Many organizations forget that their employees are human beings and have lives of their own, because they are so focused on chasing the numbers and the targets. But, if your employees are not happy, don’t enjoy coming to work, and feel like their contribution is not being valued they will eventually stop giving their best and start looking for other options.
Read moreImpi – the art of war
An analogy of war conjures up images of destruction, conflict, pain, looters, prisoners, death and losers. There are no real winners in war – victory and winning mean different things in wartime, yet it is used as a backdrop to many a competitive strategy.
Read moreMastering the art of perseverance
Earlier this year, I made the decision to go back to school to pursue my Master’s degree in Communication Management at the University of Pretoria. I admit that the first 6 months of this journey were challenging. I was focusing on my business, running a youth development programme and concentrating on my studies…it was overwhelming!
Read moreIt’s who you know that counts
Networks are those connections and pathways that define the world around us; in our communities, relationships and business engagements. The first modern talk of networks was technically in reference to a collection of computer components that were interconnected by communication channels, allowing a sharing of resources and information. Nothing new here – nations have always used their networks to get ahead.
Read moreWhat rebranding can do for your business
Did you know that Google has undergone seven major logo changes since 1998? Coca-Cola, too, has gone from ‘Drink Coca-Cola and enjoy it’ in 1886 to ‘Taste the feeling’ in 2016 (changing its slogan a whopping 57 times since it first went to market). Even Standard Bank, the bank that’s perhaps the most prominent among the Lionesses community, wasn’t always ‘Moving Forward’.
Read moreLet’s talk about fear
I strive to live a courageous life. This pursuit for courageous living has seen me embark on some bold, adventurous and passion-filled pursuits such as traveling alone for my first trip overseas, leaving my 9 to 5 job to build my business, going back to school to pursue my Masters degree, and most recently sharing a weekly inspirational email with you that I hope you are finding valuable :)
Read moreUnderstanding the Changing HR Environment for Entrepreneurs
Some industry commentators call the Human Resources function in any business the last bastion of bureaucracy and it is seen in its traditional role – the department that merely hires and fires the staff needed to do the jobs. However, today the HR role should be seen differently.
Read moreUbuntu – I am because you are
People produce and people consume. Businesses are because of people – it is a commercialized form of Ubuntu. One cannot exist without the other.
Read moreClients not paying? What are your options?
You probably know them all… the “eager beaver” client; the “overly persistent” client; the “difficult” client; the “know-it-all” client; the “nice-to-have cooperative” client. Be your preference in client as it may…. the worst client of them all is the “bad payer” or “late payer” or “no pay at all” client.
Read moreLearning how to say NO in life and business
How many times have you said yes or committed to something and later regretted it? And then find yourself looking for every excuse in the book to get out of said commitment. If this resonates with you, then read on…
Read moreHow Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Can Be a Pathway to Success
As every entrepreneur would agree, we are a special breed of people who have the courage to turn our passions into businesses and make our dreams a reality.
Read moreThe Chutzpah of a Liberty Lioness
Starting a business is for the brave. It takes courage, optimizing on resources and having a big personality. We all know that a business that makes it is a reflection of who the entrepreneur is.
Read moreIs your business stealing from you?
A few days ago, I scheduled a quiet morning to analyze my business as I needed to get some clarity…some balance. I am sure you know the feeling. I needed to re-group and gather myself so I decided to visit the library. Not wanting any interruptions, I unplugged my laptop and switched off my phone. Taking a notebook and pencil, I started doing a SWOT analysis. As I worked through my business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, I made a startling discovery! Imagine my surprise when I suddenly realized, my business has been stealing from me!
Read moreWhy soft skills are key to our success
I hear many people and companies say that soft skills training is a warm and fuzzy exercise. I believe in most cases this is a lack of knowledge or egos getting in the way of acknowledging the key role and benefits that these skills play in both individual and organizational growth.
Read moreHow to stand steadfast in the midst of turmoil in your business
We’ve all experienced this as entrepreneurs - that moment when everything feels like it’s falling apart, nothing seems to be going right, almost as if the world is conspiring against you. But do not fear, ask any seasoned entrepreneur and they’ll admit that they too have been through turmoil in their business and earned their t-shirt.
Read moreFace up to it! It's time to overcome your fear of the Pitch
By Marang Marekimane, founder of Business in Theory
Learn how to pitch so you aren’t afraid to pitch – that was the advice I was given. The irony is I’ve given similar advice to other people, and like most people, I didn’t listen to my own advice.
Read moreKeeping your business on target means having a great marketing approach
Many entrepreneurs miss the importance of having a marketing strategy and a plan. Some don’t understand the difference between the two, and some feel that it is only important once you have a bigger brand and you can afford to hire a marketing manager with the skill-set to create and manage all marketing activities. But it is actually crucial to have one in place.
Read moreWhen life happens, make a plan
Growing up my parents worked in retail. My Dad at Pick 'n Pay and my Mom at Clicks. For the most part of my childhood we never had a car at home. I remember how my mom would take her lunch break at work to fetch me at school so she could walk with me and drop me at the taxi rank. Even though we didn’t have a car, my parents always made sure that I never missed great opportunities. Whether it was participating in sports, cultural or academic activities, I always saw my parents make a plan. Either they asked close family and friends for lifts or they taught me how to use taxis.
Read moreA legal guide to contracts in South Africa
Many entrepreneurs will enter into many contracts in their lifetime. Unfortunately, some are not even aware that they have entered into a contract, and some have no idea of what they are actually signing. The law of contract is important because it gives importance and enforceability to a promise.
Read moreWhat learning to swim late in life is teaching me about being innovative and conquering fear
I CAN’T SWIM! At the age of 38, that is an embarrassing confession to make. Three weeks ago, I decided to finally change that narrative and started taking swimming lessons!
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