by Mandisa Makubalo, founder of Unlimited Experiences
What is "Customer First Talk"? How does this look, tangibly, and how does a company recognize that it’s moved beyond ‘customer first talk’ to delivering value for its customers?
Read moreThere must be more to caring than copy…paste…share. At least, I hope so!
by Alice da Silva
Now and then on Facebook I see a certain post. It’s about suicide awareness, and usually invites others to copy, paste and share. Sometimes it includes a dare, something like, ‘Most people won’t share, but I know who will’. The post usually has multi-coloured hearts and a sort of story about how, ‘I am always available if you need to talk…’
Read moreFinding the best operating model for your fashion business
by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko
When I started Roka Roko, I didn’t consider my options as to how I wanted to operate. I didn’t think that far ahead. My main goal was to make clothes people felt and looked amazing in. I had been postponing my dream for at least 10 years and finally the opportunity was here. So, I just dove in. As the years passed, I became more and more exposed to other fashion businesses and ways of operation. I toyed with a few operating models and realizedthat it is better to find one and stick to it. I mean, you can 80% do one, and maybe 20% another; but your cash cow needs to be clear and strictly followed.
Read moreThe ultimate productivity hack
by Lori Milner
I have written many articles and run master classes about how to own your Time. This includes tools about dealing with procrastination, multi-tasking (which is actually a bad thing), anxiety and spiralling thoughts, planning, prioritising – this is just a few from my toolkit.
Read moreCreating a cyber aware workforce
by Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi (Ms), Cyber Law Consultant and MD of Orizur Consulting Enterprise
Have you ever wondered why some businesses are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks than others? In the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) where everything is connected to everything, information has become the most valuable asset for every organization, big or small. It is unfortunate, however, that though cyber threats are growing both in their prevalence and in their disruptive potential, cyber security remains an afterthought for many organisations.
Read moreThe Unexpected Secret of Business Success
by Laura Camacho
As a communication coach to leaders all over this beautiful planet, my clients and I spend a great deal of time discussing how communication affects perceptions. In fact, one of my most important tasks is to help clients improve their self-perceptions so that they become more confident.
Read moreShow up to your fun side
by Lori Milner
I was swimming with my kids yesterday and my 4-year-old daughter innocently said to me ‘Mommy, come and have fun with me’. I looked at her and thought ‘Ok, how do you do that?’ I asked her ‘Show me what fun is’ (because I didn’t want to be the boring mom and admit I didn’t know how). So, we jumped into the pool together holding hands, she pretended to be a mermaid and I had to be a princess. Really simple imagination games.
Read moreWhat is awaiting me in this new decade?
by Eldari Visser, founder of Picketfence Life
Necessary endings! In my previous blog I wrote about the time of endings. In a business this happens all too often. Usually it is out with the old, in with the new, or a new strategy for growth or another line for the shelves, and the one not so good must make space for a more client friendly one. Yet many of us as businesspeople have to end good things as well.
Read moreWhy Your Business Needs To Consider These 2020 Strategic Planning Insights
by Mandisa Makubalo
I’m sure we are all familiar with the culture of “strategic planning” which sees most businesses taking time out to plan for the year ahead. This practice has become a culture in such a way that massive budgets are allocated to these gatherings. These sessions should be about looking at ways to solve business challenges through design whether this is what happens nobody knows except when customers and employees start feeling the pain.
Read moreOwn your self worth
by Lori Milner
I was asked to present a master class on self-leadership to a new client for their team of 8 women. It was a fantastic morning and I was feeling really good… except when it came to the Q&A part of the session. Clearly, I may have ruffled some feathers and was faced with some rather defensive questions from the senior client. Now this often happens as people are faced with a huge dose of self-awareness and if they don’t love what they see, there are two possible reactions: Number 1 – they reflect, take accountability and decide to make a change to shift from where they are to where they want to be. Number 2 – they blame and deflect all responsibility.
