The verdict in three sentences
Becoming a referral partner needs no capital, no stock, no diploma: just a 30-day plan and discipline. In 4 weeks — training, prospecting, pitching, closing — a serious beginner signs 1 to 2 sales and banks 75,000 to 150,000 FCFA in commission. The key: list 20 real prospects by week 2, because without a pipeline there is no sale.
The 30-day plan, week by week
Each week has one measurable goal. Don't skip a step: pitching without knowing the offer loses the prospect.
| Week | Goal | Key actions | Deliverable | Time/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Master the offer | Study poles, prices, demos | 2-min pitch ready | 1-2 h |
| W2 | List 20 prospects | Network, markets, Facebook | List of 20 names + contacts | 2 h |
| W3 | Pitch 10 prospects | Personal demo, WhatsApp, meetings | 10 demos sent | 2-3 h |
| W4 | Close 1-2 sales | Follow up, handle objections | 1-2 signatures + deposit | 2-3 h |
With a beginner closing rate of 8 to 15 %, pitching 10 prospects statistically yields 1 to 2 signatures in the first month.
The targets and expected revenue
A plan without numbers is a wish. Here are realistic 2026 targets for a first month as a showcase referrer.
| Metric | W1-W4 target | Realistic beginner | Excellent beginner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospects listed | 20 | 15 | 25 |
| Demos sent | 10 | 8 | 12 |
| Meetings booked | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Sales signed | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Commission (15 %) | 150,000 FCFA | 75,000 FCFA | 225,000 FCFA |
Even the cautious scenario — 1 sale, 75,000 FCFA — beats a weekly wage for many, on 2 h of work a day. The 5 % recurring on maintenance is added every month thereafter.
The Kolonell referral programme
The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) programme is built for this fast start: no upfront cost, ready-to-send demos, and commission paid as soon as the deposit is banked.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Pole | Commission | Recurring | First sale = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15 % | 5 % | 75,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce | 12 % | — | 240,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — | 500,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 8 % | — | 800,000 FCFA |
A beginner starts with showcase (short cycle, accessible ticket), then moves up to e-commerce and institutional where a single sale is worth 240,000 to 800,000 FCFA.
Mini case study
Yao, a student in Kigali, starts as a referrer. W1: he learns the 4 poles and prepares a 2-min pitch. W2: he lists 22 merchants in his neighbourhood. W3: he sends 11 personalised demos via WhatsApp. W4: 4 meetings, 2 objections handled, 2 showcase signatures. Result: 2 × 75,000 = 150,000 FCFA in commission in the first month, plus 5 % recurring on both clients' maintenance. For 2 h/day.
FAQ
Do I need capital to start as a referrer? No, zero capital. No stock, no advance: the 15 % commission is paid as soon as the client's deposit is banked.
How long until the first sale? With the 30-day plan, a serious beginner signs 1 to 2 sales in the first month spending 2 h a day.
How much does the first sale pay? For a showcase site, a 500,000 FCFA signature pays 75,000 FCFA (15 %). Two sales = 150,000 FCFA, plus 5 % recurring.
How many prospects should I pitch? Aim for 10 pitches in week 3. At an 8-15 % beginner closing rate, that yields 1 to 2 sales.
Which pole to start with? Showcase: short cycle (15-25 days), accessible ticket (500,000 FCFA) and ready demos. Then move up to e-commerce (240,000 FCFA/sale).
Let's talk about your project. Become a Kolonell referrer, follow the 30-day plan and earn your first 15 % + 5 % recurring commission. 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.
