Paddy Nsubuga

Machine Learning and Blockchain technology enthusiastic.

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@kibuukaAmbrosi @mkainerugaba In relation to that, we have a gift for our President @mkainerugaba

[Santiago @svpino]

99% of people who start their own business quit. 99% of people who want to build an audience quit. 99% of people who show up to the gym quit.

I've started and quit many times. I've seen friends do the same. Over and over again.

I don't know the numbers, but I'm willing to bet that lack of consistency is the number one reason people don't reach their full potential.

I'm old enough to have learned a thing or two about myself, and I discovered a simple heuristic that works for me:

If I don't enjoy the process, I'll quit.

Money is a big motivator, but every time I do things for money, I waste my time. The minute the process gets tough, I quit. And things always get tough!

Today, I write, I build, and I teach. These were the things I started without expecting anything in return. I never cared about the money. I did them all because they made me happy.

After some time, I became good at them. Money was the byproduct, not the goal.

I have no advice here for you, but I do want to share a few more ideas I believe:

• You don't have to be passionate to be good at something, but most people who are good at something are also passionate about it.

• Money is essential. To a point. After that, it's at odds with intrinsic motivation. It becomes a hurdle.

• Building something that matters is challenging and will take a long time. People who are in a rush to make money should find a job.

• Consistency is one of the most critical qualities of successful people.

[Alex Ponton @ponton_alex]

The 3 levels of trading - The framework I use to assess businesses...

When I look to invest, start a business, or pursue the next side-hustle, this framework has been incredibly helpful to me.

Level 1 - Market and convenience arbitrage.

You find local suppliers of products that people like, and you deliver them to your end customers.

We all have a "shoe guy" on WhatsApp. That's their business. They venture deep downtown to buy or reserve shoes, which they then post on their WhatsApp status for us to buy at a mark-up. The same applies to traders buying seeds in Container Village and selling them to rural outlets. The corporate class doesn't want to scavenge downtown arcades for fashion products, and the farmers can't afford to go to town. Here's your opportunity.

This is the easiest business to start. I always tell folks discouraged by not finding jobs that they should start a Level 1 trading business. Your competitive advantage is information, your hard work, and the convenience you create.

Level 2 - Going to the source.

You bypass the local supplier and start trading wholesale.

"When Emirates runs sales on extra suitcases, the flights to Dubai fill up within minutes."

Instead of scavenging arcades in Kampala, you attend fairs or explore markets in China, Turkey, or Dubai. You can extract better margins, and for some time, you can be the only player in town with a product. Your competitive advantage is still information, your hard work, and the convenience you create. Add to that your capital (as you need to buy larger quantities) and your ability to travel (not always easy).

The problem with information as a competitive advantage is that it can disappear quickly. Mr. Wang in China will gladly sell to your neighbor. Traders in town are secretive for a reason.

Level 3 - Unique insights.

You bring unique products to the market.

Most Level 2 traders will bring products that are slightly cheaper and of similar or marginally better quality. The best example is an aggregator buying maize in bulk from farmers in Northern Uganda and selling it in Kampala. It's a cost and volume game.

Level 3 traders foresee where the market is going and identify unmet needs. They use their unique insights to differentiate. People start recognizing them for uniqueness rather than cost.

While capital, information, and convenience are part of their competitive advantage, their unique insights enable them to stay ahead longer.

Level 4 - The brand.

Baby products are a very competitive segment in Kampala. Yet, Dennan Baby products are the go-to for most people. Why? The owners have created value beyond "the product." I am talking about curation, branding, add-ons (i.e. counseling for new mothers), bespoke products, and the list goes on.

Customers will buy, refer friends, and even accept price increases because of it. That's the ultimate moat. What people know you for, what you stand for, and the trust you have built are your competitive advantages. Cherish and nurture your brand.

Wherever you start, the goal is to reach Level 4.

That's it for today...

Note: Local production can help you reach Level 4 without having to go through the other levels. Make a chair, sell it, and delight your customers. Repeat the cycle 100 times, and you have the beginnings of a brand...

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@Karungisera2 concise, comprehensive and so on.. But there is none which begins with "x" and ends with "a"

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@generalsdaughte @guybehind_ And there is the reason you are single

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@FedEx Meanwhile, the days have turned to weeks ever since by shipment is with FedEx. 3-4 days of delivery now 3-4 weeks of "we don't know where your package is." Such annoying inconveniences.

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@FedEx @FedExHelp
Meanwhile, as for the 3 to 4 days of delivery by FedEx express international, could it be a scam that turns the "days" to "weeks"..!? 😭😭😭

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@FedExHelp I am now following

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@Binusu_official A

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@elonmusk We actually don't care.. 😪

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@Creality3dprint And those that start with "CR"!!

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@Creality3dprint why is your customer care and after sales service such a pain..!?

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@Creality3dprint Why is your customer care such a pain to access?

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@MakerereAR @Makerere @MakerereNews @DICTSMakerere @BUYINZAMUKADAS1 @MakGuild @OfficialMubs @MCFMakerere @mak_alumn @Educ_SportsUg @MakEndowmentFnd @mubs_unit @MakSPH @MakerereCHUSS @MakCEDAT @MakerereLaw @ug_lawsociety @MaKCEES @MakCoCIS @MakerereCHS @DOS_Makerere @DEM_CAES @MakCAES Also, why is it a pain to acquire transcripts? Was told that the issuers prefer issuing at their ease forgetting that they are making us lose out on opportunities. 😒

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@ProfNawangwe Well done Professor. Meanwhile some of are seriously missing out on job opportunities because we can't get a hold of transcripts. Kindly respond on this matter. 🙏

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@MakerereNews How about those that graduated this year with interests to apply but have not gotten their transcripts yet?

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@TonyOwana @nssfug @qataharraymond @AyotaPatrick I hope you have been able to retrieve your benefits.. else, you're in fantasies of getting them.

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@svpino 😂😂😂

[Paddy Nsubuga @PaddyNsubuga]

@Roseykamaliza Ok

[Santiago @svpino]

Unless you've built a machine learning system before, you'd think it's just like building regular software.

It's not.

Here is a reason they are different and what you can do about it:

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