Cover Story
Untitled Page
ABDI AHMED
NetServe Systems
Irvine
14 years in business
Type of company: Provides IT and software services, high-tech consulting and technical talent
Starting capital: “Zero. I had a decent computer and a little rented place. I had the know-how. What I needed to start was what was in my head.”
Annual business: $3.8 million
Most significant challenge, and how you overcame it: “To build a brand name that can be trusted – that takes time. It’s very challenging and time-consuming.”
Most useful resource: “The relationships I have built with my customers. We have never advertised. All our deals are word of mouth.”
Advice to other minority entrepreneurs: “Patience, persistence and better planning.
You have to be in it for the long haul. Just remember that if you have the better plan, you will succeed.”
One thing you might have done differently: “If
I had to do it all over again, I would have brought in partners, found
people with talent. Don’t be afraid of partnering with others. Also, I
concentrated so much on my ideas, but not so much on the business of
running a business. Now I know better.”
5 Minority Business Owners:
|
|||
|
Irvine 14 years in business Type of company: Provides IT and software services, high-tech consulting and technical talent Starting capital: “Zero. I had a decent computer and a little rented place. I had the know-how. What I needed to start was what was in my head.” Annual business: $3.8 million Most significant challenge, and how you overcame it: “To build a brand name that can be trusted – that takes time. It’s very challenging and time-consuming.” Most useful resource: “The relationships I have built with my customers. We have never advertised. All our deals are word of mouth.” Advice to other minority entrepreneurs: “Patience, persistence and better planning. You have to be in it for the long haul. Just remember that if you have the better plan, you will succeed.” 5 Minority Business Owners: |
|||
