183 - Changing the Way We Do Business with Africa with Valerie Bowden, Founder of CRDLE

When we think of outsourcing, we don’t often think of African countries. Why is that? There are so many myths and misconceptions about African countries and the result is that we are missing out on an incredible opportunity. This guest interview is so exciting as you get to meet one of our She Sells $10K Club community members and an amazing woman who is truly changing the world with her business. In this episode, she shares some behind the scenes live coaching as we work together on her business model and how to achieve her revenue goals. With over a decade of experience living in East Africa, Valerie has helped some of the most recognizable brands in the world do business and investment in Africa. She helped launch the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association and works in partnership with the top tech outsourcing companies in Africa. She is the founder of CRDLE, the most diverse B2B marketplace that connects African brands to global customers. Her advice and experience in African countries have been featured on PBS, Huffington News, NBC News, Yahoo, and the Washington Post. Before launching her career, she backpacked the entire length of Africa by herself. Listen on to get even more excited about the amazing things Valerie is working on and connect with her to begin your partnership with CRDLE. Show Notes: [2:38] - Valerie describes the experience of backpacking the entire length of Africa. [5:14] - Businesses in Africa that were creating jobs were the ones that were making the biggest impact, even over non-profit organizations sending aid. [6:28] - Local businesses, exporters, tech outsourcing, etc. are a sustainable way to decrease poverty and increase education and nutrition. [7:03] - There’s even an unexpected environmental impact. [9:17] - It is better to do business with African businesses than to give donations through charity. [10:00] - If you’re not sourcing from Africa, you’re missing out. [13:07] - CRDLE helps set up work with businesses in Africa. Don’t let foreign labor laws hinder you. [15:10] - Elyse and Valerie discuss ways to reach larger corporations to work with CRDLE. [17:04] - Lowering costs is one compelling reason to contract in Africa. [18:57] - Go directly to the person in charge of outsourcing. [20:24] - Whenever it is possible, referrals are the best. [22:14] - What’s going to catch their attention? [23:48] - How can Valerie position herself as the expert in order to receive inbound clients? This is more long term. [25:09] - Valerie is intrigued by starting a podcast, using Instagram reels, and applying for LinkedIn Live. [27:43] - Businesses the Valerie works with are very different. [30:16] - What is the Content Diamond? How can Valerie repurpose content later? [31:31] - It is worthwhile as well to pitch her work on other podcasts. She and Elyse will work on creating a media kit. [32:56] - Podcast listeners are a great audience because they trust their host. [34:23] - Who already has your audience? [35:40] - Everyone will always have an opinion. As an entrepreneur, be mindful of who you share ideas with. [37:27] - Elyse and Valerie talk about podcast ideas. [39:19] - Don’t wait till you have the following to start. [40:54] - When you are lit up about something, other people will get excited about it too. [42:17] - When you can, make it video and audio. Also consider what structure the podcast should have. [43:30] - When launching a podcast, record a few episodes ahead of launching. [46:18] - There’s a lot for Valerie to consider when launching her podcast. [49:21] - Valerie has spent so much time abroad that she has forgotten that most Americans do not know this information about Africa. [51:21] - Connect with Valerie and book a free consultation. Connect with Valerie: CRDLE Website Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Links and Resources: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube She Sells with Elyse Archer Home Page