Learn about The Nairobi Start Up Garage !!

Hey there!

Between learning how to paint, reading through Warsan Shire’s poetry and spending quality time with family and friends, I have been interning at the Nairobi Start up Garage. Heard of it? Cool name right? It is located at the Brew Bistro building, 4^th floor.

Nairobi Start up Garage is the home of 88mph and several other start ups that are making quite the waves in Kenya and Africa as a whole. It’s a co-working tech space that rents out working space to companies, start ups and holds the coolest events ever! It’s a beautiful space with an interesting interior concept, in some instances putting the reuse concept (which am a big fan of ). The open space environment, bean bags, telephone booth, the office bar, the couches are just some of the few things that make this one of the coolest working places.

A few pictures.

Nairobi Start up garage being the home of 88mph has lots of perks for those who are looking for seed fund for their start ups. If you haven’t heard of 88mph, it’s a seed fund and accelerator. They invest in early stage web/mobile companies with the ability to scale across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their main focus is attracting the best entrepreneurs, investing seed cash, and bringing them to a point where their businesses can grow independently, or be adequately evaluated by angels and VCs. They have been active in Africa since 2011 and are currently operating out of hubs in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. Their accelerators are supported by Google, Samsung, and Microsoft, get help. During the three-month program, the start ups receive mentoring, access to networks, technical infrastructure and work space, in exchange for an equity stake.

It’s actually a proven fact that for anyone wishing to dive into entrepreneurship or actively run a Start up, co-working spaces are more likely to be the best environment for budding and bringing your idea into something solid. Some of the advantages include having a chance to create a large network with the people you work with, the great ideas that you can exchange informally during simple conversation and a nice environment to meet your clients.

Some other advantages of renting out office space include the flexibility that comes along with it. For people who are always on the move, renting a space would prove beneficial since you do not have to get into legal contracts, all you have to do is pay for the months you will be in town and get your space reserved for you. Also, you can be able to easily expand your team or shrink it out without much of a hustle.

And this is why the Nairobi Start up Garage is perfect for any Start Up. Tones of networking opportunities and valuable resources are easily available . As the space offers several events in line with tech and other entrepreneurial related forums, it would be a wise idea to follow them on Facebook and twitter for any relevant information in regards to this. For instance, this Thursday we are hosting Start Up Grind Nairobi. Get the tickets here. Trust me, we would love to have you around. For inquiries about checking the place out or renting it out for an event or office space, feel free to email info@nairobistartupgarage.com

So, when in Nairobi and you are thinking of office space, think Nairobi Start Up garage. Karibu!

Cheesy Love Matters

There must be something really embarrassing about admitting that you are on a dating site? Explains why my friend rolled her eyes, made a weird face and vehemently denied my asking if she was on any dating sites. My guess is that people do not want to give off vibes of being ‘desperate daters’.

Despite all the chit chat about not putting a price tag on love, online dating is rapidly growing into a $3 Billion international Industry for software engineers, psychologists and tech venture capitalists who are reaping its rewards. With certain sites charging members up to $4500 a year, one would wonder just how high the perfect matching probability is. But for the time-poor, cash-rich professional, finding love in the old fashioned way (through friends, family, or at the bar) is almost impossible. That is why the internet sounds like a perfect resort where they have access to a large pool of eligible partners and where there is little of game playing involved-everyone is specific about what they want. Not everyone will meet their prince charming by accident, when the wind is blowing through their hair with a perfect sunset, you know? For some, it is an intentional and calculated affair.

How the love algorithm works? During sign up, a ‘love seeker’ will be prompted to fill in questionnaires about themselves, their interests, opinion on certain issues, hobbies, physical attributes and the aspects they would find most appealing for their ideal partner. So, based on the demographic data, traits, personality and interests, the compatibility algorithm will match you with persons whose attributes are most ideal for you as a partner. How true it is that a mathematical algorithm will create the perfect match for you is up for debate.

Certain sites curve a niche for their online crowd, for instance, you can choose to join dedicated websites for religion, green living, country lovers, people into fetishes, vampires, interracial daters or over weights. Hey! Whatever tickles your fancy! Some of them are borderline crazy though. Am reminded of the cheaters website that gives ‘A chance to those who have been cheated on to meet other faithful singles in their area’ in the famous words of John Greco. However, a niche that I frown upon is that which targets the unhappily married. Really now? LetsCheat.com maybe? 

