Meet King Buari, a keynote speaker and an entrepreneur. He is the ceo, Buarich group; a full service digital agency.
His interest in IT is formidable. Enjoy his deep wisdom and thoughts about entrepreneurshipand his own story.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m an inspirational speaker and an entrepreneur, born and raised in Ghana. While I was in primary school (Alysd Academy), I discovered my creative ability and my entrepreneurial drive. I later attended Presbyterian Boys Sec- ondary School (Presec), Legon, and University of Ghana. I registered my first venture Royal Dreams Cards, while I was still a teenager; designing logos, letter heads, business cards, and greeting cards. I’m currently the founder of Buarich, a business and technology solutions company.
What stimulated your Interest in Entrepreneurship and why did u choose this particular work?
My interest for entrepreneurship has always been stimulated by solving problems. While studying at the Univer- sity of Ghana, my mother frequently called to request for phone numbers of businesses. To help solve her reoccurring request, I was inspired to build a business directory which was accessible via text message. The service went live and our user base continued to grow. I later registered Buarich in 2008 and launched Buarich SMS Find across all mobile telecommunication networks in Ghana.
What are some of the services you provide? Any memorable project so far?
Some of the services we currently provide at Buarich in- clude, business consulting, branding, digital marketing, computer software, and hardware support services. We’ve had many amazing projects but our most memorable was when we provided tailored solutions for an oil and gas company. Honestly we were not too privy of how the oil and gas sector operated but all the same we took up the task. I personally had many sleepless nights based on countless challenges we faced on a daily basis. But at the end we delivered as promised and it was a real moment of celebration for myself and my team.
What are some of the untapped industries you think your project could be deployed in?
I strongly believe that training in hardware, software and digital solutions would be a major catalyst for job cre- ation and business opportunities across the continent of Africa.
Do u think entrepreneurship is the solution to some of the problems on the continent?
Yes. I definitely think entrepreneurship is the solution to many of the problems on the African continent. If we focus on developing our human capital and equip more people with the right tools and skills to succeed in business, Africa would be in a way better position than it is today.
What is your vision for the next five years? And where do you see yourself as an African entrepreneur?
Our vision for the next 5 years is to expand our service offerings beyond the shores of Ghana. And to find more ways to use innovative technology solutions to reach underserved communities and help more people participate in today’s digital world.
What would you say is your biggest challenge as an African entrepreneur and why have you not given up?
My biggest challenge as an African entrepreneur is the lack of adequate systems and infrastructure to support growing business. I haven’t given up because I still believe in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
What gets you out of bed in the morning and what keeps you up at night?
What gets me out of bed in the morning is my faith in God, and what keeps me up at night is anticipation of accomplishing goals.
How did you fund your business and how difficult was it?
I funded my first business by emptying all of my personal savings and a small loan from my mother. The amount was quiet small and I really had to find creative ways to stretch those bills.
What avenues can upcoming entrepreneurs on the African continent think of with respect to funding?
In my opinion, the best source of funding is either through close relatives or through your own personal savings to start with. If the money is yours, you tend to invest it more wisely. For those that have little or nothing saved up, its important build credit worthiness with your suppliers and trust with your customers.
What do you wish you knew before starting your first business?
I wish I knew more about minimizing cost and maximizing profits as a startup.
In one word describe your life as an entrepreneur.
Adventurous
What has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents have been my greatest source of inspiration. Growing up, I’ve watched them build businesses from almost nothing. I’ve always been inspired by that.
If you had the chance to start again, what would you do differently?
If I had the chance to start all over again, I would definitely seek the face of God before embarking on any major project in my life.
The reason I’m saying this is because I learnt many of my lessons in life and business the hard way.
What significant advice would you give African entrepreneurs who are launching out?
My advice for African entrepreneurs who are launching out is to focus on what they’re really good at, serve their customers with excellence, and not get distracted by the quick progress others are making. There is a bible verse that says “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
