Entrepreneurs to set resolutions that will drive and grow business in 2016
Setting the right New Year’s resolutions will not only give a business the competitive edge necessary in today’s global environment, but will also ensure that entrepreneurs know where their business is heading, and can plan ahead accordingly. Gugu Mjadu, spokesperson of the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS, says that […]
Five New Year’s resolutions for entrepreneurs
The number of unused gym contracts and abandoned diets by the first week of February is enough to make anybody cynical about new-year’s resolutions, but David Morobe, Business Partners regional manager, urges entrepreneurs to think differently about it. The lives of entrepreneurs differ from those of the employed in the sense that the work is […]
Mastering the art of saving for a rainy day
July marks Savings Month, an initiative launched by the South African Savings Institute (SASI) to secure sustainable growth in South Africa, driven by a vibrant savings culture and financially aware population. While this strategy is largely focused at consumers, this year’s theme of “Promoting a Savings Culture” also needs to be instilled into entrepreneurs. Generally […]
The value of reflection to improve business results
Article written by Jannie Rossouw, Head: Sanlam Business Market “Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” (Margaret J. Wheatley – American writer and management consultant who studies organisational behaviour) These are very sobering words and make us realise that we might be chasing the […]
Office interior entrepreneur sells creativity and imagination
The saying – ‘If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again! – is definitely true for 2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® entrant, Gary da Silva, who has embarked on three entrepreneurial ventures over the past 20 years, and is testament that persistence pays off. As a result of […]
Seven mistakes entrepreneurs make that kill their business
As your fledgling business starts to grow, it’s critical that you don’t inadvertently strangle it in its infancy. Here are some early pitfalls to avoid… Doing too much yourself Many business owners fall into this trap as they attempt to keep their costs to a minimum. But ultimately it can mean you get bogged down […]
Quality checks for your business plan
We all know we should check our cars before travelling. Equally important is the need to check your business plan for faults and potential failures before making it the core of your business, or using it to ask for financing. Here is a 6 point check: 1. Can YOU execute? Failure to convince financiers of […]
Ten simple rules for a successful startup
While the thought of starting one’s own business may be exciting, it can also be intimidating – even for someone with a successful business career behind them. The difference between owning a business and working in one is significant – as an owner you’re directly responsible for every aspect of the business’s success. The good […]
The beauty of business budgeting
Business budgeting, just like personal budgeting, is imperative for financial peace of mind. In the case of business owners, says René Roux (Head: Sanlam Liquid), proper budgeting can also help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your business. “Most businesses, regardless of size, will experience an ebb and flow in their revenue, and external […]
Will your business be able to outlive you?
As a business owner, your main concern is working hard to make your business successful. You know you have employees who depend on you and clients who rely on your services or products. You pour your life into keeping your business profitable and sustainable, but will it be able to carry on if you are […]