the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
by Laura Camacho, PhD
As a leader, telling people what to do is easy. I love it. The only problem is it doesn't work. Asking questions engages the brain at a deeper level than simply listening. Questions also foster co-creation, build better relationships, and spark new ideas.
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by Laura Camacho, PhD
Have you ever noticed how the best professional photographers make brilliant first impressions and connect with models and ordinary people like you and me to get that stunning photograph? Today, I’m sharing 3 nonverbal communication tips I learned from a professional photographer and author, Nicholas Boothman. You probably already know that nonverbal factors are often much more impactful than your word choices.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Here's something I've noticed over the years coaching men and women in various professions: Women consistently identify themselves as having low confidence and seek support in building it up. I've never had a man raise a lack of confidence as a primary concern.
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by Thembe Khumalo
At a recent meeting with entrepreneurs, I was asked about overcoming imposter syndrome. No one liked it when I responded by asking, “Are you an imposter?” This is an uncomfortable question, particularly when you are regularly questioning your abilities, feeling insecure, and struggling to feel confident in a particular role or task. For you to be able to respond with a firm “No,” to such a question you need to be sure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills for the work you are proposing to do. And that was my point in asking the question.
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by Laura Camacho, PhD
Influence is a skill set, not just reserved for the big shots. What to focus on is being memorable for the value you add to the conversation. Welcome to the ABCs of Influence, with the specific details that make a difference in the art of influence.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Were you struggling to attract sign-ups for your coaching or consulting services last year? Did you find potential clients hesitating due to pricing concerns? You're not alone in this challenge. What you truly desire is a steady stream of eager leads and clients who appreciate the value you bring. And that’s what you need to set yourself up to attract this year. Here are some ways you may have been sabotaging your success without realizing it.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Are you tired of taking every job that comes your way, offering discounts, and working on assignments you're not specialized in? It's time to break free from the scarcity mindset, stop working ridiculous hours, and dealing with abusive clients. Let's dive into why this approach doesn't work.
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by Laura Camacho
At least 80% of what we do, probably 99%, is communicating. We ask people to buy things, do things, approve budgets, make changes, show up, and go here, instead of there. Being articulate is an asset you can cultivate.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Look, I realise how frightening it can be to step forward into a fast-moving marketplace that can sometimes also. be very confusing. But if you’re serious about professional growth and business expansion you’re going to have to overcome fears of being seen, making marketing mistakes, facing judgment, or stumbling in your pursuits. These apprehensions will rob you of your confidence and the elevation you desire. Try to make peace with the fact that you will make mistakes — everybody does after all, and then focus on building yourself a well-defined personal brand.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Let’s face it, there are a whole lot of coaches consultants, and other service-based solopreneurs out there who are working for a lot less than what they are worth. Sometimes, it's because you hear so much about how bad the economy is that you try to avoid coming across as lacking empathy, or worse still, arrogant. Years spent in traditional employment can also limit our self-worth because we have pegged our value at whatever our last employer decided it should be. This undervaluation can lead to reluctance and hesitancy to share knowledge, and the pursuit of side hustles.
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by Lori Milner
How would you rate your last conversation out of ten – ten being where the other person felt seen and truly heard and one being where you were so focused on your own inner chatter that you don't even remember what was said? Now, if you scored less than an 8, it's time for a new set of skills. I'm not going to tell you to nod and show you are paying attention because a great listener doesn't need to prove they can listen. A great listener must show the other person they have been heard. A great listener helps other people share more.
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by Thembe Khumalo
In the world of entrepreneurship, there is no place to hide. Where the corporate world might have allowed you the cover of a jacket and tie, a shiny pair of shoes, and an impressive title, entrepreneurship strips you naked, and leaves you with nothing but yourself and your wits — or whatever it is that you bring to the table.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Maya Angelou says that courage is the most important of all the virtues, because “without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” Of all the virtues required in our nation at this time, courage is probably the one we need the most, and not just courage but consistent courage. Here are my thoughts on how we might begin to find our courage:
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by Thembe Khumalo
It is a beautiful thing when a personal brand lives out its own manifesto. It fills me with awe and wonder to watch someone else unleash the full force of their fabulosity on the world. In case you’re wondering, yes fabulosity is a real word, made famous by fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Are we still debating the importance of building your brand in a fast-paced and interconnected world? Didn’t think so! It’s an essential tool for African leaders looking to stand out, make an impact, and unlock new opportunities. One more time, for those who are new here — your personal brand is how you show up in the world; how you present yourself, your values, and your unique attributes to those you wish to influence. Now for the how-to: here are some step-by-step strategies you can leverage to build a strong personal brand.
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by Catia Mondlane
First impressions are essential in sales as they can make or break a potential deal. Customers often make judgments about a salesperson within the first few seconds of meeting them, based on their appearance, body language, and communication skills. To make a good first impression, it is important to do your research, have all the necessary materials, practice your pitch beforehand, dress professionally, arrive early, and learn how to read people. Additionally, it is important to be confident and personable, as first impressions are crucial in sales.
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by Brigette Mashile
My biggest strength in running a business in South Africa is that I am multilingual. I can comprehend Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana, isiSwati, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, isiXhosa, isiZulu, English and Afrikaans. I am struggling with isiNdebele, and lately Shona; the reason for Shona is merely the fact that we have over 700 000 Zimbabweans living in SA, and a portion of them are definitely Shona. If they are Ndebele, I can comprehend it too as it sounds (to me) close to isiZulu.
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by Laura Camacho
You probably know it’s better to ask questions than to tell your team the answer. But answering their questions is so much faster! Easier! Who has time to play Socrates?
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by Laura Camacho
The Covid Lockdown changed so many things. More people than you think are feeling awkward with social situations, especially those related to work. It’s like falling off a bicycle, you just have to get back on. Social anxiety is like a mindset. OK, I realize some people have a psychological diagnosis related to social anxiety, but for most of us, it’s a mindset. It’s time to lose that. Just be your iconic self.
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by Thembe Khumalo
I’m hoping we are now over the initial “New Year Resolution Madness” where we pledge to do great and mighty exploits, only to find ourselves fading before the first month of the year is out. I’m not proposing any new resolutions to take up, just some ideas about what you could do differently (and why) to level up your business and your career this year.
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