Sequel to the last post on insights from a go-getter Mum from Lagos, insights from the purview of a Domestic help agency in Lagos should help to bring some balance in perspective.
The following information to be shared is by no means an implication of an absolute inference to the way all Agents perceive work or life. The chat should be seen as individually specific and Agency specific yet can guide one in understanding the what, why and how of a domestic agency business. It helps to see the humane side to the business.
So… here goes…
Name of Agent: Sunday Samson Business name: Joseph & Samson Ventures Location: Kola Agbado Lagos [Within Western Nigeria]
Length of operations: I’ve been operating since 2011 but without a location. The business got registered last year-2022 and got a physical location this year
Comment(s): This heralds, that armed with a compelling vision to provide solutions, it is very possible to start small. On the other hand, very important to do necessary checks on agencies so one can ensure traceability (implying that the agent/agency can be contacted easily)
Target customers: As for my clients I always like for them to have the best workers from me
Comment(s): Seems he is yet to focus on a specific target audience which really enables the business to streamline their service delivery and ensure excellent outcomes.
Reasons for pursuing business: To help people especially the poor out there so they have something doing.
Comment(s): Looks like this particular agency has a social enterprise undertone- geared at empowering the lower income demographics within society. Yet there must be a nurtured balanced view so there are no blind spots limiting capacity to always look at both perspectives-the domestic help and the employer’s.
Approach to Business operations: I do not employ just anybody; I employ people I know very well or recommended by people I know very well for security reasons. I also check their background- where they stay, and everything about them before I send them to work with a client.
Customer satisfaction strategy: I talk to them (customers?) and the staff to make them understand.
Comment(s): The strategy deduced is one of effective intermediation.
Motivational factor(s): I love to do this job because I like to help people and also give them jobs free without asking for agent fees until the end of the month. For instance, like other agents do, where they have to buy forms before they are given jobs. I don’t stress anybody that comes to me for jobs before I give them jobs. Sometimes I even go ahead to have them register with me online than transport themselves down to my office.
Comment(s): A consideration for the low-income staff is obvious from the aforementioned statement made.
Times of discouragement in business experienced: Sometimes I get discouraged about the work especially when the client doesn’t understand the staff I send to them or the staff doesn’t understand the client they are working with. Sometimes I feel somehow about it but I try to talk to the clients and staffs for them to understand. I enjoy doing the business just that with everything going on in the country there is not enough money to push the business.
Essentially, every business requires heart and meaning! The maid agency business isn’t exempt.
Final comment 
: Working within the domestic agency business requires: intermediation skills, communication skills of some sort, organising skills, Interpersonal skills, a posture of empathy and compassion too…
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