Rand volatility – manufacturers should be managing their exposure

May 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Justin Schmidt

The manufacturing sector saw capacity utilization fall to 79.3% in February, a 7-year low, indicating that there was rising pressure on the sector even before COVID-19 enforced lockdown restrictions. This underutilization was driven by a lack of demand, as well as the high levels of load shedding.

Experience: that most brutal of teachers

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Sharon Castle, Lifestyle and Wellness Coach

Just over two weeks ago, my sister of 72 died suddenly and in moments my life changed. Receiving a call from my niece (my sister’s only child) who lives in Australia, early on Friday morning the 10th of April, which was also Good Friday in the Christian calendar, was the alarm bell ringing that something was wrong. She called to let me know that my sister, who lived in a Care Community about an hour from where I live, was unconscious. It was 6.30am and I was still relaxing in bed with my husband enjoying our morning coffee.

Getting help with mending your nets

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

I read a quote recently that talked about how when fisherman can’t go to sea, they mend their nets. It got me thinking about how important it is to have someone to help you with your mending. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my business was to hire a coach. People often ask me questions about coaching, and they wonder why it’s important to have one. After my first session with her I became more certain than ever that I needed a coach, and that this was a necessity rather than a luxury.

The Key Leadership Qualities It Takes to Be a Boss, A Woman Entrepreneur in Business Today by Judith Baker

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Starting a business and running one is challenging. What do you do first? What should you pay attention to? What tools are there to help the modern woman entrepreneur? In her new book, The Key Leadership Qualities It Takes to Be a Boss, A Woman Entrepreneur in Business Today, Judith Baker brings you all the insights you need.

Laura Struik, a leather boot brand-builder celebrating South African craftsmen

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Laura Struik, founder of ROF-Style (South Africa)

Startup Story

There is always something powerful about seeing real craftspeople creating beautiful products with passion and love. Entrepreneur Laura Struik, founder of ROF-Style in South Africa, manufactures and markets 100% handmade leather boots by local South African craftsmen.

Quote of the Day by Ntsiki Biyela

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“I get most satisfaction from waking up and being an inspiration to other young people.”

Ntsiki Biyela, winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca / Create a consistent business plan

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, co-founder of IMO NExT (Angola)

Create a consistent business plan…

“Identify a real need, create a consistent business plan, and work hard.”

Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, co-founder of IMO NExT (Angola)

Quote of the Day by Eva Sonaike

May 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“If you have a passion, believe in something and work smart, you can reach your goals and make your dream a reality.”

Eva Sonaike, founder, Eva Sonaike, UK

Entrepreneur Advice from Ruth Wewura Guribie / Be passionate about what you do

May 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited

Be passionate about what you do...

“You will have many reasons to quit at some point, but don’t. Be passionate about what you do and communicate it in the way that feels most inspired, natural and unique to you.”

Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited

Don’t wait for your dream to show up in someone else’s plan

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

In addition to being a speaker, trainer and author I am also a coach. This word coach has never sat well with me because I’ve realized what I truly am is a ‘permission agent’. I have had many conversations with people over the years from wanting to start a new business to taking on a new hobby like running.

My ABC of business: Navigating through the different stages of lockdown

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

If there is one thing this pandemic and subsequently this lockdown has confirmed, is that I am a TOTAL homebody! I am in my absolute element being at home.

Survive or Die!

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Nontobeko Mbuyane, CEO & Founder of Bee’s Beauty Haven & Glutaspa Group

Indeed, our businesses are going through tough times, but the question is, are you only going to fold your arms, panic and watch your business crumble? The answer should be no, a great mindset now would be to try and turn every challenge into an opportunity to innovate and stay ahead of your business game.

SARS Relief to Benefit Cash Flow

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

Concerns were rightfully raised about the various relief options which have been announced to help individuals and businesses who have been affected by the national lockdown in South Africa, enforced to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. It became evident that most relief funding options are in the form of a loan repayable with interest.