Business Insights That Drive Real Growth
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How Top Leaders Scale Their Businesses
Growth Strategies
15 min readDiscover the framework used by successful entrepreneurs to achieve consistent growth.
Understanding Turnover Tax in South Africa: A Simple Guide for Small Businesses
There's a video on Tik Tok by a group of Xhosa ladies who love to banter, especially with those who don't speak isiXhosa. In this video, they used a washing dish filled with water to explain taxes. One lady played the taxman, and the other was the taxpayer. The water in the dish represented income. Whenever the taxpayer took a few liters of water, the taxman would swoop in with a bigger container. He would take double or more of what the taxpayer spent. It was funny and smart. But, it showed a belief: the taxman takes too much of our earnings. So, is that how SARS operates? Not exactly. This brings us to the topic of turnover tax. Let me break it down in a way that's as simple and engaging as the video. First, running a small business in South Africa can be tough, especially when it comes to taxes. But don't worry! SARS designed turnover tax to make things easier for you. What is turnover tax? Turnover Tax is a simplified tax system for small businesses in South Africa. It's meant for businesses with a yearly turnover (total income) of R1 million or less. You pay a single tax on your turnover. It's simpler than dealing with complex tax calculations and many returns. Who qualifies for Turnover Tax? If your business has a turnover of R1 million or less in a year, you're eligible. This includes: - Sole proprietors - Partnerships - Close corporations - Companies - Co-operatives Some businesses can't use Turnover Tax. This includes personal service providers and certain professionals, like consultants and accountants. How is turnover tax calculated? You calculate Turnover Tax as a percentage of your turnover. And the rates tier as your turnover increases. Here’s a table to give you an idea: 0 - R335,000: 0% R335,001 - R500,000: 1% of each rand above R335,000 R500,001 - R750,000: R1,650 + 2% of each rand above R500,000 R750,001 and above: R6,650 + 3% of each rand above R750,000 Benefits of Turnover Tax Simplicity: One tax, one return. No need to worry about VAT, provisional tax, income tax, or capital gains tax. Cash Flow: Turnover Tax can improve your cash flow since you pay tax based on income received, not on profits. How to Register Registering for Turnover Tax is easy. You can do it online via the SARS eFiling system or visit a SARS branch. Remember, you must register before the start of the tax year (March 1st). Record-Keeping Even though Turnover Tax simplifies things, you still need to keep good records. Keep track of all your income and expenses. This helps ensure your tax return is accurate and can protect you if SARS has any questions. Is Turnover Tax Right for You? Turnover Tax is great for many small businesses, but it’s not for everyone. Consider your business type, turnover, and growth plans. Sometimes, standard tax systems might be better. This is true if your expenses are high. Conclusion Turnover Tax can simplify your life and help you focus more on growing your business. If your turnover is under R1 million, it’s worth considering. Always check with a tax professional to make sure it's the best option for you. Happy running your business! If you have any questions or need more details, visit the SARS website or talk to a tax consultant.
4 Crucial Digital Marketing Strategies to Supercharge your Business Online Presence and Profits Now
Digital marketing has changed how businesses reach their customers in this tech-driven world. Unlike traditional marketing, which uses things like TV, newspapers, and billboards, digital marketing connects with people online. This can be done through websites, social media, email, and search engines. If you want to succeed in business today, understanding digital marketing is a must. In this blog, let’s break down the main parts of digital marketing and why they’re important to you. Key Parts of Digital Marketing Digital marketing is made up of many key parts that all work together. These include search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and analytics. Each one has a special role in attracting and keeping customers. By using these parts correctly, your business can build a strong online presence and boost its sales. Why SEO is Important for Being Found Online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is important because it helps your website show up higher in search engine results, like on Google. When your website ranks high, more people are likely to click on it. Most people don’t look past the first page of search results, so being at the top really matters. Good SEO strategies involve things like using the right keywords, making sure your website is easy to navigate, and getting other websites to link to yours. All of this can help increase traffic to your site and make more people aware of your brand. Social Media Marketing: Connecting with Your Audience Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great for direct interaction with your audience. Businesses can share content, chat with customers, and build a community around their brand. This not only helps to keep customers loyal but also lets businesses show off their personality. It showcases what they stand for. Plus, by looking at how people are engaging with their posts, businesses can improve their strategies to better connect with their audience. Email Marketing: Staying Connected with Customers Email marketing is one of the best ways to build strong relationships with customers. By sending personalized messages and special offers, your business can keep its customers interested and encourage them to come back. Building an email list allows companies to share important content with their audience. It’s important to make sure the content is engaging and relevant to keep people interested. Using data to understand what customers want can make email marketing more effective. Analytics: Tracking Success and Adjusting Strategies Analytics are like a report card for digital marketing. By looking at data, businesses can see what’s working and what needs to change. Tools like Google Analytics help track things like how many people visit your website. What they do while they’re there, and how many of them make a purchase. This information is crucial for making smart decisions that will help maximize success and keep the business competitive. Understanding and using analytics is key to staying ahead in the digital marketing game.
