Social media horror! Here's how I reduced my social media overload

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

By Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

A few months back I decided to remove myself from social media. Okay, let us say a percentage of me. Or, was it a decision to remove social media from my life? I made a conscious decision to limit my time on it for personal reasons. The biggest reason is social media is LOUD. And most of the time the loudness is so much negativity and pain happening all over the world. So much information filed into my mind on a daily basis, and in some instances I found myself interacting emotionally, it was just not good. One of the reasons our grandmothers have great skin is that they honestly didn’t know as much as we know about everything…and they made it through life!

The best productivity tips for parenting entrepreneurs

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, founder of VA Connect and SnappSales

Life loves throwing us curveballs at the best of times. It’s going to happen and it will continue happening. So, the question is, how do we best manage this? As entrepreneurs we are solution-based thinkers. This means that we are continuously seeking solutions as opposed to looking straight into the problem. It could take years of figuring out, adapting, changing, making sure that your process and flow work for you.

The importance of staying fit and healthy as an entrepreneur

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Hlengiwe Moepe, founder of Marpemed

As an entrepreneur, are you fully aware of the importance of good nutrition, and avoiding becoming overweight or obese? Your food choices each day affect your health — how you feel today, tomorrow, and in the future. Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity, your diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), and promote your overall health.

How to Stay Focused at Work and in Business During Tough Times

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

Women have been known for being nurturers by nature, and it is only with the emancipation and empowerment that women have started taking on roles traditionally thought to be for men, and also undertaking entrepreneurial activities. However, it is wise to note that there is still a need for women to balance their nurturing roles in the family, as well as their roles in the workplace and in their businesses.

The challenges of hiring staff as an entrepreneur

August 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In the 4 years that Roka Roko has been in existence, I have hired 6 people and lost all of them, each for different reasons. I have learned how tough it is to find the right person to hire and keep them. A lot of us say hiring is growth and give it a status, making it sound fancy and grand. Well, it is the same as the fashion industry, nothing fancy but really challenging.

The Human Touch

August 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

In our ‘always on’, technology obsessed world, we have started to lose the human element in our communication with others. People sitting in an open plan office, across from each other would prefer to send an email than to walk over and discuss the project, issue, fill in the blank. Firstly, the amount of time wasted in countless email trails, could be solved in less than 5 minutes of face-face time.

Focus on a cup half full, not half empty

August 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Last night, as I am yet again worrying instead of sleeping as per ‘normal human behavior’, I started scolding myself for worrying so much. And in turn helping the anxiety exist within me… and possibly assisting hypertension to revel! It is midnight or just after midnight, and yes as per ‘Brigette normal behavior’, I am awake. I am in bed counting all the orders I have for this week; and the how much it will cost to make them and whether I have all those deposits, etc. In my process of worry a voice says ‘worry about what you do have, and not what you do not have.’

Own your mistakes

August 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

Failure is a natural part of life and the journey to success – whatever that may mean to you. In my workshops on personal branding, I teach people that when you do make a mistake, the first step is to own it and then use that as an opportunity to exceed expectations. Be solutions orientated and always find a way to make a plan. If the situation is out of your control, then manage your client’s expectations and be as transparent as possible. We are human which means we are fallible. People are more forgiving when they are part of the solution and also when you don’t try play the blame game.

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.

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