Your Business Magazine by Your Business Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE February/March 2017 BIZNEWS

4 EDITOR'S NOTE 6 ARE YOU CREATING BUSINESS OR PERSONAL WEALTH?

No matter how successful and profitable your business, relying on the proceeds from its sale to fund your retirement is an extremely risky strategy…

7 BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY Entrepreneur Lebohang Khitsane on spotting a gap and using innovation to establish a leading tombstone brand.

9 TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Jurie Hanekom, successful entrepreneur and businessman, offers some practical tips on how you can expand your business.

10 AUTONEWS

Compact SUVs rule, OK!

INSPIRATION

12 SHAKE UP YOUR BUSINESS TODAY!

These seven simple steps can help to inject new colour into your business and drive growth in the year ahead…

22 ON THE COVER

STRATEGY & LEADERSHIP

Ferdie van Greunen, MD of ALDES BUSINESS BROKERS, predicts a bumper year for his team of experts…

16 HOW TO SET HIGH-PRIORITY GOALS

Your Business interviews Dr John Demartini, one of the world’s leading authorities on human behaviour and personal development.

18 ARE YOU IN, OR ARE YOU ON? Why your approach to how you work at your business is so essential...

76 SETTING GOALS BY (BUSINESS) LIFE STAGE

Set goals that align with where you’re at...

77 WHERE WE ARE – AND WHERE WE’D LIKE TO BE...

Three entrepreneurs from the InnovatorTrust’s Enterprise Development Programme share their tips on setting goals that’ll close the gap between their current status and desired destination...

STARTING UP

SALES & MARKETING

70 HITTING A CENTURY

72 THE RIGHT SALES PROCESS

TECHNOLOGY

Tactics and techniques for your first 100 days…

82 BUY OR LEASE?

Technology has all but overshadowed other core business tools in terms of importance and immediate impact. How is your business paying for the tech that drives it?

84 APPS THAT WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

There’s an app for everything. Here we share a few to help achieve the ever sought-after “balance”. We hope you manage to achieve it.

Were you happy with your sales in 2016? If not, what went wrong?

FIRING THE WRONG CLIENT CAN BRING THE RIGHT BUSINESS

We all have clients with unrealistic expectations and inconsistent feedback...

HUMAN RESOURCES

78 WHAT EMPLOYEES WANT

Here’s how to spark their interest and improve productivity...

80 KEEP YOUR DREAM TEAM ON TRACK

You’ve worked hard to get the right people on board; now make sure you keep them!

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

IN THIS ISSUE FOCUS ON FRANCHISE & BIZ OPPS

20 WHAT

FRANCHISEES SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GETTING INTO BUSINESS

62 FOCUS ON THE KIDDIE MARKET

62 STARTING A KIDDIE-ORIENTATED BUSINESS: IS IT CHILD’S PLAY?

There’s no doubt that the sector is booming, but what does it take to establish a sustainable child-related enterprise?

64 DO YOUR HOMEWORK You’ve narrowed down the field to a kiddie-related franchise, now follow some tips on choosing a specific one.

65-69 A-Z OPPORTUNITIES Take a look at our featured opportunities in the kids’ market – you might just find the opportunity you’ve been waiting for...

84 2 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

It is important that franchisees understand their obligations.

20-61 2017 FRANCHISE

The launch – or relaunch – of your store should be planned with military precision.

This bumper section features hot opportunities such as Aldes Business Brokers, Digit Vehicle Tracking, JG Electronics, Cash Crusaders, Snap-on, Only Realty, Dial-a-Picnic, My Mobi Car Wash, Zhauns Business Opportunities and more. Read on for franchises, licences, agencies and biz opps to suit all budgets.

READY, STEADY, LAUNCH

& BIZ OPPS GUIDE

Where you are - and where you’d like to be...

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE You’ve survived the post-holiday January slump and, now that those unrealistic resolutions have been broken and shelved, you can get on with doing what needs to be done to make 2017 your best business year yet. Perhaps you’re just out of the starting blocks, and full of the vigour and optimism that comes with launching a new enterprise... sure, it’s going to be hard work, but with the tactics and techniques we’ve rounded up on page 70 (Hitting a Century) we’re confident you’ll lay down solid foundations for growth in those first 100 days. Maybe you feel more like you’ve been in business for a hundred years… and whether you’re “doing well” on paper or not, you’re in a rut. Recognising this is the first important step towards change, and on page 12 we introduce some simple ways that you can inject new colour into your business. It could be finding a mentor, someone you trust to advise you through a key challenge, or someone whose industry contacts can give you the boost you need. Or perhaps it’s time for a rebrand – the opportunity to breathe new life into your business or product, which, when actioned with a focus on strategy, can deliver significant commercial benefit. This is where Your Business magazine found itself towards the end of last year, at a point where the team knew that a rebrand was well overdue. Working together with marketing and design experts from Over the Rainbow, we were able to go through a journey that has given our publication a fresh new look that embodies everything we’re about and which we’re very excited to introduce. We hope you like it too and look forward to your feedback – drop us a line at editorial@bizmag.co.za. One of our authors encourages entrepreneurs to be extraordinary, which means to go above and beyond what is expected. Whether it’s delivering on your promises, adding value, introducing innovation or putting clients first, we hope that this issue’s articles give you that added motivation to go forth and be extraordinary. Enjoy the read! Until next time

WEBWATCH

What's on www.bizmag.co.za?

ARTICLES AND ADDITIONAL INSIGHT spanning the topics of marketing, management, funding and finance for your franchise or start-up.

HOT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES through our constantly updated and expanding directory of franchises and businesses to help you become your own boss.

Nicole Cameron and the Your Business team

EDITOR Liz Black, liz@bizmag.co.za FEATURES EDITOR Nicole Cameron, nicole@bizmag.co.za ADVERTISING SALES 021 409 7939 Lynette Roodt, 083 269 5648, lynette@bizmag.co.za Heidi Kruger. 083 240 9115, heidi@bizmag.co.za CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING smalls@bizmag.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS subs@bizmag.co.za

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tonja Africa, Laurence Friedman EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Sean Clancy, Kathi Clarke, Wallace du Plessis, Deirdre Elphick-Moore, Basil O’Hagan,Jules Newton, Laurette Pienaar, Clive Price, Colin Thornton, Mel Tomlinson

For our latest subscriptions offers, visit www.bizmag.co.za or email: subs@bizmag.co.za PUBLISHED BY INFOCUS PUBLISHING Tel: 021 409 7939 , Fax: 086 687 7519, Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, 7915 PO Box 977, Green Point, 8051, Directors: Lynette Roodt, Liz Black, Heidi Kruger ADVICE - Advertorials, featured opportunities and advertisements for companies featured in Your Business Magazine represent neither endorsement nor recommendation of such companies by YBM nor its employees. Readers are advised to seek advice before entering into any contract with companies or persons mentioned in YBM advertorial and advertisements. DISCLAIMER: This publication is provided with the explicit understanding that neither the publisher, its employees, agents, nor respective contributors are rendering any legal, financial, investment or other professional advice or services. Questions relevant to those areas should be addressed to competent members of the respective professions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the content of this publication but should seek professional legal advice where necessary. The information provided in this publication as-is, without any warrantee or representations by the publisher and the publisher, its employees, agents or contributors accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused in whatsoever way by the reader's reliance on any information contained in this publication.

4 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

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bizNews

ARE YOU CREATING BUSINESS OR PERSONAL WEALTH? that the purpose of a business is to serve the owner. In order to ensure that this happens, you must prioritise the creation of your personal wealth while simultaneously building up your business.

Develop a framework

No matter how successful and profitable your business, relying on the proceeds from its sale to fund your retirement is an extremely risky strategy… For many business owners and entrepreneurs, the line between business worth and personal wealth is somewhat blurred. Building wealth through one single medium – a business – is an extremely risky strategy. It equates to putting all your eggs into one, often illiquid, basket and fails to take into account the fluctuating nature of business valuations, along with various other economic risks. Personal wealth has its greatest value as part of a life plan that is separate from a business plan. Building a business requires a great deal of time, energy and resources, but this should not be done at the expense of your personal wealth creation. Both personal wealth creation and business investment should therefore be seen as separate, but potentially complementary priorities. 6 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Michael Collins, CFA and Business Coach at Private Wealth Management, a division of Old Mutual Wealth, suggests using an asset framework to create pockets of assets that are “fit for purpose” to reduce your stress and increase confidence that your assets are working according to an overall plan. Within this type of framework, each asset type is characterised as serving a different purpose, namely: Lifestyle assets are those that don’t offer any income or target return, but allow you to enjoy your life in the present. These include assets such as homes, cars and any “hobby” assets, such as a boat, or holiday home. Lifestyle assets aren’t bad investments, but they are not designed to create business wealth or grow personal wealth for the purpose of realising goals and dreams throughout your life, or in retirement. Investment assets or lifetime assets, as they are sometimes called, are those that are designed to realise long-term goals and dreams, and form part of a longterm personal wealth plan. These goals include children’s education, holidays, hobbies, as well as other goals you may have for your family. Investment assets will also include plans and allocations for retirement, such as a retirement fund and other investments needed to support and sustain your lifestyle needs when you can and should no longer rely on your business assets to finance your needs. Business assets fall into their own section of the framework and, while critical to wealth creation, should be treated differently to lifestyle and investment assets. It is key to remember

Surplus assets refer to any capital that is left once lifetime assets have been provided for. These assets aren’t needed to support current or future needs and therefore there are no rules when it comes to deciding how to use these assets. This is where speculative investment assets, charitable or philanthropic and legacy assets reside in the framework.

When should you start planning? While balancing business growth and personal wealthbuilding can be tricky, the sooner a plan is developed to effectively monitor and execute this balance, the better. Don’t wait for the approach of retirement to start financial planning or to realise a lifetime of ambitions that exist beyond your business and current lifestyle. Your children’s education, an MBA, the holiday of a lifetime, starting that new business or a new hobby - these can all form part of a personal wealth financial plan. By following a structured framework, you can establish a healthy balance and ensure the effective management of both your business and personal wealth priorities. A professional financial planner can help you see the bigger picture and develop a plan that matches your professional needs and circumstances. Preferably, find one who understands your business and industry, and how to reconcile the competing interests and timeframes of your business and personal aspirations.

BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY

In a sector dominated by established brands, serial entrepreneur Lebohang Khitsane spotted a gap and used innovation and a commitment to corporate social responsibility to establish a leading tombstone brand. Here he shares some insight from his journey to success... Gaining a foothold as a small start-up in the tombstone industry was extremely challenging. To start with the process is labour intense and relies on the purchase of expensive manufacturing equipment and vehicles. I sacrificed a lot to get the loans I needed and knew I had to do something different to make my mark with Bataung Memorial Tombstones. I decided to look specifically at tailormade solutions, which included using different designs and concepts, as well as personalising tombstones and adding a custom touch on each and every product. Opportunities open up when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dedicated and doing what you love, because with every challenge you see a chance to innovate. For example, when I realised that people were getting lost in cemeteries while searching for the deceasedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grave, I decided to install GPS co-ordinates on our tombstones, allowing our clients find the right site within seconds. We started creating braille tombstones with QR codes after a client mentioned that they would love to read the inscribed message; and we became the first company in the world to launch such a product. Persistence and a belief in your craft will help you become the best you can be; as will having passion in everything you do. CSI (corporate social investment) allows us to give back while changing the face of poverty. I would say that part of our companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is as a result of our legacy projects, a set of initiatives aimed at giving back and enhancing relations among communities where the Bataung brand is present. These outreaches reflect our business philosophy of being a relationshipdriven company with the principles of botho (mutual respect and empowerment) and compassion. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

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bizNews

SMES HIT BY LATE PAYMENTS

KEEP IT LEGAL

New research reveals the effect of late payments on SMEs, as 48% worry most about overdue invoices and cash flow…

Don’t let lack of legal counsel disqualify you from growing a thriving business…

Getting paid on time is the number one financial challenge for half of South Africa’s small business owners, according to new research from cloud accounting software provider, Xero. Small business owners spend a whole 1.3 days per month chasing invoices, with the average invoice paid 10 days late. The worst affected sector is healthcare followed by manufacturing and utilities, and architecture, engineering and building. Port Elizabeth businesses are the worst off (1.5 days), ahead of those based in Johannesburg (1.1 days).

Specialised corporate finance and commercial law firm, Dommisse Attorneys has created various startup product packages, to specifically serve the new business owner. Products include a Company Incorporation package, Founder Agreement package, Services Agreement package, Employee Share Ownership Plan package, and Website Terms package.

Xero has launched the chasingpayments.co.za platform, with helpful advice, tips and tools that will help improve cash flow and end problems associated with late payments.

32% of businesses have experienced cash flow issues as a result of late payment. Whilst 18% blame them for reduced morale and 16% felt that late payments result in reduced productivity.

24% of businesses blame the late payments on the fact that their customers are waiting for payments themselves.

The packages are not a one-size-fits-all solution; the firm has built a digital

platform to support their one-on-one engagement with new and current clients. It enables their team of attorneys to understand the client’s commercial context as fast as possible – allowing them to prepare the most relevant contract for the client’s unique business from the get-go. The firm has designed their packages in such a way that the client can re-use contracts over and over, without necessarily having to go back to them.

CELEB ENDORSEMENTS for small business too? While celebrity endorsements are a powerful marketing tool to influence consumer behaviour, they generally fall within the domain of the big brands with budgets to match... The good news for Hugh Jackman wearing the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Perpetual Calendar while on a recent promotional tour to London. The international luxury brand can be found adorning many an actor and actress on red carpets around the world.

small businesses is that endorsements can be paid, or they can be unpaid – and when the latter is the case they are perceived by customers as being more authentic and consequently have a more powerful impact. Further good news is the fact that social media and internet avenues such as Youtube have opened the “celebrity circle” significantly; it is no longer just movie and TV stars that yield this type of influence. A more

8 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

fragmented celebrity market bodes well for small brands that can get ambassadors on board who appeal to a niche audience. Celebrity endorsement can also manifest as a celebrity investing in the business, thus making the business seem like an attractive investment option and encouraging other funders to get on board. An example of this was Sir Alex Ferguson’s recent acquisition of a 10% stake in BOS brands, the

South African manufacturer of Bos Ice Tea. Of course, any discussion around celebrity endorsements as part of one’s marketing strategy must include the caveat of risk management. When a celebrity falls from grace in a spectacularly public fashion, it can cause significant reputational damage and have financial repercussions for the sponsoring brand if not managed swiftly and strategically.

GOING FOR GROWTH?

