WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF OPERATING A BUSINESS

1.Loneliness
It’s a rarely mentioned problem of entrepreneurship, and many new business owners aren’t prepared for it until it happens. Being an entrepreneur is lonely . It’s a singular position, so you won’t have teammates to rely on (completely). You’ll be working lots of hours, so you won’t see your family as often. And your employees will be forced to remain at a bit of a distance.

2.Decision-making
Believe it or not, this is probably the most stressful challenge on this list. New entrepreneurs are forced to make hundreds of decisions a day, from big, company-impacting decisions, to tiny, hour-affecting ones. Decision fatigue is a real phenomenon , and most new entrepreneurs will experience it if they aren’t prepared for the new level of stress.

3.Being the Visionary
As the founder of your startup, you’ll be expected to come up with the ideas. When a competitor emerges, it will be your responsibility to come up with a response plan. When your team hits an impenetrable obstacle, your job will be to come up with an alternative plan to move forward. This demands on-the-spot creative thinking -- which should be an oxymoron, but entrepreneurs rarely have the luxury of time. The less experience you have, the more pressure you’ll feel from this, and the harder time you’ll have coming up with acceptable plans.

4.Rule-making
It’s fun to be the boss until you have to enforce something. Sooner or later, you’ll have to come up with the rules your business follows, from how many vacation days your workers get to what the proper protocol is when filing a complaint about a coworker. These details aren’t fun to create, and they aren’t fun to think about, but they are necessary for every business

5.Abandoning Another Career
If you’re going to dedicate yourself to starting and nurturing a business to success, it’s going to be nearly impossible to simultaneously manage another career. Walking away from a promising, steady long-term opportunity for something unpredictable is scary -- especially if you’ve never run a business before. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to address this. Just think through your decision logically, and don’t ignore your instincts.

6.Team Building
This is especially hard if you’ve never run or managed a team before, but even if you have management experience, picking the right team for a startup is stressful and difficult. It’s not enough to find candidates who fill certain roles -- you also need to consider their cost to the business, their culture fit and how they’ll work as part of your overall team. Such considerations are exceptionally hard when you’re under the pressure of filling those positions as soon as possible.

7.Financing
Experienced entrepreneurs don’t have it easy when it comes to funding a new business, but they do have a few advantages over newcomers. They might have a pool of capital from a business they previously sold or a steady stream of revenue they can use to fund a new business’s cash flow. Even if their first business went under, they’ve likely made investment contacts and client connections necessary to give them a leg up in a new enterprise.
As a new entrepreneur, you’ll be starting from scratch, which means you’ll need to start networking like crazy and thinking through all your possible funding options before landing on one.

FACTS ABOUT ISIOLO COUNTY

Isiolo County has a population of just over 143,000 people. Almost about half of the population is aged below 15, 16% are aged under 5 and 24% are aged 10-19. Isiolo County’s total fertility rate (4.9) is higher than the national rate of 3.9 and also means that Isiolo County has a high birth rate.

The adolescent birth rate is also high – more than 1 in every 10 girls aged 15-19 gives birth every year. Isiolo County is one of 15 Counties that account for over 60% of maternal deaths in Kenya. The latest estimate of the County’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is 790 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Child mortality rates in Isiolo County mirror the national trend although the neonatal death rate is slightly higher and infant and under five death rates are slightly lower. High maternal and child death rates are linked to high birth rates and limited access to life saving maternal and child health interventions.

This fact sheet highlights the status of key reproductive, maternal and child health interventions in Isiolo County, in relation to the national status. The data are drawn from the 2009 and 2018 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS, 2018), the UN and other national and global studies.

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN ISIOLO TOWN

Isiolo is gradually climbing to the top position among the top 10 best towns for small businesses in Kenya.
The town has experienced some growth in the last few years with the most significant one being the Isiolo Airport which was build. This has seen the town being touted as the future Capital city. Future resort city, a railway center, an oil depot and the center point of the LAPPSET project are also among other big transformation the city is expected to witness.

The area has faced inter community war brought about by the planned projects due to interest in the surrounding land. Isiolo and Meru County have been involved in a row over the boundary with Isiolo residents claiming that the 1963 map of the 47 Kenyan districts upon which the current Counties are based was altered and parts of Isiolo town hived off to Meru County.

With all the rows going on the government needs to invest more in security to ensure investors who are trickling in the area at their security is of great importance to the county

Ewaso Nyiro River is also among what the county boasts for having, This River is to Isiolo County just like Lake Victoria is to Kisumu. A bit of irrigation is going on along the edges but more opportunity is yet to be tapped. The land areas of dry land can be put to use in large scale irrigation.

The town has also witnessed the growth of commercial banks .the growth of the banks is aimed at tapping the economic growth potential based on the Lamu port South Sudan Ethiopia transport (Lapsset) corridor. This is an opportunity for the real estate company to invest in the area. Storage facilities, residential homes and offices will be needed in the area because of the upcoming Airport and the growing number of business people who are migrating to the area.

