The verdict in three sentences
Finding clients with no experience rests on the field, not talent: every shop without a site is a prospect. A beginner who talks to 20 people a day converts 5 to 15 % of field contacts into clients. Since the showcase cycle is short (1 to 3 weeks), the first commissions land fast.
Where to find your first prospects
You don't need a network: prospects are all around you. Just look at who lacks a serious online presence.
| Channel | Effort | Conversion rate (order of magnitude) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street shops | Medium | 10-15 % | Starter/Growth showcase |
| Merchant WhatsApp groups | Low | 5-8 % | Showcase, e-commerce |
| Markets and fairs | High | 8-12 % | Showcase, e-commerce |
| LinkedIn / diaspora | Medium | 3-6 % | Big tickets |
| Word of mouth (existing clients) | Low | 20-30 % | All divisions |
Word of mouth converts best: every satisfied client becomes a source of referrals.
The 20-contacts-a-day method
Prospecting is a numbers game. At 5-15 % conversion, here's what 20 daily contacts produce over a week of fieldwork.
| Metric | Weekly estimate |
|---|---|
| Contacts approached | 100 |
| Interested prospects (30 %) | 30 |
| Custom demos sent | 15 |
| Deals closed (5-15 %) | 5 to 15 |
| Commission (Growth showcase, 75,000 FCFA) | 375,000 to 1,125,000 FCFA |
Even the low estimate (5 sales) far exceeds an average salary. Consistency is everything.
The approach script that works
Keep it simple and benefit-focused. Example: "Hello, I see your shop has no website. Your customers search for you on Google and can't find you. I can show you in 2 minutes what your site would look like, for free." The trick is the custom demo: Kolonell generates a demo with the merchant's name, which triggers the emotion of ownership.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Handling objections
"It's too expensive" → offer the Starter tier at 250,000 FCFA and installment payment. "I don't have time" → "Kolonell handles everything, you just approve." "I already sell on WhatsApp" → "A site makes you credible on Google and works while you sleep."
Mini case study
Aïcha, 24, with no experience or technical degree, starts as a Kolonell partner. She sets a goal of 20 contacts a day in Dakar's markets. Week one: 0 sales but 12 demos sent. Week two: 2 Starter showcases signed (2 × 37,500 = 75,000 FCFA). Week three: 3 sales (Starter + 2 Growth = 187,500 FCFA). In one month, with no starting network, she earned 262,500 FCFA in commissions.
FAQ
Do I need a degree or experience? No. Field prospecting rewards consistency and listening, not degrees. Kolonell provides the script, the demos and free training.
How long before the first sale? The showcase cycle lasts 1 to 3 weeks. With 20 contacts a day, most beginners sign their first sale within the first month.
How do I demo if I can't code? You code nothing. Kolonell generates a custom demo with the prospect's name that you show from your phone. It's the most powerful conversion tool.
How many contacts a day is realistic? 20 field contacts a day is achievable in 3 to 4 hours. In markets and commercial zones, you can exceed that number.
What if no one is interested on day one? That's normal. Prospecting is a numbers game: at 5-15 % conversion, you need volume. The first refusals are part of the learning.
Let's talk about your project. Start with no network or experience: the Kolonell referral program gives you script, demos and free training. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
