Knocking out some milestones!
This blog has been empty for quite some time, but I wanted to post as GCS celebrated its FIRST breakeven month this past January. Much of that has to go to One Acre Fund Rwanda for placing a large order for its enormous network of farmers, but this month also marked another milestone in that we sold our 100th solar lamp! It seems to be the perfect product for the offseason!
But most importantly, GCS has finally figured out a sales model that works for us. With a car and PA system, and a nice spacious tent, we are having profitable road shows at the time its happening! In essence, we thought in marketing on the road shows, we’d incur some losses but then make our money back through follow-up, but we haven’t had to incur losses for the road show! I think part of the success has to do with our solid approach to building relationships with the village leadership and then the cost savings we’ve made in sleeping in a tent every other night in the village, saving on gas and guest costs!
As tiring as it is, it is so much fun, and it’s definitely a boost for our employee morale. On my “Things to do next” list, we’ll definitely arrange to do village cinemas. I just need to make our video clips for field sales and fill it in with testimonials…GCS is essentially a movie in the making! Stay on the lookout!
Jodie | Kabuku, Tanzania
