Showing category "Business Resources" (Show all posts)

Creating videos for your business

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, May 3, 2013, In : Business Resources 

Did you know that YouTube is the second most used search engine on the web? Creating videos for your business could and should be one of the most critical marketing channels that you can be involved in as a business owner.

Making videos is not always the expensive and technical challenge that you may think it is. A simple set of short videos is easy to compile and will put your brand in front of the world in a visual and creative way.

Here are some examples of the types of videos that you c...


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Brain fit = Business Fit

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, April 5, 2013, In : Business Resources 

Getting your body fit requires exercise, spinning classes and gym sessions. Also involved is a balanced diet and reduced 'bad' foods. Getting your bran fit requires regular exercises, concentration classes and brain gym sessions. It also requires a good diet and reduced 'bad' food.

In order to build a successful business your brain should be in peak performance followed by a healthy body. Healthy body, I cant help you out with see Robin Buck for that, but healthy mind is my game.

A number o...


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Do you use Twitter to grow your business?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, In : Business Resources 
Using social media has become an essential part of running a business in these connected times. It has always been easier to use FaceBook and YouTube to promote our business but Twitter is now making a huge effort to get small businesses on board to promote and sell whist building customer loyalty.
 
This short video released this week by Twitter will give you some tips and tools to do just that:
 
 
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The Big "F" of doing business 4

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, In : Business Resources 

In this series I have take a number of 'F' words and unpacked some lessons we can all learn from how to do business more effectively and efficiently.

The next set of 'F' words are Financially Flippant. Far to many business owners do not know what financial management is or entails. I have seen many business owners living out of the till and treating the businesses money as their own. spending it on personal things, food and fuel and never recording these expenses as such. then when it comes ...


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The Big "F" of doing business 3

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, In : Business Resources 

In this series I have take a number of 'F' words and unpacked some lessons we can all learn from how to do business more effectively and efficiently.

The next set of 'F' words are Future Focus. Any business needs to have their sights firmly set on the future in relation to where they are going and how they will get there. Beginning with the end in mind gets one to the end faster. We facilitate a process with our clients whereby they have a constant eye on their futures through good goal sett...


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Getting Around the Spam Filters

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, March 18, 2013, In : Business Resources 

Have you ever wondered why your emails never get delivered or opened? Could it be due to the high amount of Spam alerts that they create? Even if you are sending out genuine legitimate emails with real business information, they may still be classified as spam. Here are a few hints to watch out for:

  •  Make sure your email subjects have good call to actions that do not use any of the Spam words listed below.
  • Start emails to the person's name. So not use, Hi all or Hello
  • Use your own name and ema...


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The Big "F" of doing business 2

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, March 14, 2013, In : Business Resources 

In this series I have take a number of 'F' words and unpacked some lessons we can all learn from how to do business more effectively and efficiently.

The next set of 'F' words are Fix Faster. In the first article of this series we spoke about learning to fail fast, this is and always should be backed up by Fix Faster. This means that as fast as you fail, you as a business owner, should be fixing the problems faster. It does not matter who is at fault, or why it went wrong, what is important ...


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The Big "F" of doing business 1

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, In : Business Resources 

In this series I have take a number of 'F' words and unpacked some lessons we can all learn from how to do business more effectively and efficiently.

The first set of 'F' words are Fail Fast. The ability for any business to fail is often frowned upon, especially by your accountant and bank manger. Failure is just not why we went into business in the first place so we try to hide it and deny it and ignore the very fact it happened at all.

But a true Entrepreneur has to learn to embrace fail...


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What do your Customers Demand?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, March 11, 2013, In : Business Resources 

Customers demand Faster, Better, Cheaper from retailers all the time. This triangle of demand drives businesses into the quadrant of red water competitiveness and the price wars start. Margins are cut, service is compromised and quality fails. Major retailers are good at this because they will never supper themselves, they just pass the pressure ball back to their suppliers and squeeze them into reducing costs without allowing them any room to move at the same time pushing prices up for the c...


