Choosing the correct dispute resolution method for your business

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Electing the most appropriate method of resolving disputes may be the difference between your business surviving this challenge or failing. In many instances, business owners need to be aware of the options at their disposal when resolving future disputes. As such, they do not contract correctly. In other instances, there is awareness, but a complete understanding of the implications of pre-selecting a specific dispute resolution alternative is needed. As such, business owners must better understand the other options and contract most appropriately from the outset.

The Pause

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Zodidi Gaseb

I took a break from my business towards the end of 2022. I was burnt out and felt the sparkle I once had fizzle out. The general sigh of frustration rang through social media when I made the announcement, and honestly, I didn’t know if I even wanted to come back. During that time however, I realized the importance of the pause, of restructuring and getting your affairs in order that running a business sometimes doesn’t afford us. It can sometimes feel contrary to what we are taught about “the hustle”, the grinding until there is nothing left.

What is a Brand Audit, and why you need it for your business?

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Cindy Maléombho-Codo

A Brand Audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a company's brand and how it is perceived by its target audience. It involves a systematic review of all the brand elements, including its visual identity, messaging, products, services, customer experience, and market positioning. The purpose of this specific audit is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a brand, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop a strategy to enhance its overall effectiveness and competitiveness.

Are employees feeling burnt out already?

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

We're hearing a lot of feedback in our networks that so many people are feeling exhausted already and it's only April....what are they going to feel like when we get to December....burnt out, stretched and hanging on for dear life?

Some do’s and don'ts when it comes to your bank account

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

We often read about banks, clients and scams. Often we see litigation between the bank and its Client. So, where does the reciprocal duty start and end?

Marketing Strategies Explained

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila

It is said that, it is not known until it is said, seen or shared. Therefore, as entrepreneurs, we should make our businesses known to others. We do this by using various marketing strategies. We should do this for all customers to be able to know our businesses using an inclusive approach of using both traditional and modern marketing strategies.

4 Ways to say no without saying no

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Saying no is challenging; most of us dread it because it questions our identity as being a good person. We fear saying no because we are afraid people won't like us or will let them down and disappoint them. We attach so much guilt and dread to this little word that we end up giving away our yes too quickly.

Unpacking the Contempt of Court process

April 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Many litigants often find that getting recourse at Court only partially resolves all issues between them. It usually calls for referring the matter back even after it was concluded and is typically where a contempt of court application would follow.

The Key to Your Self-Care Goals Is Thinking Small and Here’s Why

April 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

When making progress on self-care goals, having a good intention is not enough. In my work as a coach and trainer, I know people genuinely have every good intention to show up on the calendar without guilt to make time for their self-care goals. They make promises to themselves, intending to honour them, but ultimately these agreements get broken. The excuses are coming from a good place — my boss needed something, I didn’t have enough time or my bed was too warm.

Building a Brand. What is branding, exactly?

April 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

What is branding, exactly? Contrary to popular belief, branding is far more than just a logo. Your customers’ first impression of your company is formed through your brand. Therefore, your brand experience should be encapsulated and epitomised in your branding. This can be achieved through various elements such as…

Is a Nocturnal Work Style Good For You? Here are 5 reasons why it’s not so bad - or is it?

April 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser

I recently read an article with a lengthy discussion about people that are early risers and the positivity around that. Early birdies and worms. How a person can get lots more done in the early hours of the morning and that it is good for your body, soul and mind to jump up, get some sunshine at the early stage of the sunrise in the morning, feeling fresh and get so much more done. Right!

When it comes to business success – managing workflow, not people, is key

March 31, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Rochelle Roos

In the business world, knowing how to successfully manage workflow or flow is key.

Simply put, flow is the movement and delivery of customer value through a process. Not having a good grip on flow means that an organisation cannot sustainably deliver value to its customers. In short, bad workflow means a constant struggle to accomplish more and faster which results in added stress.

Unpacking the Tech Lingo

March 31, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Daily we are having conversations around a new world and cryptocurrency, the metaverse, NFTs and Blockchain (to name a few). To many of us, this may seem like fiction or perhaps a trend that will fade. Therefore, many of us do not pay too much attention to it. However, ever-evolving technology is not just a trend, and it is something to stay informed of as our businesses would need to evolve and adapt to remain relevant.

What’s in a name?

March 31, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

When it comes to naming your business, is your first thought to use your name, child’s name, initials, or joining your nieces’ names? I ask this because 70% of young people I mentor want to use one of the previous ideas to name their business. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with that, but does it convey the correct message to your potential customers and talk to what your business does?

Most People Think Imposter Syndrome Reveals Your Gaps. The Truth Is It Reveals Your Growth

March 31, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Imposter syndrome is not based on logic. The most successful people still experience the feeling that everyone will find out that they know nothing, that their success is based on luck, and that they don’t deserve to be there. It’s a debilitating pattern and one that can keep you playing small if you buy into your own story.

5 Questions To Build Your Personal Brand in the Workplace

March 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Naike Moshi

In today's workplace, building a personal brand is no longer an option, but a necessity. Here are some questions to help you understand how to build your personal brand.

Should it be more about attention management and less about time management?

March 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

Counting the number of hours spent on any given task, is it really practical? I know that in some management consulting firms, pay is arrived at using time-sheets of how much time you have spent on a particular project. I have also come across APPS that help you manage your timesheet to make it easier to collate and send to those who will be paying you for your time and maybe vice-versa - it could be you paying a consultant/contractor you have hired, based on time.

Build Everyone’s Thinking Skill

March 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

You probably know it’s better to ask questions than to tell your team the answer. But answering their questions is so much faster! Easier! Who has time to play Socrates?

Anxiety – the latest Bully in the room

March 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Are you currently experiencing a difficult moment and feeling under some pressure? Or are you experiencing such high levels of tension that you lash out at people, become erratic, and possibly even approaching a physically or mentally unhealthy condition? Then maybe you’re not alone on the precipice; perhaps anxiety is there with you. The precipice can be attractive, undesirable, or both.

This is how 8C changed me through Personal Branding

March 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Naike Moshi

There is no doubt that building a personal brand takes time and effort. The truth is there are many other benefits available and they can lead to more opportunities than you could ever imagine. Using 8C, I transformed my Personal Branding in the following ways:

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