The African-Native Business Growth Blog

3 things that are stopping you from landing big deals to grow your business

Mar 19, 2024

In recent years, the entrepreneurial spirit has been flourishing within the African immigrant community, with individuals launching businesses across various sectors, from technology to healthcare, and beyond.

I have personally worked with over 100 entrepreneurs and project owners in this community in the last few years. And I am amazed by the wealth of talent, creativity, and determination, that you all come up with.

Yet, that being said, I've acknowledged that you still face significant challenges when it comes to securing big contracts that could propel your business to greater heights.

Here is what some people have said about it:

I spent 2 years going to various product events, and selling to customers. It is exhausting now. I want large orders!

I haven't yet cracked the code to enter the networks of major deals in my industry.

I have experienced a major burnout last year, and I refuse to continue like this.

If you're already signing major contracts with your business every month, good for you! 

If not, these 3 things will show you how to start positioning your business to do just that.

 

🛑 3 things that are stopping YOU from landing big contracts with your business

 

Signing big contracts, high-ticket clients for your business is essential, not just for the cash coming in in tons, but for many other reasons.

Whether you're talking about:

🖋️stabilizing your business for long periods (big contracts are usually signed for multiple months/years, allowing you to remove any financial worries you have about the future of your business - yes sir!);

🖋️establishing your business as a key player in your industry by increasing your market share;

🖋️scaling up your operations (yes, the team you want to hire to help you, or the office you're dreaming about buying, will only come up with big cash in!) ;

🖋️providing yourself with a competitive advantage;

 

The benefits are ENORMOUS, but you know that already. While we're aware of this, there are 3 giant blockages to tackle. 

  • 󠀣󠀣#️1st blockage: Not believing you can.
    This is simple, but our actions usually tell if we believe we can find bigger contracts or not.

    ✏️If you haven't been prospecting in the big game, approaching B2B buyers, or simply revisiting your LinkedIn profile in the past month to ask for recommendations, then... you're not believing enough about your ability to find deals.

    This is a major hurdle especially if we are immigrants or first generations in our country, and lack access to established networks to grow.

    Yes I know what you think, business deals are often sealed through personal connections and referrals, but if you don't have them as an immigrant, does it mean you should play small in your industry?

    I hope NO. Create your own lane, and believe that you can do it. And you do that first by making sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date. 

 

  • #️2nd blockage: your imposter monster.
    My 2 biggest deals came after businesses seeing my Live videos on Linkedin for a certain period. But hey, I am an introvert like many, and have not always been comfortable in showing myself out.
    ✏️It is not about doing Lives everyday, but making sure that everyday, you're doing something to position your business publically (write a post, share a client story, share a behind-the-scene, ask to be on a podcast, etc...).
    The big high-ticket clients are checking and they always prioritize the suppliers who come with some public notoriety. 

 

  • #️3rd blockage: discrimination and bias!
    Yes I know, despite your qualifications, skills, and capabilities, as an African immigrant entrepreneur, you may still encounter discrimination and bias when seeking business opportunities.

    I was discussing it with the client, and it is important to stop playing with those who present these biases. There is an abundant pool of opportunities, and despite common belief, many people would be open to buy massively from you, regardless of your origins.

    It is important to persevere, but make sure to discard rapidly those you witness have biases, and focus on those who are already convinced about your value.

    ✏️One thing you can do is to only approach prospects on LinkedIn who are active on the platform (they post, engage with others, have at least 1000 followers.)

    Why? Because someone who is active on the platform has a much higher chance to be exposed to various audiences and to be open to the World!

 

It is important to remove these hurdles with these small tips today, as it will help you tremendously with getting faster in the bigger game in your industry.

Tell me, what else has been stopping you lately from signing big contracts in your industry? Tell me in the comment section below. 

 Get my "big buyers" free guide here, that gives you 4 structured steps to landing high-ticket contracts for your business today. Get your copy here > www.jirri.org/bigbuyers

 

 

THE WESTERN AFRICAN-NATIVE BUSINESS GROWTH NEWSLETTER

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