Traits that Separate Entrepreneurial Stars from also-Rans
The world of entrepreneurship is a dazzling stage, filled with ambitious go-getters chasing audacious dreams. But beneath the flashy headlines and inspirational quotes lies a stark reality: not all ventures flourish. So, what sets apart the soaring eagles from the grounded sparrows? Let’s dissect the DNA of successful entrepreneurs and uncover the traits that propel […]
New Year, New Business Opportunities for SMEs in South Africa
As the New Year dawns, it brings with it a myriad of fresh possibilities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa. Amidst challenges lie opportunities waiting to be seized, especially in burgeoning sectors that promise growth and evolution. Online Shopping and Delivery: The landscape of commerce is undergoing a significant shift towards online […]
Financial Innovation: A Key Driver for Business Growth and Prosperity
As businesses strive for growth and success, exploring new financial avenues becomes increasingly important. In this article, we’ll discuss the significance of financial innovation in the context of helping businesses thrive. The Essence of Financial Innovation: Financial innovation encompasses the creation and implementation of new financial products, services, and technologies that alter the way businesses […]
The Impact of Brain Drain on South African SME Workforce
.The brain drain phenomenon has significantly impacted the South African workforce, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country. They are often in search of better opportunities and living conditions. This exodus of talent has left a notable void in the local […]
The Vital Role of SMEs in South Africa’s Economy
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial and indispensable role in driving economic growth and development in South Africa. These enterprises, often referred to as the backbone of the economy, contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and overall prosperity. In this article, we will delve into how SMEs in South Africa are a boon […]
Harnessing AI for Effective Financial Management and Optimised Cashflow in Your Business
In today’s technologically advanced world, businesses increasingly use artificial intelligence to streamline operations and improve efficiency. One area where AI can significantly impact is financial management and cash flow optimisation. This article explores how your business can leverage AI to manage finances and effectively ensure a healthy cash flow. Artificial intelligence-powered Financial Forecasting AI can […]
Make sure you are serious about your April Fools jokes
In today’s world, April Fools’ Day has become a cultural phenomenon, with many companies and brands using the day to showcase their sense of humor through playful and light-hearted pranks. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and what was meant to be a harmless joke can quickly become a PR nightmare. One such incident […]
Creating a successful business benefits everyone
You may start and want a successful business to create an income as an SME and entrepreneur. What you land up doing is providing opportunities and cash flow for a broader spectrum of people. They all benefit from your business. If you choose to grow your business to include employees, it expands that benefit to […]
Prepare your business for scale
Of course, every business owner wants to grow and scale their business. The aim of starting a business is to make money. When you grow, the idea is that your profits will increase. Well, that is not always the case. There are crucial elements to understand if you want to scale your business. The decisions […]
Get what it takes to be an Entrepreneur
Not everyone is built to be an entrepreneur. Most people are thrilled to be an employee. To know they have the security of a 9-5 job, a pension plan, and paid leave days. But the guarantee of employment or salary nowadays is not as secure as in the past. For some folks, the dream of […]
Supporting locals is the way to grow the South African economy
If the covid pandemic taught us one thing, it was that supporting locals is the way of the future. As a nation, we must try to limit reliance on other countries to supply goods to SA. Reverting to foreign suppliers and labour is not an option. The innovation and entrepreneurship that we all got to […]
South African companies now affected by the consumer budget crunch
The war in Ukraine was set to put pressure on the world’s economy with increased fuel prices. As they rise, so the cost of transport and goods follow suit. What we now see, is business and consumers getting into more debt, just to get through the month. The rise in fuel affects every aspect of […]
When saying no to a client can improve your business
How can saying no be good for business, you may ask? Well, several relationships can be toxic to your business, and cutting ties can benefit you in the long run. There are some things you can do before saying no, but you may get to a point where that is the only option. You have […]
The Russia-Ukraine war has more significant implications for South Africans than we think
After the last two years of pandemic trading, South Africa needs to have a booster in 2022. South Africa does not need to get wrapped up in a war and business sanctions right now. Unfortunately, being part of the global business community, South Africa has over R77 billion wrapped up in Russian business investments, according […]
How the lack of power influences your business – Doing Business in the Dark
