MyDough interviews Eddy Mokobodi about the challenges of starting a business
Starting a business can be tough. Many new companies face big hurdles, from finding the right customers to growing their teams. For two years, Saka Energy and Technology Group experienced these challenges. But then, they found a partner in MyDough. This collaboration helped Saka Energy grow, secure better clients, and even create a lasting impact on its employees’ lives.
Saka Energy and Technology Group: Providing Renewable Power
Saka Energy and Technology Group is a company focused on renewable energy. They help both homes and businesses use clean power. Their main services include installing solar systems and battery backup systems. These solutions provide reliable electricity and often help people save money in the long run.
The company serves a wide area in South Africa. They operate in:
- Gauteng
- Northwest province
- Mpumalanga
- Limpopo
- Parts of KwaZulu-Natal
By offering these services, Saka Energy helps communities get power, even when the main grid has problems. They make it easier for people to switch to energy sources that are good for the planet.
Before MyDough: Early Business Hurdles
Before joining the MyDough program, Saka Energy faced some common business problems. These issues made it hard for them to grow and reach their full potential. They struggled with two main areas:
Building a Strong Brand
One of their first challenges was how their business looked to the public. They had trouble structuring their brand. This means they found it hard to show clearly what their company was about and what made them different. A strong brand helps customers remember you and trust your services. Without a clear brand, it can be tough to stand out in a busy market.
Attracting the Right Customers
Another big problem was finding high-quality clients. Many businesses want to attract customers who understand the value of their services and are willing to pay fairly. Saka Energy found it hard to connect with these specific clients. This meant they might spend a lot of time and effort on sales that didn’t lead to the best results for their company. Finding the right customer base is key for steady growth and success.
How MyDough Stepped In
Saka Energy joined the MyDough program two years ago. This program changed how they ran their business. MyDough offers support that helps entrepreneurs overcome common challenges. For Saka Energy, this support was vital in several ways.
Getting a Fresh View and Mentorship
One of the biggest benefits was getting an outside look at their business. Someone from MyDough helped Saka Energy see how their company was placed in the market. This fresh view showed them new ways to present themselves.
They also got mentorship. A mentor is like a guide who shares knowledge and advice. This guidance helped Saka Energy understand the best direction for their business to grow. Mentorship can be a powerful tool, offering insights that business owners might miss when working alone.
Boosting Sales and Growth
With new insights and clear direction, Saka Energy saw a direct impact on their sales. The strategies learned from MyDough helped them close more deals. Better sales meant the company could grow faster. This growth showed that the changes they made were working.
Learning to Grow and Recruit
The MyDough program also taught Saka Energy how to scale their business. Scaling means growing your business in a smart way, so you can handle more work and more customers without everything falling apart. They learned how to create more opportunities within their company.
This included understanding how to find and hire new team members. Knowing what to look for when recruiting is crucial. It ensures you bring on people who fit your company’s goals and can help you succeed. With good recruitment practices, Saka Energy could build a stronger team.
Getting Quality Clients Through Trust
A key part of Saka Energy’s success with MyDough came from referrals. MyDough has a network of businesses and entrepreneurs. When a company is part of this network, they can get referrals from other trusted members.
The Power of Trust
MyDough acts as a trusted marketplace. When a potential client gets a referral from the MyDough network, they already have a level of trust. This makes the sales process much easier for Saka Energy. They did not have to work as hard to convince new clients. The MyDough platform’s reputation spoke for them. This meant that the clients they got were often of very high quality. They were ready to do business because they trusted the source of the referral.
Easier Sales Conversations
Imagine trying to sell something to a stranger compared to selling it to a friend’s recommendation. The second one is always easier. That’s what happened for Saka Energy. When a client came through MyDough, the hard part of building trust was often already done. This allowed Saka Energy to focus more on explaining their solutions and less on proving their credibility. This saved time and made their sales efforts more efficient.
Impact on Employees: Real-Life Changes
The growth of Saka Energy with MyDough did not just help the business. It also made a big difference in the lives of its employees. When a company grows, it can provide more for the people who work there.
Expanding the Team
Before MyDough, Saka Energy had a small team of three to four employees. As the business grew, so did the number of jobs. At their busiest times, the staff increased to 12 to 15 people. This means more jobs were created, giving more people a chance to work and earn a living.
Financial Security for Staff
One of the most heartwarming impacts was seeing employees achieve financial security. Eddie M. from Saka Energy shared stories of how this growth changed lives.
For example, some employees who might not have had good places to live before were now able to rent better homes in improved areas. This showed a clear step up in their living standards.
Another story involved an employee who bought a “for bantam,” a small pickup truck. This person saved money from their income while working with Saka Energy. This purchase was a huge personal milestone, showing how stable work can lead to big goals.
Seeing employees grow and improve their lives is something the company enjoys. Saka Energy became a steady source of income for many, helping them build a better future for themselves and their families. This shows the deeper value of business growth beyond just numbers.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs on MyDough
Eddie M. from Saka Energy also shared important advice for other business owners thinking about joining the MyDough program. It is not enough to just be part of the program; you need to make the most of it.
Get Noticed
His main piece of advice is to be noticed. He says it is “all well and good just to be part of a program.” But to truly succeed, entrepreneurs need to stand out within the network. This means actively working to be remembered and to be seen as an expert in your field.
Be the Go-To Expert
Saka Energy aimed to be the “go-to guy” for solar systems. This means when someone in the MyDough network needed solar solutions, they immediately thought of Saka Energy. This happens when you consistently make your presence known and show your expertise.
For example, if someone needs a specific service, you want them to think of your company first. This takes effort and focus. Entrepreneurs should not just build their business, but also build their presence within the MyDough community. Being top of mind means you are the first choice when opportunities arise.
Your Opportunity to Grow
The story of Saka Energy and Technology Group highlights the real-world benefits of strategic business support. From overcoming initial branding and client acquisition hurdles to achieving significant team expansion and financial stability for employees, MyDough played a key role.
If you are an entrepreneur looking for similar support, MyDough offers resources to help businesses thrive. Explore how MyDough can help your business connect with quality clients and grow your operations by visiting the MyDough website.
