaging in lighthearted activities, we can process our emotions, recharge our batteries, and feel supported.
Claudine also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from technology. In today’s digital age, we are constantly bombarded with notifications and the pressure to be constantly connected. However, Claudine suggests taking a day off and disconnecting from phones and social media platforms. This intentional break allows our minds and bodies to relax, providing much-needed respite from the demands of work and technology overload.
Navigating through challenging times is an inevitable part of life, and Claudine acknowledges this reality. To overcome these hardships, she advises setting priorities and seeking help and support from work partners. By effectively managing tasks and delegating responsibilities, we can alleviate some of the burdens and create a more balanced work-life dynamic.
Claudine also shares her personal experience with anxiety, a common challenge faced by entrepreneurs. The constant concern about business performance, competition, and innovation can take a toll on mental well-being. However, Claudine encourages entrepreneurs to embrace self-reflection and find ways to channel their anxiety into motivation for growth and improvement.
Nurturing mental wellness is essential for overall well-being, especially in the entrepreneurial world. Claudine’s insights remind us of the importance of incorporating exercise, connecting with loved ones, taking breaks from technology, and seeking support when needed. By prioritizing mental wellness, we can navigate the challenges of work and life with greater resilience and find a sense of balance and fulfillment.
Nurturing Mental Wellbeing: Why it is Critical for Entrepreneurs.
Nurturing Mental Wellbeing: Why it is Critical for Entrepreneurs.
The pursuit of success in the world of entrepreneurship often comes at a significant cost to mental wellbeing. The relentless demands, high-pressure situations, and inherent uncertainties can create a breeding ground for stress, anxiety, and burnout. Yet, the mental wellbeing of entrepreneurs is a subject that is often overlooked but, in reality, deserves utmost attention. Since October is a Mental Health Awarenes month, we will explore why safeguarding mental wellbeing is crucial for entrepreneurs and set the stage for valuable insights from fellow entrepreneurs who have navigated the complex terrain of mental wellness.
For starters, here is why mental wellbeing is crucial for entrepreneurs:
- Sustained Performance: Mental health directly impacts cognitive functioning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Entrepreneurs need these faculties in peak condition to innovate, adapt, and make critical decisions consistently.
- Resilience: Entrepreneurial journeys are marred by setbacks and failures. A robust mental health foundation equips individuals with the resilience needed to bounce back from disappointments, setbacks, and rejection.
- Relationships: Healthy relationships with co-founders, employees, investors, and customers are pivotal for business success. A stable mental state allows entrepreneurs to nurture these relationships effectively.
- Work-Life Balance: Entrepreneurs often blur the lines between work and personal life. A healthy mental state facilitates better work-life balance, reducing the risk of burnout and exhaustion.
- Longevity: Mental health concerns, when unaddressed, can escalate and jeopardize the long-term sustainability of an entrepreneurial venture. Taking proactive steps to prioritize mental wellness can contribute to the longevity of your business.
As entrepreneurs, it’s essential to recognize that our mental wellbeing is not a secondary concern but a foundational one. The pursuit of success need not come at the expense of your mental health. By understanding the importance of mental wellness and learning from the experiences of fellow entrepreneurs, we can foster a more resilient, creative, and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Learn from fellow entrepreneurs as they share insights from their personal experiences on mental wellbeing.
Interested in taking advantage of a training opportunity to help your business? Here are some tips for maximizing your chances to participate.
Interested in taking advantage of a training opportunity to help your business? Here are some tips for maximizing your chances to participate.
As an entrepreneur, seeking out training opportunities can be a valuable step towards enhancing your skills and knowledge, which in turn can help you grow your business. Unfortunately, most opportunities have limited spots and fierce competition, so maximising your chances of being selected for such programs is crucial. In this article, you’ll find five essential tips to increase your likelihood of securing a business development training opportunity.
- Thoroughly research the organization or institution offering the training: Before applying, gain a deep understanding of their mission, values, and the specific focus of their training. This knowledge will enable you to tailor your application to align with their objectives, increasing your chances of standing out as a suitable candidate. Most opportunities will focus on a specific sector or stage of business growth.
- Highlight relevant experience and skills: When applying, emphasize your relevant experience and skills that demonstrate your ability to drive business growth. Showcase any previous entrepreneurial ventures, leadership roles, or projects highlighting your expertise. By highlighting your accomplishments, you can effectively convey your potential to not only learn but also contribute to the program and the organization. If you do not have relevant experience or skills, express your willingness and demonstrate commitment to learn.
- Craft a compelling application: Take the time to create a well-written and tailored application that clearly articulates your motivation for applying. Explain how the training opportunity aligns with your goals and aspirations. Use specific examples and achievements to support your claims, showcasing your ability to apply business development strategies effectively. A compelling application will make you stand out from the competition.
- Network and seek recommendations: Leverage your professional network to gather information about the organization or institution offering the training opportunity. Seek recommendations from mentors, colleagues, or industry professionals who can vouch for your skills and potential. A strong recommendation can significantly enhance your application and increase your chances of being selected.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews or assessments: If the selection process includes interviews or assessments, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly. Research common interview questions related to business development and practice your responses. Familiarize yourself with case studies or business scenarios that may be presented during assessments. By being well-prepared, you can confidently showcase your knowledge and skills, leaving a lasting impression on the selection committee.