WHY YOU SHOULD TOUR ISIOLO COUNTY

Isiolo County covers an area of 25,336.7 square kilometres, on the upper Eastern region of
Kenya. Isiolo Town is the capital town of the county. The county is mainly semi arid. Due to its size; Isiolo County borders seven other counties. The counties include Marsabit County to the north and north-west, Wajir County to the east and north-east, Garissa County to the south-east, Tana River County to the south, Meru County to the south-west, Laikipia to the west and Samburu County to the north-west. Isiolo Town lies at the middle of the Lamu Port, Southern Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSET) corridor project which will see the town develop into a resort city by the year 2030.

The Samburu National Park is located on the beautiful Ewaso Ng’iro River, known for its large elephant populations, numerous hippos and crocodiles and birds that flit about the riverine forest.
Away from the river, the plains are home to Kenya’s rare northern species including the gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra as well as big game including buffalo, lion, leopard and more.

The Shaba National Reserve lies to the east of Samburu and remains a relatively wild and unexplored area. It is easily accessible on a fly-in safari. Shaba is smaller than Samburu Reserve and has more riverine forests, which contain acacia elatior and doum palms, Away from the river the habitats include umbrella thorn acacia woodland, bush land dominated by commiphora, alkaline grasslands and open areas of lava rock that contain scattered patches of grass and shrubs.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve Kenya was named after an oasis of clear water at its western end. It is the natural home to five rare species known as the five northern species which are endemic to this area: Grevys Zebra, Somali ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa oryx .

Bisanandi National Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary also called Kinna national reserve with an area of 606sq km. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Bisanandi National Reserve is next to the Meru National Park and the border between the two parks is the traditional boundary between the Meru and the Borana people of eastern province, the reserve was opened in September 1979.

THE ULTIMATE SIMPLE BUSINESS PLAN

Research and analyze your product, your market and your objective expertise,” writes Bill Pirraglia, a former senior financial and management executive. Consider spending twice as much time researching, evaluating and thinking as you spend actually writing the business plan. To write the perfect plan, you must know your company, product you'll offer, your competition and the market intimately.
A business plan, as defined by Entrepreneur, is a “written document describing the nature of the business, the sales and marketing strategy, and the financial background, and containing a projected profit and loss statement.” However, your business plan can serve several different purposes. But, if you want to attract more investors, then your plan will have a different purpose and you’ll have to write your plan that targets them so it will have to be as clear and concise as possible. When you define your plan, make sure you have defined the goals personally as well.
Every successful business must have a business plan. This plan spells out among others the ways the company intends to rationalize its resources, engage in production and even handle its clients. Most importantly, a sound business plan must also include a strategic marketing plan. Strategic marketing planning is considered as a creative process in its own right. Here, the management and operations teams strive to come up with and implement practical marketing strategies that can guarantee a stable flow of business for your company.
Your company profile includes the history of your organization, what products and services you are planning to  offer, your target market and audience, your resources, how you’re going to solve a problem, and what makes your business most unique. Company profiles are often found on the company’s official website and are used to attract possible customers and talent. However, your profile can be used to describe your company in your business plan. It’s not only an essential component of your business plan, it’s also one of the first written parts of the plan.
Investors want to make sure that your unique business is going to make them money. Because of this expectation, investors want to know everything about your business. To help with this process, document everything from your expenses, cash flow, and industry projections. Also don’t forget seemingly minor details like your location strategy and licensing agreements.
If you know these interests up front, you can be sure to take them into account when preparing a plan for that particular audience. For example, bankers will be more interested in balance sheets and cash-flow statements, while venture capitalists are looking at the basic business concept and your management team.
Because of this, make sure that your plan can be modified depending on the audience reading your plan. However, keep these alterations limited from one plan to another. This means when sharing financial projections, keep that data the same across the board.

ABOUT ISIOLO COUNTY

Mention Isiolo and what comes to many people’s minds is a remote, marginalised, arid and banditry-prone town.Isiolo is 273 kilometres north of Nairobi. It came about after the First World War when Somali ex-army officers were settled in the area by the British.
Stereotypes and fears aside, the town is lively, welcoming and safe. It has an estimated population of 80,000, most of them living on its outskirts. The town is a cultural melting pot. Borana, Somali, Meru, Samburu, Turkana and Indians live side by side
You can visit this quiet town by road or by air. It is along the A2 Road that heads to Moyale. The road trip from Nairobi cuts through the lovely green plantations on the slopes of Mount Kenya and into the savannah grasslands off Nanyuki Town. The airport will also get a facelift as part of expansion plans to make this country a great place for tourists. Isiolo Airport is about 200km by air away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Isiolo is famed for exuberant wildlife and an amazing landscape. From the Big Five, Isiolo has it all. The best places to watch the animals are Buffalo Spring and Shaba National Reserve, made famous by Joy Adamson and the lioness Elsa, subjects of the 1966 film Born Free. Isiolo game reserves that house The Sarova Lodge, Simba Lodge and Bisinadi Lodge are part of tourist circuit that spans Masai Mara, Samburu-Isiolo, Lewa and Mt Kenya.
Economic activities here include making jewellery from brass, copper and aluminium. This town enjoys a beautiful blend of cultures. It is home to cushites such as the rendile, Bantus like the Ameru as well as Nilotes such as the Samburu and Turkana. The population mostly lives out of the town, in a rural setup.
Nomadic pastoralist communities are very dominant in the country and contribute a large portion towards meeting the county’s demand for meat. Traditional jewellery making also contributes to the local tourism market. As the gateway into Northern Kenya, the county has a large market for cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Isiolo International Airport, which is among Kenya’s Vision 2030, is anticipated to help promote the economic growth of the region and would also unlock the economic potential of both regions as well as the neighboring pastoral’s region.
Meru County, Isiolo County, and Marsabit County are among the seven counties that are expected to benefit highly from this facility as they are would be exporting Khat (Miraa) and animal products. Others include the exporters of French beans and flowers from Meru, Timau, Nyeri and neighboring farms. This facility would as well help to improve tourism in these Counties as it would be in a position to handle both international and local flights. Furthermore, the Isiolo Airport will play an important role in linking the region to the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSET) transport corridor.

