3,646 Abibisika (Black Gold) Points

Rank: Unranked Newbie

As a Lender, I use African principles and frameworks to evaluate deals. I enjoy assisting businesses from ideation (Musoni) to eventually emerging (Kala).

I’ve identified three Kemetic principles (Sia, Hu, and Hka) that are key to business development and growth. From my experience, without being mindful of these three principles, it’s hard to move from ideation to startup.

In Dr. Carruthers book, “Mdw Ntr Divine Speech,” he defines “Sia” as intellectual clarity. To me, Sia represents a deep understanding of your business (Market forces, opportunities, operations, etc.). I once had a client pitch a business idea, and when I pressed further about some details, he said to me, “I see it, but I can’t describe it all.” What his response meant was that he had more work to do in the areas of research. Initially, when we have business ideas, we see them on a macro level and rarely look at the micro. Flushing all aspects of our vision in our head, out loud, amongst stakeholders and putting it on paper is critical to moving to the next phase “Hu.”

Hu- Represents articulate command, and that’s moving from intellectual clarity to being able to pitch and share your idea to stakeholders. I once had the pleasure of evaluating a deal for a Brotha who developed a unique sports product. In awe, I watched the Brotha raise $50 million. A few gems I took away from his pitch was his passion, composure, and confidence. Most importantly he crafted his business story in a way that we could all relate.

Heka is the ability to do. A Brotha I know once knocked on the door to seven banks in our community for capital for his consulting business. Unfortunately, all seven banks rejected his request owing to standard credit policies. However, in my meeting with him, he was able to state his vision and articulate with detail (business plan) his action plan to grow his company. To evaluate his ability to execute, I was fortunate enough to have copies of his past projections, and to my surprise, the Brotha did almost everything he stated in his old business plan. I gave him the capital needed to take on a large contract, and ten years later the Brotha’s revenues are over nine figures.

Thoughts on the model? Do you think these principles are critical to developing your business?