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Reducing business to simple words

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, March 4, 2013, In : Business Resources 

Reducing what business is all about is what we are all about. It is a total waste of time expecting busy business owners to have to attend long tedious lectures, complete home work assignments, read case studies and then still expect them to find time to apply learnings back in to their own organisation.

So here is a short video of the top most important words in business. You may be surprised to not find words such as Profit, Customers and Marketing. Enjoy


 
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Webinars: are they the future of coaching?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, March 1, 2013, In : Business Resources 

This week at the Entrepreneur Incubator office we have been testing and running a number of sessions using various online applications to present our business coaching tools. It has been a long learning curve but I think we have found a good solution to the problems we faced.

This week we have spoken to many different business owners from both South Africa and abroad on the following topics:

  •  Introduction to Webinars
  • 10 things to do to get a business off the ground
  • Feasibility Assessment Tool...


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What you read today will affect your 5 year goals

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, In : Business Resources 

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Mitigating Risks for a Start up

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, In : Business Resources 

Back in the early days of running my own businesses, I just believed that if you came across an obstacle, all you needed to do was to work harder and a bit faster to overcome it, then move on to the next one. Well that worked for some of them but soon it became apparent that not all obstacles could be handled in the same way and not all obstacles could be overcome, some needed to be avoided.

So I set out to list all the various ways small emerging businesses fail and then began working on wa...


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Online Coaching for all

Posted by Bruce Wade on Sunday, February 24, 2013, In : Business Resources 

The Entrepreneur Incubator has retooled some of our offerings and we are now able to offer coaching, education and support for Entrepreneurs across the globe online at a massively low cost.

Our webinars (online seminars) will be offered on a regular basis with up to 3 presented each week. These together with eBooks and downloadable notes and videos we aim to reach a wider audience of emerging business owners at a more affordable cost.

Our FREE webinars will be run weekly and cover topics ...


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Looking back to plan forward Part 4

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, December 8, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week we will take a short journey through a series of exercises that we use to cement the leanings from the past year and prepare for the quantum leap into 2012.

The final part to this planning exercise is to make a list from your outstanding issues that needs and can be addressed in the remaining time this year. So many of us just write off December as down time and spend far too much time playing Angry Birds and not getting the small items off the list.

Take your list from Part 2 of ...


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Learn something new to make extra moola

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Want to do something different these holidays and get to learn to earn some extra moola? The Entrepreneur Incubator is offering a series of workshops that will teach you a skill that you can utilize to make a number of items to sell or use as gifts.

Designed especially for Teens and Adults these workshops are part craft, part business skill.

Seed Bead Critters, these are the small beads that are woven together to make a number of unique designer animals, people and sea creatures. These can ...


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Looking back to plan forward Part 3

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week we will take a short journey through a series of exercises that we use to cement the leanings from the past year and prepare for the quantum leap into 2012.

Today we will begin to look ahead to 2012 and put pen to paper on what your BHAGs and WIGs are. Let’s start with goal setting, this is preached at every business and personal development and time management seminar you will ever go to and for good reason. Setting Goals do actually work. Simply by writing out your goals and sh...


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Looking back to plan forward Part 2

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week we will take a short journey through a series of exercises that we use to cement the leanings from the past year and prepare for the quantum leap into 2012.

The next exercise is to rid yourself of any guilt that you may carry into the festive season and holidays. Make a list of all outstanding issues, programmes and not yet done tasks that you have been well meaning to get to this year. This could include simple things, such as replacing the kettle to your new website or office ren...


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Looking back to plan forward Part 1

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, December 5, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week we will take a short journey through a series of exercises that we use to cement the leanings from the past year and prepare for the quantum leap into 2012.

The first exercise is a simple one but so many people neglect to do this each year let alone each day. Take time to pause and reflect on your achievements. Make a list of all the highlights that both you and your team have achieved throughout the year. Go through each month, pull out old notes or your diary and make a celebrati...