Using CRM To Maximize Your Sales Opportunities
Imagine you're on a treasure hunt. You have a map, a compass, and a team ready to help you find the treasure. But what if you didn’t use the map in the correct way? Chances are you might end up lost or find the treasure much later than you wanted. In sales, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is like that map. It helps you find and keep your customers, who are your treasure. But like in the treasure hunt, you need to know how to use it effectively. What is CRM? CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It's a tool or software that helps you keep track of your customers, their needs, and how you can help them. Think of it as a big notebook where you write down everything about your customers. For example, their names, what they like, what they need, and how you’ve helped them in the past. But unlike a notebook, CRM is much more powerful. It can remind you when to follow up with a customer, show you who your best customers are, and help you find new ones. Why is CRM Important? CRM helps you stay organized. Imagine trying to remember everything about all your customers without writing it down. It would be impossible! CRM makes it easy. And it keeps all your customer information in one place so you can find it in no time. Using CRM also helps you build better relationships with your customers. When you remember small details about them, it shows that you care. And when customers feel cared for, they are likely to stay with you and buy from you again. How to Use CRM 1. Keep Your Information Up to Date: Always make sure the information in your CRM is correct. If a customer changes their phone number or address, update it right away. This helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your communication smooth. 2. Use Reminders: CRM can remind you to follow up with customers. If a customer said they would be ready to buy next month, set a reminder in your CRM, so you don’t forget to call them. This can help you close more deals. 3. Analyze Your Data: Your CRM collects a lot of information. Use this data to find out who your best customers are, what they like to buy, and when they are most likely to buy. This helps you focus your efforts on the customers who are most valuable to your business. 4. Automate Where You Can: CRM can do a lot of things. You can automate it to send emails to customers on their birthdays or reminding them when it’s time to reorder a product. Automation saves you time and helps you stay in touch with your customers without much effort. 5. Train Your Team: Make sure everyone who uses the CRM knows how to use it well. The better your team understands the CRM, the more effective it will be. Offer training sessions and encourage your team to ask questions if they’re unsure about something. The Benefits of Using CRM When you use CRM, you can expect to see more sales opportunities. You’ll be better at keeping track of your customers, understanding their needs, and offering them what they need. Your customers will feel valued and appreciated, which means they’ll keep coming back to you. Conclusion In the end, CRM helps you build stronger relationships with your customers and makes your job easier. It’s like having a superpower that helps you find and keep your treasure—your customers. So, take the time to use CRM and watch your sales opportunities grow!