Looking to take your business to the next level? Jurie Hanekom, successful entrepreneur, businessman and Chairman of leading window and door manufacturer, Swartland, offers some practical tips on how you can expand your business. There are numerous ways of increasing the size of your business, and the trick lies in choosing the right one for your particular business. Your options will depend on the type of business, your available resources, how much money you have, and of course, how much sweat equity you are willing to invest. However, if you are ready to grow, there are some tried-and- tested options that can help you. A successful alliance with other brands can really help grow your business. For example, when Swartland made alliances to supply Build It, Steinbuild and Builders Warehouse for example, we immediately were able to expand our national footprints and grow our markets successfully due to each of these companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent client acquisition, distribution and marketing channels. Swartland made the decision to diversify and manufacture aluminium, as well as its traditional wooden windows and doors. We researched this strategy intensely, and spent lots of money implementing; growing and marketing our new KENZO range of aluminium windows and doors alongside our timber ranges. Rolling out a new line allowed our customers to carry more of Swartlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inventory, and it broadened our target audience. As such, we are really happy to announce that it has been a fantastic vehicle for expansion for Swartland. You can grow your company quickly and effectively by either merging or acquiring another company with a complimentary offering. In 2008, Swartland acquired Col Timbers, a company that manufactured decorative mouldings and innovative DIY products, which was a great add-on for our existing business, as it was made from the same materials as our existing ranges, and it could be sold to most of our existing clients, which allowed them to stock more of our products. Today, Col Timbers is an incredibly successful range of products within the Swartland stable. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

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autoNews

Compact SUVs rule, OK

Mazda CX-5

VW Tiguan

Compact SUVs make up the fastest growing segment of the local car market. We put two of the market leaders – the Mazda CX-5 and VW Tiguan – to the test... They’re small station wagons with a higher ride height; well that’s how I think of them. And, they’re very useful when it comes to hauling people and stuff around, which makes an SUV worth a second look if you’re investing in a business vehicle. We recently tested Mazda’s top specification CX-5 2.2L DE Akera AWD Automatic, which is the market leader in the segment. It’s a great looking car, inside and out. The new-generation Mazdas are all good looking cars, but I think the CX-5 stands out. But they aren’t over-the-top, and the design should age well. It’s clear that Mazda is aiming for the top end of the market with these models, and they now match Audi in terms of interior. Mazda’s 2.2L turbo-diesel engine puts out 129kW and delivers a solid 420Nm. It’s much more than you would need for a car of this size, but it makes overtaking a breeze. Fuel consumption is very good, and I achieved an average of 7.3L/100km. I also drove the smaller CX-3 with the 2.0L normally-aspirated petrol engine. It’s a spirited ride and I achieved 8L/100km in this smaller SUV. The auto box combines the best attributes of a conventional automatic – it is continuously variable and has dual clutch transmissions. In a nutshell, the CX-5 is nimble and sits nicely on the road. Prices start at R363 900 for the 2.0L 10 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Active petrol; while the 2.2L diesel Akera as tested comes in at R533 400. Mazda gives you a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty and service plan.

Our take on the Tiguan The engineers at VW’s massive Puebla plant in Mexico, where the Tiguan is made, didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with the new Tiguan. It’s based on VW’s MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, but manages to keep much of the “flavour” that made the original so popular. It is longer and wider than the first generation car, and has been updated with bolder styling, new tech and improvements in economy and ride quality. The new Tiguan is a Golf on steroids, rather than a small sister to the Touareg. It has no off-road pretences and is strictly a car for the road, although it handles gravel with aplomb. We tested the 1.4 TSi turbo-petrol engine manual derivative, which handled superbly, due in part to the fact that it’s 30mm lower than the original. The Tiguan we drove was heavier on fuel by a country mile than VW’s claimed consumption; the long-term average consumption of the test unit was 8L/100km with 11.4L/100km achieved in town. The Tiguan comes with a Marie biscuit type spare wheel, and there’s a fairly

comprehensive emergency kit stowed away in the 520L boot. You can double this space by folding the seats flat. VW interiors are good, and the Tiguan is no exception. The fit and finish and the materials used have an aura of quality. A nice touch is the CD player in the cubby hole. The adjustable optional electric front seats fitted to our review car were very comfortable; combine this with an adjustable multifunction steering wheel, and you really can find your optimal driving position. The price for the standard model is R419 000. Our test vehicle came fitted with a number of extras, and the car in the pictures alongside comes in at an eye-watering R500 000, which includes a sunroof (R4000), DynAudio sound package (R13 000), R-line exterior package (R18 000), and more. The Tiguan is on the expensive side. The range starts with the basic Trendline at R379 900.44, next up is the Comfortline trim level – at R419 900 for the petrol and R469 500 for the diesel – and finally the Highline from R549 000. In all cases you will likely pay much more as the basic car has very little in the way of equipment. Add R50 000 to the sticker price of the VW when comparing to cars that come fully equipped. We recommend you take the Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan and Nissan Qashqai for a test before making up your mind.

The Datsun is a GO In October last year Nissan quietly launched the Datsun GO+ Panel Van, the spiritual successor to the 1400 bakkie. Wallace du Plessis takes it out on the road… The Nissan 1400 bakkie was a great little vehicle, except on the long road. The cabin was too small for real travelling comfort, but around town and as a runabout it had no equal. In 2007 at the end of its life it cost R74 990 and produced 47kW and 97Nm to achieve a top speed of 146km/h. The GO+ is based on the GO MPV, but is a real little panel van with a proper load bay, and like the original bakkie it can carry just over half a ton. It has a modern 1.2L 3-cylinder engine, which pushes out 50kW and 105Nm letting you get to 160km/h eventually, on a longish downhill. The GO+ is an easy drive; there’s nothing fancy here, but what it has works well. The engine is a tad noisy, but very willing in town conditions. The brakes are fine, but there is no ABS or EBD, a serious omission in my mind. The quality, fit and finish of the interior is industrial and workmanlike. It has all the creature comforts of the car on which it is based, including electric front windows, air conditioner, a neat little trip and consumption indicator, bottle holders and the like, but no radio. It comes with a docking station or unit into which you can plug a GPS, phone or iPod, and it has a

USB port for charging a phone. With a total loading capacity of 542kg and a loading area of 3.4m³, it is ideal for small businesses that need to deliver and/ or collect small- to medium-sized parcels and goods. And it has about 267kg more load capacity than its closest priced competitor in the upper A-segment/lower B-segment. The two rear doors and high opening rear hatch make for quick and easy deliveries and pick-ups. A solid partition separates the cargo area from the driving compartment, and the divider is topped with a sturdy mesh grill to ensure your load stays put, and allows the driver to quickly check their cargo. In my opinion, this little panel van is going to do very well, particularly when you consider its price and low operating costs. The selling price is R 149 900 (incl. Vat), and Datsun claims it costs R1.87 per kilometre to run (01/10/2016, FLEETCUBE). As a registered business owner you can also claim back the Vat paid on the vehicle. Datsun claims a fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km in an urban/ country cycle. I got figures of around 6.5L/100km, but bear in mind the car was brand new, so this figure should improve. You have the option of a service- or maintenance plan. The options are:

three years/90 000km at R14 765 (incl. Vat), five years/90 000km at R15 299 (incl. Vat), or seven years/ 120 000km at R20 449 (incl. Vat). A maintenance plan is available at R28 904 (incl. Vat) for three years/90 000km, R29 979 (incl. Vat) for five years/90 000km, or R46 033 (incl. Vat) for seven years/120 000km. I would recommend taking out the fiveyear maintenance plan. Datsun provides a three-year/100 000km warranty. The competition in this class would include the Toyota Avanza, Honda Mobilio and Suzuki Ertiga. Cash flow keeps most entrepreneurs up at night. And, if your business involves carrying goods, chances are that vehicle payments, maintenance and running costs are a key concern. This makes the Datsun’s selling price and cost per kilometre a very appealing combination.

Wallace du Plessis is the epitome of a petrol head. He also has a passion for small business and helping them turn their dreams into a reality. He has managed SME publications, worked in TV and now writes for the web and Your Business. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

INSPIR ATION

steps to SHAKE UP your business today Feel like you’re in a rut? A few simple moves can help to inject new colour into your business and drive growth in the year ahead…

REBRAND

Author Name

Rebranding can be a daunting task. But, it can also be a very rewarding one, which delivers significant commercial benefit. Rebranding can breathe new life into your business or product, but it has to be actioned with a focus on strategy, a clear process, creative vision and thought, and most importantly, be done for the right reasons. It may be as simple as developing a new strapline for the business, or tweaking your logo; while keeping some familiar styling that customers associate with the brand. Or, it can be a much larger project; involving a name and logo change, and new marketing material. From the start, the focus should be on defining the image, essence and tone of the business, and its products, and keeping them consistent. This means that any graphic elements, copy, and content must be consistent with this new image. 12 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

The key to rebranding is to plan, research and consider a number of factors beforehand; the benefits can be considerable if the process is carried out with diligence and care.

2EXPAND

Growth is a key focus for most business owners. New markets, new products, new partners, and new investments are avenues you can pursue. Remember, if you’re looking to bring investors on board, they will expect a proven team, proven sales and proven technology. One of the blessings, and burdens, of taking on outside investors is that you will have to create a board of directors, and they will hold you accountable for your actions. You could also grow your business by franchising your business idea, if the concept lends itself to this. If you’re looking to increase your brand’s presence in the market to attract more

customers – you can use social media to your advantage by connecting with customers and making them feel valued; start a blog to create a more personal face to your business; or approach a magazine to interview you and share your story. The aim here is to boost your public image and draw in more customers.

A 3FIND MENTOR

Simply put, a mentor is a trusted advisor. For the relationship to work, you need to open yourself up to being supported and advised by someone when you need it. A mentor should have your best interests in mind, and should know how to create an environment of trust, belonging, understanding and support. There are different ways of approaching this relationship. Your mentor could have you work on a project, or they could arrange meetings for you with other

senior executives in your industry. Your mentor could prefer to spend one-on-one time with you, or open up his/her network and contacts to you to facilitate these new relationships. Mentorship is important in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, which comes full circle when experienced business owners share business lessons with those who are starting out.

4LEARN TO SERVE A true leader leads with honesty, transparency, respect and integrity. Hand in hand with these traits comes the ability to serve, which in business should extend beyond your clients to your team, and even your service providers.

Lead your team with integrity and they will serve your clients in years to come. Learn to lead from within and learn how to empower those around you. Nurture your staff to thrive professionally and personally. You can do this by showing appreciation, making your expectations clear, and rewarding achievements – however small they may be. Create a comfortable workspace that produces opportunities for socialising, and encourage your staff to socialise outside of work. You can also think about hiring interns to support your team. Knowledge is power, so when you’re exposed to true leadership and you are inspired by it, take notes, learn, ask questions and constantly seek the better you. Open yourself up to learn as much as possible from those around you.

YOUR BUSINESS REBRANDS When Your Business magazine approached Over the Rainbow, in November 2016, it was at a point where our team knew that a rebrand was well overdue. “And after a few false starts, we recognised that if it didn’t happen efficiently and quickly, we’d probably just put it on the backburner again,” explains MD Lynette Roodt. It’s a situation many business owners find themselves in – aware that change is needed, but too busy to action the change themselves, and perhaps even pushed into inaction by the

fear that a mistake will be made. When Over the Rainbow stepped into the project, they started with research and concept development. “To refresh the publication’s visual identity, it was important to identify the overall concept they wanted to visually represent,” explains CEO Lesley Waterkeyn. “From this, the idea of communication and speech bubbles came to mind, with the magazine acting as a platform to communicate to,

inspire and advise business owners and entrepreneurs.” With this in mind, Over the Rainbow developed a new logo; noting that its main application would be on the magazine masthead. With the new logo approved, the rebrand journey was underway. The next phase involved designing a visual identity with new brand fonts, colour palettes and various design elements needed to give the magazine a fresh look, while still keeping it sophisticated and appealing to its existing target market.

continued on page 14

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of most businesses. It is up to you to make these customers feel valued and important.

picture of customer spending. By analysing your customer spending, you will be able to recognise who is the most valuable from a revenue and profit viewpoint. Know which customers are the most profitable, then coddle them, woo them; do not lose them. Send them gifts as a thankyou for their support, keep track of their business and congratulate them when they reach a milestone. Make them feel special by “checking in” from time to time. Look for opportunities to introduce them to other products and services you offer that might be a good fit for them too.

BE ALL YOU CAN BE

How do you add the extra to the ordinary to become all you can be? And how does this translate into business success? To be extraordinary means to go above and beyond what is expected. It is finding a balance between innovation, effectiveness and efficiency and putting your clients first.

continued from page 13

CREATE AN EXPERIENCE

Effective selling is not about your product, it is about what the purchase means to your customer. If you understand that, you can tailor your offering accordingly. Think of this: if you sell a drill, your customer has bought the ability to create a hole. Understanding the value of your product to the buyer means that you can create the experience that makes them come back to you, and possibly pay a premium for your product.

Author Name

REWARD CUSTOMERS

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of most businesses. It is up to you to make these customers feel valued and important. The first step is to identify these customers. Too many start-ups fail to get a clear 14 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Be the favourite. Go above and beyond the call of duty. Offer faster payments, faster service, amazing quality, deliver on your promises, add value to what you are selling every time, and keep communicating. Keep trying to exceed the client’s expectations. There are no mysteries in business or in life, there is just information you don’t know yet, so being adaptable and making changes are an ongoing challenge. Take advice from others wisely – recognise that you are the person running the show and the one responsible for the company’s success or failure. If you understand what works and what doesn’t, you will burnish the skills and knowledge to be successful. Be yourself and make your own destiny. Be extraordinary.

Over the Rainbow is a consultancy that offers entrepreneurs the guidance, support and connections they need to build successful and sustainable businesses and create wealth in the global economy. To find out more, pop them a mail at zaan@overtherainbow.mobi.

FEATURED COMPANY

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e-commerce functionality can also be added to your site.

The digital team has a passion for designing websites and specialises in WordPress Content Management Systems (CMS) that are responsive. Full

The development team specialises in streamlining back-end and manual processes into customised business solutions. These will allow you to

Dot Cube also provides a number of services to complement their hosting and development products, namely email marketing, graphic design and mobile marketing services. The email marketing package allows you to send emails to all of your contacts in one shot, at a very low cost. It can be used for sending monthly newsletters, random product updates or frequent promotions.

automate all of your back-end admin functions, any manual processes and further integrate your core business functions. An EMS System (Enquiry Management System), for example, allows users to capture all enquiries and output required into electronic documents in a flash. While a Lead Aggregation System allows you to gather a large number of leads at one time in one place to help streamline the sales process. Dot Cube offers personal support, a service not often found in larger companies today. So, why not allow the Dot Cube team to assist your company through your online journey?

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

STR ATEGY

How to set HIGH-PRIORITY GOALS Your Business interviews one of the world’s leading authorities on human behaviour and personal development, Dr John Demartini, on how to set strategic goals and see your business soar…

“If you don’t fill your day with highpriority actions that lead to profit, your day will fill up with low priority distractions that don’t,” says Demartini, as we start our conversation around what makes businesses fail or fly. Using this philosophy as a basis, he shared the following advice:

Nicole Cameron

Select goals that are authentic According to Demartini, a goal is only ever going to be a high priority if it matches your values, and what you deem to be important. So, before setting goals, take a step back and ensure that the business you’re in is of high value to you. “Setting goals based on comparisons to others is the number one thing that hinders business acceleration, so be sure that your goals are not linked to competing with a company or individual who you see as being more successful than you – if you compare yourself to others, and minimise yourself to them, you’re going to shrink instead of shine, you’re going to live in the shadows of people instead of on the shoulders of giants, and you’re going to second guess yourself,” he 16 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

explains. “When you focus on something that you see as a high priority, you develop creative insight and are more likely to tackle problems and find solutions, instead of avoiding them.”

