Kindly introduce yourself to us.
I am Kimani Patrick, 25-year old, the Principal Founder and CEO of Inversk Group, which has Inversk Business Review and Inversk Media. Inversk Business Review is a digital business magazine for startup founders and entrepreneurs where we share actionable business strategies and ideas, opinions and stories of successful entrepreneurs of our times. Our ultimate goal is to help young entrepreneurs learn how to start and build a successful business. Inversk Media deals with corporate publications, content development and supply.
What motivated you to start Inversk?
I am passionate about human potential. We all have a purpose which is to serve God and a mission. My mission is to help young people start their businesses by sharing ideas.
What is the story of Inversk as a brand name?
I come from a humble background. My father, who was a hawker, lost his things during the 2007/2008 post-election violence, in Kibera. I had to drop out from high school in 2008, due to lack of school fees so I engaged in hawking for 7 months. After high school in 2012, I was a teacher in a high school and that is when I got exposed. I promised myself to have a company by October 2015. By then, I did not have an idea of what my company would do. The first idea of a magazine came up in 2014. In 2015, I resigned from my job as a hotel supervisor. Then, I got the name ‘Inversk’ which I registered as my company.
What are the tips for choosing a brand name?
A brand name should be short, meaningful, memorable and unique.
What does it take to move from an idea to actualisation?
It is easy; Acting on that idea. I always say ‘Instead of thinking about it, why not do something about it?’ You have to come up with an area of passion where your idea lies, then develop a mission and vision. Set goals and come up with actionable plans.
What are the common challenges in starting a business?
Running a business is difficult. First, getting the right people to work with you is costly. Getting the passionate, skillful person with the right mindset is a daunting task. Another challenge is getting the first customer. Friends and family will not buy from you. You need to meet the stranger and convince them on the value of your product. Also, you need to get used to working alone and for long hours. You are the face of the company and will have to take responsibility for its failures. Furthermore, people will not believe in you, especially if you are young.
How do you handle failures in business?
I love failing because it is a learning opportunity. These failures are captured in my upcoming book ‘Season One’. First, I know that if anything happens then I am responsible. I analyse the failure critically and seek to find out what caused it and how to do it better.
What do you consider before taking a risk?
I consider if it is in my life blueprint, that is my values and beliefs. I also check if it is in line with my goals.
Do you have a mentor in business?
Yes. I got him after starting my business. George Wachiuri, the CEO of Optiven Limited. We talk alot with him.
Where do you see Inversk in a few years’ time?
We seek to be the ultimate resource for entreprenuers. To be that magazine that every entreprenuer looks forward to. At the moment, we are growing our magazine and media services but have plans to start an incubation hub and Inversk TV in the future.
What is your advice to entreprenuers?
My advice is ‘Instead of thinking about it, why not do something about it?’ As Will Smith says ‘If you want something, go get it’ Doing business is difficult, it takes attitude, believing in your ideas and yourself. So, don’t give up.