How to Improve Cash Flow Management and Stop a Cash Crunch in 30 days
Running a small business is exciting. But for a small business to be successful, you need to be Jack of all trades. You may have a great idea, but you still need to work extra hard and juggle many balls. And despite the fulfilment you get when running your own business, there are challenges. One of the biggest is managing cash flow. It’s crucial. Without proper cash flow management, even profitable businesses can struggle. Let’s dig in and share why cash flow management is important. And explore some strategies to keep your business healthy. What is Cash Flow? Cash flow is the money moving in and out of your business. It’s the cash you receive from customers and the cash you pay out for expenses. Positive cash flow means more money is coming in than going out. Negative cash flow means you’re spending more than you’re earning. Simple, right? But managing it can be tricky. Why is Cash Flow Management Important? 1. Survival: Positive cash flow keeps your business alive. You need cash to pay employees, buy supplies, and cover other expenses. Without it, your business could shut down. 2. Growth: Want to expand your business? You’ll need cash. Positive cash flow allows you to invest in new opportunities, hire more staff, or buy better equipment. 3. Stress Reduction: Worrying about money is stressful. Good cash flow management reduces financial stress. It gives you peace of mind knowing you can cover your expenses. 4. Debt Management: Cash flow helps you pay off debts. Keeping up with loan payments and avoiding late fees can save your business money in the long run. Strategies for Managing Cash Flow 1. Monitor Cash Flow Often - Keep an eye on your cash flow. Regularly review your cash flow statements. This helps you understand your financial position and spot problems early. 2. Create a Cash Flow Forecast - Predict your future cash flow. Estimate your expected income and expenses. This helps you plan and make informed decisions. 3. Improve Invoicing Process - Send invoices promptly. Follow up on late payments. Consider offering discounts for early payments. This can speed up cash coming into your business. 4. Manage Expenses Wisely - Control your spending. Easier said than done, but it is crucial. Look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Negotiate better terms with suppliers if possible. 5. Maintain a Cash Reserve - Save some money for emergencies. A cash reserve can help you handle unexpected expenses without disrupting your business. 6. Use Technology - Use accounting software to track your cash flow. Tools like Xero can simplify the process and provide valuable insights. 7. Delay Payments When Possible - If you have good relationships with suppliers, negotiate longer payment terms. This keeps cash in your business longer. 8. Secure Financing - Consider a line of credit or a small business loan. These can provide a financial cushion when cash flow is tight. 9. Business Money is Exactly That - Separate personal finances from your business. Do not confuse the two. Business money isn’t your money, it belongs to the entity. Key Takeaways Cash flow management is vital for small business success. Keep track of your cash flow, forecast future needs, and manage expenses. This way you can keep your business healthy and growing. Remember, it’s not just about making money. It’s about managing the money you make. Start focusing on cash flow today, and you’ll set your business up for a brighter tomorrow. - Positive cash flow is Key for business survival and growth. - Regular monitoring and forecasting can help manage cash flow effectively. - Use technology and smart plans to keep your cash flow positive. By understanding and applying these cash flow management strategies, you can ensure your small business remains healthy and competitive. Happy managing!
Navigating Employment Equity: A Practical Guide for Businesses
In today's fast-paced business world, achieving employment fairness isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about building a successful, inclusive workplace. But where do you get started, let’s break it down. 1. Understanding the Regulatory Landscape First things first, you need to get a handle on the laws and regulations that shape employment equity. It’s not just about compliance—it's about knowing the context and operational framework within which your business operates. Learn about local and national laws, understand what’s expected of you, and keep an eye on any changes. This knowledge will be your foundation. 2. Defining Roles and Responsibilities Next up, clarity is key. Who’s responsible for what? From leadership down to the HR team, everyone needs to know their role in driving employment equity. Set clear prospects and make sure there’s accountability. When everyone knows their part, your strategy becomes effective. 3. Practical Steps to Achieving Employment Fairness Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Start by conducting an audit of your current workforce. Identify gaps and areas for progress. Then, set realistic goals and create a step-by-step plan to reach them. This might involve targeted recruitment, training programs, or mentorship initiatives. Keep it practical and doable. 4. Including People with Disabilities Employment equity isn’t complete without considering people with disabilities. Ensure your workplace is accessible, both physically and digitally. It’s also about more than just accommodation—foster an environment where everyone feels valued and able to contribute fully. 5. Accepting Diversity and Inclusion Diversity isn’t just about hiring from different backgrounds; it’s about creating a culture where different views are valued. Promote open dialogue, celebrate differences, and make certain that everyone feels they belong. An inclusive space is one where innovation and creativity succeed. 6. Promoting Gender Equality Finally, gender fairness needs to be front and center. This means addressing pay gaps, providing equal chances for progress, and testing any biases—conscious or unconscious—that might exist in your workplace. Gender equality isn’t just fair; it’s smart business. Conclusion By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more just, broad, and successful business background. Remember, employment equity is a journey, not a goal. Keep learning, keep adapting, and keep pushing forward.
