Fireside talks - to believe or not?

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, Picketfence.Life

To stare into flames dancing, listening to the crackling of the fire, with good company to talk to, is food for the soul. No matter where you stay, a fireplace or open fire experience is cherished and enjoyed by most people. This is the very space where we reflect on our lives, we discuss future plans, do some soul searching and learn to listen to the wisdom shared. It feels like we can handle all our problems and the world. We create friendships and new network opportunities and we do business.

How Distractions in Business can become a Costly Thing

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect and co-founder of SnappSales

Since starting this crazy mad entrepreneurial journey which is filled with passion, great rewards and eternal lessons, I’m exceptionally grateful for all the lessons that have been placed on my path, to help me grow and mature as a business owner and person. And trust me, there are many! Like learning that distractions can start costing your business money.

3 Health Benefits of Forgiveness and Letting Go

May 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

Here in the Southern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter, the winds are blowing and leaves are falling from the trees. Autumn is well and truly taking hold and Mother Nature is providing us with an opportunity to let go of the beliefs, habits and people that no longer serve us, so that we may emerge with renewed beauty and energy in Spring. So, take a leaf from Mother Nature’s book this month and just let go of the things you don’t need anymore – the health benefits may just surprise you!

Investment risk – how real is it?

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

I have yet to meet an investor who hands over their hard-earned money and says, “Invest it in a high risk investment, I love to take chances.” Unless one is talking about cryptocurrencies, but that’s a whole different story.

Own your Micro Bravery

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner, author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

I recently listened to the Tim Ferris Show podcast with his guest Caroline Paul, who is a fire fighter talking about Micro Bravery. I absolutely love this concept!

All around the world we can feel the change of seasons in the air

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, Picketfence.Life

Some of us will like the next upcoming season whilst others know they must handle a season which is not particularly their favorite. We each have a favorite time of the year. What is obvious is that we have to go through the next phase. That is a natural law. Each phase has potential. Either to cleanse or to create time to think and evaluate. Maybe to bring new beginnings like Spring or the breakthrough of the sun during summer.

Your business is changing, are you?

May 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

Business change can be driven by changes experienced by the leader as much as it can be influenced by changes in market or organic change from the business. Acknowledging when change needs to be managed is vital to ensuring successful transitions to better business. The scope of my role as a change manager is no longer limited to organizational change but includes coaching leaders to recognize and manage their personal change journeys. In this article, I share some examples of change triggers to keep in mind.

Becoming an authentic leader - Part 2

May 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Mignionette Fair, founder of Edita Services

In Part 1 of Becoming an authentic leader, I looked at what an authentic leader is and some of the important aspects of authentic leadership. This week, we look at the remaining aspects of authentic leadership including some characteristics of authentic leaders. After all, why would you want to lead like anyone else? That just means one of you isn't needed!

The importance of giving clients the experience they deserve

May 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer, Ithemba Office Solutions

I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for the past 18 years. A few minor things had changed, the shampoo lady seemed grumpy all the time, I was no longer being offered my regular cup of tea and my hairdresser was more often rushed, because appointments were overlapping. But because of my long relationship with my hairdresser, and the fact that my hair always looked good, I could overlook all the minor irritations.

The art of negotiation

April 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Founder & Director of VDP Legal Consulting

As an entrepreneur, sometimes we are so desperate for business or too eager to simply sign a deal, not only do we lose sight of what we wanted to achieve, but we sell ourselves short.

Confidence For Women. My Personal Epiphany.

April 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Abigail Klopper, founder of Abigail K Photography

Last week I had a personal epiphany. I hadn’t intended to have an epiphany – who does? It happened as a result of writing an email to a group of close friends and dear colleagues and clients. I was writing from the heart. I was sharing my truth in that moment when the epiphany hit me. It hit me like an emotional brick. It seems so obvious to me now in retrospect, but in the moment, while I was organizing my thoughts to send the email, it struck me as profound. Side Note: This is such a testament to the value of journalling! My epiphany was… that I don’t ask for help!

Wellness Management - a foundation of success in any business

April 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

It’s said that, “Health and intellect are the two blessings of life.” This is true and the two words, “health and intellect” should be what every employer emphasizes on from the recruitment phase to the exit. Beginning a new job or internship can be an exciting and stressful time. Everyone is eager to prove their worth to colleagues and managers and excited to learn new skills, as well as share their own skills set and knowledge. While it’s good to be focused on finding a company that will help meet professional goals, it’s also important to consider how the future employer will help in terms of wellness. It is prudent to note that no amount of money is worth sacrificing one’s wellness.

Use Your Imagination to Access More Courage

April 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho, PhD, founder of Mixonian Institute

Einstein put it this way, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." I say, let’s just play pretend something amazing and see what happens.

Develop your change fitness

April 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Leigh Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

Any reason could motivate you to improve your physical fitness: a new year’s resolution, a personal goal, a special occasion or a health scare. You may prepare an exercise schedule, eating plan, employ a personal trainer or partner with an exercise buddy to achieve your fitness goals. Besides physical fitness is not only beneficial to your health, it improves your mood, memory, attention span and improves your overall productivity and energy to support you in your demanding role as an entrepreneur.

The power of LinkedIn and what it means for your Business

April 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect and co-founder of SnappSales

Are you one of those people that absolutely loves social media or completely hates it? I have the privilege of mentoring a few start-ups and one of the most common blockers we talk about is how to find new clients. Now it’s going to be quite a challenge if you despise social media in light of what follows. However, if you’re a newbie business owner, you’re just starting out with a rather shall we say “tight” marketing budget, then social media is your friend.

Understanding the virtues of custom made or bulk retail

April 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

What is custom make/made? Some people call it bespoke, private clients, exclusivity, etc. I have been doing custom make since the business started; I did not choose this approach, it just kind of happened. I decided I wanted to make clothes and the flow into custom make came about just because the orders per client I received at the time, required a specific, detailed and more personal approach - a custom make service. But I am currently also, some of my family and friends would say ‘finally’, in the process of including retail in the business model. People think it is a process of just deciding to multiply a certain style by a bigger quantity and voila! No, it is not!

About that 'L' word!

April 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, Picketfence.Life

As part of a tribe of amazing Lionesses I know you will love this story which fits in perfect with many common journeys we share. When we embark on an exciting journey through the jungle or the bush we start off with excitement, anticipation, happiness and all those emotions that sends endorphins to our body. We also start with a good dose of fear.

Own Your Tribe

April 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure book — a compilation of tools, tactics, and habits from 130+ of the world’s top performers. From iconic entrepreneurs to elite athletes, from artists to billionaire investors, their short profiles can help you answer life’s most challenging questions, achieve extraordinary results, and transform your life.

Do you have a can do attitude?

April 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, cofounder of VA Connect and cofounder of SnappSales

In a mentoring session today with my top mentor, he made an interesting observation. He said that one of the things he has observed is my ‘can do’ attitude. This got me thinking about our general attitude towards business amongst women entrepreneurs.

Train 'em while they’re young!

April 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

When is the right time to involve your kids in your business?... Today was the first official day of ‘work’, for my two daughters, both aged under 12. I gave them instructions to the tasks that I needed done, which were mostly the cleaning of tuna cans for our Toona Can product. After I explained the task I went over to my desk and attended to some emails. After a while I heard some bickering between the two of them. They were struggling to divide the work and defining roles. I heard the eldest, Chelsea, (in a highly irritated voice) say: “It’s impossible to work with you Kirsten!” And she walked off! I had to chuckle!