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Buy your own business success

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, October 27, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Having your own business coach is great, you get to lean on someone else’s experience and wisdom, but as all things good, we come at a price. Now I am not saying us coaches are not worth paying for, but often people just do not have the funds or the time to spend on coaching. We often get people dropping by this website looking for tools and tips that they can use right off the bat to help them get through a specific issue or hump in the road.

We have heard your cry and done something abo...


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Motivate Cape Town

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, October 21, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Here is something you can do today to improve your business network. And it will only cost you a few minutes.

A new community website has launched this week and it is all about people empowering people with Pros meeting up with Peers and delivering Programmes for Progress.

If you are doing business in or around Cape Town and offer some sort of service or product that could be of assistance to others who are trying to make their lives a little better then click here and join Motivate Cape To...


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Remember the PAIA?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, In : Business Resources 

A few years ago the business community was abuzz with the new Promotion to Access Information Act (PAIA). All businesses small and large had to comply with this act and submit a manual to some government department in Pretoria to remain legal and compliant.

Carrie-Anne from Cents and Accountability has reminded us again of this and if you own or run a small business in South Africa and have not yet written up and submitted your PAIA manual, please get it done. It is a once off process and sh...


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EI gets Capped with eC@ps

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, October 7, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Entrepreneur Incubator and Academy has formed an association with eC@ps. Electronic Compass Aligned Performance System offers their clients a simple to use strategy application that once used offers a one page strategy document with a huge amount of accountability and communication tools.

Brian Howe and Bruce Wade met this week to discuss how the association would work and we have decided to offer eC@ps as a part of the Incubator membership for clients on the Growth and Leadership programmes...


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Wisdom Tips for Startups

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, September 29, 2011, In : Business Resources 
Here is a list of startup wisdom copied from onstartups.com. Some great ideas and pick me ups.


 The right time to hire the first person is when you think you are going to die. 

Do what you are naturally good at. Starting up is hard enough as it is.

Be prepared for serendipity. Viagra was originally a failed heart medication. 

Don't reward people with bonuses. They don't remember them. Give them experiences. 

Long term thinking: I've always wanted to build something that will survive bey...


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Get help in your business for FREE

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, In : Business Resources 

So many small business owners get to a point early in their journey when the hours in the day are just not enough and an extra pair of hands will be most welcome. But the cost and hassle of employing your first worker is just overwhelming, so you plod on and often drop those dream ideas to get done what you can. Sound familiar?

There is another opportunity: get an intern and make use of many of the world wide exchange programmes out there. Interns from various countries, education levels an...


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Will it happen to you?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, September 23, 2011, In : Business Resources 
Each year around this time a strange cloud begins to cover the land. The cloud of hectic, we suddenly realize that there are only 100 days left until the end of the year and we begin to feel a mild panic in the pit of our belly. Will I be able to pay all my accounts? Will I be able to invoice clients over December when they are leave? How will Dec and Jan affect my cash flow? How will I run my business when all my staff go on leave?

Questions like these give rise to panic and depression. But...


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Rules for Logo Design

Posted by Bruce Wade on Sunday, September 18, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Here are 45 rules to consider when creating your logo I found on Logo Faves

  1. Do not use more than three colours.
  2. Get rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary.
  3. Type must be easy enough for your grandma to read.
  4. The logo must be recognizable.
  5. Create a unique shape or layout for the logo.
  6. Completely ignore what your parents and/or spouse think about the design.
  7. Confirm that the logo looks appealing to more than just three (3) individuals.
  8. Do not combine elements from popular logos and claim it ...

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Need a legal document?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Sunday, September 18, 2011, In : Business Resources 

What do you do when you require some form of legal document and the thought of spending thousands of Rands for a lawyer to just copy and paste something together is just not feasible? There are options to buy a readymade document from your local stationery shop, but the chances of finding the right one and getting it specific enough is doubtful. The answer lies with a website we found last week: Agreements Online.

Kerry Jack has been able to assemble a vast array of well written, relevant an...