Discover 9 Proven Strategies to Power Your Business to Success and Compliance Now
If you're running a business, you've heard the terms "compliance" and "governance" hinted at. They might sound a bit formal (and even a little scary). Yet they’re super important for keeping your business on the right track. Let’s break down these concepts into bite-sized pieces. We will focus on the big players like SARS, CIPC, the Compliance Act, B-BBBEE, reporting, and safety. Touch on skills development, and corporate governance. Ready? Let's go! SARS: Keeping Your Taxes in Check First up, let's talk about SARS—the South African Revenue Service. Think of SARS as the gatekeeper of taxes. They make sure everyone is paying their fair share to keep the country running well. If you’re running a business, you've got a few tax duties to meet. Some of them are income tax, VAT, and PAYE (that’s Pay-As-You-Earn if you're new to this). Why should you care? Staying on top of your taxes means avoiding those penalties and interest charges. Plus, it keeps your business in good standing with the law. No one wants to deal with a tax audit gone wrong! CIPC and the Compliance Act: Keeping Your Business Legit Next, we’ve got the CIPC—the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. This is where you go to register your company and make sure all your paperwork is in order. Every year, you'll need to file something called an "annual return". This informs CIPC that your business is still active and kicking. If you fail to pay for a few years, your business risk deregistration. Then there's the Compliance Act. This rulebook ensures businesses operate fairly and ethically, and within the law. This includes everything from fair treatment of employees to respecting consumer rights. Why should you care? Registering your business with CIPC gives you legal protection and credibility. Following the Compliance Act helps you avoid legal troubles. It builds trust with your customers and employees. B-BBBEE: Building a Better Business Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBBEE) might sound like a mouthful. It’s all about promoting economic inclusion and diversity in South Africa. Your B-BBBEE score can impact your ability to get government contracts. And to do business with other companies that have B-BBBEE requirements. Why should you care? A good B-BBBEE score opens doors to new opportunities. Plus, it shows your business` willingness to support economic change. In the end it is —a win-win for everyone. Reporting: Show Me the Numbers Reporting isn’t just about financial statements (though those are important!). It also includes non-financial reporting. This covers how your business impacts the environment and society. This is where terms like "sustainability reporting" and "integrated reporting" come into play. Why should you care? Good reporting practices help you stay transparent and accountable. They also make your business more attractive to investors. In essence they love seeing a well-rounded picture of how a company operates. Safety: Keeping Everyone Safe and Sound Safety might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s crucial. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets the rules for workplace safety for all. This includes everything from providing proper training to conducting regular safety audits. Why should you care? A safe workplace means fewer accidents, less downtime, and happier employees. Plus, it keeps you out of hot water with the law—always a good thing! Skills Development: Investing in Your Team When it comes to skills development, think of it as an investment in your company’s future. The more skilled your workforce, the more competitive your business becomes. The Skills Development Act encourages businesses to upskill their employees. This benefits your team but can also improve your B-BBBEE score. Why should you care? Investing in skills development leads to a more capable and motivated team. This translates into better productivity and innovation. Plus, it helps your business stay compliant with regulatory requirements. In the end it boosts your B-BBBEE rating. Corporate Governance: The Backbone of a Strong Business Let’s talk about corporate governance—the framework that keeps your business running. Good corporate governance involves having clear policies, accountability, and strong leadership. The King IV Report on Corporate Governance is a key guide for South African businesses. It outlines best practices to ensure your company operates in an ethical and efficient manner. Why should you care? Good governance is essential for building trust with stakeholders and managing risks. As well as ensuring long-term success. It’s about doing the right thing for your business. Particularly for your employees, customers, and the broader community. Wrapping It Up So, there you have it—a crash course in compliance and governance. While it might seem like a lot to juggle, staying on top of these areas will help your business thrive. Each piece of the puzzle is essential for long-term success. Whether it's keeping SARS happy, filing your annual returns with CIPC. Also, boosting your B-BBBEE score, or ensuring a safe workplace. And remember, compliance and governance aren’t about ticking boxes. They’re about building a strong, ethical business that can weather any storm. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to running a tight ship! Check out the full courses on yowza!© to enhance your knowledge and power your business to success!
