Mar 122013
 

In the current challenging economic environment, SME owners and entrepreneurs need to do what they can in order to keep their heads above water. A sure method to ensure that a business survives tough periods is to increase sales or services, which will result in a direct increase in profit.

Christo Botes, Executive Director of Business Partners says that a very effective method of increasing sales could be to build up a loyal customer base. “Instead of focusing all attention and efforts on attracting new customers, ensure that you are spending enough time and effort on keeping your current customer base. Shift your sales focus and strategy from attracting new customers to appealing to proven customers to buy again. It is often said that the best sales prospect is a prospect that’s already converted, in other words, an already committed customer… more

Jan 152013
 

Feed on the positive SME entrepreneurs!

The Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® team welcomes you to 2013! May we feed on the positive this year and not allow the eternal pessimists to shape us into a negative frame of mind. May we celebrate entrepreneurs and their relentless drive to grow their businesses that are keeping our economy ticking and promote the successes of our heroes in the small and medium business world.

Although businesses are most likely to face challenges going forward, business owners / entrepreneurs shouldn’t blow these hindrances out of proportion and forget about the great strides they have made in continuing to grow, rendering goods and services to their target market, employing people, paying their taxes and contributing towards the wellbeing of their communities?.. more

Mar 072012
 

Although Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has given further tax relief to small businesses and micro-enterprises in his 2012/13 Budget, there still remains very little incentive for small businesses to start up and flourish in South Africa.

Professor Matthew Lester, speaking at the launch of the 2012 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® competition, says that tax relief in any form is welcome, but at the current level it will not necessarily encourage small businesses and micro-enterprises to grow at the rate required to stimulate the local economy effectively.

“In some cases it may even be beneficial for small businesses to remain at their current size in order to keep qualifying for the reduced tax. That is why it is imperative that tax incentives are tailored to foster growth in the SME sector,” says Lester… more