Many entrepreneurs are driven by a passion for solving societal problems. For Oyeronke Shobowale, consultant, founder, and managing partner of Agapely Advisory, her driving force was helping businesses succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Her passion for improving operational efficiency and streamlining business processes, combined with her extensive experience in the financial landscape has positioned her as a trusted partner for organisations seeking to achieve seamless business operations.
“I have a track record of leading high-profile consulting engagements, helping companies streamline their processes, reduce costs and improve productivity,” Oyeronke says.
“We do this using data and analytics to help businesses make informed strategic decisions ensuring that clients’ actions are based on solid evidence,” she explains.
Over the years, Oyeronke has built an exceptional career as a consultant with outstanding results to show.
One of these notable achievements is her role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) succeed and reach their full potential while achieving sustainable growth.
She understands the unique challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria – such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory complexities, and a diverse market landscape, and helps them overcome them.
Her wealth of experience and desire to be her own business inspired the establishment of Agapely Advisory in 2023. The young entrepreneur says her start-up capital was N300,000, which was spent on registration and branding the business.
She discloses that her business has grown steadily and has maintained excellent customer satisfaction which has earned it several referrals and repeated business experiences.
“Since the inception in 2023, the growth trajectory has been steady with the help of client referrals at the beginning from strong network and direct marketing,” she says.
“Now, we have an expanding client list, diversified services, and expanded our reach across Africa and Middle East markets through our strategic partnerships,” she notes.
Speaking on how the business is surviving inflation, she says the business has innovated its processes to survive the difficult moment.
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“It’s been an uphill and downhill battle surviving the inflation,” she states.
“We stay resilient, faith-driven, and innovative – initiating TRIPWIRES-Irresistible offers designed to convert prospects into paying customers.”
“This helps attract new clients, lead to long-term engagement and increase revenue.”
She says that the business plans to expand its strategic partnerships across Europe, adding that the business has local knowledge and expertise in the EMEA markets. She urges businesses looking to enter those markets to partner with them for easy entry.
On what Agapely is doing differently to remain in business, she says her business cum investment advisory firm is offering management consulting designed for each organisation and process improvement.
To support its operating communities, the business through its corporate social responsibility has opened a Mental Health Initiative to help people with their mental health.
On challenges confronting the business, she says, “Trust has been the issue. Referrals through the network have been great but onboarding a new prospect takes showcasing your forte to build a trusting lasting relationship- our consulting services are unique,” she says.
On how the business is dealing with the issue, she says the business has been building trust among its clients. “We have been building trust by demonstrating expertise, communicating transparently, building strong relationships, delivering on promises, maintaining ethical standards, and utilising trust signals.”
Responding to a question on where Nigerians looking to invest can make investments, Oyeronke advises that they stay informed and seek expert advice before making a decision.
Her advice to other entrepreneurs is to “be passionate, persistent, and adaptable, always learning and iterating while building a strong team and focusing on solving real problems for real people.”
She notes that Agapely plans to launch a YouTube talk show called ‘Founder’s Corner’ – a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, inspire and encourage others to pursue their ventures.
She also mentions the MHI Performance Implementation Program for workplaces, a unique program focused on mental health and performance sets to create a more positive and productive environment.
“These initiatives are our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, promoting mental health, and contributing to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.”
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