Turn Conflict into Connection: Proven Techniques for Handling Difficult Customers
Dealing with difficult customers is an inevitable part of running a business. They can be demanding, rude, and downright frustrating to handle. The truth is that how you respond to these situations can make or break your business. It's tough but getting it right can turn a disaster into a chance to impress and keep customers. Let's explore practical tips and strategies to help you keep your cool. Examine ways to please even the toughest clients. And delve into how to navigate these tricky situations with confidence and finesse. 1. Stay calm. When faced with an irate customer, the first step is to remain calm. It’s natural to feel defensive or stressed. It is only by responding with a cool head that you will help defuse the situation. Take a deep breath, listen to the customer, and maintain a composed look. 2. Practice Active Listening. Active listening means giving the customer your full attention. Acknowledging their concerns and responding in an appropriate manner. Letting them speak without interrupting and showing empathy. You can do this by nodding or using phrases like, "I understand how you feel." This can help the customer feel heard and valued. 3. Show empathy. Empathy is a powerful tool in customer service. Put yourself in the customer's shoes. You'll better understand their frustration. Use empathetic statements, like, "I can see how that would be frustrating." It will show you care about their experience. 4. Apologize. A genuine apology can go a long way in resolving conflicts. Even if it wasn't your fault, a simple, "I'm sorry you've had this experience," can help. It can calm the customer and lead to a more productive chat. 5. Offer Solutions. After understanding the issue, work on offering a solution. Ask the customer, "What can I do to make this right?" It shows your willingness to help. It also gives the customer some control over the resolution. Be sure to follow through on any promises made. 6. Stay Positive. Maintaining a positive attitude can influence the tone of the conversation. Avoid negative language and focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Phrases like, "Let's find a solution together," can help. They can shift the conversation to a positive outcome. 7. Know When to Escalate. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not be able to resolve the issue on your own. In such cases, it’s important to know when to escalate the matter to a supervisor or manager, if any. Brief them on the situation. And confirm that their concerns receive your utmost attention. This will ensure a smooth handover. 8. Follow Up. After fixing the issue, follow up with the customer. Ensure they're satisfied with the outcome. It shows you care about their experience and want to please them. 9. Learn from experience. Every difficult customer interaction is a learning opportunity. Think about what went well and what you can improve. Use these insights to refine your approach and prevent similar issues in the future. 10. Train Your Team. Train your team to handle tough customers. Give them the skills and knowledge to succeed. Also, regular training on communication and problem-solving can help. It can improve their empathy and help them manage tough situations. Dealing with difficult customers is tough. But, with the right strategies, you can make these interactions positive. Remain serene, absorb every word, express compassion, and strive for a solution. This will resolve the issue and build stronger customer loyalty.
Aligning to your Industry
A critical success factor for SMMEs is to learn from your peers, network within your industry and collaborate with people you trust to build scale and experience. An excellent way to do this is by joining a business forum or network. "Many people do not stay abreast of market research and competitor analysis and ensure that they know what threats, weaknesses, opportunities and strengths will face their industry." Furthermore, a critical success factor for SMMEs is to learn from your peers, network within your industry and collaborate with people you trust to build scale and experience. An excellent way to do this is by joining a business forum or network. There are several business forums in South Africa that can drive growth for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Here are a few popular ones: Small Business Institute (SBI): SBI is an independent organization that advocates for the needs of small businesses in South Africa. They offer resources, networking opportunities, and events to support SMME growth. https://www.smallbusinessinstitute.co.za/ National Small Business Chamber (NSBC): NSBC is a non-profit organisation that provides support, training, and networking opportunities for SMMEs. They host various events, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. https://www.nsbc.africa/ South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI): SACCI is one of the country’s oldest business associations, representing the interests of businesses across various sectors. They offer networking events, business advocacy, and access to business resources. https://sacci.org.za/ Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA): SEDA is a government agency that focuses on developing and supporting SMMEs in South Africa. They provide business development support, training programmes, and access to funding opportunities.http://www.seda.org.za/AboutUs/Jobs/Pages/Home.aspx Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWASA): BWASA is an organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs and business leaders. They offer networking events, mentorship programmes, and