Make sure that these goals are authentic in your market Your next goal should be to make sure that you meet your target market’s needs. “Entrepreneurs tend to project their own assumptions onto the market... and if there’s no demand, they try to force it because they’re fixed on their own fantasy about what people need.” Henry Ford provides a great example of the route to follow. Rather than starting out with a car that was overpriced and trying to push it onto the market, “sales gimmicking” them into buying it, he turned the industry on its head by finding out exactly what the market wanted in a car, and producing it. Demand for the resulting Model T went nuts, of course. How do you set customer-centric goals? Demartini recalls the story of a senator who went door to door across

the country to meet with people from all walks of life, as opposed to using a television advertising campaign. He claimed that because he’d connected with people and found out what their needs were, they voted for him. “People can tell if you really care about them,” says DeMartini. “And if you concentrate on meeting their needs, the rest of the challenges you face will be minor. That’s what business is all about. ”

Keep them balanced “If you only see the positives and ignore the downside, you’ll find it difficult to act because your unconscious will tell you that you have an unbalanced goal,” says DeMartini. “True business planning steers clear of fantasy and is realistic about the negatives that could arise. This means putting contingency plans in place in order to mitigate the risk.” Once you’ve investigated all the pros and cons, you’ll have balanced a goal. Business, by its very nature, is challenging, so if you know what you face, you can put a strategy in place. The purpose of planning is to create this balance.

Calvyn du Toit

STAY ON TRACK IN 2017 It’s that time; time to set goals – both personal and business – for the year ahead. But goal setting is one thing, achieving them another. Strategy consultant and new business developer Calvyn du Toit gives us some of his top tips for sticking to our goals and reaching them…

How can we up our chances of reaching our goals?

Work on them incrementally Business owners often balk because they fail to break up their goals into manageable steps, says Demartini. “If you say you want to create a billion dollar company, and you’re sitting on a million dollar company, you need to create incremental goals and break your plan down into small, doable bites.” When goals seem doable, you are less hesitant and can pave the way towards steady growth, instead of crashing when you don’t achieve your big goals.

Back goals up with strategy If you set goals without a strategy to achieve them, you’re building a fantasy without actually knowing all the repercussions. “If you plan properly, 99% of the things you’ve thought of don’t happen. Being prepared leads to a smooth and successful execution,” says DeMartini. “Be sure that your planning isn’t influenced by other people’s perceptions or by comparing your business plans against others. Acting from an impulsive place, without foresight and planning, will up your chances of being sideswiped by the unexpected.”

Set goals specific to your company; you can’t simply “copy and paste” because each business varies according to the industry it is in. Your goals should put your employees first and you should put plans in place to make sure that they feel valued and are engaged; your organisation is only as strong as your staff members. Also set goals that prioritise lean operations – reduce, re-use, recycle – ensure there is no wastage in your business, even when it comes down to simple things like stationery and paper.

How can we make sure we work on our business, and not in it? How do you stick to an exercise routine or accomplish anything in life? It starts with knowing what you want to achieve (your goal), knowing how you plan on achieving it (strategy/tactics), and keeping at that goal through your actions (or operations). If you fail the one day and get caught up with something that you shouldn’t; just make sure that you pick up the slack the next day. Everybody falters at some point. These roadblocks provide great opportunities for learning, but if you don’t adjust your strategy when you hit an obstacle, you will likely fail. Just keep going and remember what it is you want to achieve.

What roadblocks should we watch out for? Delegation can be a challenge for small business owners who find it difficult to let go as they grow. Employees hired during the start-up phase are often generalists and not specialists. And while they may be great at what they do, they don’t have a single focus. This is also often true of the business owner. Being involved in all aspects of the business has its advantages, but can also lead to burnout.

What’s it going to take to thrive in 2017? Success requires hard work, and the ability to keep at it. People often only see the tip of the iceberg – the thriving business – and forget all about the hard work, long days, sacrifices and failed attempts that lie beneath the surface. Entrepreneurs live a couple of years of their lives like few people would want to; so that they can live the rest of their lives like few people can.

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

LEADERSHIP

Are you IN, or are you ON? Why your approach to how you work at your business is so essential... Abigail Klopper had been working as a professional photographer for almost five years when she first heard of the concept of “working in versus on the business” and it came as a shock to her to realise that she’d been fumbling along, hoping that if she stuck it out long enough and continued to improve her craft that she’d catch her big break. “The reality was that I wasn’t making any great strides in growth. I was getting work and I was getting busy, but I was living from invoice to invoice, hoping that I’d get enough bookings the following month to cover my expenses. I also began to reach a point of exhaustion because I had to work continuously to ensure that I had a relatively consistent income – I began to lose the joy of my creative work and because work was encroaching so much on my home life it started to become as issue of contention between my husband and I,” she says. While it’s completely normal for entrepreneurs to work frantically in those early days of turning a great idea into a functioning business, and they’re forced to wear an array of hats – anything and everything from creative director and web designer to bookkeeper and PR guru – there comes a point where they need to make changes in order to grow. “There is a bridge every entrepreneur must cross in order to grow a business beyond a certain point, a point where they must transition from ‘doing’ to ‘leading’. It means stepping back from day-to-day operations and slipping into the role of overseer,”

says leadership expert Ray Silverstein, author of The Best Secrets of Great Small Businesses. If they don’t, they risk falling into the “owners’ trap”, where they get so caught up in the daily life of running the business that they can miss the forest for the trees. Before they know it, the week has gone, next the month disappears and then the year finishes. They’re happy they survived another year, but the reality is that they haven’t progressed.

Taking a step back “I believe entrepreneurs become so immersed in the daily activities that meet the needs of their immediate clients that they lose sight of the bigger picture and potential opportunities,” says Klopper. “With time as our most precious resource, it can feel counter-intuitive to step away from the emails and enquiries and 101 other urgent tasks vying for one’s attention, in favour of reflecting on and visualising the big picture.” So what caused the light bulb moment for Klopper? “It wasn’t until I read a book called E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber that I realised the importance of running my business as if I intended to franchise it,” she says. “This meant building and implementing systems and procedures, automating the repetitive tasks and gaining an understanding of what future I wanted for myself and my business. When I started implementing some systems and automations, I found that I had to start thinking bigger than the

immediate work I was doing on a client to client basis. From there my journey of personal development began which coincided with my business growing and developing too.” Klopper says that she began to work on her marketable skills, but most importantly, she began to work on her mindset. She removed the blinkers that were causing her to obsess about micro-managing her business and took a step back to figure out why she was doing what she was doing and what she wanted her life to look like from an allencompassing perspective. She looked at all the services she offered in her business and determined what she enjoyed most and what she enjoyed least. She then began cutting back on the services she enjoyed least to the point where she stopped offering the service that was in fact her main income generator at the time. “Although this went against logic, I knew it was the right decision because my enthusiasm and energy was being pulled more strongly to other offerings and a bigger purpose. I made the commitment to stop thinking small and to ditch the identity of a small-time photographer, and actively worked to elevate my personal brand, defining and communicating my mission and the impact I wanted to have on my clients.” Today, Abigail K is a Confidence Crusader, who works to elevate the confidence of women, using her

WARNING SIGNS

Nicole Cameron

–

You take on the mantle of doing everything yourself: “super-person” sales, debts, people, operations, technical, every decision.

HEALTHY SIGNS

–

Even when you do delegate to other people, who you know do have the capability to do the task, you check it after they have done it, sometimes late at night.

–

You manage by lurching from one thing to the next, any thought

18 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

of long-term plans don’t happen in the day-to-day running of your business. “Too Busy”.

–

You’re working long hours and are stressed, but you’re still not making the money you expected or should expect.

–

You don’t really know where your business is going, unclear vision of what you want to build or strategy to build it.

You start to focus on the things that you personally are really good at, what your business is Great at, the areas to Improve, where you are Vulnerable and where your business has the Edge. “GIVE”.

write down how much it would cost to replace their input, at the same standard. It needs to be a realistic cost – not just an employee’s salary but every other cost involved, training, bonuses, parking etc; and lastly I ask them to put down how much time is spent on each activity. After doing this simple exercise, they usually realise that the reason they’re overwhelmed and working in the business and not on the business is because they’re doing low-priority stuff and they’ve fallen into the trap of making claims like: In the time it took me to delegate I could have just done it; I’ve tried to delegate but it’s been a disaster; or I just can’t get good staff. As long as they come up with those excuses they’re trapped,” he says.

Abigail Klopper

photography as a medium. She has recently launched an online confidence course and is writing a book on the subject. “When I made the conscious decision to no longer offer the services that didn’t fulfil me, other opportunities and ideas flooded in and my business began gaining momentum. I realised there is power in offering a niche service.” She also outsourced most of her admin, including client follow-up and communications, as well as the finance side of her business, and is looking to make the next delegation jump when the gap between time constraints and affordability are close enough.

You have a vision and a strategy, your stakeholders know the business direction and their role to help you achieve it.

You set goals and create plans for the business and know exactly how you’ll follow through on them. You use measures like Key

A productivity audit “When I meet with entrepreneurs, I ask them to write down every single thing they do in a day, and then everything they do in a month of days. This takes them about 30 minutes, and after this I tell them to write down how much each activity produces per hour. They then put down how much meaning it has on a scale of one to ten, as not everything we do has an immediate return, or even a long-term investment benefit, but can be something that brings satisfaction and fulfillment,” says performance and behaviour expert Dr John Demartini. “I then ask them to

Performance Indicators to track progress and take action where needed.

You don’t have to spend every second of your time running the business.

You know exactly why you’re doing any one thing that you choose to do in your business because it helps build your vision.

You are recognised as the “leader”.

Source: www.businessdoctors.co.uk

Demartini advises business owners to make the decision then and there to find employees who place a high value on what their business does, to make sure the job description matches what’s important to them (no one goes to work for the sake of a company but rather to fulfil their values), and to then release them to get the job done. “Yes you’ll have to manage them, but the more engaged they are the less you’ll have to micromanage them and then you’re free to go and do business. Once you’re focusing on high-priority actions, you’ll find you have renewed creative insight, and solutions to problems. You’ll also enjoy tackling challenges, as opposed to avoiding them.”

Get the balance right “I would highly recommend that business owners take a step back from their dayto-day busyness and work out what they need to focus their time and energy on, and then delegate or automate the rest,” says Klopper. “And the value of personal development cannot be overstated – read, listen to, watch and consume as much empowering content as you can in order to fast-track your learning and growth. Put daily effort into all aspects of your life – business, health, relationships and home, as if one area is dominant, the others suffer. As an entrepreneur, aim to be as well-balanced as you can, keeping your big picture vision ahead of you as the motivation for your small daily actions.” YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

Franchise & Biz Opps

What franchisees should know before getting into business Starting your own business is exciting, but as LAURETTE PIENAAR, Nedbank National Franchise Manager, points out, it is important that franchisees understand their obligations as franchisees... All the responsibilities of the franchisee and the franchisor are set out in detail in the franchise agreement. It is important for both parties to understand this legal document thoroughly before they sign it. Some of the more important aspects to consider are discussed below.

Legal The franchise agreement is a legally binding document and all clauses must be carefully considered so that the parties understand the legal implications of breaking the agreement. It is therefore important that franchisees seek an independent legal opinion on the various responsibilities stipulated in the agreement. The franchise agreement considers key matters such as intellectual property, the protection of personal information, trademarks, consumer rights and restraints of trade. Many potential profitable operations have faltered because franchisees did not understand the implications of all the legal clauses in the franchise agreement. It is critical that franchise agreements are fair and beneficial for both the franchisee and the franchisor. Similar to the franchise agreement, franchisees are encouraged to seek legal advice prior to entering into a lease agreement and supplier agreements.

Training The franchisor is responsible for the facilitation of initial training and ongoing upskilling of franchisees. Training generally incorporates theoretical classroom training, as well as on-the-job practical training to ensure the effective implementation of learnings in the daily operations of the business. Training should also cover compliance matters 20 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

such as occupational health and safety. It is important that the franchise ensures that all staff are trained at the prescribed intervals and at standards for the particular franchise brand.

Financial Financial obligations are usually well understood by both parties. This is because ultimately a franchise is a business run for the mutual financial gain of all parties. Financial obligations payable to the franchisor include once-off fees as well as ongoing costs. Once-off financial obligations include the upfront joining fees and the initial setup or purchase cost. Ongoing costs payable by franchisees include monthly royalty fees and marketing fees as a percentage of turnover, a fixed amount or a volumebased scaled amount. Franchisees should also consider operational expenses such as leasing costs of premises, equipment and vehicle hire, staffing costs, stock purchases, accounting fees and loan repayments.

Marketing Franchisees contribute monthly towards a national marketing fund, which is managed by the franchisor. This makes provision for overall ongoing brand development and awareness. According to 2016 Franchise Association South Africa statistics, the average percentage marketing fee being contributed is 2.3% of the franchiseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly turnover. In addition to the national marketing fund, franchise owners are obligated to participate in and assist with local area marketing for their stores. This may entail getting involved with local community programmes, schools

LAURETTE PIENAAR

and sporting events. It is important for franchisees to understand their responsibility to increase public awareness of their stores and ultimately grow the performance of their store.

Franchise territory It is important that franchisors have a considered approach towards setting up new stores to avoid territorial conflict and cannibalisation among franchisees. Franchisees are generally allocated a specific radius within which to trade as stipulated in their franchise agreement. This could be dependent on several factors, including demographic density, sub-sectors and brand rules. This franchisee would either have exclusivity within that area or first right of refusal should a new store be justified. It is important that this part of the agreement is well understood as disputes can arise if franchises are too close to each other. New franchise owners must understand all the obligations of joining a franchise network and the knowledge of all obligations, legal and otherwise, should form part of a proper due diligence process. For more email: franchising@nedbank.co.za.

COVER STORY

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What’s behind the RED HOT MARKET for BUSINESS SALES? Experts agree that we’re heading for tough economic conditions in 2017. While this is bad news for most, Ferdie van Greunen, who heads up Aldes Business Brokers, predicts a bumper year for his team of experts… “It’s the optimal environment for business brokers,” he explains. “This is when buyers and sellers make decisions to exit or acquire a business and so we generally thrive in a shifting and challenging economy. This is the case for business brokers internationally; and even more so in South Africa.” After nearly 38 years in the industry, the Aldes brand has established itself as a leading name in business broking, and has aligned itself with service partners to help buyers overcome the many obstacles that arise on the path to business ownership. “We enjoy loyal support from our clients and benefit from repeat business – our buyers of today become our sellers of tomorrow,” says Van Greunen.

The Aldes team: (seated) Mandy Clegg (Admin/Accounts), Brynn Janeke (General Manager), Bronwen Barnard (Business Development Manager), (standing) Ferdie van Greunen (CEO) and Driekie Louw (Operations Manager)

MEET THE FRANCHISEE GIN BHANA joined Aldes in 2003, motivated by a passion for business growth. “Being part of the team is like being part of a family, and it’s great to have the support and knowledge of an ambitious CEO whose enthusiasm filters down to us,” she says.

agreements – establishing legal clauses that protect both parties and discussing and agreeing on terms and conditions. I experience true job satisfaction when both the buyer and seller feel that you wholeheartedly deserve to be paid; that is a reward in itself.

and logical decisions and prefer speaking to the actual business owner, someone who can make a call in the moment as opposed to having to refer to a manager. As an Aldes franchisee I also have the freedom to list a business that is profitable or walk away from one that is not.

What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day tasks?

What are the biggest advantages to you of being an Aldes franchisee as opposed to being an independent broker?

