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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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How to Skyrocket Your Sales Through Robust Sales Strategy

July 20, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Having a strategy in place is crucial for directing your sales efforts effectively. Many business owners feel like they are "talking into the abyss" because their efforts are scattered, inconsistent, and ultimately ineffective. A cohesive plan transforms random activities into a focused approach that drives results. It's akin to building a house—you need a blueprint to ensure everything comes together seamlessly.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Sales, Strategy
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Be a good seller and improve your conversion rate

July 2, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Josefa Masinga

Do you know how to be a good seller? There are those who believe that sales talent is something people are born with. It may be that some personalities really have an advantage when it comes to selling, but anyone with the right direction and a willingness to learn can figure out how to be a good salesperson. The art of selling is based on many techniques ranging from good communication to follow-up after the sale has been closed. At each stage of this process, you can learn more and develop to increase your results.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Josefa Massinga, PT, Sales
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Seja um bom vendedor e melhorar a taxa de conversão

July 1, 2023 Melanie Hawken

por Josefa Masinga

Você sabe como ser um bom vendedor? Há quem acredite que o talento para vendas nasça com as pessoas. Pode ser que algumas personalidades realmente tenham vantagem na hora de vender, mas qualquer pessoa com o direcionamento correto e vontade de aprender pode descobrir como ser um bom vendedor. A arte de vender é baseada em muitas técnicas que vão desde a comunicação e a vestuário, até o acompanhamento depois que a venda já foi fechada. Em cada etapa desse processo, é possível aprender mais e se desenvolver para aumentar os seus resultados.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Josefa Massinga, PT, Sales
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Master the Art of Making a Memorable First Sales Impression

May 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

First impressions are essential in sales as they can make or break a potential deal. Customers often make judgments about a salesperson within the first few seconds of meeting them, based on their appearance, body language, and communication skills. To make a good first impression, it is important to do your research, have all the necessary materials, practice your pitch beforehand, dress professionally, arrive early, and learn how to read people. Additionally, it is important to be confident and personable, as first impressions are crucial in sales.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Sales, Communication Skills
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 Selling? Shift that Language! 

September 26, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

“…in theory there is no difference between theory and practice, while in practice there is…”, so wrote Benjamin Brewster in the June 1882 issue of The Yale Literary Magazine, and don’t we all just know it! That is why for all the articles we read from the global consultancy firms; for all the University papers written about our industries; for all the young consultants who approach us fresh from University clutching their newly printed MBAs; we know only too well that nothing beats the experience of working at the coal face and seeing the day to day problems, up close and personal.

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In Team Lioness Tags Sales
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Why compassionate sales is the new way of doing business 

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen van Zyl, Founder & CEO, VA Connect and SnappSales

If you Googled “always be closing” the first page will bring up results of Alec Baldwin’s monologue in a dated movie called Glengarry Glen Ross. There was a lot of hype back then regarding this ABC monologue. And if you ask around today they’ll tell you this mind-set dead.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen van Zyl, BU Sales & Marketing, Sales
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Sales Un-usual: These sales techniques will help you in this unprecedented time 

March 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen van Zyl, Founder & CEO, VA Connect and SnappSales

The world is a-changing and at a rapid pace too! A few short months ago you were putting your New Year’s Resolutions in place and gearing for an exciting year. And then everything changed. It’s so surreal and those that I have spoken to say they feel like they are in a movie. The Corona Virus has hit and has hit us hard. Nothing could have prepared us for what is about to unfold.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Karen van Zyl, Sales, BU Sales & Marketing
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The first rule of sales. Listen.

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Clare Appleyard

Many entrepreneurs struggle with sales and often ask what is the secret to making that all important successful sale. Well, it all starts with the first rule of sales - listen!

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In Guest Blog Tags Clare Appleyard, Sales
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How to get a steady flow of clients all year round

September 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Ola Harris, Independent Sales Specialist

Do you ever wonder why some businesses and consultants are just never stressed about the flow of income? They seem to have everything figured out and hit their revenue goals and they just seem sort of superhuman.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ola Harris, Sales
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Top 3 Yes Blockers …  

July 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho

You probably were not aware of this when you started your business but now you know. Thriving businesses must sell. A lot. Ideas. Solutions. Products. Services. Add ons. Contracts. Upgrades. ROI…

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Sales
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Here are your 3 easy-to-apply sales tips for the week

February 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen Wessels, founder of SnappSales and VA Connect

Sales really does get such a negative reputation sometimes, and I get it - most of us have a bit of a skewed understanding when it comes to sales, so we would rather steer clear than truly harness our sales powers.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels, Sales
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Finding the best sales tools for your business 

June 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect and co-founder of SnappSales

Recently I had the privilege of speaking to a roomful of successful businesswomen about the importance of sales. These business owners required ideas on how to build sales confidence and also practical tools to implement in their business to assist with scaling and growing their enterprises.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels, Sales
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f
Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

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