resources specifically tailored to women in business. https://bwasa.co.za/ Every province has a business chamber that hosts events, allows you to network with other members and is a useful source of information. Reach out to your local chamber and see what services they provide and how you can get involved. Most industries have an industry body that drives collaboration, excellence and a common purpose to grow the sector. Some industry links below include: ACCA: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants www.acca.org.za APSO: The recruitment industry body www.apso.org.za CESA: Consulting Engineers South Africa www.cesa.co.za CIMAGLOBAL: Chartered Institute of Management Accounts www.cimaglobal.com IACSA: Institute of Administration and Commerce South Africa www.iacsa.co.za ICB: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers www.icb.org.za IIASA: Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa www.iiasa.org.za IRBA: Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors www.irba.co.za Manufacturing Circle: www.manufacturingcircle.co.za SAIBA: South African Institute for Business Accountants www.saiba.org.za SAIPA: Southern African Institute of Professional Accountants www.saipa.co.za SEIFSA: The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa www.seifsa.co.za Here are some more links that you might find helpful AMMSA: Association of Mine Managers of South Africa www.ammsa.org.za ASDSA: Association for Skills Development in South Africa www.asdsa.org.za CASA: Cleaning Association of South Africa www.casa-za.com CGCSA: Consumer Goods Council of South Africa www.cgcsa.co.za EAPASA: Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa www.eapasa.org/ FEDHASA: Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa www.fedhasa.co.za FIASA: Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa https://fia.org.za/ HFA: The Health Funders Association www.hfaassociation.co.za IBASA: Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa www.ibasa.org.za IITPSA: Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa www.iitpsa.org.za IPET: Institute of Professional Engineering Technologists www.ipet.org.za ITA: The Information Technology Association of South Africa www.ita.org.za IWMSA: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa www.iwmsa.co.za MASA: Marketing Association of South Africa www.marketingsa.co.za MBSA: Master Builders South Africa www.masterbuilders.org.za NAA: National Accommodation Association www.naa-sa.co.za SABITA: Southern African Bitumen Association www.sabita.co.za SACNASP: South African Council of Natural Scientific Professions www.sacnasp.org.za SACSSP: South African Council for Social Service Professions www.sacssp.co.za SAFMA: South African Facilities Management Association www.safma.co.za SAIRAC: South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning www.sairac.co.za SAMED: South African Medical Devises industry body www.samed.org.za SANA: South African Nursery Association www.sana.co.za SAPIA: South African Petroleum Industry Association www.sapia.org.za SAPOA: The South African Property Owners Association www.sapoa.org.za SAPVIA: South African Photovoltaic Industry Association www.sapvia.co.za SARTSMA: South African Road Traffic Sign Manufactures Association www.sartsma.co.za SASTA: South African Spaza and Tuck Shop Association www.esdsa.com WISA: Water Institute of Southern Africa www.wisa.org.za Key Takeaways These are just a few examples, and there may be other regional or industry-specific business forums that could be relevant to your business. We recommend that you research and join forums that align with your industry, business goals, and networking needs.
Working on Your Business The key to entrepreneurial growth
By understanding the difference between working "in" and "on" your business, setting aside dedicated time, delegating tasks, developing efficient systems, continuously learning, seeking outside perspectives, and monitoring progress, you can strike a balance between managing day-to-day operations and focusing on strategic growth. "Working “on” your business involves strategic planning, setting goals, developing long-term strategies, and focusing on growth opportunities" As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and endless to-do lists of running your business. However, to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success, it is imperative to shift your focus from working “in” your business to working “on” your business. In this blog, we will explore the importance of balancing both aspects and provide strategies for entrepreneurs to effectively work on their businesses while still managing day-to-day operations. Understand the Difference Working “in” your business refers to the tasks and activities that are necessary to keep your business running smoothly. This includes managing operations, handling customer inquiries, fulfilling orders, and other operational responsibilities. On the other hand, working “on” your business involves strategic planning, setting goals, developing long-term strategies, and focusing on growth opportunities. Recognizing the difference between the two is crucial for achieving entrepreneurial success. Set Aside Dedicated Time It is essential to set aside dedicated time for strategic planning and goal setting if you are to work on your business effectively. Block out regular intervals on your calendar specifically for working on higher-level tasks. Treat this time as non-negotiable and prioritise it, just like any other important business meeting. Use this time to assess your progress, review your business plan, evaluate market trends, and brainstorm new ideas. By carving out dedicated time, you ensure that working