What has been a key challenge for you in building your own franchised business?

The diversity of the job is undeniable and each day brings new challenges. I take great pride in drafting sales

Clients respect my authority and my ability to make reasonable

22 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

The key challenge over the past two years has been the economy. In our area,

Middelburg, many mines have either slowed down or seized activities, and this has meant that many businesses have closed as a result. When money is scarce people are anxious and make unwise business decisions, they are also more tempted to conclude business deals too quickly.

Join the experts Aldes franchisees benefit from the many advantages of joining an established network of experts. Franchisees enjoy the benefit of the huge exposure via the Aldes online presence and all their mandates and businesses for sale are listed on the Aldes website as well as the www. businessforsale.co.za site, both of which boast significant activity and receive daily enquiries. While franchisees advertise, promote and market themselves and their businesses for sale in their local area as they deem fit, head office supplies the necessary marketing material, as well as professional brochures. There are no marketing fees or advertising costs and everything is taken care of by the Aldes integrated business broking system. “Our franchise model translates into very low overheads and head office shares in both the risk of underperformance as well as the success of our franchisees,” says Van Greunen. “At the core, we are a service business, and delivering professional service to our clients is a key factor for franchisee success.” Being a team player and following the tried-and-tested guidelines and processes also go a long way in helping franchisees build sustainable enterprises, says Van Greunen.

Making a match A business broker is by necessity a generalist, says Van Greunen; it is a profession that requires a broad skillset and when recruiting franchisees he

HOLGER FRIEDRICHSEN and his long-time business partner Andrew Hubbard joined Aldes in July 2011. As “serial entrepreneurs”, the pair had spent a lot of time analysing different business models, and joining Aldes meant they got to do this on a daily basis. Having owned multiple businesses, they also had great insight into how business owners think. What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day tasks? Firstly, I enjoy getting to know

favours applicants with financial acumen, sales ability, sound ethical judgement, a good dose of legal understanding, and excellent people skills.

We enjoy loyal support from our clients and benefit from repeat business – our buyers of today become our sellers of tomorrow.

“Experience has taught us that individuals who have owned their own businesses possess most of these qualities and find it easier to communicate with and advise clients.” Any knowledge gaps are filled through comprehensive training on joining the group. Training is seen as an ongoing process that is built into the daily interactions between franchisees and head office.

Accessing the necessary skills “We have the added advantage that we can source most of what is needed from within the vast skillset of our brokers,” says Van Greunen. 2016 heralded the introduction of a legal support system for franchisees, and the opening of new branches in Mpumalanga, Free State and the Western Cape. In terms of expansion across borders, Aldes is extremely proud of their success in Namibia, says Van Greunen. With a constant line of enquiries from countries in the SADC, they plan to focus on countries such as Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia in the year ahead, with an eye on Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in the

the details of a new business and comparing it with other businesses. Secondly I enjoying interviewing the sellers and finding out about the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities which come with each business. In the beginning I was sometimes tempted to buy a business myself. Another thing I really enjoy is sitting in meetings with possible buyers, trying to understand their needs and presenting suitable business opportunities. What are the biggest advantages to you of being an Aldes

future. “The strategy in each country will be optimised for the region, although the basic business model and approach will remain at the core of any roll-out.”

The Aldes annual conference has always been a highlight for the franchisees; it is an occasion where all the brokers get together to exchange ideas and receive feedback and market information from head office. At the 2016 conference, broker accomplishments were again recognised and the successful conclusion of the biggest transaction for the group to date was celebrated. Van Greunen says it is inspiring to see small business owners across all geographical areas and industry types achieving success. “We are encouraged by the resourceful and enterprising nature of the people we interact with – they create opportunities, and make money, for themselves and their employees, despite difficult trading conditions.” Entrepreneurs make money by addressing the gaps in an economy. If current conditions are anything to go by, the opportunities are limitless; so why not gives Aldes a call and start your journey towards building your own business?

Contact 012 361 2690, email: aldes@aldes.co.za or visit: www.aldes.co.za.

franchisee as opposed to going it alone? As a nationwide network of brokers, we are able to offer all kinds of businesses around the country by working together with our colleagues. Business brokers need solid knowledge in a lot of areas (i.e. finance, accounting, tax, and law) but you can’t be an expert in all disciplines. It really helps to have the backup of experts at franchisor level if you need it. Head office also supplies us with a wide variety of document templates, which we use on a daily basis.

What has been a key challenge for you in building your own franchised business? As a new franchisee you basically start a new business with no clients, although at Aldes you are able to sell your colleagues’ businesses. So, the challenge is to invest in marketing to gain clients and build up a referral network, while still learning the trade and gaining experience.

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

Franchise & Biz Opps

FASA LAUNCHES THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS FESTIVAL After 20 years, the Franchise Business Festival will take on a new identity in 2017 to not only provide a platform for business and franchise opportunities, but to also showcase the “lifestyle” aspect of the many sectors that make up franchising – with activities, interaction, competitions, food and entertainment… The Festival will take place from June 30 to July 2 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre. Every second of every day, across the world, people going about their business will have the “franchise experience”. Whether they’re stopping off to pick up a take-out coffee, sending a parcel to a friend overseas, going to the gym, having a facial, servicing their car, shopping at a local supermarket, or having dinner at the latest gourmet restaurant, the chances are that most of these establishments are franchises. And, visitors to the 2017 Franchise Business Festival will have the opportunity to see the widest spectrum of franchises – from well-known brands to up-and-coming brands of tomorrow.

The ideal place to recruit franchisees Owned by the Franchise Association of South Africa, the Festival is all about promoting franchise brands – from the elite group who are voluntary members of FASA to the broader base of up-andcoming franchise brands to business opportunities that hope to become tomorrow’s big brands. It is a great platform not only to sell franchises, but also to strengthen your franchise brand – to the public, your competitors and the media. 24 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

The Festival will attract a pool of quality visitors who are looking to invest in franchise opportunities. A comprehensive programme of talks and seminars will give visitors a one-stop shop of education, evaluation and entertainment – all under one roof. Whether you are an established franchise or a new concept, you need to be there. For visitors, franchise and business companies participating will showcase their products and services. If it’s a beauty or nail franchise, you will be able to see them at work... or even have your nails done right there, for example.

Visit: www.franchisebusinessfestival. co.za to register and for more information. Should you have a franchise or business opportunity and want to exhibit email: martha@franchisebusinessfestival.co.za.

Bucking the downturn It’s official! Franchising, through its 757 systems operate 35 111 franchise outlets, with 82% of those franchisees doing well and optimistic about the future. With a turnover of R493.19-billion franchising contributes 11.6% to the country’s GDP. If there is one business format that is bucking the economic downturn – it’s franchising!

WIN

A 2017 FASA FRANCHISE MANUAL

FASA is GIVING AWAY five copies of its 2017 Franchise Manual valued at R300 each. TO ENTER: SMS: YBM1 + your name + email address to 45508 (each SMS costs R1.50). Or EMAIL: your name + contact details to competitions@bizmag.co.za. COMPETITION CLOSES on March 22, 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

FOCUS ON

Franchise & Biz Opps

Ready, steady,

LAUNCH The launch – or relaunch – of your store should be planned with military precision... Ideally, your planning should start three months before the event with staff interviews and analysis of your neighbourhood. Then you should start planning your launch promotions. Whatever these are, you should be clear as to your goals:

Basil O’Hagan

To create a neighbourhood buzz in the build-up to the event. >> To encourage potential new customers in your neighbourhood – your 10-minute -market – to come around to your store and try you out. >> To encourage new customers to become regular, frequent customers. >> Build your store’s brand in the neighbourhood. >> To encourage word-of-mouth marketing of your store by customers and launch guests. >> To make it clear that your store is going to be part of your community and is here to stay. >> To start building relationships with your new neighbours and future customers. To get the buzz going, put up prominent banners around your store saying “Opening Soon”. Think up some brilliant opening specials – then advertise those for the Grand Opening day. Besides your opening, you should also hold a launch cocktail party shortly before the official public opening. This is a media event to which you invite journalists and reporters as well as local celebrities, sports stars and prominent community members. Prepare a social media strategy for the event. Create a Facebook page and a Twitter account well in advance. Decide on a hashtag for your launch event. 26 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Supply complimentary drinks and catering and make sure everyone has a good time at the media launch. When the journalists file their stories with pics of local stars supporting your store, and the Twittersphere starts buzzing, the general public will be curious. They’ll want to jump on the bandwagon of this fashionable new store in their neighbourhood. Different to the media launch, your Grand Opening is more of a public event. Here you try to create a festive, community atmosphere with banners, balloons, kids’ face-painting, puppets, staff buttons, flowers and opening specials. Invite a bona fide community leader to cut the ribbon at your opening and make a donation to a local charity. Supply dozens of bounce-back coupons for great deals on future visits that will get curious visitors coming back. At your launch, mingle conscientiously with your new neighbours. Ask about your new suburb and get their opinions about what they want from a store like yours. This should be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship for you and your new customers.

Get involved in your community There are a growing number of groups that focus on getting individual business owners in a community together on a weekly or a bi-monthly basis to network. The idea

is to build a varied, balanced network of business people from various industries, so they can support each other without replicating services. The principle behind many of these groups is referral marketing, so your fellow members will consistently refer business to you. It’s becoming quite a big deal. I know of one electrician who got R480 000 worth of business in one year just through a group like this. Another way to get involved in your community is to support your local Community Policing Forum (CPF); they need all the support they can get. Consider adopting your CPF as your charity for the year. Donate 10% of sales on certain items over a particular month to your CPF. Have a brief ceremony, a cheque hand-over, and invite the press. Most banks can give you one of those big cheques you often see at sporting events. You will be surprised at what other opportunities can evolve out of this promotion. At the Brazen Head, Leaping Frog, we got very close to the CPF at Douglasdale. We ran promotions, including entertainment, set menus and donations in aid of the policing forum. We also gave free tickets to certain policemen who patrolled the area so that they could also have a night of fun and at the same time raise money for the CPF.

Bring them bouncing back The idea behind a bounce-back promotion is to give vouchers or discount coupons to visiting customers, which entitle them to a special deal on their next visit. The promotion is ideally only valid for a short period of time – a fortnight or a month. Perhaps a spa could offer a free head massage on their customers’ next visit. Or a coffee shop could offer a half-price deal on the red-velvet cupcakes (that should have them clamouring at your doors). The thinking behind bounce-back deals is to boost trade during traditionally quiet periods, whether it be a certain time of year, like August, or a slow time of the day or week like Monday or Tuesday. Restaurants can do this by offering a bounce-back coupon during the evening meal with the customer getting an offer

to come back and have lunch. Business lunches have generally slowed down in South Africa, so if one needs to boost these off periods, a bounce-back coupon can do it. Make these offers on popular products that you know will be a strong draw card. A bounce-back deal on a pasta starter is no great shakes. But, offer me a half-price deal on a pizza, and I’m interested. Let your campaign evolve. A bounce-back promotion campaign can be tweaked, so that it changes over a certain period. That gives you a better idea of what works best. Let’s take the example of a health and beauty spa that does a roaring weekend trade, but is trying to boost weekday trade with bounceback offers. The management should try a variety of offers to gauge the needs of their market. Examples could include: >> 1st week - Pay for a full-body massage

and get a free coupon for another. >> 2nd week - Pay for a head massage and get a hand massage free. >> 3rd week - Pay for nail overlays and get a free nail-maintenance treatment. >> 4th week - Pay for a beauty facial and get a free body exfoliation. By the time this promotion is over, you’ll have an idea of what your market wants. Do they want good deals for themselves? Do they want a two-for-one deal they can share with a partner? Do they prefer beauty treatments or massages?

To order Basil O’Hagan’s book 415 Action-Packed Neighbourhood Marketing Tips or to have him speak at your next event contact 011 467 2358/083 412 4459, email: basil@bohmarketing.co.za or visit: www.bohmarketing.co.za.

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

SHOWCASE

Advertorial

Digit Vehicle Tracking:

FLEET & FUEL MANAGEMENT International Master License Opportunities now also available

With their modern ideas, innovative approach to design and strategy, and their swift response to changing circumstances, Digit Vehicle Tracking delivers the best technology at the best price. The unemployment rate in South Africa continues to favour employers and the lack of job prospects means that many of the over five million unemployed South Africans have turned to informal forms of self-employment or entrepreneurship. While starting your own business is not for everyone, it is relatively simple to do; making it successful and sustainable,

PC SOFTWARE FOR VEHICLE TRACKING AND FLEET MANAGEMENT

28 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

however, is a different story and building a business to a level that allows a comfortable lifestyle in the long-term is a challenge met by a precious few. While we all define wealth differently, we can all agree that money is required to live the lifestyle we desire and whilst there is no such thing as an instant, guaranteed way to become wealthy, with a concerted effort a comfortable lifestyle is achievable. It is against this backdrop that Digicell, owners of the Digit Vehicle Tracking brand, launched a unique business opportunity that requires limited resources yet can easily grow to offer a substantial return on investment (ROI).

THE DIGIT FORMULA Since trading commenced over 10 years ago, the Digit Vehicle Tracking turnkey model has been refined to the extent that with only a few daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; training, new franchisees can hit the ground running. The reseller model promoted by the franchisor affords distributors a unique opportunity to earn recurring revenue that will make income flows more predictable and carry the business through

the quieter months. Even with limited or no knowledge of vehicles, electronics or telecommunications, if you possess the right attitude and are willing to make an effort, Digit can help you achieve the success you desire.

THE DIGIT OFFERING Digit Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management is a solutions provider to the logistics, trucking and consumer market. In addition to traditional vehicle tracking they offer fleet management services including solutions to reduce the cost of running company vehicles and to reduce the operational losses resulting from abuse and fuel theft. Digit DFuel is the clear leader in diesel management and their remote monitoring of live fuel systems can be used on vehicles as well as static fuel bowsers in order to view live levels and report thefts. With the ability to monitor refuelling events from anywhere in the world, operators can streamline operations and eliminate pilfering. The Digit product range has also been extended to include vehicle camera systems referred to as Mobile DVRs (Digit Video Recorders). Although this technology has been around for a long time, it is gaining in popularity as operators strive to reduce their risk and liability. Unlike the entry-level dash cams used by non-commercial consumers, Digitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-end technology offers superb quality hardware designed as tamper-

proof, permanent installation systems. Improved cellular coverage and affordable data means that, in addition to storing data, fleet owners can now also view exactly what is happening in real-time through live video. Digit Vehicle Trackingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ride-along feature allows owners to check on their drivers whilst storing vital information in the event that an accident or loss incident occurs. It is their policy to strive for complete customer satisfaction, ensuring that each purchase delivers savings well beyond its cost and management effort.

INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL SUPPLY With their passion for quality and by partnering with high-end suppliers who are the best in their field, Digit delivers products that offer great features, excellent reliability and a long life expectancy. While Digicell has opted to manufacture their own high-spec tracking and fleet

management devices, some products and components are imported, either because of the cost implication or technological advances that cannot be matched locally. Manufacturing locally enables them to control and manage the design and development of their devices whilst contributing to the economy through their support of local component suppliers.

