December 2025
Greetings to you all,
In my previous blog, I shared our experience of the savings meeting along with a business visit. Today, I am presenting my 15th blog, which focuses on our business training.
Today was the day of our savings meeting. Early in the morning, I hurried to finish my household chores and get ready for the meeting. While getting ready and walking on the way, my mind was filled with thoughts—I couldn’t attend the previous discussion meeting, and I kept wondering what topics were discussed and what I had missed. In reality, missing a meeting does play a very significant role but missing my so called husband does not paly a very significant role in my life, but when I think deeply, it stirs a whirlpool of anger and pain inside me.
There is a person in my life who exists only as a stain by name—a relationship that is known as my husband. Because of his death, I could not attend the meeting, even though he never fulfilled any responsibility toward us. Remembering these things only shakes my past and gives me pain. I recall how, as a single woman, I raised my two children by becoming both the pillar and the wall of their lives. I did not want to make myself cry by revisiting the past, yet I had to carry that relationship in name alone.
While these thoughts were swirling in my mind, I reached the meeting hall. By then, other WAWCAS group members were already present. We conducted our savings meeting, made investments, and as usual, discussed business-related matters. Today’s topic was how to start our business in an effective way.
Since we are already entrepreneurs, it was very necessary for us to learn how to make our businesses more effective and sustainable. Then the trainer shared with us that once we become entrepreneurs, how we start and move our business forward is extremely important. Some of us have already earned profits by running and even selling our businesses. She (Meera, our trainer) reminded us that through seven-day trainings and regular savings meetings, we have continuously received knowledge, and today’s topic would further refine those learnings.
To become good and successful entrepreneurs—or to give our businesses a strong chance of success—we must start well. She asked us a question: What do we generally need at the initial stage of starting a business?
We first answered that cash is necessary. She then explained the points in detail:
- Cash is required for initial investment
- A suitable place for the business
- Proper location selection
- Market condition
- Market price
- Customers’ interests and preferences
- Transportation facilities
- Having both Plan A and Plan B is essential
- Access to raw materials
- Knowing who our customers are and where they are
While starting a business, we must carefully consider what is needed in the initial phase and how much is required. We should remain in contact with service providers and suppliers for necessary materials. Running a business alone is not easy, so support from family members is important.
In business, sometimes there is profit and sometimes loss. Even if we face loss, we must have a clear plan to continue—that is why Plan A and Plan B are necessary. While selling, we should prioritize cash transactions, as credit-based businesses often do not bring good results. We must always focus on satisfying our customers with the products we sell.
For selling our products, we should promote them as much as we can. We should not feel shy or worry about what others might say. Verbal promotion is also very important because it is a form of free advertising.
From today’s discussion, I truly realized how our own weaknesses have prevented our businesses from moving forward effectively. To be honest, we often feel shy about selling the products we produce. Whether it is livestock we raise or crops we grow, we do not view them from a business perspective. Sometimes we even distribute our products freely. I learned that these habits can become obstacles to business growth.
Today’s discussion clearly taught me that planned and disciplined business practice is essential. With this learning, I am determined to take my business in a much better and more positive direction.