Lessons from the Streets, The Art of Money by Vincent Ogutu

Trevor Eric

Lesson from the streets ,The art of Money by Vincent Ogutu is a book written in very simple language, the book brings insight on the potential that those in the informal sector can greatly contribute to the economic growth of this country so long as those in power put in place policies that enable the informal sector to grow.
My take from the book is that you don’t need to earn monthly salary to save you must be intentional about saving and lastly collaboration is superior to competition as it has been demonstrated through various chama schemes..

REVIEW OF LESSONS FROM THE STREETS – The Art of Money
By Vincent Ogutu

This book contains practical, simple, and remarkable lessons from entrepreneurs at the bottom of the financial pyramid. The author has an eye for detecting business activity and the perspicacity to glean out what we can learn from every business in terms of the challenges each businessperson faced under their circumstances, how they dealt with them, and the attendant lessons we can learn from them.

Delivered in a fast-paced style, Vincent, like a bloodhound on the trail of money, relentlessly tracks down money-making opportunities and drags them out from obscurity. He then presents various case studies spanning different continents and across various cities and countries, effectively demonstrating that we can apply the same principles to succeed anywhere in the world.

Prefacing each chapter with penetrating aphorisms from business leaders and intellectuals, Vincent covers all important business concepts: innovation, persistence, planning, budgeting, customer service, customer loyalty, specialization, saving, synergy, leveraging etc.

The book is a must-read for anyone wanting to better their financial position or grasp what opportunities lie at the bottom of the pyramid and how to scale them for greater profits.

One aspect I really appreciated is the intangible yet immensely powerful influence that goodwill confers on a business. Oftentimes, many businesses are copycats, but what you cannot copy-paste is goodwill, and it is one reason most Indian companies are able to transcend successive generations: it is not necessarily passing down training from parents to children and whatnot – it is inheriting goodwill.

It’s a delightful read that serves the reader practical lessons from different businesses by simple people. Ultimately, one appreciates that you do not need to be educated to succeed in business or in life. You need to keep your eyes open for opportunities and be willing to risk failure. Because only those who take risks can succeed.

The book is available at the Nuria store and one can also contact Vincent directly for a copy.

Review by Jacob Aliet, Author of _Unplugged_

Very nice. Unputdownable. Wacha nikupatie review kama Washington Post. But Seriously i mean it. I enjoyed the entire book.

Reinforced my belief on two key things. neither despise humble beginnings. Don’t always look for bigger stuff. Do the small stuff in a unique way and build up on them. Ochola, M.

Thank you, Vincent. I think you have covered what most business writers ignore, the small businesses. The book has come timely since I am thinking of starting a business. When that time comes I will get back for more of your advice. Kelvin M.K

The best of all time books I have come across, an eye opener in things entrepreneurship. Waweru M.

Lessons from the Streets Book Review
Do you recall the last time you walked past a hawker or a street vendor on your way to someplace that was more important? Closer home, remember how you bargained for a fare cut from the bodaboda guy not considering the rider’s hustle?

The informal sector and the players therein seem to be living in a world of their own, minting more money than white-collar individuals in a cubicle or the coveted corner office. That is the crucial thesis of Vincent Ogutu’s book- Lessons from the Streets: The Art of Money.

The author has a unique ability to document his observations regarding the informal sector and the means by which people at the bottom of the economic pyramid manage to survive and thrive. His observations are an eye-opener to those who may not have imagined that money flows in abundance from the streets.

The book is full of stories of ordinary men and women who started small with little or no capital and moved on to financial independence via the concepts of Ubuntu and Chamas. Some built big businesses from scratch despite many hurdles along the way. Their collaboration multiplied their efforts while a few who opted to fly solo wound up moving at a much slower pace till their businesses collapsed.

The myriad examples given from our African context make the book relatable and a delight to read. Drawing lessons from those who might never have a spotlight shone on them to some who received much press coverage for their feats, the book can actually be used as a case-study tool for business and entrepreneurship courses. The use of local idioms adds flavour to the book as well as the sprinkling of quotes at the start and end of every chapter.

The author’s background in economic theory plays out greatly in how it relates the theory with practice. Both academic readers and general readers are bound to learn from the various characters presented in various circumstances in the book be they hawkers, street vendors, matatu drivers, bodaboda riders and budding entrepreneurs.

The phrase “watu ni pesa” gets clearer and clearer with every page turned as you get to journey from one story to another. Furthermore, the book finishes with a lucid call to action to both the government and other stakeholders to embrace and empower the sector and not try to smother it via bureaucracy and unjust regulations.

Would you like to see where money gets an unusual velocity or perhaps its flow? Look no further than this book.

By Jimmy Nzioki, Author: The Gift of Presence and 40 Illustrations for Public Speakers

I am done reading. Quite interesting insights. Pesa ni watu!
Alice R. Ngigi- Personal Growth and Leadership Coach

I must say it was exciting reading this book. I had fun and believe other readers will have greater fun if not call for more. It is personal, revealing and inspiring. We all need to read this work. I am stepping out on the streets with different lenses! I am seeing hope and am grateful for this book.
Dr. Oliver Mbayi, Psychologist & Academician