TRAINING & SUPPORT Today, GPS and cellular communications form part of everyday life, so understanding the basis of the technology employed by Digit is not rocket science, but it is the advanced features they offer that place them at the forefront of this ever-developing technology. Heading up the training and dealer development department, Lee Bester prides himself on the level of training and support offered to new dealers. While the company encourages a culture of learning, the extensive network of distributors and installers means that it is not necessary

for distributors to complete all the training on offer. For distributors who want to specialise in some of the more advanced aspects of fleet management, specialised training courses are available. To further assist dealers in building their business the company employs lead generating systems that identify customers by area. The annual conference held in the first quarter of each year offers an opportunity for networking and it is here that friendships have developed that extend beyond business.

JOIN THE DIGIT FAMILY The Digit solution continues to evolve, in keeping with changing trends and market developments. Your business can grow with us and we look forward to meeting with you to discuss your future with the Digit team. Although branches technically compete with each other, there is a real sense of â&#x20AC;&#x153;teamâ&#x20AC;? in the Digit family. In fact, founding member Rordon Cowley often comments on the willingness displayed by the branches to help one another.

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

SHOWCASE

Advertorial

PRINT on just

about anything! JG Electronics is the one-stop shop for entrepreneurs looking to get started or expand their current offering in the novelty printing industry… With a wide array of state-of-the-art printing systems on offer (everything from inkjet to colour laser, sublimation and the new White Toner and Neon systems) that enable printing on pretty much any fabric, wood, metal vinyl, plastic, crystal or glass surface, the creative business owner is limited only by his or her imagination.

► Sublimation systems

► Vinyl Cutters JG Electronics is an authorized distributor of Silhouette America, and thus supplies and markets their wide range of craft cutters and consumables. JG Electronics is now selling the new Silhouette Cameo 3 machine. The vinyl cutters and consumables can cut a wide variety of materials including paper, vinyl, cardstock, fabric, heat transfer material, and so much more. This is an essential part of your novelty printing business.

► Photoblasting Almost any image created on your computer or photo – no matter how complex – can be blasted using the JG Electronics Photobasting system. This process is ideal for memorial images on headstones.

► Forever Transfer papers Sublimation systems In 1993 when JG Electronics started with sublimation, there were at most 20 items which could be sublimated. Today there are thousands of different products, so you can take a photo or image and in minutes produce unique personalised gifts, corporate and promotional items. JG Electronics is the sole agent for the class-leading Sawgrass desktop sublimation printers and inks in Southern Africa, as well as for the Textprint sublimation papers and specially-coated printable items. The Sawgrass printer is the only desktop printer in the world manufactured specifically for sublimation use. 30 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Vinyl Cutting

In 2016, JG Electronics became the leading distributor for Forever transfer papers in South Africa. Forever in Germany manufactures transfer papers for Laser printers including the White Toner and Neon Laser machines. With these revolutionary papers, it’s possible to print a wide variety of corporate gifts (including pens, usb sticks, mirrors, shirts, plastic items, wood and so on).

► Training and support All equipment comes with training at the company offices, as well as a full instruction manual and training video. As there are so many options on offer, JG Electronics is committed to offering professional advice pertaining to your specific needs, prior to purchase. You will, therefore, only walk away with the equipment that will enable your business to achieve best results. There are too many options to mention, but systems start from under R 10,000. You don’t have to buy the complete system; you can buy as many or as few items as required. JG Electronics was founded by John Georgiou in 1990 and has grown from strength to strength. The company has clients throughout Africa , the Seychells and Maurituis. What the company does not manufacture itself it imports from key manufacturers based overseas.

► Laser print

systems

Print onto almost any surface in full colour, neon, white, silver and gold with their range of OKI laser printers, Muggit heat presses and Forever transfer papers.

Laser print systems

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

3@1 Business Service Centre The 3@1 Business Services franchise concept offers an opportunity in the business services and communications retail industry. Boasting established partnerships with DHL International and Local Courier and Kodak Express photographic service, our Franchisees can offer an everbroadening selection of services than our competitors. Additional offerings include, Digital printing, DHL local and international courier services, broad format print and photocopying, laminating and binding, computer peripherals, mail box rentals, email and internet access etc. We strive to keep our South African born and bred concept crisp and sharp by continuously adding related services. 3@1’s proven business formula is transferred via indepth training as well as continuous product development and concept upgrades - latest being Company registrations and Police clearance documents, technological adaptation and sustained franchisor backup. Franchise prospects are aided with site location and turnkey store set-up.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

0861 359 83 or sms your email address and “3@1” to 079 118 0766 enquiries@3at1.co.za www.3@1.co.za

32 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Albentha Fragrances Albentha Fragrances offers a range of perfumes, lotions and bath salts, manufactured using pure essential Grade A oils imported from Grasse, France. Our products are distinctively coloured and inspired by South Africa’s rainbow nation, offering a fragrance for every mood, personality and occasion. Our company offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to buy the products at wholesale prices with the potential to earn profit of 30% to 100% on sales. Our start-up cost for individuals is as little as R180. We also offer the option to purchase bulk supplies to those wanting to start their own business. Our products can be used as personalised souvenirs for weddings, parties and as corporate gifts for companies who are looking to enhance their brand awareness.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

(+27) 082 651 4566 info@albenthafragrances.co.za www.albenthafragrances.co.za

FEATURED OPPORTUNIT Y

Advertorial

The CRUSADE for BUSINESS GROWTH

Join the franchise that’s taking the local retail landscape by storm...

Cash Crusaders is the largest second hand retailer in Africa, and is proud to be opening their 200th store, in Protea Glen, Soweto, at the end of February. “It is a huge milestone for this proudly South African brand that’s been around for 21 years,” says Marketing Manager Lunique Theunissen. “We successfully opened 23 stores in 2016 and aim to open another 20 in 2017, and are now three times the size of our closest competitors.” Investing in a franchise of this respected national brand comes with many benefits, perhaps the biggest being that it is a proven, secure and profitable “recession-proof” business model. “We

equip our franchisees to be successful by providing them with a proven business system, which is constantly being developed in order to maintain our market position and stimulate further growth,” says Theunissen. New franchisees are afforded the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with the business model and all aspects related to the day-to-day running of a store during an initial eight-week training period, while ongoing operational support and training ensures that optimal store performance is maintained.

Empowering business owners

The Cash Crusaders vision of “striving every day to be a first choice retailer by empowering entrepreneurs to offer the best deal for our community” is about

economically empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by assisting them to successfully manage their own businesses while also adding value to the lives of their customers through the retail of quality second-hand items as well as a range of directly imported new goods, including electronic goods, DJ equipment, large appliances, furniture and small household goods. The ideal location for a Cash Crusaders outlet requires a steady flow of foot traffic, and the proximity of anchor tenants such as national supermarket chains are considered during site selection. If you’re a business and tech-savvy individual with strong leadership skills and analytical abilities, Cash Crusaders may well be looking for you...

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Aldes Business Brokers Established in 1979, Aldes Business Brokers is the undisputed leaders in business broking and the largest business broking firm in Africa. They offer an ideal flexible opportunity for franchisees looking to apply their extensive business experience in conjunction with the backup of a trusted organisation. Aldes franchisees earn commission not only through the sale of businesses but also through the group’s countrywide referral network, business valuations, etc. Your unlimited earnings potential will depend entirely on your skill set, effort and enthusiasm. Franchisees also benefit from access to a large and growing database of buyers and sellers as well as free advertising on the Aldes website and the www.businessforsale. co.za site. Hands-on, intensive training is provided at head office, with ongoing full support thereafter.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

012 361 2690 aldes@aldes.co.za www.aldes.co.za

Autoscreenz™ Autoscreenz™ is the perfect start-up business opportunity, making it possible for any entrepreneur to enter the motor industry while providing a valuable service that all vehicle owners will need sooner or later. The service enables the repair of any sized windscreen chips and cracks, headlight restoration and polishing, vehicle light restoration and tyre sealant protection are also options to add to the offering. An Autoscreenz™ business can be run from home, added to an existing workshop, carwash or garage, or operated as a mobile unit servicing clients right where they are. Apart from individual customers, Autoscreenz Partners™ can also target businesses and fleet owners – there really are no limits; every vehicle owner on the road is a potential client.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

084 207 5528 enquiries@autoscreenz.co.za www.autoscreenz.co.za

Blue Chip Lubricants Blue Chip Lubricants (PTY) Ltd is a leading oils and lubricants manufacturer, blender and distributor. Blue Chip Lubricants carries over 30 years’ industry experience and expertise, a strong brand name that’s an obvious choice for many of its happy agricultural, mining, transportation and construction clients. The company has graduated from being an independent lubricant specialist to now partnering up with some of the biggest oil companies in the world. They are the sole South African licensed distributor for the oil giant Q8oils, and are excited to extend this opportunity to lubricant distributors across the country looking to switch and join the world’s fastest growing lubricants company. Q8Oils is part of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), one of the world’s top ten energy conglomerates with a network of over 4 400 service stations in Europe. It is the most integrated lubricants organisation, manufacturing and marketing some of the world’s finest lubricants. Today, Q8Oils’ products are used by customers in more than 80 countries around the world.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 462 1829 lethabo@bcl.co.za www.bcl.co.za

34 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Assisted Home Nursing Assisted Home Nursing is expanding nationwide and offering its homecare and assisted living concept to prospective franchisees with a similar desire to serve others while building their own businesses. Franchisees provide a wide range of services aimed at making the elderly, disabled, sick or those recovering from surgery more self-sufficient within their own homes. The type of care can be tailored to suit the needs of the client and their family, and includes helping with mobility and providing support to those who have more complex medical needs. Assisted Home Nursing has developed a robust franchise model and has a large number of territories available throughout South Africa.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

0861 359 834 / 079 118 0766 info@assistedhomenursing.co.za www.assistedhomenursing.co.za

Bottle Craft SA Bottle Craft SA is a manufacturer and supplier of bottle cutting kits, accessories and equipment. Bottle Craft SA offers a unique “Business-ina-Box” kit for you to start your own business creating hand-made products from recycled glass. The Standard kit costs R500 (plus postage) and is perfect for crafters or hobbyists, and includes a cutter, DIY manual, instructional DVDs, design ideas, sanding and polishing paper, UV cure glue, etching-gel and lubrication oil. The Deluxe Kit, at R1200 (plus postage) is ideal for small business owners and hobbyists, and includes all of the above plus more. For a full brochure or for more information contact Jo Kearney.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

074 207 1721 jo@educraft.co.za www.bottlecraft.co.za

Cash Crusaders Cash Crusaders is a respected national franchised brand that fast became part of the South African mainstream retail landscape. From humble beginnings in 1996 and 21 years’ experience in the industry, Cash Crusaders is targeting 200 stores by March, collectively producing turnovers in excess of R1.5-billion per annum. You will be joining a family of stores that is more than three times the size of the nearest competition, and is committed to equipping franchisees to be successful by providing them with a proven business system, which is constantly being developed in order to maintain market position and stimulate further growth. If you’re a business and tech-savvy individual with strong leadership skills and analytical abilities, Cash Crusaders may well be looking for you... Contact Danie for more info.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

079 895 1888 danie@cashcrusaders.co.za www.cashcrusaders.co.za/own-a-franchise/

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Classy Crete Vibracrete – or precast concrete – walls are a common feature in many South African homes, but can be a serious eyesore. Enter Classy Crete. Set up more than 18 years ago, the company has perfected the art of transforming pre-cast walls into attractive features. Franchisees offer a cost-effective service that will increase the value of their clients’ properties, strengthen walls and improve perimeter security. Walls can be transformed using a variety of finishes and styles. Classy Crete is the only company to hold a registered patent to a system that can be used to widen pre-cast pillars. Classy Crete’s franchise model lends itself best to energetic, hands-on operators. Head office offers training, products and ongoing support to establish a successful business. For more info contact Evert.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

021 913 1301 / 083 449 9977 info@classycrete.co.za www.classycrete.co.za

36 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Concretewise Africa Builders and homeowners are increasingly using concrete because it can add value, flexibility and appeal to their projects and the design options are endless. Concretewise Africa operators are benefiting from this boom. The brand’s business opportunities include decorative concrete floor coatings and overlays, concrete tombstone, and concrete countertop manufacturing. The opportunity includes professional training, plus free refresher courses, 24/7 technical support, business development and quality products. You can get started by attending a two-day training course, which costs R5 750 (incl. VAT). There are no joining fees, royalties, advertising fees or buy-in packages. Concretewise Africa supplies leads, and operators keep all their profits. Based in Johannesburg, the company can supply all areas of South Africa and across Africa.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

083 611 1694 info@concretewise.co.za www.concretewise.co.za

FEATURED OPPORTUNIT Y

Advertorial

The REALITY of a GREAT OPPORTUNITY Come on board and be part of the Only Realty success story...

Grant Smee, Managing Director

Only Realty is the only real estate franchise that focuses on property investors and the rental and management of their investment as its core business. It offers franchisees the opportunity to build regular, secure residual income through building a managed property portfolio, while gaining access to the property sales market and being supported by a management team who collectively hold thirty years’ experience in the sector. “Our management team are hands-on, easily contactable and actively involved

in the day-to-day running of franchises, and are constantly working on growing and improving franchisees’ revenue and profitability,” says Managing Director Grant Smee. “Our success is underpinned by the people we have in our group. As such, we are looking for driven and passionate individuals who realise that success only comes from those you are surrounded by, combined with hard work.”

What’s on offer

Investing in a franchise package includes a once-off cost of R95 000 plus Vat and includes one-on-one training with directors across the organisation, operations and marketing guides, setup support, compliance support and a startup marketing kit. Franchisees benefit

from ongoing active support throughout the year, the Only Realty national conference takes place annually, which is a combination of training, team building, strategic planning and awards. “We currently have 21 offices across the country, and our initial expansion plan is to reach 40 franchises in the next 24 months and 60 in four years’ time, a growth plan which is consistent with our approach of being able to provide the best possible level of support to new franchisees and therefore not taking on too many new recruits,” says Smee. “We have experienced approximately 40% growth for each of the last two years and are looking to replicate if not improve on that performance in the coming years.”