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Become an Entrepreneur Coach

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, In : Business Resources 

The Entrepreneur Incubator and Academy is looking to expand to meet the demands of the booming Entrepreneurial industry in Cape Town. We are looking to build partnerships with Coaches and Entrepreneurs who have a passion for small business development and working with people. Training, support and material will be supplied.

If you are interested in changing lives for the positive through entrepreneurship and have the ability to learn, coach and develop both yourself and others, then this opp...


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Why Video has become critical to your business

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, August 22, 2011, In : Business Resources 

In the sales cycle of Inform – Educate – Sell, videos have always been the best way to assist in the marketing of any service or product. Just by having potential customers see you and your place of work already adds to your credibility and trust relationship.

With YouTube being the number 2 search engine, it has become critical for every small business to have a Channel with ongoing activity on YouTube with your own videos, recommendations and comments. This all adds to your online web...


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EI links to Von Seidels IP attorneys

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, August 19, 2011, In : Business Resources 
We have recently build up a relationship with Von Seidels, intellectual property attorneys. We were invited to their offices in Century City last week for coffee and a chat and found them to be very different to some other law firms we have been to. Chatting to Lisa, their Marketing Coordinator, we found that they too a very entrepreneurial and innovative in their approach to building their business. We have already referred one of our clients to them for advice on securing her IP in her busi...
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Business Resource Tools not to be missed

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, August 12, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Here are two great tools, opportunities and ideas not to be missed: 

Effort Share – An online collaboration platform that allows communities to share ideas, expertise and effort. The concept is simple, People join the community, share ideas for business development, social change of just general ideas. You ask for specific help in the areas you lack. Others see this and offer their ideas and comments and if they can fill the gap, contribute either online or in person. The sharing of effort...


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Stop reading everything else but this

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, August 11, 2011, In : Business Resources 

A new series of social media mags is about to hit the web cloud and you can get it all for free. Really. Four new e-mags are ready to launch out from the US. They cover Twitter, Facebook, Google and LinkedIn. The initial distribution list is estimated at just over 5 million people and you as a business owner need to be on this list. Sort of one of those things that if you miss out on, you may just not live long enough to regret it.

Ok, you say how do I get on the list? Easy as click here and...


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Angels Congregate in Cape Town

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, In : Business Resources 
The Angel Hub launched in Cape Town a few weeks ago and has already begun to create a huge amount of chatter on the Entrepreneurial channels. Here is an extract from their latest press release:

Angel Hub - A Business Angel Investment Group that pools funding sources for investment in early-stage South African ventures to accelerate growth and create value. Despite the availability of highly lucrative deals in South Africa, there remains a significant financing gap for early-stage entrepreneuri...


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Top 10 Business Tips

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, July 15, 2011, In : Business Resources 

2010 Businesswoman of the Year, Santie Botha, talking on tips for South African businessperson:

1. Surround yourself with the best possible people, and if you have the chance to appoint someone who is better than you at a certain thing, that’s the jackpot.

2. Always give credit to others on your team. This is how people grow. Keep them motivated and they will give you even more.

3. Keep your sense of humour, or you will not keep your sanity in the business world.

4. Gather as large a po...


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Getting Connected is easy but needs to be strategic

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, July 11, 2011, In : Business Resources 

We are now well into the second quarter of Exploit Yourself. Our ten contestants have dropped to eight, but this has not slowed the progress of the show. This week we turn our attention to things on the web and social media marketing.

We have been able to twist some arms at Quirk to get Scott Gray to talk to us this week. Scott was awarded the Best Social Media Marketer of the year last year so he is no doubt the best man for the job of taking us through this topic. He will be introducing t...


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Entrepreneur and Investor Conference 2011. CAPE TOWN, WATERFRONT. 8th July 2011

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, June 27, 2011, In : Business Resources 

IBA is bringing Entrepreneurs and Investors in one space, to allow the Entrepreneur to pitch his/her idea to the investor and the Investor to be exposed to the entrepreneurs. This unique conference is bound to change lives and realise dreams for a full day of explosive business discovery at the Entrepreneur and Investor Conference 2011. 

