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By Amanda Ellen Nicola Jojo
THE stereotype and common misconception that only extroverts can succeed in business is flawed because research suggests that there is a link between introversion, innovation and creativity which are necessary elements in pursuing entrepreneurship.
Isaac Mandisodza who is the visionary behind Amani Construction & Renovations joins the wagon of famous introverted successful business magnates who include Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.
“I am a very shy guy, but talkative around familiar faces. I am an indoor person, when outside I like it very quiet, so I keep a very small circle. I am a very sociable person though I am not so good in making friends,” Mandisodza told The Entrepreneurial Magazine.
Entrepreneurs are regarded as people who believe in their self-efficacy as such, Mandisodza’s desire to be independent acted as a magnetic force into starting his venture.
“I was pulled into entrepreneurship because I wanted to fully express my potential without seeking approval from my superiors. I felt very limited, I was not growing or learning new things (challenges).
“Also the risk of unemployment pushed me to become an entrepreneur, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous organization I was working for downsized the workforce, some were forced to go on unpaid leave and that was a wakeup call.
“Also, I wasn’t satisfied with the level of unprofessionalism within the organization as well, it became hard for me do my job to perfection,” Mandisodza expressed.
Studies have proven that entrepreneurs with professional experience are better critical thinkers. For that reason, Mandisodza’s work experience sharpened his competencies and prepared the groundwork for his entrepreneurship journey.
“They say experience is the best teacher, I got to learn key principles of construction for instance doing things with excellence and professionalism.
“I got to understand peak season and lowest season of construction, market trends and behaviours. The transition was a bumpy one, changing from working just 6 hours to 24 hours was really hard. It compromised my family time, I hardly got time for proper exercise and social time for about 8 months.”
While embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Mandisodza was well aware of the risks associated with the journey hence his willingness to bet on himself drove him to be where he is.
“A number of clients had developed trust in my work, so as the brand I was working for, but under a new brand there was need for brand development.
“Brand development is not an overnight thing, so we had to inject personal savings into the business. Construction is a very competitive industry and the process of acquiring a contract takes up to 6 months, so it requires one to have a strong financial muscle for the day to day running of the business.
“We managed to create kiosk for distribution of construction tools and materials, to generate daily cash inflow. It is hard for clients to trust a new brand, so we could be having more clients but because customers are a bit reluctant to engage us for contracts. However those who have trusted us have made us their first choice, because of our workmanship,” he explained.
Mandisodza acknowledged the fact that the Zimbabwe construction industry will experience a turbulent period filled with untapped opportunities.
He said: “Generally there is a lot of development happening in all sector in Zimbabwe, and where there is development construction is involved, organizations building and modernizing plants for their operations. Zimbabwe now has a number of dilapidated buildings, meaning soon there is going to be mass renovations or repairs. The exposer now people have can be a positive for the industry as well, people are remodelling their properties.”
According to him, some of the trends that might shape the construction industry in the next decade include the urban-rural migration, green construction and adaptation of new technologies.
“The growth of people moving away from capital city or large cities lead to development of small towns and cities, and the growth of green construction (agric-construction, and green roofing). An increase in adoption of a variety of new technologies, like virtual designs and visualization of structures before they are actually build in the physical world.
“One of the biggest trends affecting the construction industry is the rise of smart cities. A smart city is a city that is basically fully integrated with the internet of things. Another way that the construction industry is becoming more efficient is through the use of drone technology.
“Furthermore, the construction industry is becoming more efficient through the use of drone technology, it is estimated that drone usage has significantly cut down on the annual $160 billion in waste that occurs on construction sites. Concerns about construction site safety are on the rise, from 2011 to 2019, injuries from falls increased 41% and the number of nonfatal injuries rose 8%,” he added.
To ensure timely delivery of projects, Mandisodza said it is important to highlight the importance of the project to the rest of the team through goal setting and effective communication.
“We structure projects in phases, celebrate every milestone. Following through on promises, and being accountable. Providing meaningful feedback, and showing people the possibilities for the future. Experimenting and taking risks to make meaningful improvements, and transparency,” he said.
Investing resources and time into a network of building reliable partners is one of the secret components in instituting viable enterprises, as such, Mandisodza partnered with his friend in establishing his company.
“Partnerships are important when starting a business because there is more capital available for the business, your business is easy to establish and start-up costs are low. For start-ups, partnerships can help you to expand your reach, broaden your addressable market and kick start your reputation.
“Leveraging from the audience of a partner is essentially a short-cut to the market. Bridging the Gap in Expertise and Knowledge. Partnering with someone can give you access to a wider range of expertise for different parts of your business. It also help in things like, moral support, new perspective, and better work balance,” he explained.
Amani Construction & Renovations has a latent potential to experience a growth trajectory because of the client testimonials that the company has been receiving from key industrial players such as Holiday Inn, Carribea Bay Resort and Elephant Hills Resort.
Commenting on the impact of the testimonials on his business he said: “The good reputation I have in the industry is making it easy for the brand to get a benefit of doubt, and when we get those small opportunities we do things the right way. Our presentation as well exposes the level of professionalism within the administration team, and everyone love to work with professionals.”
The optimistic entrepreneur is hoping to have a manufacturing plant in the near future, as well as venturing into introduction of new construction materials.
“Introducing modern goods that are not yet being used in Zimbabwe, and new construction methods. Real Estate business will also be a great business to run since it is close to construction and involves construction. Outside construction would love to venture into transport sector and most definitely sports,” he said.
Mandisodza is a sports enthusiast and he was once a cricket player prior his venture into entrepreneurship.
“I am very passionate about sport, cricket to be precise, I played the sport half my life. I have spent most of my time either in church, home or a cricket field.
“I would usually do construction work as a part timer, during off season or spare time. Construction became my off season cash cow, I specialized in waterproofing and flooring that time. After a muscle tear that kept away from cricket for years I decide to move on with life, and joined construction industry fulltime.
“I want to be able to venture into sporting activities like commenting, umpiring or being a pundit without all this being compromised by the business. I would also love to do animal husbandry as a retirement activity,” he stated.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ON INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY: “It is very important for men, lately in Zimbabwe women have been supported and empowered more than me. It feels like we are celebrating women’s achievements better than men’s success, celebrating men in November brings back our relevance as men.”