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

Creative Minds

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

A Creative Minds®’ training centre enables franchisees that have a passion for training and technology to set up a computer skills learning centre, either at home or in a commercial space. Ideal licensees should have a passion for training and technology and be able to conduct courses in a fun and caring environment that can be personalised to meet the requirements of any individual or business. While some computer skill is an advantage, all necessary training is provided over a three-week period, and there are a number of licensing models available to meet varying requirements. The franchise network was established 20 years ago and has 30 centres across South Africa.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

021 939 6344 / 082 785 7763 info@minds.co.za www.minds.co.za / www.mindscampus.com

Digit Vehicle Tracking Digit Vehicle Tracking is a strong annuity-based business opportunity in the rapidly expanding vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions (FMS) industry. Even with limited or no knowledge of vehicles, electronics or telecommunications, if you possess the right attitude and are willing to make an effort, Digit Vehicle Tracking can help you achieve the success you desire. A key attraction for franchisees who want to get off to a good start, Digit Vehicle Tracking offers access to three possible income streams – the profits on hardware sales, the installation thereof, and the annuity income from customer subscriptions. For every tracking system installed the franchisor charges the franchisee a small monthly fee for accessing their servers, and the franchisee carries the cost of the SIM cards. For more information please contact Lee Bester.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 316 3264 lee@digicell.co.za www.digicell.co.za

Express Worldwide Express Worldwide is part of the InXpress brand, and offers sales-minded franchisees the opportunity to find customers to whom they can provide international express shipping, airfreight, ocean freight, large road freight and domestic parcel delivery solutions. Franchisees are provided with a fully integrated system and the training and support to build a scalable business – with the choice to make a comfortable living or continue investing in order to achieve goals and dreams. With over 250 franchisees established in 14 countries, InXpress has outstanding systems and processes in place to accelerate the growth of one’s individual business, as well as global agreements with world-class carriers to secure preferential rates and provide international express, domestic express, freight and mail services to customers. Contact Tersia Visagie for more information.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

021 974 6116/7 info@expressworldwide.co.za www.inxpress.com / https://za.inxpress.com

38 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Dial-a-Picnic Dial-a-Picnic is a locally-based company offering a bespoke picnic service catering to individual tastes and events, and covering a range of occasions from themed birthday picnics through to romantic marriage proposal set-ups. The franchise network is enjoying rapid expansion throughout South Africa and creative individuals with a flair for food are invited to take advantage of the opportunity to build a business and earn a sustainable income while making a positive difference in the lives of others. Comprehensive training is provided as well as ongoing guidance and support. Head office also runs various national marketing and PR initiatives to grow the brand. For more info please contact Paula.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

082 789 5478 franchise@dialapicnic.co.za www.dialapicnic.co.za

Eezi Street Pizza Brand new on the mobile/convenience food scene, the response to Eezi Street Pizzas has been overwhelmingly positive. They’re cropping up at most major events in the Cape, as well as at markets, school sports days, home parties, corporate functions: anywhere pizza is consumed – and that’s pretty much everywhere. Eezi Street’s unique, world-first oven bakes a pizza in a minute – delivering flame-baked flavour in a flash. The Eezi Street concept makes for a simple, cost- and energy-efficient operation. A menu with standard toppings is available, or you can customise the Eezzi Cheezi (Margarita) with fresh toppings. Eezi Street’s network of licensed operators is expanding, so get on board and be part of this success story.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email

082 778 7791 flashman@flashpizza.co.za

Eziwash Ezi Wash offers an essential service to the public and the business sector. Services include washing, drying, folding, ironing, tailoring, and a drop-off service. The neat and friendly shopfront, and excellent service, keeps customers coming back. A turnkey franchise is available and franchisees receive a fully outfitted shop. An Ezi Wash franchise is at the lower end of the cost spectrum at R185 000. You can, however, expand as the business grows. The possibilities are endless and it is an easy to run business. Franchisees receive full training and ongoing support. Opportunities are available countrywide and in neighbouring countries.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

072 203 7872 sabizopps@gmail.com www.sabizopps.co.za

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017 39 *See pages 47 & inside back cover for more opportunities

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Genrand Bridging and Bond Finance You only need R150 000 to start your own financing company. Make use of this opportunity to invest in your future. This reputable and respected name in the bridging finance sector offers full training and support to all franchisees. While candidates operate their franchises independently, they benefit from the assistance of the team at head office. All products, services and financing are supplied by Genrand or their preferred financiers, and you can trade risk free. Core services include the discounting of future events, mainly (but not exclusively) for property owners, property developers, estate agents and clients with outstanding debtors. This focus allows franchisees to provide a specialised and streamlined service at competitive rates. The company provides a stable platform of sound support, and a large and diverse range of products and services to all franchisees. Why wait, it has never been easier to invest in your future with Genrand Bridging and Bond Finance.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

021 824 2332 info@genrand.co.za www.genrand.co.za

40 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Goldline Industries Goldline Industries is a leading supplier of specialty kitchen equipment to the food service and hospitality industry. Goldline delivers flexible, value-driven restaurant equipment solutions to suit the needs of the big brands, as well as entrepreneurs looking to set up in the hospitality sector. With a full range of classic favourites and on-trend specialty equipment, including soft-serve and yoghurt machines, Goldline has just the equipment you need to attract customers and build your business. As the agent for the Taylor range of machines from the US, customers can access the best machines available in the marketplace today. Create a high margin frozen desserts and frozen beverage menu, as well as a variety of grilled specialties and more. Goldline Industries offers comprehensive after-sales service, including 24/7 specialist technical support from approved sub-agents in most major cities around the country. Full training is available at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training centre in Johannesburg.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 608 1532 info@goldline.co.za www.goldline.co.za

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Inspect-A-Home Inspect-A-Home franchisees inspect residential, commercial and industrial properties for prospective buyers and home builders, helping them save money and untold stress. Founded in 1986, the InspectA-Home network currently includes 31 franchises nationwide. Franchisor Eric Bell has been involved in the building industry for over 30 years, and uses this experience to ensure all his independent franchisees are fully trained to the highest standards. All inspectors receive rigorous initial and ongoing training. Regional courses are also held regularly to ensure that franchisees are up to date with the latest developments and technologies in the building industry.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

083 375 5588 / 031 266 7271 eric@inspectahome.co.za www.inspectahome.co.za

JG Electronics JG Electronics was founded in 1990 and the company has grown from strength to strength with clients throughout Africa, the Seychelles and Mauritius. With a wide array of state-ofthe-art printing systems on offer (everything from inkjet to colour laser, sublimation and the new white toner and neon systems) that enable printing on pretty much any material, the creative business owner is limited only by his or her imagination. All equipment comes with training at the company offices, as well as full instruction manuals and training videos. JG Electronics is committed to offering professional advice pertaining to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific needs, ensuring investors only walk away with equipment that will enable their business to achieve its best results.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 789 6033 yob@jge.co.za www.jgelectronics.com

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Kill-a-Bug Kill-a-Bug specialises in services such as termite treatment, fumigation, weed control, bush clearance and other sanitation solutions. New to the concept is the supply of cleaning chemicals and equipment at very affordable prices. Kill-aBug began franchising in 2006 and has a full training programme and continuous service support system for all prospective franchisees. If you are willing to learn, are self-motivated and own your own LDV and computer, the opportunity exists to develop a sustainable and profitable business. Investment capital from R124 950 plus VAT (depending on the area) is required, as well as at least R10 000 working capital. Training, support, all equipment, marketing, administrative and management support is included. Kill-a-Bug is a member of the South African Pest Control Association (SAPCA) and a member of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA).

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 768 1962 leon@kill-a-bug.co.za www.kill-a-bug.co.za

Mr. VIDEO Mr. VIDEO invites you to become part of this leading home entertainment group, which has provided local entertainment to households for over 20 years. Mr. VIDEO is a successful and proven business concept. Franchises are available countrywide from R250 000 for a turnkey operation. All shops are fitted with the highest quality custom-made décor and carry an extensive range of videos and DVDs to keep up with customer demand. Franchisees are backed by an experienced support structure consisting of dedicated head office and regional teams, with mobile field consultants supplying on-site support. Head office offers ongoing national marketing campaigns to ensure an excellent return on your investment. The majority of South Africans don’t have access to high speed or affordable internet, nor can Paid TV compete with Mr. VIDEO in terms of range and affordability. So, Mr. VIDEO offers one of the most affordable franchise opportunities available and easy to run business concepts. They are here to stay. Contact them if you are ready to start your own video shop in your area.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 455 0382 (Simon) / 021 948 5396 (Andre) info@mrvideo.co.za www.mrvideo.co.za

No Betr Windscreen Repair Systems No Betr is all about quality repairs and mobility. The powerful windscreen repair kit is easy to operate and can quickly and effectively repair almost any spot or crack at a clients’ premises. No Betr also offers glass scratch removal kits and headlight restoration kits. Each kit can be purchased separately and offer a business-in-a-box on its own. With no technical skills required, full training is on offer to new operators who enjoy being around people and flexibility. You can run a one-man operation as a mobile service provider, or add the repair systems to an existing business such as a vehicle service centre, car wash, etc. Individual car owners, fleet owners and car dealerships are all potential customers. The high standard of the repairs and satisfied customers ensure repeat business and word-of-mouth marketing.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

082 364 9669 frik@nbwindscreenrepairs.co.za www.nbwindscreenrepairs.co.za

42 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Laundry Dynamics Laundry Dynamics has achieved fantastic growth in its six years of operation, and there is still room for you. Franchisor Tracey Fawell says that the strength of the training on offer has been crucial to the company’s success, and strongly believes in quality rather than quantity when growing a franchise network, as the personal touch with franchisees and customers is crucial. Laundromats have proven virtually recession proof, and it’s a big market. In addition to a comprehensive laundry service, Laundry Dynamics also offers dry cleaning, garment dyeing, tailoring, shoe repairs, key cutting, contract work (guest houses, B&B, golf clubs etc.). Full technical training is provided to franchisees and employees prior to a store opening. Continual communication and site visits ensure the success of franchisees.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

082 739 2774 info@laundrydynamics.co.za www.laundrydynamics.co.za

My Mobi My Mobi Car Wash is perfect for the entrepreneur looking to service consumers who want for ecofriendly options to keep their vehicles clean. Simplicity and mobility are at the centre of the low water usage design with less than four litres of water typically used per car wash. Operators can offer customers a full range of valet services at their homes, workplace and shopping malls, saving them precious time; all at a service level equal to that available from the traditional commercial systems. If you are new to the industry, My Mobi will help take the guesswork out of chemical and consumable purchases through its service-based volume package, which ultimately means more profit in your pocket.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

083 222 1804/011 476 3223 sales@mymobicarwash.co.za www.mymobicarwash.co.za

Only Realty Only Realty is the only real estate franchise that focuses on property investors and the rental and management of their investment as its core business. It offers franchisees the opportunity to build regular, secure residual income through building a managed property portfolio, while gaining access to the property sales market and being supported by a management team who collectively hold thirty years’ experience in the sector. The franchise package includes a onceoff cost of R95 000 plus Vat and includes one-on-one training, operations and marketing guides, setup support, compliance support and a start-up marketing kit. Franchisees benefit from ongoing active support throughout the year, and the Only Realty national conference takes place annually, which is a combination of training, team building, strategic planning and awards.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

0861 736 8257 franchises@onlyrealty.co.za www.onlyrealty.co.za

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Performance Booster The Performance Booster programme is a three-day self-development course that benefits all individuals – whether a CEO, employee or entrepreneur. Becoming a Performance Booster licensee offers one the opportunity to make use of this intellectual property, with its well developed, tried-and-tested, easy-to-facilitate and affordable approach. It makes an excellent add-on service for a life coach, business coach or anyone in the human development field, boosting one’s earning potential and reach significantly. The licence includes learning material, a five-day train-the-trainer facilitator’s course, a facilitator toolkit, marketing material and one-on-one support. The Performance Booster licence includes three one-on-one coaching sessions with well-respected CEO and business coach Mel Tomlinson, as well as personalised sales training with Cobus Tomlinson, the programme developer and founder. The two-day annual retreat is there to further grow and support licensees and their businesses.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

013 744 0027 info@performancebooster.co.za www.performancebooster.co.za

44 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Printzz Always wanted to have your own printing business? Now you can buy into an affordable start-up franchise that can expand and grow to the needs of your customers. Printzz printing franchisees offer a wide range of services, including printing ( business cards, photos, T-shirts, mugs etc.), copying, design, internet, binding, gifts and more. The services are aimed at business owners, schools, organisations and even households and individuals. The franchise package includes all the equipment needed to run the business, and the franchisor will help you find the perfect premises and negotiate on your behalf with the landlord. Full setup, training and ongoing support is provided. Franchises are available countrywide and in neighbouring countries, and the full setup cost is R195 000.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

072 203 7872 info@sabizopps.co.za www.sabizopps.co.za

FEATURED OPPORTUNIT Y

Advertorial

Running your own business can be a PICNIC Dial-a-Picnic is an events company that affords independent entrepreneurs the opportunity to be their own boss in a niche sector that is both creative and popular; after all, who doesn’t love a good picnic? After servicing a growing market for two years, it became apparent to founder Paula Janse Van Rensburg that there was a need for her bespoke catering service in other parts of the country and so the Dial-a-Picnic franchise network was born and is now five-franchises strong - with expansion very much on the agenda. If you consider yourself a “go-getter” with a flair for business and sales, and like the idea of managing your own time while helping clients enjoy mouth-watering food in

beautifully crafted settings, being a picnicpreneur may well be just the opportunity for you.

A unique and special service

Head office provides comprehensive training, including the compilation of a marketing plan which is then implemented under the guidance of the franchisor. Along with continuous support, franchisees also benefit from various national PR and marketing initiatives which grow the brand, giving business owners the freedom to easily attract clients through delivering a unique and special service. “It’s important to be a people’s person, with excellent organisational and planning skills and a love for the outdoors,” says Janse Van Rensburg. “Most importantly, you must have free time at your disposal.” She also adds that while Head Office provides the proof of concept and know-how, the

success of each branch is dependent on the commitment, dedication and effort put into each enterprise. From romantic picnics, marriage proposals and wedding picnics, through to kids’ parties and corporate events, more and more people are seeking upmarket and unique ways to celebrate their special occasions – why not get ready to unpack your basket of tricks and help them make those memories, while reaping the benefits of being in business for yourself, but not by yourself?

