Business Shower: Supporting a new business
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Business Shower |
What do you think about Business Showers?
Just like every baby and every young about-to-wed lady, every business needs to be cared for and celebrated.
Here in Africa, we were accustomed to the regular bachelor’s eve that precedes a wedding ceremony. While we tilted toward the recent years, the millenniums came up with different dimensions of it which they called the bridal showers and late baby showers.
Personally, I don’t have any issue with these innovations and I feel that it is highly commendable.
In light of all these, just as Elon Musk once suggested, instead of baby showers, let’s host business showers.
When a friend starts a business, we should all come together, celebrate them, and bring resources for their business.
According to Cherelee Oosthuiez of House Higgo, Business showers are ice-breaking celebration parties that announce one’s entry into being a business owner or entrepreneur.
Before the idea of business was conceived by the West, it was already a regular practice in the Igbo apprenticeship system known as ‘Igba-Boi’. Igba-Boi is a customary model of business from Southeast Nigeria where an apprentice is expected to stay under an Oga (Boss) for a period of six to seven years before
he will be freed to start his own business.
The act of ‘Ime-free’ i.e. to be free is a process where the Oga (boss) will bless and equip the apprentice to start his own venture. This just covered a tiny part of what I feel the Business Shower should entitle.
What if it is not a trade? What if the Oga (boss) does not have all it takes to equip the person?
Entrepreneurship is not just a money-making venture. When one starts a business, making profits is not the only goal.
I feel that business is a calling and a huge responsibility to serve humanity with pure diligence. Whoever is called into that ministry needs to be helped to stabilize. This is because by helping a business, you are helping the entire society.
If this is properly done, many young people will be able to birth their dreams and society will be more developed.
So many powerful business ideas did not see the light of the day because of funding. In business, money is the king and a business shower could be a great place to start.
This could be likened to crowdfunding. This time around, your business would be helped to take off by family, friends, and loved ones.
When you compare this idea with that of a loan when it comes to start-ups, you will discover that most start-ups don’t need loans rather they should get a grant, seed capital, or through a business shower.
In my own view, the essence of business showers should be a means of encouraging and celebrating a brave entrepreneur who is kicking off a venture.
When organizing a business shower for someone, this should be a surprise party to achieve the following:
1). Creating awareness for the business:
A business shower is meant to be very loud so that everyone around will know the name of the business and what it is offering.
2). Build contacts and customers for the business:
Part of what a business shower should achieve is for those friends, families, and loved ones to invite for the person his prospective customers and clients. This will enable them to know the business and to start patronizing the person.
3). The party is meant to motivate the new business:
During the party, people will share their own business stories and testimonies. This will encourage the new business and equally prepare it for inevitable hard times.
4). Gifting of Item:
During the shower, the celebrant i.e. the entrepreneur will receive some gifts. These gifts are meant to be items that will suit the business the person is starting.
5). Funding:
During the process, some customers may decide to fund an area of the business or even invest in it if there is room for that.
6). Sharing of ideas:
During this, some of the invitees could share some ideas with the entrepreneur during a brainstorming session.
Step by step on how to organize a Business showers
1. Make a list of expected guests:
It’s time to invite everyone who wants to shower your business with love and support. Invite your friends, family, network, and extended circle & including your most ardent cheerleaders.
2. Send invites:
You can do a digital invite or opt for a printed version, but make sure they are beautifully designed as they are the first impression of your event. Remember to ask everyone to RSVP because (a) it’s polite and (b) for catering purposes.
3. Choose the venue:
If your business has a physical location and is big enough, it would be the best choice.
4. Create a business registry:
Do not forget to create a business registry with a list of shower gifts that fit everyone’s pocket.
5. Rejoice:
Enjoy your business shower and create memories.
6. Show Gratitude:
When someone contributes, be it your family, friend, peer, or acquaintance, reach out to them with a personal ‘thank you note.
What to buy as a Business Shower Gift?
• Office Supplies: Stationary, Paper, Pen, Envelopes, Clips, Staplers, Notepads, Business card holders, File organizers, etc.
• Décor items: Flower vase, Wall Clock, Showpieces, Wall painting, etc.
• Electronics: Laptop, PC, iPad, Mobile Phones, Printer, Keyboard, Fax Machine, Scanner, Water Dispensers, Fridge, Wine Coolers etc.
• Cash as a Gift: There is no reason why you can’t gift someone in cash, in fact, it might be more
appreciated. Starting up a business can be super expensive with large overheads.
• Other Gifts: Gift Cards, Books, General Magazines, Room fresheners, etc.
• Offer your professional expertise that could benefit a new business. You could consider gifting a few hours of your time to share your insight or your labor, i.e. marketing, accounting, business development, etc.
• Don’t forget the entrepreneur! Massage gift cards, healthy snack foods, and an essential
oil diffuser with relaxing scents will help the new business owner unwind
Conclusion
In conclusion, we must celebrate and help every small business grow. No matter how small, let us try and contribute our quota to those young entrepreneurs who want to kick-start a venture. Even if you don’t have an item to give, your presence, ideas, and words of encouragement will definitely go a long way.
