Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
Being an entrepreneur, particularly a solopreneur, is not for the faint of heart. It takes a certain kind of persistence, determination and whole lot of caffeine to be a successful solopreneur! As a woman entrepreneur myself, I understand only too well the challenges faced by women in the business world, particularly those involving time management.
The challenges for Africa’s women entrepreneurs in breaking into new markets
Guest Blog by Clare Kagimu, interior architect and designer and founder of Phoenix Design
In today's highly competitive marketplace, creating a unique differentiator in our businesses in order to get noticed, and doing what it takes to stand out from the crowd in the right way, has never been more important. This month, we share a few helpful tips on how to get your business to stand out from the crowd and get into new markets.
Read moreAfrica’s leading women designers, makers and crafters attract global interest
An emerging industry, design from Africa, is drawing increased global attention, and with it the success stories of women across the continent taking leading roles in the industry's development; from women-run cooperatives bringing together several hundred women, to university graduates taking their futures into their own hands by creating jobs for themselves and others.
Read moreTREND WATCH: Co-work spaces just for women. Can these dedicated new spaces help Africa's women entrepreneurs break down barriers in the male-dominated startup world on the continent?
One Roof Co-working spaces for women entrepreneurs, Venice Beach, CA, United States
There is a real global buzz about co-working spaces providing a great launchpad for young entrepreneurs who want to hit the ground running, stay lean and fast, and keep operational costs to a minimum. So, will the creation of dynamic new women co-working spaces in Africa help to drive a new and empowering era for women entrepreneurs on the continent? This month, Lionesses of Africa speaks to two young pioneering women entrepreneurs from the US and Australia who are globally rolling out these women co-working spaces, and who are looking at Africa as a possible next destination.
Read more5 tips to help you take that first big leap of faith and start your entrepreneurial journey
Perfect moment? I am not really sure if there is such. As an entrepreneur, there is no time like the present to make your dream a reality. It might take you a while to dive in at the deep end, but just know that you are delaying your destiny. A minute, a week, a month is way too long to have your dream deterred. Take a leap of faith and get on with realising your entrepreneurial dream.
Read moreA View on the Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs from the African Diaspora
Guest Blog by Clare Kagimu, a Ugandan-born, but now UK resident, this talented Interior Architect and Designer shares her insights on the challenges facing women entrepreneurs both at home and abroad.
Read moreHow to work with a Virtual Assistant to Manage your Social Media
Love it or Hate it, social media is here to stay. As a smart entrepreneur you know the power that social media platforms carry. Combine all the social media platforms available, and you have an instant powerhouse of brand recognition, digital marketing and a 24/7 sales rep on your side. The downside? Great social media takes time and we all know time is a precious resource!
Read more5 Top Tips To Improve Your Entrepreneurial Networking Skills
Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube
Over the years the business world has drastically changed. With the rapid developments and significant improvements in the technology we use each day, we have the world literally at our fingertips 24/7, and what we do with it is what will help us make it in business, or not. It also means that they way we network has changed dramatically too.
Read moreHow to save time and energy by harnessing the support of a VA
Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
Even a superhero needs an assistant, and in the world of entrepreneurship, that is certainly the case. Having that key person by your side to assist you as part of your support team will free you up to do the more important things when it comes to growing your business.
Read more4 Steps to learning the art of delegation
Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
What is one of the many traits of a highly successful business person? Having the power to let go! That’s right, I know that delegating is an art and it is a skill that you need to develop and hone.
Read moreKAMERS 2015 Autumn Expo Showcases the Best of Women Makers and Crafters in Cape Town, South Africa
Guest Blog by Georgie Polkinghorne, LoA Cape Town City Reporter
Classic architectural design met innovation and handcrafted creativity at the KAMERS Autumn 2015 Cape Town showcase at the majestic Cape Town City Hall in South Africa this month.
Read moreRise up like a lioness
Guest Blog by Clare Kagimu, a talented Ugandan-born, Interior Architect and Designer, now resident in the UK shares her insights on the new creative force of women in design.
Read moreWhy the VA is an entrepreneur’s best friend
Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
“Grow your business without growing your staff” – now wouldn’t that be the ideal way to build and grow your amazing start-up. And the best part? With the help of a Virtual Assistant, or as we are more fondly known as - VA’s, it is now completely possible and within reach.
Read more10 tasks that a busy Entrepreneur can handover to a great Virtual Assistant
Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
I know how busy you get during the day, tying up loose ends and making sure the boat is still floating at the end of the day. The key to saving valuable hours in the day as a busy entrepreneur is quite clear – get the help you need by hiring a Virtual Assistant.
Read moreA window of opportunity opens for Africa’s fashion industry - the trick is to keep it open
Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi, co-founder and director of award-winning Ugandan fashion retail outlet, BOLD Kampala, gives her thoughts on the opportunities presented to the African fashion industry through the recent global interest in African print fabrics.
Read more5 Top tips to keep you motivated as a solopreneur
Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube
It is sometimes hard to stay motivated when the business environment is looking gloomy, compounded by the fact that the regional economy is having its share of ups and downs, ultimately driving most solopreneurs crazy.
Read more10 Top tips to help you to find the perfect Virtual Assistant
The reality is that behind every successful entrepreneur is one person who takes care of these must-do’s for them. And, a Virtual Assistant is the perfect solution for this. Now you may be wondering how do I go about finding this perfect Virtual Assistant?
Read more5 simple tips to stop you wasting time and instead make the most of every minute
Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube
Tick tock, tick tock – let’s be honest, we have all sat listening to the sound of a clock ticking away the hours and minutes whilst we procrastinate about doing the things we really need to be doing. But the reality is that time really doesn’t wait for anyone, so we all need to stop the habit of saying: “I will do it tomorrow”. Here are 5 simple tips to stop your procrastinating.
Read more3 Ways to stay positive when you're faced with overwhelming hurdles and challenges
Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube
In business, as in life, I frequently hear the saying: “There is light at the end of the tunnel”. However, we need to remind ourselves that even though sometimes it is quite difficult to walk through the tunnel, particularly in the face of challenges or hurdles (and this particularly applies in the entrepreneurial space), we just need to give ourselves a little push and keep walking.
Read moreThe secret to entrepreneurial success? Find your niche
For many aspirant women entrepreneurs in Africa who have a particular specialist expertise or depth of experience in an industry sector, the key to getting going in business is having a great idea and finding a niche that you can slot into in order to achieve success. LoA guest blogger, Comfort Badaru, shares her personal thoughts on the importance of finding your niche.
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