‘Never start any business with the intention of getting rich’
Blessing Ijoma is an undergraduate student of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) and founder of Hoursspent, a firm specialising in computer programming. In this interview with JOSEPHINE OKOJIE, she reveals what inspired her to establish her online business, which is focused on connecting freelancers and buyers.
When did you start your business?
I started my business in 2013 and it’s been two years since I launched Hoursspent.
What inspired you to go into the business?
After my secondary education, I couldn’t secure admission into the university to study my choice of course. I decided to start learning computer programming. While at that, I started having an ambition to connect people and break boundaries. That was how I launched the Hoursspent platform for my online business. I discovered that many platforms had already been doing what I wanted to do, so I decided to do mine differently.
What was your initial start-up capital?
I started my online platform with N3, 000, which I spent on buying bundle for internet services.
What is the worth of the business now?
Well, I cannot sell it less than N50 million now.
Who are your target clients?
My clients are small and medium enterprises (SME) and freelancers worldwide.
Have you received any financial support from any organisation?
I have not received any financial support from any organisation.
Tell me a little about yourself, that is, your educational qualification, awards and work experience, if any?
I am a 300 level Computer Science student of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Founder of Betters Foundation, focused on training talented youths on how to program a computer. My primary focus is on the development of critical thinkers. I am one of the finalists of the 2014 #MeetTheExecutive business competition organised by Sterling Bank. I am also a YALI (Young Africa Leaders Initiative) Ambassador. YALI was launched by the president of the United States, Barack Obama, as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. I am the founder and CEO of Hoursspent; a marketplace connecting businesses and freelancers all over the world in a trusted environment, where they buy and sell services to each other. I have worked mainly on contract basis for SMEs and large corporations. Recently, I won the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) Nigeria and will be representing the country in May at the 2016 EO GSEA Bakkok, Thailand.
How would you say the business has grown since starting?
Hoursspent provides solutions to lots of SMEs and freelancers now. When we started, we were earning nothing but now the business is generating an income. We are now better equipped at offering personalised services to our esteemed customers, ensuring quality service delivery while boosting customers’ trust and loyalty on our brand.
Do you have employees?
Yes, I have six staff members. Two are working full time while the other four are part time.
What are the challenges you have faced since starting your business?
We are currently expanding, but one of my key challenges is funding. We have achieved our first milestone and set a second one which we are working towards accomplishing.
What is your advice to other entrepreneurs, especially the young ones that want to venture into your kind of business?
For any person that wants to go into any kind of business, you need that passion to thrive. Never start a business with the intention of getting rich. Reflect on your vision and mission and make it your everyday task. Always start with positive goals. When you get to a point where you never feel like quitting, diversify your revenues. When you get to a point where you feel like quitting, re-brand. Don’t forget to innovate.
JOSEPHINE OKOJIE