“Almost overnight the internet has gone from a technical wonder to a business must” (Bill Schrader) No matter the size of your business or what industry you are in, building and maintaining an effective website should be at the heart of all your planning. The internet has become an essential Read more
“Cloud is about how you do computing, not where you do computing” (Author and former CEO of tech company VMware, Paul Maritz). “Working in a cloud” favours companies of all sizes, specialising in different trades, and allows them to manage their work according to their own preferences of operations. The Read more
“Mobile devices, high-speed data communication, and online commerce are creating expectations that convenient, secure, real-time payment and banking capabilities should be available whenever and wherever they are needed” (Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States, Jerome Powell) South Africa is already a cash-heavy economy as it is and Read more
“The gig economy is empowerment. This new business paradigm empowers individuals to better shape their own destiny and leverage their existing assets to their benefit” (John McAfee) The modern world of work was already changing by the time Covid-19 hit. The “gig economy” had taken hold and numerous apps allowed Read more
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself” (Henry Ford) Initiating, setting up and launching a new, typically, small business is a challenge and can be a lonely journey to growth and, hopefully, success. Could developing a partnership or co-operative with like businesses be a pathway Read more
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” (John Maxwell) To be a good leader in the small business environment a person needs to possess a variety of skills, understand themselves and recognise areas where there is room for improvement. The Read more
“Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don’t” (American singer and social activist, Pete Seeger) Microinsurance refers to an area of cover made accessible to low-income individuals and businesses at relatively low cost. Read more
“Generosity is a virtue, but unlimited generosity is a fast route to bankruptcy” (Bret Stephens) Healthy cash flow is what keeps a company afloat. The ability to pay suppliers and staff, without risking the future of the business, entirely independently of expected new payments, is vital for any enterprise to Read more
“When looking for funding, don’t just look for cash. Look for the right people” (American fashion entrepreneur, Jodie Fox) According to South African Reserve Bank data, the low level of small business financing appears to be emanating from the demand side as “the vast majority of SMEs indicate that they Read more
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” (Nelson Mandela) Nelson Mandela, our former president and world-renowned human rights champion, was born on Read more