The SheEO Effect: Amplifying Her Ambition

  Why This Matters Many small businesses in Kenya close because they don’t fully understand their customers. Whether you sell secondhand clothes in Githurai or do mobile money services in Lodwar, you need to listen to what your customers want. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Know Your Customer Ask Questions: What do your customers like/dislike? Observe: What time do they shop? What items sell fast? Create a customer profile. Tailor your offers based on what you learn. Example: If you realize your customers are mostly working mothers, you might adjust your hours to open earlier or offer M-Pesa pay for convenience. Download Free Template: Customer Profile Worksheet

  Why You Need a Budget Budgeting helps you stay in control of your money. It’s not about limiting your spending, but about giving purpose to your money. For a mama mboga in Mombasa or a dressmaker in Kisii, budgeting means you know how much to reinvest and how much to save. Step-by-Step Guide: Monthly Budgeting List all your expected income for the month. List all fixed and variable expenses. Separate personal from business expenses. Track your actual spending and compare. Example: Category Budgeted (KES) Actual (KES) Notes Inventory 5,000 4,800 Bought flour in bulk Rent 2,500 2,500 - Transport 1,000 1,200 Fares went up   Download Free Template: SheEO Monthly Budget Sheet  

Why Record-Keeping is a Game Changer Many women we train at SheEO tell us, "I make money, but I don't know where it goes." That’s why keeping records is so important. Whether you sell smokies by the roadside or run a tailoring shop in Kitengela, your numbers matter. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Keep Daily Sales Records Start with one notebook or our downloadable template. Each day, write down: What you sold Quantity Price Total income Expenses Calculate your profit daily and weekly. Example: Date Item Quantity Price per item Total Sales Expenses Profit 5th April Mandazi 50 KES 10 KES 500 KES 200 KES 300     Download Free Template: Daily Sales Log Sheet 

  Why Goals Matter for Micro-Entrepreneurs For a woman running a small salon in Kiambu or a grocery kiosk in Kibra, it may feel like there’s no time to "set goals." But knowing where you're going in business is as important as opening your shop each morning. At SheEO, we believe that clarity builds confidence, and confidence powers success. Let's set up some goals, shall we? Step-by-Step Guide: Setting SMART Goals Start with your WHY:   Why are you in business?  To support your children? Build a house? Answering this question guides your goals. Write down 1-3 business goals for the next 6 months. v   Goal 1:_______________ v   Goal 2:_______________ v   Goal 3:______________     3.       3 .   Use the SMART method: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-bound   Example:  Instead of saying, "I want more customers," say, "I want to increase daily customers fro...