We need to step up and own the narrative about entrepreneurship

August 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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by Phindile Ndlovu, founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

We are urged so many times to support our local brands, to support small businesses, and even support black female owned businesses. We are encouraged to support those who are from disadvantaged groupings, who have stepped out and took the risk of starting businesses. I concede - starting a business coming from a disadvantaged position is hard and you need a good support system. When that business does not go well that month, that means the bills will not be paid and the family will struggle to have food on the table. So yes, we need to support, local, small and black owned businesses.

As women we need to hear more realistic stories of what it takes to succeed behind the power suits

August 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka, founder of MR Consulting

A year ago I became a new mom. No one could have adequately prepared me for what motherhood had in store for me. I found out about my pregnancy two days after my wedding day and my life has been a complete rollercoaster ever since.

Make your business hours work for you and your clients

August 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

I’m sitting on the couch watching yet another episode of FRIENDS, which I have seen before and I’m laughing like it’s the first time. I have 2 deadlines for today, 1 for tomorrow, 1 for Wednesday and 3 more for Saturday. But I am sitting on this couch for this 30 minutes, for me. I have just finished forcing myself to finish a whole sandwich and a cup of coffee; energy is necessary. My lovely phone is buzzing and beeping away right next to me and I am ignoring it, totally. Just for 30 minutes.

Every road that is worth traveling on will bring its own set of challenges

August 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, founder of PicketFence Life

If you are not willing to go through the difficult processes then you might end up missing out on something beautiful. A most glorious picture or a natural wonder that you have been traveling miles for.

My ABC of business: Ice Cream can be good for you!

August 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

The other day a friend and I were having a WhatsApp conversation, and we were specifically sending each other voice notes. It was a rainy day here in Cape Town and I was sitting behind my desk working. I assumed she was at her flat where she still lives in Johannesburg. As we were catching up she started venting on how difficult the road of entrepreneurship is.

It Is Not Business As Usual

August 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Gone are the days where cellphones were limited to phone-calls and messaging. Gone are the days where communication was slow and restricted by borders. Globalization, a cliché that remains relevant, has changed the way we do things. We talk, brand ourselves and trade differently. Ultimately business has changed.

The lowdown on Supplier Development or Enterprise Development Funding (in my opinion)

August 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer of Ithemba Office Solutions

Last year, I was approached by an investment fund with an opportunity. The brief from their client was to find a majority woman-owned stationery company that they could invest in. After hearing my pitch at an event, they were sufficiently impressed to put Ithemba forward for this fantastic opportunity. 'That is the power of a good sales pitch' but that is a discussion for another day.

Balancing your financial backpack

August 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, founder of PicketFence Life

Have you ever been on a trip with a backpack? Maybe across continents or on a short student holiday, even a great big one through the jungle or Africa? You will understand the day that you start off to ensure that you have packed your backpack just right? Right?

The challenge of managing operational capital

August 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

I have written many pieces on the issue with operational capital…in simpler language, money. Others call it petty cash, pocket money, or disposable income. This is money every business or person should have to spend on unforeseen circumstances. This is a tricky thing because you are already trying to juggle what you have amongst the expenses you have; now I need extra cash for ‘in case’! Well…ok then.

Own your overwhelm

August 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

In our technologically driven world, we become more and more dependent on technology for everything. My go-to app for driving is Waze. Even if I know the route, I refer to it to view the quickest way by traffic flow, anything to scrape even those precious 5 minutes off the commute. Now have you ever scrolled ahead on the screen to look and see where its taking you. You then get a screen that looks something like this…with a big Re-centre message.

What It Means to Have a Strong Business Posture

August 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, founder of VA Connect and SnappSales

I remember like it was yesterday, starting out in business and taking on clients and suppliers that in your gut just didn’t feel right. We’ve all been guilty of this. We feel that when we are a start-up or new to the entrepreneurial world that we should take on any client to gain the much needed experience and exposure. And who is going to say no to that additional income, right?

What Skill in Business Conversation Looks Like

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho, PhD

There’s art and science in business communication, don’t you think? You need to affirm and appreciate people AND you need them to change certain behaviors. One behavior change might be buying your product and another might be answering the office phone a certain way.

Great expectations

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

In a recent workshop I trained on personal branding, the topic of saying yes to please other people came up. And more so around the debate of wanting to show up as a credible and reliable brand but also knowing your boundaries and limitations. My advice I shared was about managing people’s expectations. If someone asks us to do something, we feel this compulsion to want to solve it for them today or under an unrealistic deadline in order to appear ‘super’ efficient and not want to let them down.

Getting through the bad times

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

When I was younger, I hated going through tough times. Actually, I was mortified by them. I would drive myself into a frenzy of anxiety expecting them, then depress myself during them, and then just be in a bad mood afterwards. I was under the impression that bad things and times should not ever happen. Life is meant to be an easy, happy, fun and enjoyable experience. Here, ladies is one of the reasons I don’t miss being young!

Staying the course through thick and thin

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

It’s always easy to start something new, but not always easy to stay the course. Starting a new project, a new business or even an investment plan, for that matter, is exciting - you have a vision of where you are headed and you are fired up, motivated and focused.

Leaving a legacy

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB, Director VDP LEGAL CONSULTING (PTY) LTD

Ever thought about what will happen to your business when you die? No? Well, maybe you should – you are your business’ most important asset! You don’t want your passion, your lifeblood, all your hard work to die with you! Isn’t the whole point of being an entrepreneur to create a lasting legacy – not only for yourself but for your family too!

Believing in yourself and your business when no one else will

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Kulani Shiluvane, Founder and Chief Consultant at Shiluvah

In the age where becoming your own boss is becoming the order of the day, the dream of entrepreneurship and the realities of entrepreneurship often present a harsh reality that not everyone is ready for. However, does mean that one should walk away when the going gets tough?

Surviving the annual winter virus season as an entrepreneur

July 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

One of the worst things that can happen to me, or any business person, is getting sick and needing to give myself a sick note, and as a result, not working. My business, Roka Roko, is a wheel that needs to keep turning, and every day is so vital to the entire month being a success and ultimately the entire business dream. You see, I haven’t managed to get myself to a point where I can afford a week off! So, we need to ensure that we do not take more than a day off in any week; plus all the other reasons like clients needing a dress in a week’s time. So, as we are in the annual winter virus season, flu is not an option. No, no, no!

The Solopreneur's guide to sanity: 5 must have’s if you are a One Woman Show

July 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

Working as a solopreneur has never been easier, or more tough and demanding. There’s a lot of freedom that comes from being a one-woman show, but there is also a ton of stress and if you are not careful, you may get caught up in the madness of believing the insane idea that you have to work morning, noon and night.

Taking charge of your own personal development is key

July 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

Often we hire for skill yet fire for behavior. This is because we tend to measure skills on qualifications, years of experience, achievements and organisations worked at. Just because one person thrived in a role does not mean they will thrive in a new role as the environment and team dynamics will contribute to the way someone behaves. It’s far easier to teach someone skills than it is to try and teach them the behavior you need.

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