In a bid to give all artisans and service providers access to influential clients and contacts, notwithstanding their educational status, Azeez Tobi established NeedMyService. In this exclusive interview, the Founder and CEO of NeedMyService tells us more about his startup and much more.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am Azeez Tobi, a graduate of the Federal University Of Technology Akure. I started NeedMyService in December 2015.
TELL US ABOUT NEEDMYSERVICE?
It is our mission to provide a comprehensive platform where skills of artisans are being searched and requested for in order to satisfy the will of whoever is soliciting the service through creation of advertising campaigns for artisans/craftsmen and giving them advice, tips on how to improve their business via social media campaign, SMS, and newsletters The purpose isn’t just to satisfy the will of the service requester, but also to empower the artisans by creating awareness and reach so that not just the common man can reach out to him/her but also the elite. Note that once you are contacted by NeedMyService, all proceeds go to the artisan or service provider. No shared bargain.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO ESTABLISH NEEDMYSERVICE?
I’m a pragmatic person. I noticed that only learned individuals seem to have access to influential clients and contacts. Hence, I created NeedMyService to give all artisans a voice notwithstanding if they are schooled or not.
HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO SECURE FUNDS TO SET UP THE BUSINESS?
The business is gradually growing and so far, it has been self-funded.
HOW DO YOU MAKE MONEY?
For now, it’s a non-profit venture. But a fee is going to be introduced in January 2018 for entrepreneurs to be on the platform.
HOW DO YOU INTEND TO DEAL WITH COMPETITION IN YOUR BUSINESS?
My competition is myself. So I always work on how to beat/improve on myself every day.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF YOUR BUSINESS?
Time, limited support and resources.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THE FEAR OF STARTING UP SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF?
I read a lot of motivational books and most of them have something in common. “Starting With Why”. Once you can conquer that, there is really nothing to be scared of. Robert Kiyosaki once own a startup and didn’t get paid for 13months. So I know from the onset to never put money as a target goal.
ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE CONSIDERING GOING INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP?
Start With Why…..Make the Clarity of why you are venturing into the business. Be Consistent with whatever service/product you are offering. Also, ensure that you always give 100% every time.