Powerful keynote presentations will educate and inspire all attendees. Intimate breakout sessions, one-on-one coaching and power networking will provide you...


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Exploit Yourself Week 3 - Wellness

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, June 20, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Wellness is more than just a state of mind or attitude; it is a relationship with all 4 parts of yourself, Mind, Body, Heart and Soul. Only when you are investing into all 4 in a positive way and they become functional at an optimal rate can you claim the wellness badge for yourself. Wellness is also how well and healthy your relationships are with others that you interact with on a daily basis.

Robin Buck This week we will take our contestants through a cycle of evaluations, assessments and introspecti...


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Exploit Yourself: Week 2

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, June 16, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week on Exploit Yourself the workshop was designed to shake a few cages and rattle some foundations. To my surprise it was found that very few of our contestants had any foundations to rattle. I am constantly amazed at how many small businesses operate without any solid plans for the future and without and founding statement or written vision. This “Accidental Entrepreneurship” state of being is fine while you are still small, but if your business is destined to grow into something s...


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Sure Swipe offers innovative convenience

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, June 16, 2011, In : Business Resources 

We are always on the lookout for innovative ideas that make the life of small business more convenient and promote growth. We get to see many different concepts and dreams but very few of them seem to actually work in the real world and add value to the customers.

Last week I heard an advert for Sure Swipe on the radio and gave them a call. Today Robin Petersen dropped by the office to explain what Sure Swipe offers and how they operate.

It is great to find a company that has their focus so...


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4 Key Words: Collaboration

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, In : Business Resources 

In this series, we are looking at the key words that define a successful sustainable business. The second word is Collaboration. This is defined as: To work with one with another in a cooperative manner. We have been created to work with each other, never alone. We each have unique strengths and abilities that when united with others create compounded exponential results.

Too many small business owners think that they need to do all the work themselves. This results in long hours of frustra...


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4 Key Words: Innovation

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, In : Business Resources 

In this series, we are looking at the key words that define a successful sustainable business. The first word is Innovation. This is defined as: Something new or different product or method introduced. Innovation does not always require you to be a techno-boff and discover a new formula or algorithm. It could be you doing an everyday thing in a new way.

But how do we identify where to be innovative? Simple: Look at the pain and anger in the world, then create a solution for the people who l...


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NCA – Just an April Fool Joke

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, April 4, 2011, In : Business Resources 

On Friday we waited for the implementation of the ground breaking New Companies Act. This was first signed into law by President Mbeki in 2008 and we have seen little movement since then on the subject. We were notified that implementation date was 01 April and that all systems in the DTI were set and ready. Many people have spent a huge amount of money getting ready, running and attending workshops and training. There has been a frantic sell off of all shelf companies on the market in order ...


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The Consumer Protection Act – What to do?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, March 28, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week we see two landmark acts coming into law that affect how we run our businesses. Firstly we have the New Companies Act that changes the way our businesses are regulated and registered. This we will have to wait and see how effective CIPRO becomes and are able to handle the new legislation. The two big issues here are that Close Corporations will now be called CHC Limited or Closely Held Companies. And there will be a financial rescue management plan that your business can file for or...


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Win tickets to Opening Doors

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, March 24, 2011, In : Business Resources 

A new initiative aimed at inspiring and challenging South Africa’s entrepreneurs begins on Tuesday next week. Called ‘Opening Doors‘, the initiative run through ABSA Bank is a platform for the dreamers, the visionaries, the builders and the creators in our great country. Opening Doors will provide support, mentorship, guidance and solutions to business owners across South Africa.

The launch event is happening on Tuesday 29 April in Ster-Kinekor cinemas around the country. If you would ...


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We give away a Work Flow 101 to Living Way

Posted by Bruce Wade on Thursday, March 24, 2011, In : Business Resources 

This week we were privileged to be able to once again support Living Way in Cape Town.  

