Laughter as medicine

May 1, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann

It is well-documented that laughter is good for you. In fact there seems to be quite a movement to stimulate laughter as a mechanism to reduce stress. I met someone once who conducts team workshops to laugh together for this very purpose. In my research on methods of healing, I’ve also come across Laughter Yoga, some sessions of which end with ‘laughter meditation’. I understand the benefits of laughter, but I also know that this is just not for me. Just as some people simply are not interested in meditation or a gratitude journal, forced group laughter is just something I can’t bring myself to do.

The Future I Wanted So Much

May 1, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Erica Paiva

Have you ever found yourself looking into the future imagining what it could be, how it could be, and how happy you can be and years later, living that future, looked back and saw how much you lost? How much did you not feel? How much were you deluded by the dictates of society? Ehhh this is normal and very common believe me.

Proposal benchmarking: The first step to a better win rate

April 29, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Izane Cloete-Hamilton

Whether you work in a large corporate, a small-medium enterprise or own a business, you've heard about benchmarking. Renowned business leaders often highlight the importance of benchmarking to the success of a business.

The secret you need to succeed in life

April 24, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Josefa Massinga

Hello Lionesses. Today I am writing about being successful in life, not that what I'm going to write is really the path to success in life. But I believe that from what I'm going to write it can help each of us to find some light. I believe we are all successful in some area of our lives. We have all achieved great goals and victories in certain areas of our lives. Success is in each of us. We have to accept the life we have and know how to say that our life is a great success.

7 Reasons why outsourcing digital marketing will grow your business

April 23, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje-Begho

Digital marketing is entirely a world of its own and a digital marketing revolution is taking over the world! It is almost impossible to know every element as it comprises numerous features, limitless possibilities and ever changing features. It is a challenging task to have mastery of the subject when it is not a core business focus.

How to trick your mind into solving business challenges

April 23, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Zodidi Gaseb

I had just moved into my new manufacturing site when Covid 19 hit. We were suddenly plummeted into lockdown and reality struck. Businesses were forced to shut down, strategize and make ends meet in one of the most challenging phases the modern world has ever known. I had to let my team go, we tried minimizing work as sales were not met, but the shift in consumer priorities forced me to evaluate my own priorities.

5 mentors, 7 astounding pieces of wisdom

April 23, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

I am a collector of gems but not the shiny kinds. I surround myself with incredible mentors who guide me and seem to show up when I need them most. Luckily, I am not dependent on actually meeting these incredible people but can access their knowledge whenever I need it. Books are my happy place. Over the years, I have collected valuable nuggets and gems that I often go back to when I need a jolt of inspiration or if I’m feeling stuck.

You make choices and your choices make you: a perspective on goals

April 17, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ashika Pillay

For many of us, by now, New Year’s resolutions have become a distant memory. Research says that of the 41% of Americans that set resolutions at the beginning of the year only 9% are successful at keeping them. Perhaps the fact that we set our resolutions, often misty eyed, in the afterglow of a holiday, festivities, rest and fun could be a factor? However, the New Year promises a new beginning, a time to reset and inspire ourselves into what we believe our potential is. In my view, even a small step towards a positive change is an improvement. So, are you in the large majority whose goals are now fading slowly? This is not a disaster. I have recently been helping MBA student clients review their goals for their year ahead, and also experimenting with my own.

Get Paid!

April 17, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile

In 2021 I made a decision to go retail. I have been thinking about this for maybe a 100 years LOL! In line with my creative procrastination talent, I think and ponder and wonder and eventually go in scared. After this decision I had to decide how; I then approached my options and received 2 yesses. So now, we are mainly online with Shopify and Zando. This sound easy right, like just two more sales channels. Alas, my brain has been fried with set up on both platforms, it took 4 – 6 weeks to complete the set up. Even with help!

My journey of “heart-breaks” in choosing business partners and associates - what I have learnt

April 17, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

In my line of work, as a sole business owner of my consulting business, I often rely on a professional network of associate consultants to get some of my work done. Example - if there is a specific project that I want to work on, be it responding to a published tender or putting together a proposal for a specific project, I often prefer to gather professionals in my networks to ensure we put our best foot forward and we offer a team with as diverse skills as possible. I also welcome other consultants approaching me to work with them on their own projects, especially if I can add value to their projects.