For someone with the same routine, running in the same circles, hanging out in the same places and is about to blow 39 candles on her next birthday, meeting new singles online doesn't sound like such a bad idea, does it? A couple of nasty disadvantages come along with that too, meeting creepy people first on the list. You will meet people who lie about everything and present themselves richer, better looking or younger. You will meet those who make assumptions that they are in a serious relationship with you after 3 emails of communication, or those who post pictures of their children all the time, those who think compensation in monetary forms is extremely important and those who are downright disrespectful and perverted. However, the most comical are those with unexplained wtf profile pictures. (If you love to have a good laugh like me, I would suggest you click on this link)

Once in a while however, cupid smiles on you and you get a charmer. Many singles will often be energized when starting out on these sites but with time, they realize that competition is stiff and that there are many singles out there with captivating pictures and impressive profiles. So what happens normally, the energy fizzles out.

If you decide to give it a try, be true to yourself and try as much as possible to portray your sincerity and how you are genuine in pursuit of love (LOL), make yourself stand out by being unique and distinctive in your headlines, don’t show too much skin otherwise you will attract the wrong crowd, always have a profile picture of yourself, save us some typos and don’t be too quick to trust people on these online streets. For a first date, arm yourself with a whistle, pepper spray too. Practice how to use the whistle diligently before putting it in an easily reachable compartment in your bag – Coco’s online dating tip for today.

Whichever means you use to get the love of your life don’t be ashamed to admit it. Whether you are speed dating, being hooked up by all your family and friends, or trying this online thing…only haters mind the aggression. So relax, it’s never that serious J

Mystery of QR Codes unveiled!!!!!

QR codes are indeed one of the most innovative tools in the technology world. Despite the fact that they have been around for quite some time, they recently gained popularity and are being leveraged for marketing and creating brand awareness in several companies all over the world.

The secret behind having a successful QR code is making it in such a way that it will not only look enticing and capture one’s attention, but will also make them willing to take their time and follow the link to what you want them to see. Boy did Victoria Secret go all out on this!! They managed to come up with one of the best QR campaign strategy that I have come across. Oookay, Tesco’s idea was good too. (to watch more on Tesco’s idea click here) but this one deserves a stand innovation. Have a look:

There also seems to be a hint of mystery with Calvin Klein's campaigns that replaced the usually racy Calvin Klein billboards we are used to.

So who should use QR Codes?

1. Food and beverage Industry like Starbucks are using QR codes to help their customers buy food easily. Same case applies to large malls such as Wall mart and Tesco. Tesco managed to triple its sells by placing their merchandise on paper on the subways in the exact manner they would look like in an actual supermarket. Shoppers can actually shop at these places without having to visit stores and have their goods delivered safely to them; talk of literal window shopping.
2.   Real estate agencies have started to place the codes on some of the property bill boards and signs that they put up.
3.   Personal codes can be used to show your Curriculum Vitae or Portfolio in case you have to show one to potential clients or prospective business associates. Placing the codes on your business card is a good way of avoiding clutter and ensuring that your business profile summary on social networks can be accessed.
4.  Restaurants can include QR codes to show their official website, historical information about themselves, more information about the kind of meals they serve as well as bookings and reservations(Contact Information). Discounts, promotions and recipes can be included as well from time to time.

Lessons learned

1.   Ensure that you include your brand into the QR code or if not, ensure that it is well represented in the background.
2.  Make sure to incorporate the company logo and colors so as to make it appealing and create some kind of familiarity with your brand.  
3.  Customizing the QR code goes a long way in making your brand consistent and reliable (With consistency comes trust.) At times, consumers have gotten links that directed them to harmful sites and viruses so a little assurance would go a long way. 
4. Make sure to keep the design as simple as possible because it may be difficult for code readers to interpret complex code.
5. Ensure that the codes are thoroughly tested and are functional. Almost all QR codes are scanned by mobile devices, it would be senseless to link the codes to a desktop website version that is standard as mobile is what will be used to access the link. 
6. In most cases, QR codes, for a user , are set to be as a form of reward for the person who unveils it. Its like being on a treasure hunt and discovering gold. In the same light, it is highly important to ensure that there is a form of reward waiting for the user on the other side, for instance, free downloads, exclusive media, coupons, gifts, special offers and exclusive information.

How to make a QR code.

This can be made using different kinds of QR code generators such as TapReader, QR Pro and SmallQR. They are all free of charge and will help you get a code in a number of minutes. So you do not have an excuse. Get one for your business now!! Ensure to place all the necessary details needed such as URLs and above all, ensure that the QR Code is thoroughly tested before putting it out for the public. 

Interesting Uses and designs of USB flash drives that you did not know existed!!

My USB flash drive is boring..its a metallic hp 8 GB 2.0 drive. Making my rounds around the internet, i have come across some of the most interesting designs that blew my mind away. Maybe i am shopping in the wrong places because mine is extremely mainstream. If you have a clue of where i should get lovely flash disks as these, do share :-)

Antique USB flash drives

Card Shaped USBs

Camera and Film roll inspired USBs

Ninja / Warfare USBs

Nature inspired USBs

Jewelry flash drives

Fantasy film/ Sci-fi / Cartoon flash disks

Make up inspired flash disks

Product inspired flash drives

The Vibrator that doubles up as a USB flash Drive. 
This was particularly interesting :-) The Crave Duet vibrator and flash drive ; though i find entwining both uses in one device a bit far fetched. Which lady would be comfortable using a gadget for storing information at the same time doing you know what.....

i took the liberty of uploading the video that shows how well it functions and the reasons the designer had for making such a gadget .