Living Way is a ministry within Living Hope that is working to economically empower people to earn their way out of poverty.  Through their various programmes, Living Way works to empower people to provide for their daily necessities so that they do not have to depend on anyone, focusing on under-resourced communities in Cape Town, South Africa.

We have donated one of our Work Flow 101 games to Living W...


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BulkSMS.com supports Entrepreneurial Businesses

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, In : Business Resources 

BulkSMS.com has recently launched an entrepreneurial support programme aimed at assisting entrepreneurs who see SMS messaging as an important part of their business communications or integral to their business model. The programme offers entrepreneurs a means of accessing BulkSMS.com resources in support of their own ventures 

Applications can be made under one of the following business categories:

  •  Business Communicator
  • Business Innovator
  • Business Transformation Advocate
  • Business Empowerment ...


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Work Flow 101 hits the news

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, March 4, 2011, In : Business Resources 

Today our very own home build, game has hit the news through Dane Carlson’s Business Opportunities Weblog.

One of the biggest problems small business owners face is a lack of understanding of how all things fit together in business and in order to manage and sustain a business.
A new game on the market this month called Works Flow 101 hopes to remedy that problem.
Work Flow 101 looks to be a fun and essential tool for any training organization, high school or entrepreneur.
See the f...


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The new look of Business Development

Posted by Bruce Wade on Sunday, November 21, 2010, In : Business Resources 

After a week of great interaction with various Entrepreneurs and stake holders in the business development fields we at the EI campus are filled with enthusiasm and ready to start expanding our tent poles.

Some of our plans include the improved definition of our business roadmap to include milestones that will become achievement points for those building their businesses. To add to this journey we have included a whole new set of legislation, regulation and functional tips that will make eac...


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The Constitution of an Entrepreneur

Posted by Bruce Wade on Saturday, November 20, 2010, In : Business Resources 

The makeup of any entrepreneurial business needs to be well designed and offer a firm yet flexible framework that can with stand the stress of the small business market but also be portable. 

The main pillar is yourself. The Entrepreneur. You need to know yourself well. Understand your strengths, your skills, your abilities to do the job. Also, almost as important is to know what you are unable to do and what you are poor at doing. This gives rise to the second pillar. 

Your team. This is a g...
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CPA Implementation Delayed

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, In : Business Resources 

Just got a message from Mark Schafer, attorney and advisor. He has informed me that the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act has been delayed until March 2011.

The New Companies Act also due for 01 October has also been delayed.

So we wait yet again.


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CPA Part 2

Posted by Bruce Wade on Sunday, September 5, 2010, In : Business Resources 

In this, the second part of our series looking at the Consumer Protection Act, that comes into effect in October this year, we will address the issue of marketing. There are a number of changes that may be required to your existing marketing campaigns, so please read this as well as other reference material on this matter, and if required please consult a legal professional and download the act for yourself.

  •   The act addresses the risks associated with managing lay buys. All payments made by ...


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Bruce Wade now on the Fin24 Panel of Experts

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, August 16, 2010, In : Business Resources 

The new look Fin24 Entrepreneurship page here is offering a Q&A section where readers can submit small business questions to a panel of experts. Marc Ashton has asked me to be a part of the team. Check us out here and bookmark this page for future reference. Marc’s articles have been a huge source of well researched information. Marc is also a bit of a bulldog and not afraid to tackle the big issues like the CIPRO issue.

We look forward to a fruitful time of correspondence with the reader...


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Get your FREE Kindle today

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, August 6, 2010, In : Business Resources 

Reading books has always been an expensive necessity as a business owner. The amount of information required just to get to know what you do not know can keep your book budget working flat out all year.

When electronic readers came out like the Kindle, I was super keen to get one, but logistics and once again expense of having one in SA was too much. The iPad and other platforms now offer similar functionality but all cost a huge initial investment before any download can happen.

But wait, ...


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Simple way to improve a workshop

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, In : Business Resources 

There has been a flood of very clever advertising on the radio of late from the Mantelli’s biscuit factory based in Westlake, Cape Town. This has gotten my attention and so today we popped in to see what all the fuss is about.

