Starting a business—or choosing to start one—is all about providing a solution. Yet, many people reach out to me asking, “What business should I start?” or “What will make me money quickly?”
The mistake many aspiring entrepreneurs make is focusing only on profits rather than solving a real problem. Of course, a business must be financially lucrative, but if your only goal is making money, you’ll struggle to differentiate yourself in a crowded market.
The key question every entrepreneur must ask is:
“What solution am I providing?”
This mindset shift is what sets apart thriving businesses from those merely surviving.
Two Approaches to Business
Let’s explore two entrepreneurs in the same industry—both selling mitumba (second-hand clothes):
👉 Wairimu started her business because she saw others making money. She sells ladies’ wear, hoping for fast sales. Three years in, she is barely growing and struggling with competition.
👉 Atieno, on the other hand, noticed a problem while working at a bank. Many men found it inconvenient to shop for children’s clothes separately. So, she launched a business selling both men’s and children’s wear, making it easier for male customers to shop in one place.
🔹 The result? Atieno’s business thrives because she solves a problem rather than just selling a product.
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs & Professionals
✅ Businesses grow when they solve problems. Customers naturally gravitate toward solutions that make their lives easier.
✅ Money follows innovation, not the other way around. If you only chase profits, you’ll burn out. If you chase solutions, success will follow.
✅ This applies beyond business. If you’re job hunting or seeking a promotion, position yourself as a solution. Employers and clients want problem-solvers.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been chasing money and it’s not working, shift your focus. Become a solution to a problem, and opportunities will seek you out.
At 20X Entrepreneurs, we help businesses and professionals master sales, innovation, and problem-solving strategies that drive sustainable success.
🚀 That’s why we’re hosting Sales Fest Uganda 2025—a high-impact event bringing together top CEOs, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to share insights on growth, sales acceleration, and value creation.
Would you like to be part of this conversation as a speaker, partner, or attendee? Let’s connect!