Always be closing: The ABC of business

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

On Thursday, I had a full day of meetings scheduled in Cape Town City. I had a product-related meeting that lasted three hours till about lunch time. After I was done with my meeting I made my way to the car in the mezzanine parking lot. By this time I was ravenous and I needed to eat before going onto my next meeting. I packed all my sample products and display units in the car and took out the left-overs from supper that I brought from home. I made myself comfortable in the driver seat, and just took a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet and my meal!

Living your Best Life as an Entrepreneur

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

When you wake up on a Monday morning thinking its Saturday, I reckon that’s a great start to the week! Although some of you probably wouldn’t agree with this because more than likely you’ll feel disappointed to realize its Monday. I love Mondays! To me it’s symbolic of a fresh start to the week, an opportunity to start on a clean slate and do even better than what we did last week.

PANICKING ABOUT POPI?

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

I have had numerous clients hearing the adverts on the radio, or being misinformed by their fellow entrepreneurs, and calling me in a panic about the POPI Act - Protection of Personal Information Act. So let me unpack it for you...

Conversations are the currency of change

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Susan Cain delivering her TED Talk on the the power of introverts

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

Susan Cain is most famous for her Ted Talk ‘The Power of Introverts’. In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

The challenges of the wedding dress designer in Africa

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigitte Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

It is May, and I have had a few requests about weddings - mostly for events in December, and most of them believe it is still early to start the planning. No, it is not! A wedding party is a big job to dress, especially in South Africa where we have three or more bridesmaids and groomsmen; and we mostly have two weddings at a time. This is good business for a fashion designer but with more work comes more challenges. This is why it is essential that you start as early as possible; especially if you as the bride need more than one dress too.

Own your feedback

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

I came across a podcast where leadership guru, Simon Sinek, was being interviewed by Tony Robbins. He mentioned a concept I hadn’t heard of before - ‘Care-frontation’. In my research, I came across a great definition that characterizes it as follows...

Incorporating change habits into your day

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Leigh Ann Gowland

Rapid change, disruption, adaptability, agility and flexibility are recurring words in daily business conversations from strategy to operations. Whether the change is triggered within the organisation or from the external environment how you respond to the change determines success. The best mechanism to manage constant change is to incorporate change habits into your daily activities, hone your change abilities and be prepared for unexpected changes. Change is no longer an event or process but an ability to continuously adapt.

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.