Other Interesting ones:

Apart from the normal uses of USB flash disks such as storing important information, there are different ways  that they can be used to better both your business and computer usage.

• to keep your computer secure, there are several flash disks that can be used to lock or unlock your computer when you tun it on and off and therefore does not warrant you to key in a password. you can have the flash disk plugged in while you use it and have it removed when not using the computer.
• In an office setting, custom flash disks can be given as corporate gifts. It is an incredible marketing strategy for the company since it allows them to take branding advantage accordingly as well as acquire both the disks and branding done at good prices because of the bulk advantage. For corporate clients and employees, it offers them a chance to get practical and functional gifts. 
• For employees in the office environment, these devices offer ease and convenience when it comes to data and applications portability, securing back ups and ensuring virus free computers.
• Instead of using a lot of money for printing and publications for event giveaways or trade shows, you can invest in affordable flash drives which will not only contain all the necessary information in documents and PDFs loaded prior but will make the attendees impressed by the lightweight and compact method of storing information. 

I still insist, if anyone knows a place where i can get really cool designs, do let me know. 

HOW TO INCLUDE TECHNOLOGY IN BETTERING CUSTOMER RELATIONS.

Not enough emphasis can be put on the importance of having open, fast and reliable customer communication channels with each and every individual who purchases your products or services. Any company that makes their customers feel special will always reap impressive returns. It all lies in going above and beyond for the consumers and implementing less complex channels of communication and interaction. Consumers are like ladies, it’s the little things that count; for instance, being able to thank them for their longevity, personalizing interactions and using innovative and fast customer service surveys so as to better their experience. Some companies I know have taken time to send their esteemed customers hand written letters, not really caring that we are in a digital era where growth of online presence and integrating social media as a communication tool is highly stressed on.

Before implementing technology in improvement process of customer care services, a corporation should have a visionary and inspiring leader who is a change enthusiast open to new and radical ideas. Having missions and visions that border on values such as integrity will ensure customer satisfaction levels are optimized. They should also have target scores and have the urgency to reach and exceed customer relations. All this should be done with an empowered synergy of employees who are well aware of the power in good customer relations and the trickling effect that it provides through compensation.

A crucial area that may be overlooked by many companies is the process of recruiting and training customer service staff. Not only should they be trained in responding to different consumer queries, they should also have a very rich background knowledge about the products and services so as to provide sufficient guidance to inquirers. Apart from being able to have the right kind of attitude and patience to deal with different kinds of customers, mechanisms should be put in place in regards to delegation of responsibilities so that it will be their duty to follow up and look into customer relations.

The main reason for the emphasis on human relations and participation in consumer relations is because consumers are not just simple statistics and figures a company aims to make work in line with targeted profit margins but rather major boosters of the business. Even though at times numbers may add up, it is crucial to have a competitive advantage against the rest by winning consumers loyalty.  

In the same spirit of technology having solutions for practically every situation, the power of technology can be harnessed to ensure that the customers’ needs are met urgently and with the gravity they deserve.  The edge that technology offers compared to human personnel revolves around data management and statistical analysis in cost effective methods especially in decision making and market automation. 

Some of the ways a company can boost interaction include:

•         Being present in all major social network sites so that consumers can easily contact them when need be. They should have personnel that are responsive in a fast and assuring manner.
•     Offering a valid email address whereby consumers can be able to contact them in case of any inquiries  Many companies offer email addresses but when contacted barely respond back. It is important to change this. 
•     On the company website, it is important to ensure that there is a forum for all customers to actively interact and post questions about the products and services they are using when they have a problem. Other consumers who can help out should be able to contribute to such discussions and so should the administrator of the company’s website.
•     Using up to date and sophisticated gathering software for carrying short and fast surveys from customers on the website and through other channels such as email and phone calls.
•     It is necessary to ensure all communication avenues are connected so as to keep track of all complaints from consistent consumers who may use different methods of communication. This kind of unification is crucial in deciphering client needs.

·        Ensure that the client can access help at any time they need it by having self-service optimized and ensuring that each of the processes related to the business is automated as a means of cutting down on costs and improving efficiency.

P.S: I was particularly inspired to write this because of the really bad customer care services that Safaricom have. Apart from twitter, it’s so hard to get any kind of direct contact with any of the agents. I did not want to rant so hopefully this put the message in a calm and professional tone. If the problem is persistent, I will have to rant.