by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
When times are tough, when times are uncertain, indeed, when times are frightening, let us not make our lives anymore complex - let’s just keep it simple.
Read moreBusiness forecasting exists to make fortune-telling look good
By Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
Back in March of this year we begged all to keep focus, that we were not out of the woods yet, that in spite of Africa as a whole having had a relatively ‘good’ Covid war (and there is nothing good obviously about any deaths or business failure, but it was significantly below the horrific expectations for Africa, thankfully) in our Weekender article (here) entitled “Now is the time to focus!” we urged all to not relax - it’s not over by a long shot.
Read moreCan you really prepare for a Grizzly Bear attack?
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
About to start our usual writing session for the Lioness Weekender and discussing all the fascinating topics we have been lucky enough to experience in business, and our Head of Finance pops into the room, sits down, hands over a nicely typed warning for our readers, plus a lovely picture of a Grizzly Bear tapping his fingers and patiently waiting!
Read moreDragons and the Art of Pricing your Time!
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
Having received many questions about last week’s blog discussing the value of certain customers and how we seemed to be quite happy to lose customers, we just want to make one point before we move to an unemotional and purely clinical look at your products. The undercurrent of both these letters is Time.
Read moreValue your Time, Customers and Cash!
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
The lockdowns are starting to be reviewed and in some cases reversed, but have we been making full use of our time to prepare our businesses for when the doors open and life returns to some semblance of normality?
Read moreQuote of the Day by Marta Roff
Marta Roff, founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions, Mozambique
“We have been given the gift of time to stop and think about what is important ... take advantage.”
Marta Roff, founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions, Mozambique
Read moreThe Buyer’s Journey
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
In trying to prepare ourselves for the wasteland that might face us when we reopen our doors, we should be looking at how to fine-tune our offering to our clients in a world where sales will be everything. A single sale could mean the difference between keeping your workers on or going bust.
Read moreThink outside the box, have fun and earn US$!
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
You may have noticed the falling of all currencies in Africa against the US$, this means two things:
that everyone is after one thing - US$
that your value to the rest of the world just got far stronger.
Entrepreneur Advice from Djamila da Sousa / Stay calm and innovate
Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)
Stay calm and innovate…
“This is a very unique moment in history where no-one has certain answers, as it is new to everyone. It is time to stay calm and think how to innovate in our businesses to stay relevant and to serve society. Now more than ever we have to join forces and support each other.”
Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)
Read moreCoronavirus, for those experiencing Demand Shock
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
Empathy is a Superpower along with your Fair but Firm Leadership. Empathy with and for your employees is what is going to get you and them through these challenging times. Empathy is not a weakness, you can understand what they are going through, understand their fears, whilst still doing what is best for the company, your employees and for the community at large. But to do this you must keep in your mind.
Read moreCoronavirus - Resist!
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
Two ‘Lioness Weekenders’ ago, we dived straight into the most important aspect of our business lives, that of Cash Flow. This week, the London Business School showed us why it is Cash Flow that is the only thing that keeps our Head of Finance awake at night.
Read moreMessage of support from Melanie Hawken. As a Lioness of Africa, you are not alone!
Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa
From Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa
What turbulent and uncertain times we are living in. The COVID 19 virus outbreak globally has created a new and challenging reality for us all. Businesses are feeling the pain already, and the true impact of the crisis is still unknown. As entrepreneurs, we are dealing with a multitude of issues, from managing cashflow, through to trying to get sales when the market is struggling. At Lionesses of Africa, we understand what our community of 1 million+ women entrepreneurs is going through, and we are committed to playing our part in trying to help.
Read moreCoronavirus - Leadership is the number one superpower during times of crisis
From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept.
Last week we looked at the most important aspect of any business when times turn tough - that of Cash Flow. Please note those practical steps have worked for our team in other businesses around the globe, and although not guaranteed to work in every case, will at least encourage thinking in our Lionesses to preparing for the threat coming.
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