Within 3 decades, Valdomiro Minoru Dondo created a very prominent presence in the Angolan market, with a very diverse portfolio across the country. From transport and real estate to mining and IT, Valdomiro is a shining ray of hope for investors, the African entrepreneur, and specifically the Angolan people.
According to him, “entrepreneurship requires the ability to create something from nothing,” which is exactly what he did. He came to Angola with nothing more than his experience as a commodities trader and became the leading entrepreneur/investor in the country.
Tips for Entrepreneurs from Valdomiro Minoru Dondo
Entrepreneurs must have the ability to devise a winning idea and stick with it through the ups and downs. Thankfully, this trait is teachable. Training and commitment is the key ingredient to get the mindset and stick with something from start to finish.
It begins with finding the necessary funds, and from then on, it continues growing. There is no limit to how much an entrepreneur’s ideas can grow, and as you scale, you will need to grow your infrastructure with it as well.
Minoru suggested that the process of bringing any startup into any industry and economy requires a level of stability and a much higher risk tolerance than an established company. Entrepreneurs must be ready to fail and maximize efforts while trying to recover from them. Success requires a lot of hard work and determination.
New business owners, be they with a unique idea or trying a tried-and-tested model, need to remain proactive and aggressive while pursuing any opportunity. The startup process won’t have much stability – if any – and every successful entrepreneur must be ready for anything. According to Minoru:
- Entrepreneurs must look slightly ahead – not so far into the future that their investment in the present doesn’t pan out.
- They must find opportunities and make the most out of them as soon as possible when looking ahead. Instead of planning for contingencies or hesitating by worrying about the ‘what if,’ you should focus on rapid response and delivery. Yes, you must remain vigilant, but without wasting time.
- The initial costs will always be higher. Entrepreneurs must always focus on quality and talent instead of cost-effectiveness. Talent is how you sustain operations for the long run. An eye for good dedicated talent will sustain your growth through the challenges that come with running a business.
- Work on ongoing relationships instead of focusing on new ones. Find experienced mentors who have been in similar positions and let them advise you – but be vigilant with the advice!
And finally, Minoru suggests that you value honesty and transparency above all else when serving clients or finding employees. It will help you produce a healthy environment of solidarity and will also invite more investors.