This week, we see that Eskom, the government provider of our power, is looking to increase tariffs again. As much as everyone is throwing their hands up in despair, we need to ascertain how this affects all business. Opting for alternative options to continue to operate during the downtimes that Eskom cannot provide them with […]
Supporting staff by identifying strengths and weaknesses
It would be great if everyone on your staff team was multi-skilled and a unicorn in today’s terms. Unfortunately, it is not a reality. For many companies, trying to find the right fit in a role can take months of interviews and psychometric tests to get it right. Even then, it is not a guaranteed […]
Five new business resolutions for your small business
The new year is the opportunity for everyone to start the year with a clean slate. Your business is no different. It is the time of year to relook at your business from a different perspective and decide what can stay, what needs to go, and what you can improve on. Let’s look at some […]
How a fuel hike impacts your small or medium business
In April, South Africa absorbed a massive fuel hike, off the back of an economic slump and Covid-19 year filled with businesses closing and many consumers without work. Unfortunately, when the fuel price increases, so do every other cost on your balance sheet. Anything that requires transportation, delivery, or movement impacts your bottom line from […]
The damage misinformation can do to your business
Most large corporates can afford a PR department that can turn back misinformation claims or bad press. For smaller businesses, it can sink you. With social media as the new complaints portal, it is essential to have your eyes firmly on the social channels. The trick is to respond as quickly as possible to any […]
What happens when your industry runs into critical shortages
The world is on the edge of a global crisis regarding parts and spares shortages in essential industries. The global chip shortage is affecting everything from car manufacturers, electronics, and even logistics. The problem is more critical than most people are letting on. Shutdowns in 2019 and 2020 set production back months, but specific industries […]
Get to know what the five c’s of credit are
Lending money for your business can be stressful. Companies that lend money to businesses have checklists to consider, so ensure you comply with them for a positive result. When you provide a lender with additional but relevant information, you help them make a decision faster. When they have to keep asking for references or documents, […]
How your SME can help reduce Corporate Carbon Emissions
It is not how much you do that matters; instead, you contribute to reducing our collective carbon footprint every day. Many families have various initiatives at home that can assist in reversing the pollution of the planet, but it is the corporate companies that contribute the most. Here are some ways your business can help […]
6 Strategies to spring clean your small business
6 Strategies to spring clean your small business We all tend to get a bit busy spring cleaning our homes when the blossoms start to bloom. As a small business owner, it helps to do the same at the office. Here are six strategies you can implement to get yourself ready for the summer business […]
The challenges women face in business
More women are entering the workplace but still face challenges they need to overcome. As they climb the management ladder, the workplace environment continues to throw barriers in their way. These are the five significant barriers that women still face in the business environment today: Limited Funding Not every business is lucky enough to get […]
The role unconscious bias plays in employment practices
Unconscious bias affects every decision we make in life, whether we like it or not. We need to be far more aware of our employment process and policies to negate unconscious bias in our employment practices in the workplace. As much as we want to be as objective as possible when making important decisions, we […]
How diverse teams strengthen your business
It’s women’s month! The spotlight is on how being inclusive with diverse teams in the workplace makes your team stronger. As we move into the future, traditional biases are dissolving. We need to focus on accessibility and acceptance of skills, strengths and opinions, regardless of gender or race. Diversity in the workplace has many advantages. […]
8 Questions to ask before you buy a business
So you think you have found a gem, but before you buy a business slow down. It may seem perfect from the outside, but these are essential questions to ask before you sign. Have you done a deep analysis of the financial records? As a potential buyer, you need to see at least the last […]
5 Benefits of Buying into a Franchise Business
When you decide to start a business, a franchise or not, it is not a decision you make lightly. We constantly hear of companies failing in the first two years. Buying into a franchise can mitigate some of those risks that are typically associated with a new business. Here are some of the benefits you […]
Disadvantages of buying into a franchise business
It may seem like a great opportunity to buy into a franchise business, but you also need to be aware of the pitfalls. Getting into a formal agreement with your franchisor can be a precarious process. Formal contracts The formal agreement can be pretty hectic. Make sure you do not rush this process. You need […]
Are you considering buying a franchise?
Before you dive headfirst into buying a franchise, there are some key elements you need to consider. Do a sense check for compatibility. If you are not a night owl, buying into a restaurant that serves dinner will not suit you. Make sure that the business you enter into can fit your lifestyle. Study the […]