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Repcillin

Royal Tombstones

Repcillin was the first company in the world to manufacture a natural skin balm made from crocodile oil, a remedy for a variety of skin issues and conditions. Ten years later, the product is available in over 200 stockists across South Africa and has also achieved EU accreditation status and been trademarked in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Asia. Becoming a Repcillin agent offers a low-cost, low-risk route to business ownership. The R50 000 investment includes marketing material, videos and a proven method for generating revenues, as well as R100 000 worth of retail stock. With no minimum monthly sales, no joining fees and no hidden extras, existing agents make around R20 000 a month profit.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

041 366 1011 emma@repcillin.com www.repcillin.com

Snap-on Tools This mobile opportunity sees Authorised Dealers operate from approved shopfitted vehicles equipped to showcase their range of tools and diagnostic equipment to professional users. Authorised Dealers deliver a personalised, professional service to businesses typically associated with the repair or service of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, small aircraft and earth moving equipment. As one of the world’s leading tool manufacturers, Snap-on Incorporated has been demonstrating the strength of its business model for 96 years and continues to expand its range to ensure Authorised Dealers have access to the best tools available in the marketplace today. There are currently 15 Authorised Dealers up and running in South Africa, and the brand is looking to get more suitable candidates behind the wheel in this exciting business.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

031 569 7637 / 082 444 4801 biz@snapon.co.za www.snapon.co.za

The Brazen Head Are you interested in owning your own restaurant and pub? A Brazen Head restaurant may be just the answer for you. Celebrated for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this popular franchise brand offers guests a truly authentic Irish dining and entertainment experience. Bringing this to life, the restaurant has an extensive food menu and full wine and beverage menu, including many international beers on tap. Our menu features hearty, wholesome, reasonably priced Irish and South African fare that appeals to the local palate. The Brazen Head allows you to experience a true taste of Ireland in South Africa. For more information, please email us or call our Head Office and speak to Karin van der Walt or Ralph Rojahn.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

011 467 4224 info@brazenhead.co.za www.brazenhead.co.za

46 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Royal Tombstones offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to manufacture granolithic concrete tombstones in their own area. The tombstones look and feel just like granite but cost a fraction of the price. Franchise packages start at R517 500 ex Vat for a complete turnkey operation. The package includes an exclusive area, manufacturing equipment, moulds, signage and advertising. No experience is required to run this easy-to-manage business. Full training and ongoing support is offered by head office. For more information on this tombstone manufacturing franchise that offers excellent returns on your investment, contact head office. Secure your area today – don’t miss out on this fantastic everygrowing market.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

033 342 0744 | Fax: 086 574 1372 admin@royaltombstones.co.za www.royaltombstones.co.za

The Braai Hut South Africa is known for its sunshine, passion for sport and braaivleis. And, The Braai Hut, is looking to serve up delicious, traditional braaivleis fare – steak, chops, sausage and more – in malls and other sites across the country. This is a South African tradition turned into a profitable and exciting business opportunity. The stores offer a full range of ready-prepared, take-away braai meals along with salads, pap and other side orders. The investment of R345 000 has been kept low to ensure that this remains a viable business opportunity with a menu that is loved by all South Africans.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

072 203 7872 info@sabizopps.co.za www.sabizopps.co.za

Vizionary Many economists are predicting a global currency collapse. Have you taken precautions to insure your finances with smart money? Crypto currency is one of the options and we are witnessing one of the biggest transfers of wealth in the history of the world. Bitcoin was the first crypto currency and in 2009 a Norwegian student purchased $27 (R365) of Bitcoin and by 2017 it was worth over $1-million (R13.5-million). Do you want a similar opportunity? By purchasing a mining package from Vizionary from E97 (R1 500), you can acquire Capricoins, which is a second generation crypto currency, with the technology and marketing plan to make it a global mainstream currency. Join the growing community of merchants and consumers who are benefiting from this new money in the crypto currency economy. Contact Luc Ribouet or listen to the five-minute video on “The Perfect Coin” https://goo.gl/9Nu2tY. Register on the website: www.vizionary. com/tlc567.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

027 72 377 9509 lribouet@gmail.com www.vizionary.com/tlc567

*See pages 39 & inside back cover for more opportunities

FOCUS ON

A-Z Franchise & Biz Opps

Universal Power Trading - WizMix Be your own boss, determine your own income and live the rich life you dreamed of. Start your own highly profitable liquid detergent manufacturing business for only R24 999 ex Vat ex delivery (New Year Special â&#x20AC;&#x201C; valid until end March 2017). Manufacture detergents such as dishwashing liquid, bleach, liquid hand soap, shower gel, bubble bath, car shampoo, fabric softener and numerous other liquid products. The machine is capable of making 100 litres every half an hour. Price includes machinery, safety kit, starter kit, operating manual and formulas. This is a profitable business that can be run from home with excellent earning potential. No experience is necessary as full training is provided at a training venue situated in KZN. For more information contact us today.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

031 700 4442 / Fax 031 700 4743 upt@telkomsa.net www.wizmix.co.za

48 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines Are you looking to start YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Then Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines, South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 supplier of machines for the SMME market, could have the solution to set you on the path to success. The company sells a range of machines which produce products that are in daily demand. You can start one of the following businesses: toilet roll manufacturing, roof sheet manufacturing, brick making, water purification and bottle filling, finger and toe nail printing, juice making and many more. There are showrooms in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. VISIT: www.zhauns.co.za for more information on the unique range of machines to start your own business today.

CONTACT DETAILS Tel Email Website

021 447 3665 info@zhauns.com www.zhauns.co.za

FEATURED OPPORTUNIT Y

Advertorial

Start a GREEN MOBILE CAR WASH BUSINESS today! Drought conditions across South Africa have seen many municipalities implement water restrictions. As a result consumers are looking for eco-friendly options to keep vehicles clean... My Mobi Car Wash is perfect for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to service this market and offers a low upfront investment, no ongoing franchise fees and the flexibility to set your own service prices. Simplicity and mobility are at the centre of the low water usage design with less than four litres of water typically used per car wash. Operators can offer customers a full range of valet services at their homes, workplace and shopping malls, savings them precious time; all at a service level that is equivalent to traditional commercial systems. If you are new to the industry, My Mobi will help take the guesswork out of chemical and consumable purchases

through its service-based volume package, which ultimately means more profit in your pocket. The My Mobi Car Wash’s professional image and business model has been designed to offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to Quick start and grow their own car wash business using the company’s mobile units and range of enviro-friendly cleaning products. Initial start-up costs apply for a My Mobi Car Wash unit and a successful operation will typically yield a return on investment within two to three months. For Corporate client’s, My Mobi offers Onsite Managed Car Wash services

for staff & customers. They also have an amazing Enterprise Development solution to assist in delivering on CSI objectives, creating jobs & enabling sustainable small business opportunities. Email sales@mymobicarwash.co.za to place your order & join the My Mobi Network. A business opportunity that addresses people, planet and profit! Be socially and environmentally responsible while making loads of money. Don’t delay, order your units today!

*Visit MyMobi Car Wash at NSBC Summit Stand B07, 15-16 Feb , Gallagher Conference Centre, Midrand

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

2017 DIRECTORY

Franchise & Biz Opps

082Carwash

Franchise: Car wash and valet centre Contact: Mynette Spratt Tel: 087 286 6274 Email: mynette@082carwash.co.za Investment (ex vat): Min. R800 000 Web: www.082carwash.co.za 2nd Take Franchise: Second-hand designer fashion retail Contact: Bettina Tel: 021 434 5878 Email: franchise@2ndtake.co.za Investment (ex vat): R300 000 Web: www.2ndtake.co.za

3@1 Business Service Centre

Franchise: Extensive print, full courier, photographic, secretarial services, company registrations, business to business Contact: Belinda Dunn Tel: 0861 359 834 Email: info@3at1.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R550 000 R650 000 (turnkey) Web: www.3at1.co.za

4 A Kid

Franchise: Trendy kiddies clothing and accessories store Contact: Ally Cohen Tel: 011 656 8290 Email: info@4akid.co.za Investment (ex vat): R500 000 Web: www.4akid.co.za

4 A Kid Franchising

Reseller: Baby and kids gear Contact: Ally Cohen Tel: 011 656 8290 Email: info@4akid.co.za Investment (ex vat): None Web: www.4akid.co.za

A.C.T. Painting

Franchise: Painting and decorating specialist contractors Contact: Derek Garton Tel: 0860 777 190 Email: info@actpainting.co.za Investment (ex vat): R300 000 Web: www.actpainting.co.za

A’Africa Pest Prevention

Franchise: Pest and vegetation control Contact: Joubert Smith Tel: 051 432 1182 Email: joubert@aafrica.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R75 000 Web: www.aafrica.co.za

52 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

ActionCOACH Business Coaching

Assisted Home Nursing

Active English

Auto Magic Holdings

Franchise: World’s best business coaching Contact: Chane da Costa Tel: 086 1 2 COACH (26224) Email: chanedacosta@actioncoach.com Investment (ex vat): R495 000 Web: www.actioncoach.com/southafrica Franchise: Fun English for young children Contact: Antionette Slabbert Tel: 082 714 1155 Email: antionette@activeenglish.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R55 000 Web: www.activeenglish.co.za

Affiliated Business Brokers

Franchise: Business brokering Contact: Mike Hindle Tel: 082 446 5606 Email: mikeh@abbsa.co.za Investment (ex vat): R80 000 Web: www.affiliatedbusinessbrokers.co.za

Albentha Fragrances (Pty) Ltd

Biz Opp: Distributor of quality range of perfume products Contact: Joyce Tel: 082 651 4566 Email: info@albenthafragrances.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R180.00 Web: www.albenthafragrances.co.za

Aldes Business Brokers

Franchise: Quality home care for the elderly, sick and disabled Contact: Chris Dunn Tel: 0861 359 834 / 079 118 0766 Email: info@assistedhomenursing.co.za Investment (ex vat): Areas from R250 000 Web: www.assistedhomenursing.co.za Franchise: Automotive paint repair and panel replacement Contact: Charlene Scheffer Tel: 011 422 4710 Email: charlene@tiga.co.za Investment (ex vat): TOT R3 800 000 + Web: www.automagic.co.za

Autoscreenz Partner ™

License opportunity: Windscreen chip and crack repair, headlight restoration and tyre protection sealant Contact: Rae Tel: 084 207 5528 Email: enquiries@autoscreenz.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R85 000 Web: www.autoscreenz.co.za

Autowash

Franchise: Car wash and valet services Contact: Angelo Lazarov Tel: 072 949 2222 Email: angelo@autowash.co.za Investment (ex vat): Approx. R2 million Web: www.autowash.co.za

Franchise: Business brokering Contact: Brynn Janeke Tel: 012 361 2690 Email: aldes@aldes.co.za Investment (ex vat): R100 000 Web: www.aldes.co.za

Barksole Shoe & Bag Repairs

Franchise: Health day spa Contact: Jeanette Tel: 079 695 8370 Email: bookings@amaraspa.co.za Investment (ex vat): R288 000 Web: www.amaraspa.co.za

Beaux-Arts Kidz Kraftz

Amara Day Spa

Arrero Premium Car Perfume

Biz Opp: Car cologne and perfume manufacturer Contact: Lizelle Beukes Tel: 074 190 7999 Email: lizelle@arrero.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R500 Web: www.arrero.co.za

Franchise: Repairs, keys, engraving, dry cleaning, retail services Contact: Rod Bloom Tel: 021 426 5038 Email: info@barksole.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R500 000 Web: www.barksole.co.za Franchise: Creative pottery for children Contact: Linda or Eddy Lloyd Tel: 021 913 7444 / 082 444 2223 Email: info@bacreate.com Investment (ex vat): R30 000 or R66 500 (depends on kit) Web: www.bacreate.com

Bella and Boo

Franchise: Mobile frozen yoghurt/yoghurt bar Contact: Allison Blyth Tel: 031 207 5627 / 082 921 6960 Email: info@bellaandboo.co.za Investment (ex vat): R300 000 Web: www.bellaandboo.co.za

Bergen’s Appliance Repairs and Spares

Franchise: Appliance repairs Contact: Adriaan van Bergen Tel: 082 453 9023 Email: adriaan@bergens.co.za Investment (ex vat): R400 000 Web: www.bergens.co.za Big Joe’s Real Pies Franchise: Pie bakery factory shop Contact: Pieter van der Merwe Tel: 083 417 2841 Email: pieter@bigjoes.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1.5-million Web: www.bigjoes.co.za Bike Zone Retail Franchise: Motorcycle retail, accessories, custom parts Contact: Marius Wannenburg Tel: 083 527 0820 Email: info@bikezone.co.za Investment (ex vat): Between R250 000 R1.5-million Web: www.bikezone.co.za BizzAcc Franchise: Accounting and business advisory Contact: Karen de Villiers Tel: 012 993 0763 Email: karen@bizzacc.co.za Investment (ex vat): R100 000 Web: www.bizzacc.co.za

Blockhouse

Franchise: Furniture and décor retail Contact: Rory Noonan Tel: 012 752 8840 Email: rory@blockhouse.co.za Investment (ex vat): R750 000 Web: www.blockhouse.co.za

Blue Chip Lubricants

Distributorship: Oil and lubricants manufacturer/distributor Contact: Lethabo Letsoalo/Gary Marais Tel: 011 462 1829 Email: lethabo@bcl.co.za Investment (ex vat): Enquire Web: www.bcl.co.za Bottle Craft SA Biz Opp: Creating useful items from throw-away bottles Contact: Jo Kearney Tel: 074 207 1721 Email: jo@educraft.co.za Investment (ex vat): R500 Standard kit, R1 200 Deluxe kit (plus postage) Web: www.bottlecraft.co.za

Business Accounting Network

Franchise: Accounting, tax and business advisory services Contact: Monique Sharland Tel: 0861 226 226 Email: info@ban.co.za Investment (ex vat): R52 000 Web: www.ban.co.za

Butcher Block Holdings

Franchise: Steakhouse Contact: Robynne Savic Tel: 031 816 7300 Ext 3081 Email: robynne@butcherblock.co.za Investment (ex vat): R4 million Web: www.butcherblock.co.za Camelot Spa Group Franchise: Health spa group Contact: Carmenita Pedro Tel: 011 880 3850 Email: carmenitap@camelotspa.co.za Investment (ex vat): R250 000 + the spa set-up cost Web: www.camelotspa.co.za Captain DoRegos Franchise: Quick service restaurant Contact: Wynand Viviers or Hazel Ndebele Tel: 011 287 5300 Email: info@doregos.co.za/ wynandv@doregos.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1.3-million Web: www.captaindoregos.co.za Cash Converters Franchise: Retail and money lending Contact: Ilsé Murray Tel: 087 820 4271 Email: ilsem@cashconverters.co.za Investment (ex vat): R2.4-million (min R1.5million own contribution) Web: www.cashconverters.co.za

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

2017 DIRECTORY

Franchise & Biz Opps

Cash Crusaders Franchising

Coffee-on-the-move

Cattle Baron Steak Ranch Franchising

Concretewise Africa

Franchise: Second-hand and new goods retailer Franchise: Mobile provider of gourmet coffee Contact: Danie Nel Contact: Wayne Langford Tel: 079 895 1888 Tel: 082 897 7367 Email: danie@cashcrusaders.co.za Email: wayne@coffeeonthemove.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1.7-million Investment (ex vat): R205 000 Web: www.cashcrusaders.co.za/own-aWeb: www.coffeeOnTheMove.co.za franchise/ Computers 4 Kids Catrobatkidz License: E-Learning training centre Franchise: Pre-school movement education Contact: Jethro Mac Donald extra-mural Tel: 021 712 7800 Contact: Andre Planken Email: jethro@computers4kids.co.za Tel: 028 272 9069 Investment (ex vat): Zero with license fee Email: catrobatkidz@mweb.co.za of R300 per month per device Investment (ex vat): R50 000 Web: www.computers4kids.co.za Web: www.catrobatkidz.com Franchise: Award-winning upmarket steak house Contact: Melanie Nel Tel: 021 914 1183 Email: info@cattlebaron.co.za Investment (ex vat): R3.9-million Web: www.cattlebaron.co.za Chip ‘n Dip Franchise: Mobile fast food Contact: Gerald Brown Tel: 011 454 4018 Email: info@chipndip.co.za/ gerald@chipndip.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R30 000 Web: www.chipndip.co.za Classy Crete Franchise: Transformation of pre-cast walls Contact: Evert du Plessis Tel: 083 449 9977 / 021 913 1301 Email: evert@classycrete.co.za Investment (ex vat): R47 500 - R125 000 depending Web: www.classycrete.co.za Coating Worx Franchise: Painting and damp proofing contractors Contact: Deon Louw Tel: 0861 112 910 Email: info@coatingworx.co.za Investment (ex vat): R370 000 Web: www.coatingworx.co.za Coffee News Franchise: Run your own local advertising publication Contact: Trish Hardy Tel: 031 767 2676 / 082 740 8444 Email: trish@coffeenews.co.za Investment (ex vat): R95 000 (no Vat) Web: www.coffeenews.co.za

54 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Biz Opp: Decorative concrete flooring, coutertops and tombstones Contact: Craig Urquhart Tel: 083 611 1694 Email: info@concretewise.co.za Investment (ex vat): R5 750 incl. Vat (introductory course) Web: www.concretewise.co.za

