I only have the basics

• find a way to start your business for the lowest cost of money as possible -> start with essentials only (printer, laptop/desktop. -> rent if you can. If you can't, work from your home but find a way to get people to notice your business (place flyers, collect contacts...) -> to afford expensive stuff, get investors/family & friends money or find someone rich to buy the stuff and work to buy them off (I do not advice for a loan. Things go wrong)
• amazing customer service: treat customers like friends rather than customers. Listen to their stories, problems... Human connection is a form of currency. (Always get their names)
• leverage every resource: put nephews, nieces, grandchildren to work and buy them sweets (cheapest employees ever)... find/think of more resources
• Business is all about deals and trust. Connect with people even when your off work. Bar tenders, the shoe shiner down the streets, mama mboga... they will refer people to your business. Reward them for this. "Word of mouth" trumps any marketing/advertsing [trust]
• You want to be in repeat business. Never the new client business: Overdeliver to your most common customers. Greater LTV (check my previous posts)
• product: a good product sells itself. Always overdeliver
• willpower & thinking: You only have your mind. Advice is meaningless if you're unwilling/don't-think (harsh but true). Watch, listen and gather more information. Minds are underappreciated and underworked.