THE SIMPLE STEPS TOWARDS SUCCESS

Take advantage of introductions. When someone introduces you to another person, there tends to be a very good reason for it. You have to take advantage of these introductions because you know that it might lead to a great opportunity. It is easy to blow off an intro or not follow-up. Doing so is a missed chance to create a meaningful relationship with a like-minded person.
Consider the little things in their relationships. The best people are admired by those around them. This could be due to their high-quality work, their personal interactions, or, likely, both. They remember names, they follow-up when they say they are going to, and they take little steps to create stronger relationships with those around them. Something as small as sending a text after a surgery or a congratulations after a new job offer can make a big difference.
Constantly adapt in any circumstances. The most successful self employed people are constantly learning and adapting. They let their barriers down and are always willing to change things about themselves in order to be better, happier and more productive. This can be extremely challenging for many because it means letting your guard down and being vulnerable. We see ourselves in a certain light, and we make our decisions accordingly. Changing means accepting that our past choices might not have been the best. When those past actions are tied up with our ego, it can be especially difficult to move past them. The best people are able to do so in stride.
Successful people surround themselves with other great people. There is a reason that many successful people tend to be friends before rising to fame. They have made an effort, from the onset, to be around others who can motivate them and propel their success.
Pursue your passions. Successful people do not spend their lives living other people's dreams. They pursue their own passions. That gives them the energy to attack each day with all that they have. It also allows them to think more independently. After getting over the fact that you cannot please everyone and that you have to think for yourself, life becomes a lot better. Spend your time doing what you love enables the highest quality of work and it makes staying consistent significantly easier.
Be honest, be humble, be respectful, be confident, be passionate, but be open to criticism and to make adjustments.You will be successful! And when you are successful, move on to your next goal.

THE HISTORY OF ISIOLO TOWN

Isiolo town is the Headquarter of the county and the gateway to the northern half of the country. The town has an estimated population of 80,000 people, most of them living in the rural outbacks of the County. There is an increasing urban population in the recent years, especially from as far as Moyale, Marsabit and mandera. The Isiolo town is also becoming a centre of interst because of the of its newly acquired status as a resort city cashing in popular Samburu and Shaba Game reserves which have become preferred destination after the famed Maasai Mara. Isiolo lies along the long A2 Road, leading towards Marsabit and Moyale much farther north. The town is served by Isiolo Airport, which is set to be upgraded to serve tourism and local exports.
Isiolo hosts a mix of tribes including: Boran, Somali, Turkana, Samburu and Rendille (all traditional pastoralists) and the Meru (agro-business), with a number of other tribes from all over Kenya also being present (due to military bases located in the vicinity). The town of Isiolo is small but cosmopolitan. With a scenic beauty including an eclectic mix of peoples and cultures, Isiolo is home to the Niger-Congo and Nilo-Saharan-speaking Ameru, Samburu and Turkana, as well as the Cushitic-speaking Rendille and Boran. The large Somali population is mainly the result of retired Somali soldiers who settled in the area after World War I.
Isiolo is set to become a major part of Kenya’s economic development plan Vision 2030. The plan calls for Isiolo to become a tourist center that will include include casinos, hotels, upscale retail outlets, a modern airport and transport facilities.
Isiolo town was designated as the Headquarters of the Northern frontier Countys by The British East Africa Protectorate in 1922, until the North Eastern was curved out as a separate province in 1963 following the Lancaster House Constitutional conference. Some parts of the countys were lost to the larger Meru County in 1960s during the Shifta war at the instigation of the then powerful Meru minister of Lands, Jackson Angaine. Some of the famous grazing land such as Bisaan Adi and Bisaan Gurach became part of Meru National Game Reserve and Mulika Lodge. Isiolo is also known for its large market, while jewellery making is a local industry. The Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves lie north of the town, while Lewa Downs reserve is located south of Isiolo. The Meru National Park lies in the North East of the town.