Securing a business development training opportunity can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their skills and drive business growth. Do not be discouraged if you fail to land an application for an opportunity. Learn how to bounce back from rejected applications and learn from the mistakes. With careful planning and a proactive approach, you can increase your likelihood of being selected for a business development training opportunity. Good luck!
The Power of Mentorship
The Power of Mentorship: Why It’s Key for a Startup Entrepreneur
Starting a new business can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. For a startup entrepreneur, navigating the complexities of the business world can be challenging, making the journey to success seem daunting. In such situations, mentorship emerges as a powerful tool that can significantly impact the trajectory of a startup. In this article, we delve into the reasons why mentorship is a key factor for a startup entrepreneur’s success and how to identify a mentor who can support you.
Here’s how a mentor can help:
Learning from experience: Mentors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. They have likely encountered similar challenges and obstacles that a startup entrepreneur is facing. By sharing their experiences, mentors provide valuable insights and lessons that can help new entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. With a mentor’s guidance, entrepreneurs can make well-informed decisions, mitigating the risk of costly errors and preserving valuable time and resources
Building a strong network: Mentors often have extensive networks within the industry. Introductions and connections made through a mentor can open doors to potential investors, clients, or partners. A robust network can accelerate a startup’s growth and increase its chances of success.
Objective feedback: Mentors can offer impartial and constructive feedback. They can objectively assess the startup’s strategies, products, or services, identifying areas for improvement. Constructive criticism allows an entrepreneur to refine their ideas and make necessary adjustments.
Fostering accountability: Mentors help hold entrepreneurs accountable for their actions and goals. By setting milestones and regularly reviewing progress, mentors keep entrepreneurs focused and on track, preventing distractions or deviating from the startup’s vision.
Gaining Confidence and Leadership Skills: Mentorship empowers entrepreneurs with valuable leadership skills. By observing and learning from their mentors, startup entrepreneurs can hone their own leadership style and cultivate the confidence needed to lead their teams effectively.
Innovative Thinking: Mentors often challenge conventional thinking and encourage innovative approaches. This mindset shift can inspire the entrepreneur to think outside the box, leading to creative solutions and competitive advantages.
Mentorship is undeniably a critical element for startup entrepreneurs. The guidance, support, and wisdom shared by mentors can make a significant difference in the journey towards entrepreneurial success. Embracing mentorship not only enhances the startup’s prospects but also fosters personal growth and resilience. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek out mentors who align with their vision, values, and goals, as the power of mentorship can be the catalyst that propels their startups to new heights of achievement.
Top of Form
Rejections: Mastering the Art of Rejection And Build Resilience.
Author:
Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Expert Entrepreneur
Date:
The Art of Ideating – Newsletter
Rejection. An inevitable part of life, it is particularly so for those who dare to step into the world of growth or even entrepreneurship. From clients declining proposals to ideas needing to meet the enthusiasm they deserve or even being rejected by your own people, can often feel like a daunting roadblock. However, as I learned through my own journey, it’s possible to transform rejection from a roadblock into a stepping stone.
In my life, I faced more rejections than I could count. Each ‘no’ felt like a critique of my vision, creativity, personal belief, and even me. Each failed business venture felt like a nail in the coffin of my dreams. However, with time and much soul-searching, I learned that these rejections did not measure my worth or potential. Instead, they were opportunities for learning and growth.
One of the most challenging aspects of my journey was that it was often not there when I reached out for support. The people I thought would be my cheerleaders sometimes rejected my ideas or me as a person. I was rejected for not being one of them, for being misunderstood, and for being me. This was a tough pill to swallow, but it forced me to develop a thick skin and become my own biggest supporter.
Dealing with rejection, particularly from those close to us, can be a gut-wrenching experience. However, over time, I learned great ways to cope:
Separate the Rejection from Your Self-Worth: Remember, rejecting your idea or business is not a rejection of you as a person. You are not your work. This distinction can help prevent rejection from affecting your self-esteem.
Use Rejection as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of seeing rejection as a dead-end, view it as feedback. Analyze what didn’t work and use this knowledge to refine your ways of doing, improve your skills, and return stronger.
Practice Resilience: Like a boxer in a ring, you must get back up each time you get knocked down. Resilience is the key to transforming rejection into success. This is a trait I saw exemplified by being Rwandan and learning from our own transformation. We Rwandans chose to see their challenge not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth.
Build a Trusted Support Group: Surround yourself with positive influences and people who believe in you no matter what. They can provide the encouragement you need when you face rejection.
Don’t stop: Persistence is crucial in the face of rejection. Remember that ‘no’ often means ‘not yet.’ Keep refining your craft, and stay true to your vision.
My journey as an entrepreneur of, even my personal life, for I have grown up till today, has been filled with rejection, but every ‘no’ and every failed venture has been a stepping stone towards growth and eventual success.
Mastering the art of rejection is about transformation and resilience. It’s about shifting our perspective to see every ‘no’ as a ‘not yet,’ every setback as a setup for a comeback. It’s about embracing the lessons that rejection brings and using them as fuel to drive our growth.
Rejection is not a dead end; it’s a return on the path to success. And remember, you are not alone in your journey. We are all navigating the path of rejection, resilience, and eventual triumph.