There’s value for us in attending small business and franchising expos during the year. For a start it’s one of the few opportunities that we have to interact with readers face-to-face. And we value the opportunity. It also provides the chance to be re-energised and inspired by the start-ups and established enterprises operating inSouth Africa.
It must be acknowledged that there is always more that can be done to support small business, but every now and again, we like to take a moment to acknowledge the effort and energy that is currently being expended.
This year for the first time we attended Telkom Cape Town Small Business Week – which forms part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. While we celebrate entrepreneurship throughout the year in the pages of this magazine, there is something to be said for a short, sharp/concentrated injection of entrepreneurial energy. The City Hall – the venue for the three-day event – welcomed entrepreneurs, would-be entrepreneurs, policymakers, thought leaders, funders and corporate South Africa to celebrate but also plot the way forward as Cape Town strives to become a city that welcomes entrepreneurs. There was much discussion around what it takes to build an entrepreneurial eco-system – with all the necessary support, legislative incentives and technological enablers. It was particularly inspiring to see the coming together of so many great minds and the commitment to bring this vision to fruition through the pooling of resources (For more on the event visit: www.ctew.org.za).
An initiative that aims to spark new ideas and innovation – the Seda Small Business Stars competition – features on p18 of this issue. The business plan competition offers free training for entrants as part of the effort to grow sustainable and profitable enterprises in this country. It’s an incredibly exciting competition and we look forward to hearing from readers who have entered and in following the finalists and winners on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Enjoy the read – we hope it offers an inspiring starting point for the year ahead. We wish you and your family a festive and happy holiday season.
Look out for our February/March issue on shelves from February 13.
Liz and the Your Business team
On the Cover
The year ahead for small business
The experts weigh in on what small business owners can expect in 2012…
Seda Small Business Stars
CEO Hlonela Lupuwana shares her vision for this exciting national business plan competition with a unique focus on entrepreneurial education.
Refresh your business
Rethink, recharge, refocus. Now is the time to breathe some new life into your company.
Franchise Focus
In our annual spotlight on the franchise industry we give advice on finding the opportunity that is right for you.
How to…
Get organised for the year ahead
Clear your desk, mind and calendar of anything that is getting in the way of you achieving your goals…
Put your limited capital to best use
Tips for capital budgeting and managing your cash flow…
Packaging your product
Packaging design is a complex discipline. Here are five easy rules to get you started.
Choose a mobile payment system
Savvy business owners would do well to familiarise themselves with the options out there.
Features
Rising stars – Spreading the dream
Identifying the business opportunity in personal upliftment makes Godfrey Madanhire a true social entrepreneur…
The downside to goal setting…
…is that you get what you ask for.
Do you have a handle on where you’re at?
Our year-end checklist will help you get your business planning off to a good start in 2012.
Sweep away the cobwebs
Introducing a few changes in the workplace can do wonders to motivate your employees.
Essential small business contracts
Protect yourself and your business.
What you gonna say?
No one likes cold calling. But with some careful planning you can get results…
Is your marketing just blah blah blah?
Tell customers and prospects what you’re aboutwithout boring them half to death.
From blank canvas to eye-catching advert
Easy steps to grab your customers’ attention.
Get the results you want
Generate more qualified sales leads with effective advertising…
How to you stack up against your competitors?
Know where you stand so that you can position your business competitively.
FRANCHISE FOCUS
Ask all the right questions first
Arm yourself with knowledge ahead of making a franchise purchase.
What are your financing alternatives?
Whether it be to purchase a franchise or to upgrade an outlet, here are the options…
Q&A
We answer your questions on existing versus new franchises, disclosure documents and what to ask your lawyer…
A-Z Franchise Opportunities
We’ve given you advice, now have a look at some of the franchise opportunities on offer.
TECHNOLOGY
The do’s and don’ts of online marketing
In a world where word-of- mouth is fast changing to word-of-click, here are some tips to compete in this space…
Reduce email overload
Top picks for 2012
Here are a few gadgets you’ll see on our shelves over the festive season and in the new year. Some will find a place in your business, others are purely for fun…