on your business becomes a routine and not just an afterthought. Delegate and Outsource To create more time for working on your business, delegate and outsource tasks that can be handled by others. Identify areas where your expertise is truly needed and focus your energy on those tasks. Delegate routine operational tasks to trusted team members or consider outsourcing to freelancers or external service providers. By freeing up your time, you can concentrate on strategic decision-making and growth initiatives. Develop Systems and Processes Efficient systems and processes are the backbone of any successful business. Take the time to develop standardised procedures for routine tasks, such as customer onboarding, inventory management, or marketing campaigns. Implementing systems will not only streamline your daily operations but also allow you to delegate more effectively. With clearly defined processes in place, you can spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on strategic planning and business development. Continuously Learn and Innovate Working on your business also means staying up to date with industry trends, market changes, and emerging technologies. Dedicate time to continuous learning and professional development. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, read books, and connect with other entrepreneurs to stay informed and inspired. Embrace innovation and explore new ideas and strategies that can propel your business forward. By continuously learning and innovating, you position yourself and your business for growth and success. Seek Outside Perspectives Don’t underestimate the power of seeking outside perspectives. Connect with mentors, join mastermind groups, or seek professional advice from consultants or coaches. These individuals can provide valuable insights, challenge your assumptions, and offer fresh ideas. Engaging with others who have diverse experiences and expertise can help you gain a broader perspective and uncover new opportunities for working on your business. Remember also to simply ask outright. People loved to be asked their opinion. It is a validation of their own journey. You will be surprised how many willing participants there may be on your journey. Monitor and Measure Progress It is vital to regularly track and measure your progress to ensure that your efforts to work on your business are yielding results. Set key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly review them to assess your business’s growth and performance. Use metrics such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, or operational efficiency to evaluate the impact of your strategic initiatives. Continually refine your strategies and adjust your course based on the data and insights you gather. Key Takeaways Working “on” your business is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship that can lead to sustainable growth and long-term success. By understanding the difference between working “in” and “on” your business, setting aside dedicated time, delegating tasks, developing efficient systems, continuously learning, seeking outside perspectives, and monitoring progress, you can strike a balance between managing day-to-day operations and focusing on strategic growth. Embrace the opportunity to work on your business and unlock its full potential.
Fayrouz Holliday: Halaal Hopper
Travel Designer, Tourist Guide and Owner of Halaal Hopper, Mrs Fayrouz Holliday-October took a leap of re-evaluating her experience and position within the Tourism Industry in South Africa. With 23 years of experience in the local and international tourism sector and as a Muslim woman and a Muslim woman traveller she realised that there was a great need to cater to the needs of Muslim travellers with halaal offerings. From food, accommodation and Muslim Tourist attractions the passion grew to join the already main stream of other Muslim operators to give further quality service and options to the Muslim Traveller. Fayrouz comes with a wealth of knowledge of the Middle East, being a Dubai Tourism Top Graduate from the Government of Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in 2001. She has no local formal qualification but still continues to study through the University of Life. Travel Designer, Tourist Guide and Owner of Halaal Hopper, Mrs Fayrouz Holliday-October took a leap of re-evaluating her experience and position within the Tourism Industry in South Africa. With 23 years of experience in the local and international tourism sector and as a Muslim woman and a Muslim woman traveller she realised that there was a great need to cater to the needs of Muslim travellers with halaal offerings. From food, accommodation and Muslim Tourist attractions the passion grew to join the already main stream of other Muslim operators to give further quality service and options to the Muslim Traveller. Fayrouz comes with a wealth of knowledge of the Middle East, being a Dubai Tourism Top Graduate from the Government of Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in 2001. She has no local formal qualification but still continues to study through the University of Life. Fayrouz was the first girl to play cricket for Western Province in a boys team in 1979 and is also a cricket coach Other than that Fayrouz love people, places, spaces and food and believes not to do different things but to do it differently with collaboration and that whatever is meant for you will come your way. GOD WILLING (IN SHA ALLAH) Visit Halaal Hopper’s website and social media today! Website: https://halaalhopper.co.za Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalaalHopperSA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Halaalhopper/
