For entrepreneurs working in their businesses instead of on them, it can be very hard to take a step back to allow others in. To let other people take over those tasks that seem to have become part of who you are. You’ve done them from the very beginning, they’re where your strengths lie…
But have these tasks in actual fact become a security blanket? It’s hard to acknowledge that you can’t do it on your own and need help to grow. It can be even tougher to face up to the fact that you are under-equipped to tackle some aspects of your business.
It’s clear that finance and HR are the areas that entrepreneurs find most challenging. In fact when asked what she would do differently when starting up, our Rising Star in this issue – technology entrepreneur Linda Ravenhill – says she would focus on skilling up in these two areas. For those of you who also have this as a priority, take time out now to read Nikki Viljoen’s piece on cash flow management, and Gareth Cotten’s article on the time value of money and choosing the right mix of debt and equity when funding your business.
And beyond finding the right staff, you also have a duty to your employees, to do the best you possibly can to encourage and motivate them. Rob Rankin weighs in with some ideas on how to achieve the best results.
When it comes to skilling up, there are plenty of training solutions out there. If you need advice on choosing the right course and provider, and to find out how to tap into government’s tax incentives for learnerships, our SME Training Focus is a must.
If financial management is a struggle for small business owners, then finding the funds to start up comes in at the top of the list of financial challenges. But take heart, in this issue successful entrepreneurs share their funding journeys – offering insight and suggestions that may just help you navigate your search.
Enjoy this issue, and don’t forget to watch out for our bumper December/January edition which focuses on franchising and will be in shops from December 5.
ON THE COVER
Raise start-up capital
Angel investors, banks, support organisations and bootstrapping – successful entrepreneurs share their funding journeys.
Developing successful franchises
Once a solid strategy is in place, Franchising Plus has the expertise to assist clients with a roll-out plan.
Turn your employees into brand ambassadors
A loyal team that loves what they do for a living is an essential ingredient to small business success.
6 sure-fire ways to get new clients
It’s time to focus on getting new clients. Here’s how…
FEATURES
Rising stars
Entrepreneur Linda Ravenhill is collecting accolades on the world stage…
The new Companies Act
How does it affect your business or the business you plan to start?
Crunch those numbers
Let technology help make it easy to keep your books organised…
Time is money
Business owners will come across two terms frequently – the time value of money and financing considerations.
Best practices for your marketing
Know your customers’ rights, and protect your business…
What it takes to referee a good meeting
Maintain control while allowing people to share their views.
How do you score?
How good are you at encouraging and motivating your employees?
SME TRAINING FOCUS
The mental game of business
Our beliefs determine how far we go…
Developing your employees
Put together a training programme that will help your good people get better…
Access learnerships for staff training
Tax incentives and happy employees make learnerships a win-win solution…
HOW TO…
Survive a cash flow crisis
What to do when it feels like it’s too late…
Avoid costly marketing mistakes
The 7 most common marketing mistakes small business owners make…
Set up your mobi-site
Reach and engage a mobile audience.
TECHNOLOGY
10 useful apps for your business
Ease the load with these mobile applications…
Simple ways to leverage your website content
And they’re free!
