“I realised it's really hard to start your own business but it was something that I wanted to attempt, to see if I had a future working as a software developer for myself.”
Starting out in the infrastructure side of IT, Coenraad reached a ceiling in terms of growth and this pushed him to revisit something he had dabbled in before, software development. Coenraad realised that working in a nine-to-eight (yes, overtime was the only way to increase earnings) gig was not the wisest way to earn one’s worth. He used his newfound motivation to hit the books and upskill himself as a full stack developer. Coenraad made this transition on a part time basis by collaborating with other more established and independent software developers who could lean on him for overspill of work. As this way of work ensued, he slowly found himself in a position where today he is standing on his own two feet going at it alone.
Coenraad reminds us that many times, people will not understand why we are doing what we are doing. They might even say that being an entrepreneur is irresponsible and one must ‘get a real job’, but these are just THEIR misconceptions. It is therefore important to remain true to oneself and strong minded (and hearted) as you tread the less travelled path. He was not naive and knew from the onset that the entrepreneurial choice was all about hard work and a plethora of difficulties but despite this, he was embarking on this endeavour from the desire to push himself to reach new heights. His underlying reason is simple and genuine:
“I get satisfaction from making people happy, if I can offer my services and receive client happiness in exchange, then I feel good. At the end of the day, we’re all looking for happiness, aren’t we?”
He goes on to explain though, that there is a responsible way to enter entrepreneurship. He advises us to take the first step and tell those around us as there will be tough times. He talks of a good friend who from the sidelines held him accountable all along the way. He highlights the importance of personal supporters and the pivotal role they will play in keeping our motivation and confidence up while we embark on the entrepreneurial journey which is all too often something new and daunting. “I felt like someone cared, and it motivated me to achieve and push to get there.”
Hard working, fast learner, very honest, loyal and empathetic, Coenraad inherently has all it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, one cannot buy nor fully learn these sets of character traits that are so powerful in today's business world. As an entrepreneur, we may have control over our time and have a greater sense of freedom but this is also coupled with the unknown, not always knowing where our next client will come from. Preparation for down times, especially financially, is important.
What keeps Coenraad inspired? His long term goal is what he revisits regularly to inspire him to keep going even during rocky times. He reminds us of the importance of goal setting and that when you don't have a goal you want to reach in a specific time, it is really difficult to keep motivated. This is when you blink and it's ten years later and you are nowhere close to achieving anything meaningful. He advises us to set realistic goals and to put protocols in place to achieve them.
“As entrepreneurs it can feel like we are sacrificing a relaxed living for a more stressful one. Make sure you are confident in what you are doing and that this IS what you want to do. Also make sure you have a good support system.”
Just as important as having positive people you champion along the way, is to avoid those who don’t support you. If we surround ourselves with supporters and keep an unwavering self belief, then anything is possible. Although he has needed a good support system to begin his entrepreneurial journey, his ultimate goal is to BE the support system to others. We are left in awe that an entrepreneur like Coenraad even at the treacherous onset of entrepreneurship is able to handle it with heaps of positivity, motivation and wisdom. It is clear to us that he is on the right path.
“Solving niche challenges Founders face”.
Illustrator: Lisa Williams (Instagram: @artist_llw)