I watched the movie Hidden Figures recently and there is a scene in the movie where the character goes to court to fight to be able to attend a school she cannot go to. When asked why she was doing it, she told the judge that because it had never been done, she would have to be the first.
Read moreHow becoming a new parent has taught me important business lessons
In May this year I became a mommy! What an honour and privilege it is to take care of this precious little one. And what an amazing journey it has been thus far. I went on maternity leave for 4 weeks and started easing myself back into work in the 5th week. This of course got me thinking, of how your time and priorities change, and what it’s truly like to be a working mom.
Read moreThe Dos and Don'ts of Building Your Personal Brand
As you would have read in my previous blog on why you can’t just have a business brand, personal branding encompasses the ongoing process of establishing a positive extension of who you are and what you stand for in the minds of others. In this online era, authenticity is key and can only be achieved if you create a personal brand that defines its own unique characteristics, that genuinely adds value to people’s lives.
Read moreThe Bird Chronicles
Birding (or birdwatching for those not in the know), may seem to be a fruitless pastime amidst the many challenges of life. However, when I conjure it up in my mind and envision the experience of birders, it presents itself as a welcome reprieve and distraction from the harsh ugly reality of clipped wings, the stationary, the dull, the silenced, the wingless. I ponder on Maya Angelou’s “I know why the caged bird sings” and picture the contemplative constraining space of life’s trappings and the freedom and opportunity in roaming outside of confinement but only within the boundaries of your natural capability and inclinations.
Read moreNo more excuses, make a plan!
We all know that life happens and challenges are inevitable. Some of the challenges you will have control over and others you won’t. The ultimate test to life's challenges is how you react.
Read moreMy past life resurrected
In my past life, as I like to call it, I was a project management consultant, mostly for banks. There’s a lot I miss about that life. For a while after I started my business, I did not want to miss it too much, in case I got sucked back in. I’m over it now.
Read moreHow I survived the first 3 years as a startup in the tech industry
It has definitely been among the three most difficult years of my life, but certainly the most fulfilling. A few weeks ago I reached the second milestone in my company’s career – the 3 year anniversary (the first milestone was reaching 1000 days in business). Like any major milestone in one’s life, such as a relationship anniversary or child’s birthday, this felt no different – in some ways it felt like it was literally yesterday that I clicked submit on the company registration CIPC’s site, and at other times it feels as if I’ve been running a company for at least five times as long.
Read moreSetting the record straight: You can’t just have a business brand
A business brand without a personal brand is like an empty vessel drifting at sea, without a captain to give it purpose.
Read moreUnderstanding the power of preparation
I have a confession to make… The truth is...nothing in my life has just happened. Every opportunity, job interview, meeting or connection has happened because of preparation. I have a true story to share with you that demonstrates this.
Read morePlaying small in your business doesn’t benefit anyone
After taking the courageous leap of faith to walk away from stability and a guaranteed monthly salary to become an entrepreneur, why would you play small?
Read moreUsing content to gain customers
If you’re a lioness, content isn’t new to you… You read the daily newsletters, right? And all the articles in them. You visit the Lionesses of Africa website every once in a while and you follow Lionesses on social media platforms too.
Read moreHere I thought I was Mrs Optimism…
Turns out, I’m actually a pessimist as an entrepreneur. I was reminded of my pessimistic thoughts last night as my husband proudly spoke of my company’s successes in the last few weeks.
Read moreDon’t be intimidated by positions or titles in life and business
Do you find yourself intimidated by people’s position, title or social status? Professor, Billionaire, CEO, Bishop, Queen, President or Minister are some of the titles and positions that are common in society and in the corporate world. Have you ever been intimated by the thought of engaging with individuals who hold prestigious titles or are in positions of power?
Read moreWinter is nigh
A few weeks ago we experienced a very unpleasant cold front – out came the boots, beanies and coats. Heaters were dusted, stews and dumplings warmed our bellies and talk of an impending colder winter this year, trended. I love the warm things of winter. We’ve figured it all out: central heating, warm, fluffy sweaters, winter sheets, cup-a-soups and trips to warmer locations are easy to arrange. Animals do the same, they migrate, hibernate or adapt – we could learn a thing or two from them and apply this knowledge to business.
Read moreUnhappy customers are the greatest source of learning
Customers are a key element to the existence of a business. Every entrepreneur, business owner and sales person knows what a battle it can be to find the right customers. When you have those customers, it is how you treat them that will make them come back or refer others to you.
Read moreThe art of marketing your brand successfully
Wow! How fast 2017 is flying! I’ve been quiet for a while, busy in my SummerTime happy place planning and crafting a great year ahead. Now that the plan is in place, let’s get back to the business of branding and sharing some insights around how to do it well. In my previous blog posts, we covered the topics of establishing and creating your brand. Now let’s move into how to make the most of the brand you’ve created.
Read moreOn point, en pointe
Like in ballet, let’s assume 3 positions to sum up what compels and sustains the entrepreneur. First position, the power of a well-developed idea and executed plan gives you the opportunity to audition. Second position gives you access to contracts which provides further opportunity to prove your ability and credibility to deliver. As your offering is selected and you deliver to high standards, a time may come to expand which gives you the third position.
Read moreUnderstanding Performance Appraisals for Small Businesses
I have followed the subject of Performance Appraisals closely for the past few years. Many people feel that the standard appraisal is a thing of the past, but even with the changes in the industry it has been said that employee engagement levels have not improved over the last ten years. So what can be done about this situation, particularly for small businesses.
Read moreLionesses and the Law - Contractual terms explained
When you sign an agreement, the general rule is that you are bound by what you sign – this is why it is very important that you read your contracts before entering into them and, whenever possible, appoint an attorney to assist you.
Read moreUnderstanding the Basics of Key Financial Ratios for Entrepreneurs - Part 2
As far as the accounting of your business is concerned, there are a few key reports that share vital information about your business with relevant stakeholders, these statements can also be used by the entrepreneur as an indicator of the financial health of their business. One of these reports being the statement of cash flows.
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