They have a huge range of individually wrapped products ranging from Shortbread fingers to Almond and white chocolate crunchies. We stocked up for our coming workshops at EI and will now be able to invite participants to the tea break with confidence. I have not yet ...


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Do you know who you are working with?

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, July 19, 2010, In : Business Resources 

A lot of my time is spend setting up meetings and chats with people I have never met before. This always carries a certain amount of risk and anxiety for both parties. Here are a few things that I do to mitigate the issues. 

  •  I set up the appointment by phone whenever possible so I can get a confirmed time with both diaries open at the same time.
  • If the meeting has been set up more than a week in advance I confirm the meeting the day before via email or sms
  • I try to meet at a venue that has tabl...

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Business Wisdom in short sentences

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, In : Business Resources 
Here is some more business wisdom from the guys at 37 Signals

When you want something bad enough, you make the time. 

The perfect time to start something never arrives. 

Start a business, not a start-up. 

You need a commitment strategy, not an exit strategy.

Huge organizations talk instead of act, and meet instead of do. 

Build half a product, not a half-assed product.

Getting to greatness starts by cutting out stuff that’s merely good.

The real world isn’t a place, it's an e...


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Go For The Gap

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, July 5, 2010, In : Business Resources 

It is not only a good flyhalf who need spot the gap to become successful, entrepreneurs have to do the same. It is actually easy to come up with creative ideas, most of us do this naturally and most often in our sleep. Finding the gap in the market to position this idea is the quality that separates the dreamers from the successful.

Gap identification and analysis is an art. The best way to spot a need or gap is to look for pain. Where people are experiencing pain or frustration there is nor...


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Preparing an idea for business

Posted by Bruce Wade on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, In : Business Resources 

Ok, so you have a great idea. In the early hours of the morning this idea has the potential of Google as it floats around in your semi-sleep state. You wake up and write it all down with flow diagrams and income streams all neatly defined. Now what?

Taking an idea from concept to reality is what makes us Entrepreneurs. People who are able to think in solutions and not problems. Living out of the box takes energy, courage and risk, but this is what makes change happen. We are the ones who mov...


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Business Development - Feasibility

Posted by Bruce Wade on Monday, June 28, 2010, In : Business Resources 

Every business development cycle goes through five stages that need to be addressed, assigned and completed before moving on. Failure to do so may result in a business that is built on an unstable foundation. And we all know what happened to the house build on the sand and not the rock.

The first question to ask about a business is:  Is this business idea Feasible? Feasibility needs to address both the business concept and the business owner. For a business idea to become feasible it should ...


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Choosing a name for your business

Posted by Bruce Wade on Friday, June 25, 2010, In : Business Resources 

One of the hardest part of starting any business is selecting and registering the name. Not only is this a very personal issue tied up with lots of emotion but you need to jump through a series of hoops and holes to get it all done. Here are some basic guidelines and processes.

Your business name should not:

  •  Be named after you or any family member if you ever want to sell it
  • Be limited to an area if you ever want to expand to other areas
  • Be focused on one product or service if you will expan...


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A HUGE initial movement is required for change

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, In : Business Resources 
When faced with change or the beginning or change it is always advisable to start with an initial movement of huge proportion. This does a few things that go a long way to secure the success of the change project. A huge initial movement will give the team a boost of confidence and encouragement that improves the buy-in from all players. It also shows others that you are confident in the change and that you mean business. It also boils down to simple physics, it takes a huge boost of energy t...
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Business Wisdom in Short Sentences

Posted by Bruce Wade on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, In : Business Resources 
Here is the first in a series of wise sayings from the guys at 37 Signals

Great businesses have a point of view, not just a product or service. 

Writing a plan makes you feel in control of things you don’t actually control.

You have the most information when you’re doing something, not before you've done it.

Stuff that was impossible just a few years ago is simple today. 

Failure is not a prerequisite for success.

Don’t make assumptions about how big you should be ahead of time...


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