Benefits of Using Proper Business Language

April 17, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila

Language is the art of communicating with others in any situation. Using proper language in each context is vital to ensure that the message is clear, received and understood well by the intended recipients. In a business context, it is a must that proper business language is utilized to portray professionalism and business language etiquette. The use of proper business language should be embraced by all in the business environment. The usage should also be done and applied in all forms of communication, be it verbal or written.

Just Wait!

April 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Nontobeko Mbuyane

I read in some book sometime ago that waiting is not mere empty hoping, but It has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. And with time I surely agree with that as well. Coming from me that is really something big because I have been an impatient person for much of my life. I wanted things to happen to me. I sort of had a flow chart of how my life should go and I really didn’t know much about waiting. I thought it was something you did if you didn’t have courage or conviction. It was just an excuse not to take action. But at least I know better now.

Can We Continue?

April 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Manini Mbongwa

I find myself surprised that we are almost ending the first quarter of the year 2022 so suddenly. For many entrepreneurs there has been a confusion of whether they should try to revive their businesses or just give up. After going through the tough period of closing their doors due to the pandemic, and furthermore being affected by looting, it has not been an easy ride. According to Stats SA almost 1000 businesses were liquidated in 2021. It is unfortunate that the current financial situation, not only in our country but globally, is giving us no options. We have to hustle on as employment opportunities are almost non existent. We are in a swim or sink situation.

How to Set a Goal?

April 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Deyzes Pereira, founder of Startups Consulting in Mozambique

Many entrepreneurs are aware that one of the most important things required to start a business is the definition of goals. But what often happens is that many of them do not understand very well the importance of goals and how to define them correctly. Today I will talk about goals! After all what is a goal?

Do You Know How To Wait?

April 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Elizandra dos Santos

Do You Know How To Wait? It is the challenge that I bring to the present moment. It’s worse for the quick fixers who want instant results, quick effects, quick responses, goals achieved in the shortest time and miraculous resolutions. I wish life were like this. Many people, because they don't know how to wait, end up frustrated, immersed in anxiety, anger, depression, becoming impatient. They are overwhelmed by their own emotions, counting the days, hours, minutes, and crazy seconds, until the time comes to get out of this confinement, go back to traveling, or have a supposedly normal life.

Write that book already!

April 3, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Clementina Busayo

Have you ever heard the saying that there is a book in everyone? Do you want to become an Author? There are several benefits to writing a book. From getting booked to speak; impacting lives beyond your current location; inspiring others to live their best lives through your story. The possibilities are endless, and the opportunities are matchless.

Confidence - learn to trust your instincts and never lose yourself

April 3, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile

The other day I was wondering why I am more comfortable to work with a lot of people today; and also why I am able to tackle any type of garment presented to me? In the beginning, in 2014, at age 27 I was more cautious, hesitant, and simply scared. Every enquiry I received, I had to analyze if it was something I had done before. Today my answer to the question, ‘Can you do this?’ is almost automatic. I believe I will be able to deliver on most challenges. That I think is confidence!

Confidence - 5 Tips to increase believing and trusting yourself

April 3, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Anja van Beek, Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert and Executive Coach

As an entrepreneur, I’m certain that we can all relate to the emotional roller coaster of ups and downs. One day you are so excited that you have started your business. You are on purpose making a meaningful impact in the world and the next day you feel like you made the wrong choice, especially if the target for the month is behind. The following day, you land a big new client and you feel energized and happy that you’re not working for a boss.

10 Reasons why you need a business plan

April 3, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

A business plan is considered the most critical document for any business, whether you are starting a business or have an established business. There is a general perception that business plans are only required for funding purposes which is not true. A business plan provides the foundation layer of any business and can be effectively used for operational and strategic planning purposes.

Ask for feedback!

March 27, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

If there’s one thing you can do to make things better for your employees and your company, it’s asking for feedback. But asking a general, “Do you have any feedback for me?” can be overwhelming for an employee because the question is too broad. One principle of excellent communication is the proactive practice of making it easy as possible for others to do what you want them to do.

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