Lobby reflections

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  • How to Grow a Hustle with Zero Capital – Soft Pitching and Lipa Mdogo Mdogo

    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!

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    Soft Pitching in Business: Simple but Powerful

    1. Be in relaxed spaces – Conversations flow naturally, making it easier to talk about your hustle.
    2. Make more friends – Your circle is your first market. Growing your business network in Kenya is essential.
    3. Wear your product – Selling deras? Wear them with pride—visual marketing works.
    4. Tell short stories – Storytelling is one of the best casual marketing techniques.
    5. 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.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Lobby Reflections!

  • Don’t Keep Me Waiting: What My Mother’s Shop Taught Me About Respecting Customers’ Time

    A Teenage Lesson in Respecting Customers’ Time

    When I was a teenager, my mother would often leave me in charge of her shop. If she said I should be there by 2:00 PM, she meant ten minutes earlier—not on the dot.

    If I showed up even five minutes late, she’d be five minutes mad—the “Why are you not here already?” kind of mad.

    For her, respecting customers’ time wasn’t just good business—it was a way of life. She never kept customers waiting, and she expected the same from me.

    That’s when I first learned:
    👉 Time is more than a number. It’s a statement of respect.

    How It Feels When You Don’t Respect Customers’ Time

    Have you ever walked into an office or shop and felt invisible?

    Staff are around—chatting, typing, moving—but no one even acknowledges you. Even if they’re busy, the silence says:

    “You don’t matter right now.”

    But with one sentence, the whole experience changes:

    “Hi, I’ll be with you in five minutes.”

    Suddenly, you’re not ignored. You’re expected.

    This is what respecting customers’ time looks like—communicating, acknowledging, and prioritizing their presence.

    Respecting Customers’ Time in Real-Life Situations

    In a Restaurant

    You sit. You wait. No one checks on you. You wonder if anyone’s working.
    But a simple greeting like “We’ll be right with you” keeps the waiting bearable—and respectful.

    In an Office Queue

    You line up. You explain your issue. Only to be told you should’ve gone elsewhere first. No one informed you. Now you start over.

    It’s not just a waste of time—it’s frustrating and disrespectful.

    I once queued at a public hospital, saw the doctor after a long wait, only to hear, “You were supposed to pass by vitals first.” I didn’t even know where that room was.

    That could’ve been avoided with one sign or sentence.

    Simple Tips for Respecting Customers’ Time

    Here are practical, respectful ways to manage customer time better:

    ✅ Plan Ahead

    Anticipate busy hours and staff accordingly. Don’t let customers suffer due to poor planning.

    ✅ Be Ready on Time

    If you open at 8:00 AM, systems should be up and running by 7:55—not still booting at 8:15.

    ✅ Place a Knowledgeable Person at the Enquiry Desk

    Customers should get clear direction from the first person they meet.

    ✅ Use Signage

    Clear posters, checklists, or arrows save customers from unnecessary back-and-forth.

    ✅ Set Expectations

    “Kindly visit Room 2 with your ID before returning here.” That one line prevents wasted time.

    ✅ Prevent Common Mistakes

    If many people forget a document or step, display a reminder or have someone check at the door.

    ✅ Always Acknowledge Presence

    Even a warm “I see you, I’ll be with you shortly” means a lot. Don’t let customers feel invisible.

    Final Thought: Time Is a Form of Respect

    From shops to hospitals, how you handle a customer’s time says everything about how you see them.

    Respecting customers’ time is respecting their dignity.

    When we value people’s time, we show them they matter. And that is the soul of excellent customer care.

    Bonus Resource: Build Habits That Respect Time

    If you’re committed to respecting customers’ time, the journey begins with how you manage your own.

    One highly recommended read is Atomic Habits by James Clear—a powerful guide to building small, consistent actions that lead to big results. It’s especially useful for anyone in customer service or business who wants to become more reliable, responsive, and time-conscious.

    👉 Check out Atomic Habits on Amazon (Affiliate link)

    Mastering your own habits is the first step to creating better experiences for others—starting with how you respect their time.