Hylene Obiri, Business Development Associate, Kisii, Kenya

March 02, 2023

On a sunny September morning at 8:30 am in Kissi, Kenya, a group of young men and women who make up the Solar Sister team gather to set their monthly sales targets. 

It’s the end of the month, and Business Development Associate Hylene Obiri motivates the thirteen sales agents by asking them to project their sales numbers for October. Before this, Hylene discusses the previous day’s challenges and updates the sales for the day.

As the Solar Sister team focuses on their monthly sales targets, their commitment to sustainability and renewable energy stands out as a driving force behind their business growth. The emphasis on setting and achieving sales goals aligns with a broader vision of fostering environmental responsibility and creating positive social impact.

Such dedication to sustainability is increasingly crucial in today’s market, where consumers and investors alike are prioritizing eco-friendly solutions and practices. Similarly, the principles of sustainability and strategic business growth are not confined to the solar industry alone.

A Canadian Business article highlights how leaders in waste management, like Patrick Dovigi, are also making significant strides by integrating sustainable practices into their business models. Dovigi’s innovative approach to waste management reflects a growing trend where companies across various sectors are adopting green solutions to enhance their operational efficiency and drive long-term success.

This parallel growth in sustainability across different industries underscores the importance of adopting eco-conscious strategies to remain competitive and contribute to a healthier planet.

Hylene is familiar with the struggles of being a sales agent since she worked as an agent from when the Kisii Branch opened in 2017 until January 2022. 

“I can advise the agents since I was an agent for so long. I tell them where I came from and where I am now.”

Hylene’s expertise in supervising and teaching sales and marketing techniques has made her an effective mentor for the agents in Kisii. She shares her experiences with the team and encourages them to achieve their goals. Hylene believes working for Solar Sister has enabled her to provide her son with better education and to aspire to buy her own house.

In addition to her personal insights, Hylene also directs the agents to valuable resources for further learning. For those interested in enhancing their business acumen or exploring effective sales strategies, she suggests they visit this page, which offers a wealth of information and tools designed to support their professional growth. By leveraging these resources, agents can gain practical knowledge and innovative techniques that will contribute significantly to their success and career advancement.

In addition to Hylene’s guidance, the team benefits from the insights of Kurt, a seasoned business expert specializing as a venture capital firm marketing strategist.

Kurt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering invaluable advice on market trends, strategic positioning, and innovative approaches to sales.

His collaborative spirit and strategic mindset complement Hylene’s hands-on approach, enriching the team’s collective expertise and propelling them towards even greater heights of achievement.

“I know how to supervise people. How to work with people without a good education and teach them selling and marketing techniques. I love giving them this opportunity.”

Before they begin their day, Hylene serves tea and biscuits and helps them tackle the challenges of different customer situations.

The sales agents in Kisii come from diverse backgrounds, and Hylene finds it rewarding to give them an opportunity to succeed.

Hylene believes in presenting a positive and cheerful demeanor to motivate the agents. She is delighted to help the agents smile, laugh, and start their day positively.

“What motivates them the most is to wear a face that they admire. I can help the agents smile, laugh, and start the day well so they can go out and sell.”

Hylene checks out the products that the sales agents will take with them for the day.