Self-Reliance: Why it's too hard to start a business in Africa -- and how to change it

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Job Search Tips

Many years ago I taught and helped people prepare for and find work. Through the process, some of those people discovered, quite successfully, that self-employment was the better way to go. This blog includes employment news, an employment search engine. Current articles on “Where the jobs are,” and “how to find work,” are also included.

While doing this work I learned a few extremely important principles.

Story: I was living in a university town at the time and close to the university was a small Hawaiian restaurant. The owner, though very laid back in some ways, was quite particular in others, and a great businessman. Plus, he was a great business man. All the patrons had to walk through a line to get their food, which was served on reinforced paper plates. The food was incredible; I’ve never tasted any Polynesian and/or Hawaiian food better than this. The restaurant was only open for lunch on weekdays and was closed for a month during the winter so the owner’s family could go to Hawaii . It was so popular that there was a long line of business people and college students waiting outside to eat lunch, no matter the weather.

One day I asked the owner and said; ‘I imagine with all the Polynesians who live here, you probably have no problem finding people to work for you.’ His reply surprised me. He said; ‘oh no, I never hire a Polynesian who knows how to cook. If I hire a Polynesian who knows how to cook, they want to cook their way; I want people to cook MY way.’

There is a fundamental truth to what my friend said. Employers want people who know how to work, follow directions, are punctual, dependable, self starters, and can get along. These are the foundations for almost any job. Even with a college education, if you don’t have this, with some rare exceptions, you are just not going to be successful.

Here are a few more things I learned from my experience helping and teaching others how to find work, as a business owner who hired people, and from research.

1. Employers want people who really want, and know how, to work:

a. You are more likely to get a better job if you already have a job (unless you are seen as someone who does a lot of short term job hopping)

b. Showing up for an application early in the morning or right as a business opens tells the employer that you can get out of bed in the morning (an important skill).

c. When requesting an application or for an interview, dress at least as well (or one step better) as you would have to dress if you were to show up to work at that location. For example, if the typical working attire is jeans and a t-shirt, wear good, clean jeans and a button up shirt. If you see workers/staff all dressed in dress pants, skirts, or dresses, dress at least as well as they do even when you come in to request an application.

d. Find out as much as you can about the company prior to an interview.

e. Be prepared to, and let the employer know how you can benefit them, do not focus on what they can do for you. Specifically tell them how you are the aspirin for their headache.

g. If you are not working, spend some time volunteering on a consistent basis for the same organization. Helps your resume, and helps to demonstrate you can work and keep a schedule.

2. Employers want independent, mature, employees:

a. Never take friends or family with you to a business to request an application or do an interview. If you have to have a ride, have them wait outside in the car.

3. There are lots of ways to find jobs:

a. Job Services; Employment agencies; Internet job sites; Newspaper help want ads.

b. Networking, word of mouth, friends, families. Most jobs are not advertised. Employers like to hear recommendations from people they know. Ask everyone you know if they know of an opening. If you walk into a business and ask for an application, ask that person if they know any other businesses who are hiring.

c. That brings me to the next place to look. Walk in to businesses and ask. As mentioned previously, employers are almost always looking for someone who may be outstanding, even when they are not advertising a current opening. Businesses who are in the business to make money, almost ALWAYS want someone who can and will make them more money.

4. Employers want people who can get along with coworkers and for many jobs, will get along well with and present well to the public and/or clients:

a. Do not post anything on facebook or other websites that might distract from this image.

b. For many, if not most jobs, cover up tattoos, remove nose and lip rings. Remember, part of the job is representing the company, not just your own individuality. Some customers/clients/co-workers may dress more conservatively than you. If you see most (more than half) of the workers and the boss with tattoos, nose and/or lip rings, then you can disregard this.

5. Employers want the “cream of the crop”:

a. Do extra things to make yourself stand out i.e., good resume. If you can, casually introduce yourself to other workers/staff and ask them for hints in getting a job with this business and for information about the business. Don’t pressure, take up more than a minimal amount of time, or be obnoxious in any way.

6. Target your resume:

a. Keep in mind that many of your experiences may be applicable to the job you are applying for. For example, having been a cub scout den leader teaches you and provides you with a lot of experience in organization, teaching, discipline, communication et etc.

b. Once you know what the business may be looking for, be sure that your resume honestly demonstrates that you have those skills, that you are the “aspirin for their headache,” and that you will be a productive and profitable member of their team.

Now if you want to keep the job, make sure you continually confirm to your employer that you are all the things they thought you were when they hired you, and even more. Remember it is always about what benefit you provide the business and their customers.

These are general characteristics most employers want in their employees:
1. Honesty
2. Dependability
3. Punctuality
4. Able to get along with customers and coworkers
5. Hard worker
6. Follows directions (without arguing)
7. Teachable (And willing to learn on your own, there are MANY free ways to gain new knowledge and skills today. Make use of them. Make this a daily priority. At least 1 hour per day at least 5 days a week.)
8. Physically, Emotionally, and Intellectually capable of doing the job
9. Knowledge and Skills to do the job.
(NOTE: MANY employers are willing to forego number 9 if you have the first 8. Also, it is not enough to just think you have the first 8 or say you have the first 8, you need to demonstrate that you have the first 8. This can be in a lower paying job or volunteer work. IF you want to progress in your career and not stay on minimum wage or close to that, develop the first 8 characteristics, prove you have them in a lower wage or volunteer position for sometimes a year or more, then ask your existing employer and other employers for more opportunity. There are lots of positions open for people with the first 8 characteristics, lots of positions with great LEARNING and EARNING and advancement possibilities.)

Self-Reliance

Friday, January 16, 2026

Why it's too hard to start a business in Africa -- and how to change it | Magatte Wade

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Friday, January 16, 2026

Why it's too hard to start a business in Africa -- and how to change it | Magatte Wade

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