Read moreDoes your business need a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) LTD
So what exactly is an NDA? A Non-Disclosure Agreement (“NDA”) is a legal agreement between at least two parties that stipulates that the confidential information that the parties share with one another for certain purposes, may not be disclosed to or must be restricted access to third parties. An NDA creates a confidential relationship between the parties, in order to protect confidential information.
Read moreGrit is Necessary for a Successful Journey
by Fatuma Abdullah
I get hot under the collar, when I attend seminars or conferences and entrepreneurs are presented in a romanticized fashion. Or worse, glamorizing the subject of entrepreneurship and neglecting the most important unseen components of the journey - the sleepless nights, the self-discipline, rejection, disappointments, failure, the lack of support and resources.
Read moreTest your assumptions
by Lori Milner
Like most of you, I used to shudder at the thought of 4am. More specifically how some people actually willingly woke up at 4am? Beyond me! If you read my blogs regularly, you will know that exercise is really important to me. Over the years it has started at 7am then moved earlier as I became a mother and the kids started school. 7am went to 6am and then as of this year 5:30.
Read moreThe Secret to Be the Center of the Party
by Laura Camacho
The holiday social scene is so much fun. And exhausting. Not only that, it’s the chance to catch up with family, acquaintances while making new friends. Parties are also public relation opportunities so you be sure to let everyone know what’s new in your business.
Read moreDream followers
by Catia Mondlane, founder of Isabella Estetica & Cosmeticos
A few days ago I had a conversation with someone which reminded me why I started an entrepreneurial journey. During the chat, I mentioned how talented the person was and the brilliant ideas she had. Interestingly, I asked what was keeping her from starting a business and, as I predicted, she gave me all the excuses you can imagine, but only three of them stood out.
Read moreHow To Fight Your Business Hyenas
by Eldari Visser founder of Picketfence Life
A beautiful but disturbing clip was doing the rounds of a pack of hyenas going for a lion. Killing was their main aim. This older lion fought for a long time from all sides - got a couple of good homps in, but the clan was very big. Mostly they were going for his ass!!! Yep - catching you from behinds! This lion turned and dodged and roared to get them away.
Read moreShow up to yourself in 2020
by Lori Milner
So here we are…the thing we have all anticipated for an entire year but yet when it arrives, it is also clouded by a sense of dread. And that is…December! The disbelief is not so much about we are at the end of the year, but it is a symbol that forces you to really reflect on the year that has passed. This is a good thing because if you just move from one year into the next with no introspection, then there is little hope of creating the change you want to make.
Read moreBreaking Away
by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko
The moment you decide to start a business, understand that taking a conscious break will be impossible. A business has so many aspects to it that need your attention each day; so much so that taking a Saturday off is a sin. Imagine, a weekend day! You will feel bad for doing nothing all day, people will definitely contact you on that very day you are off; and you will want to speak to them. So ideally, taking a break as an entrepreneur becomes a struggle to pretend you don’t have work all day.
Read moreA Christmas Saving Miracle
by Kathryn Main, founder of Money Savvy Kids
The most wonderful time of the year is also the most expensive. When the Christmas spirit takes over, that one crucial ability to save is conveniently misplaced. This loss of ability is seldom noticed, but will deal a detrimental blow to your bank account in the long run. Money Savvy Kids (MSK) is built on the foundations of saving and budgeting, just to name a few. And it is here to help you through the hardest time of the year by saving and budgeting your way to a worry-free January.
Read moreWin by being agile and customer-centric
by Alice da Silva
A case study based on my personal experience:
Despite a current difficult economy, business services are still needed. Customers are under strain and are more discerning when it comes to choosing a service provider. Sometimes it’s a grudge spend following an unplanned emergency. It’s bad enough being forced to spend money when survival and priorities must be carefully considered, so to have bad service on top of that is just too unpleasant. Customers still have choices, and they choose who gets the business.
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