On Sunday, I casually told a friend who owns a shop, “By the way, I’m selling deras…” and just like that, I got a customer! She agreed to take one and pay lipa mdogo mdogo. On Monday, she gave me Ksh 100, then Ksh 200 on Tuesday—hopefully she’ll finish today or by Friday.
That one “by the way” taught me the quiet power of a soft pitch.
What’s a Soft Pitch?
It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way of marketing your business with no money. No big posters, no shouting—just you, being real.
And guess what? It works!
- If you’re selling online—be it deras, crafts, or any small product—presentation matters. This 10” Ring Lighthttps://amzn.to/43PWMVW is ideal for capturing clear, professional photos and videos of your products. It features:
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- A tripod stand
- A phone holder for stability during photoshoots or lives
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Soft Pitching in Business: Simple but Powerful
- Be in relaxed spaces – Conversations flow naturally, making it easier to talk about your hustle.
- Make more friends – Your circle is your first market. Growing your business network in Kenya is essential.
- Wear your product – Selling deras? Wear them with pride—visual marketing works.
- Tell short stories – Storytelling is one of the best casual marketing techniques.
- Post online – Share small wins and moments on social media. That’s free marketing for small hustles.
Marketing Strategies for Small Hustles:
- Stay consistent – Whether online or offline, visibility is key.
- Use free tools – WhatsApp status, Facebook groups, and word of mouth are powerful.
- Rebrand your offer – Don’t just say “I sell deras.” Say, “Bring comfort and colour home with my unique deras.”
Keeping Connections & Customer Follow-Up Tips:
- Build a real relationship. Befriend more people so your soft pitch feels natural.
- Check in with clients even when you’re not selling.
- Follow up gently. Most sales are in the follow-up.
Lipa Mdogo Mdogo – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A committed customer who really wants your product.
- A guaranteed sale, even if it’s delayed.
Cons:
- If they don’t pay up, you bear the cost.
- I once gave a dera on lipa mdogo mdogo and never got paid—6 months later and still chasing.
- Another client paid half after 4 months. Still following up on the balance.
So yes, selling on instalments can move stock, but be wise and selective.
🧠 Creative Financing for Small Businesses:
- Start small – One product is enough to kick off.
- Reinvest profit – Build slowly with what you have.
- Pre-sell or collect deposits – A smart way to finance your hustle with no capital.
- Consider partnering or sharing stock if you’re really stuck.
Final Reflection:
You don’t need big money or a billboard to grow. Just:
- Share what you do confidently
- Use soft pitching strategies
- Stay visible
- Build real relationships
Every small move counts. One dera, one smile, one pitch at a time—we’re going somewhere.
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