Craft Wheat & Hops

Franchise: Restaurant, craft beers, tapas, gin bar Contact: Yolandi Dell Tel: 021 886 5116 Email: info@sanria.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1.8-million (estimate, based on SQM) Web: www.sanria.co.za Crawl Squad Franchise: Educational sessions for babies Contact: Sannie Oosthuizen Tel: 084 243 3630 Email: headoffice@crawlsquad.co.za Investment (ex vat): Depends on area Web: www.crawlsquad.co.za

Creative Image - Craft Painting Studios

Franchise: Art teaching studios Contact: Ray Hogg Tel: 082 925 4682 Email: rghogg@mweb.co.za Investment (ex vat): R75 000 Web: www.creativeimage.co.za Create-a-Book License: Personalised storybooks for children Contact: Nathenia Tel: 011 465 9062 Email: info@createabook.co.za Investment (ex vat): R15 500 Web: www.createabook.co.za

Creative Minds®

Franchise: Training – computer literacy, IT business skills Contact: Marius Lubbe Tel: 021 939 6344 / 082 785 7763 Email: info@minds.co.za for info pack Investment (ex vat): R200 000 to about R600 000 Web: www.minds.co.za/ www.mindscampus.com Crème de Levain Franchise: Patisserie, ice cream bar, coffee shop, bakery Contact: Yolandi Dell Tel: 021 886 5116 Email: info@sanria.co.za Investment (ex vat): R480 000 (estimate, based on SQM) Web: www.sanria.co.za

Crime Scene Cleanup

Franchise: Cleaning of crime scenes Contact: Eileen de Jager Tel: 032 525 5124 / 084 433 3999 Email: info@crimescenecleanup.co.za Investment (ex vat): R250 000 Web: www.crimescenecleanup.co.za

Cygma SHEQ North

Franchise: SHEQ management consulting services Contact: Pieter Lotz Tel: 015 101 0513 / 083 762 8388 Email: p.lotz@cygmasheq.co.za Investment (ex vat): R60 000 Web: www.cygmasheq.co.za DEFENDoor Franchise: Maintenance free security products Contact: Damian Tel: 011 786 8832 Email: damian@defendoor.co.za Investment (ex vat): R800 000 Web: www.defendoor.co.za

Delivery Xtreme

Franchise: Restaurant food delivery service Contact: Anthony Tel: 011 781 6595 Email: ant@delx.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R250 000 turnkey Web: www.delx.co.za

Dial-a-Picnic

Franchise: Picnic catering and outdoor dining Contact: Paula Janse Van Rensburg Tel: 082 789 5478 Email: franchise@dialapicnic.co.za Investment (ex vat): R150 000 Web: www.dialapicnic.co.za

Digit Vehicle Tracking

Biz Opp: Vehicle tracking, fleet and fuel management Contact: Lee Bester Tel: 076 860 6203 Email: lee@digicell.co.za Investment (ex vat): Full turnkey from R350 000 Web: www.digicell.co.za

DM Dance

Franchise: Dance classes for children and teenagers Contact: Tamra de Beer Tel: 082 859 7352 Email: info@dancemouse.co.za Investment (ex vat): R120 000 Web: www.dancemouse.co.za Domino’s Pizza Franchise: Food Contact: Zelneri van Zyl Tel: 011 608 1999 Email: franchise@tasteholdings.co.za Investment (ex vat): Start up R1.8-million Web: www.dominospizza.co.za Drivio Franchise: State-of-the-art driver training Contact: Tannith Thompson Tel: 081 706 7332 Email: tannith@drivio.co.za Investment (ex vat): ± R1.134 million Web: www.drivio.co.za

Dulce Café

Franchise: Restaurant and coffee shop Contact: Brigid Jaucot Tel: 016 340 8300/083 628 9107 Email: brigid@wcholdings.co.za Investment (ex vat) R800 000 to R3-million (depends on size, location, turnover) Web: www.dulce.co.za DVD Videorama Franchise: DVD rentals and business services Contact: Mario Lange Tel: 083 279 4199 Email: mario@videorama.co.za Investment (ex vat): R350 000 Web: www.videorama.co.za

Edublox

Franchise: Reading, maths, and learning clinics Contact: Henk du Plessis Tel: 012 345 1480 Email: info@edublox.com Investment (ex vat): R250 000 Web: www.edubloxsa.co.za Eezi Street Pizza Biz Opp: Mobile pizza unit Contact: Barry Pike Tel: 082 778 7791 Email: flashman@flashpizza.co.za Investment (ex vat): R250 000

2017 DIRECTORY

Franchise & Biz Opps

Elna Home Products

Franchise: Retail sewing, ironing and accessories Contact: Dan de Vos Tel: 082 494 5521 Email: dandevos@elna.co.za Investment (ex vat): R800 000 Web: www.elna.com Engel & Volkers South Africa Franchise: Real estate (residential and commercial) Contact: Craig Hutchison Tel: 011 929 3096 Email: expansion@engelvoelkers.co.za Investment (ex vat): R2 – R2.5-million Web: www.engelvoelkers.co.za Executives Online Franchise: Executive and interim recruitment services Contact: Alison Hassan Tel: 011 589 9055 Email: alison.hassan@executivesonline.co.za Investment (ex vat): Between R100 000 – R450 000 (enquire) Web: www.executivesonline.co.za

Expand A Sign

Franchise: Leaders in portable branding solutions Contact: Kirsty Fonzari Tel: 031 207 2327 Email: kirsty@expandasign.net Investment (ex vat): Negotiable Web: www.expandasign.co.za Express Employment Professionals Franchise: Recruitment, staffing and human resources Contact: Carolyn Diaz Tel: 012 641 0100 Email: Carolyn.diaz@expresspros.co.za Investment (ex vat): R225 000 (set-up capital depends on market size) Web: www.expresspros.co.za Express Worldwide Franchise: Express parcel delivery and transportation services Contact: Tersia Visagie Tel: 021 974 6116/7 Email: info@expressworldwide.co.za Investment (ex vat): R250 000 (negotiable with available payment plans) Web: www.inxpress.com

56 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Ezi Wash

Franchise: Easy-to-run laundry and tailoring business Contact: Kobus Aggenbach Tel: 072 203 7872 Email: sabizopps@gmail.com Investment (ex vat): R185 000 Web: www.sabizopps.co.za Fabulous Aire Distributorship: Air purification products Contact: Dave Stacey Tel: 021 981 1748 Email: sales@fabulousaire.co.za Investment (ex vat): R4 550 for stock Web: www.fabulousaire.co.za

Fantastick Wall Décor

Distributor/reseller: Decorative wall stickers and décor Contact: Daleen Meara Tel: 012 667 3109 Email: info@fantastick.co.za Investment (ex vat): R2 000 Web: www.fantastick.co.za

Fastway Couriers (South Africa)

Franchise: Courier Contact: Murray Duncan Tel: 011 234 9393 Email: franchising@fastway.co.za Investment (ex vat): R300 000 dependent on the vehicle Web: www.fastway.co.za Flame & Ash Franchise: Burger and pizza joint Contact: Yolandi Dell Tel: 021 886 5116 Email: info@sanria.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1.8-million (estimate, based on SQM) Web: www.sanria.co.za Gas Mart Franchise: Retailer of LP gas and appliances, accessories, installations Contact: Kenny MacKinnon Tel: 012 665 0565 Email: kenny@gasmart.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1.15-million Web: www.gasmart.co.za

Gener-8 Power Solutions

Franchise: : Sustainable energy solutions Contact: Oscar Loreti Tel: 082 337 7068 Email: oscar@gener-8.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R75 000 Web: www.gener-8.co.za

Genrand Bridging and Bond Finance

Franchise: Bridging and related finance Contact: Annie Tel: 021 824 2332 Email: info@genrand.co.za Investment (ex vat): R150 000 Web: www.genrand.co.za Goldline Industries Biz Opp: Supplier of ice-cream equipment Contact: Colin Fleisher Tel: 011 608 1532 Email: colinf@goldine.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various - enquire Web: www.goldline.co.za Healing Waves Franchise: Health spa Contact: Gilbert Powell Tel: 016 931 1939 Email: info@htegroupsa.co.za Investment (ex vat): R300 000 Web: www.healingwaves.co.za Hot Dog Café/London Pie Franchise: Fast foods Contact: Andy Raouna Tel: 012 664 7213 Email: andy@hotdogcafe.co.za Investment (ex vat): Available on request Web: www.hotdogcafe.co.za / www.londonpie.co.za iFacts Franchise: Employee screening and vetting services Contact: Sonya Skipp Tel: 011 453 1627 Email: sonya@ifacts.co.za Investment (ex vat): R80 000 Web: www.ifacts.co.za Inspect-A Home Franchise: Residential, commercial and industrial building inspections Contact: Eric Bell Tel: 031 266 7271 / 083 375 5588 Email: eric@inspectahome.co.za Investment (ex vat): R85K – R225K (depending on area) Web: www.inspectahome.co.za iPlay iLearn Biz Opp: Educational products for kids Contact: Leemor Daniel Lombard Tel: 084 607 7220 / 011 511 9125 Email: leemor@iplayilearn.co.za Investment (ex vat): R3 000 (no vat) Web: www.iplayilearn.co.za

JG Electronics

Biz Opp: Novelty and corporate gift printing solutions Contact: Jaco Pretorius Tel: 011 789 6033 Email: yob@jge.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R10 000 Web: www.jgelectronics.com

Kumon Education SA

Jawitz Properties

Franchise: Maths and English supplementary tuition Contact: Jaco Coetzee Tel: 0800 002 775 / 011 459 2600 Email: franchising@kumon.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various in the range of R70 000 to R90 000 Web: www.kumon.co.za Laundry Dynamics Franchise: Turnkey laundry set-up, tailoring, key cutting Contact: Tracey Fawell Tel: 082 739 2774 Email: info@laundrydynamics.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various from R359 000 Web: www.laundrydynamics.co.za Lawnpro Franchise: Lawn treatment Contact: Richard Erasmus Jnr Tel: 012 481 3530 / 082 415 4618 Email: richie@lawnpro.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various from R149 500 (financial assistance included) Web: www.lawnpro.co.za / www.lawnchemicare.co.za

KT Shop

Franchise: French bakery and bistro Contact: Rory Noonan Tel: 012 752 8840 Email: rory@blockhouse.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various R550 000 Web: www.lepisdore.co.za

JJ Cale Tobacconists

Franchise: Premium tobacconist and exclusive gentlemen’s gifts Contact: Amanda Dreyer Tel: 011 450 1614 / 083 380 5982 Email: amanda@jjcale.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R1-million depending on store size/location Web: www.jjcale.co.za

Java Bistro

Franchise: Restaurant, café, bistro Contact: Yolandi Dell Tel: 021 886 5116 Email: info@sanria.co.za Investment (ex vat): R3.8-million (estimate, based on SQM) Web: www.sanria.co.za Franchise: : Selling, letting of real estate Contact: Pieter Davidtz Tel: 021 439 6080 / 011 622 1820 Email: pieterd@jawitz.co.za Investment (ex vat): R1-million Web: www.jawitz.co.za Franchise: Household, detergents, toilet paper, brushware, sundries etc. Contact: Heni Bosch Tel: 079 206 8728 Email: heni@ktshop.co.za Investment (ex vat): Options from R30 000 Web: www.ktshop.co.za

Kepea Industrial Equipment

Biz Opp: Industrial equipment supplier Contact: Sales department Tel: 081 303 7084 Email: kepeacatering@gmail.com Investment (ex vat): Various Web: www.kepeaindustrialequipment.com

Kenny’s

Franchise: QSR/take-away: Fried chicken and burgers Contact: Wouter Strydom Email: info@kennys.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various From R690 000 Web: www.kennys.co.za

Kill-a-Bug

Franchise: Pest control, weed control, fumigation/termite treatments Contact: Leon van Rooyen Tel: 011 768 1962 Email: leon@killabug.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various R124 950, depending on area Web: www.kill-a-bug.co.za

King Pie

Franchise: Various formats available Contact: Franchise liaison officer Tel: 011 564 9701 Email: info@kingpie.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various from R96 000 to R550 000 (Various options) Web: www.kingpie.co.za

Lepis Dore

Levingers Franchising

Franchise: Dry cleaning, shoe repairs, alterations Contact: Yadhir Mooloo Tel: 082 376 7086 Email: yadhir@levingers.co.za Investment (ex vat): Enquire Web: www.levingers.co.za

Lock & Key Solutions

Franchise: Locksmith Contact: Maritsa Gouws Tel: 082 550 2861 Email: maritsa@citylocksmiths.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various from R650 000 Web: www.locksmith.lockandkey.co.za London School of Investment Franchise: Stockmarket education and software Contact: John Plumber Tel: 011 492 0260 / 011 447 6300 Email: john@Isitrader.com Investment (ex vat): Various R250 000 Web: www.Isitrader.com

Mak-Rak

Franchise: Component shelving system Contact: Marc Klinkhamer Tel: 021 551 6677 Email: info@makrak.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various from R478 000 Web: www.makrak.co.za Mama’s Express Franchise: Take-away, sit-down restaurant, express food Contact: Shane Van Breda Tel: 072 507 7727 Email: shane@mamaafricafranchising.co.za Investment (ex vat): Three options, enquire Web: www.mamaafricafranchising.co.za

2017 DIRECTORY

Franchise & Biz Opps

Maxi’s

Franchise: Food Contact: Zelneri van Zyl Tel: 011 608 1999 Email: franchise@tasteholdings.co.za Investment (ex vat): Start up R1.5-million, deposit R125 400 (incl. Vat) Web: www.maxis.co.za Maxidor Franchise: Security Contact: Martin Landsman Tel: 072 340 5769 Email: martinl@maxidor.co.za Investment (ex vat): R150 000 Web: www.maxidor.co.za

Mens Clinic International

Franchise: Specialising in male sexual health Contact: Remmy Chandiwana Tel: 011 523 5046 Email: remmyc@mensclinic.co.za Investment (ex vat): $30 000.00 Web: www.mensclinicinternational.co.za

Mexican Fresh

Franchise: Tex-Mex fast/casual eatery Contact: Liron Gilhar Tel: 011 326 2276 Email: info@mexicanfresh.co.za Investment (ex vat): R750K-R900K Web: www.mexicanfresh.co.za

Mimmo’s Franchising

Franchise: Pizza, pasta, grill – Italian family restaurant Contact: Schalk Van Der Merwe Tel: 011 783 0760 Email: contact@mimmos.co.za Investment (ex vat): R2-million Web: www.mimmos.co.za Minuteman Press Int. Inc Franchise: Printing, copying, design and marketing business Contact: Frik van Niekerk Tel: 011 444 7884 / 083 708 4285 Email: fvanniekerk@mpihq.com Investment (ex vat): R1.6-million Web: www.minutemanpress.com

Mobile Fitness Solutions

Franchise: Fitness and health Contact: Simphiwe Songongo Tel: 011 706 9945 Email: sales@mobiletrainers.co.za Investment (ex vat): R120 000 (full franchise) / R40 000 (single trainer) Web: www.mobiletrainers.co.za

58 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Mommy Wellness

Franchise: Beauty salon/spa Contact: Izelle Louw Tel: 021 976 3174 Email: izelle@mommywellness.co.za Investment (ex vat): Enquire Web: www.mommywellness.co.za

Monkeynastix International

Franchise: International children’s health group Contact: Dirk Cilliers Tel: 011 465 8028 Email: dirk@monkeynastix.net Investment (ex vat): R49 500 Web: www.monkeynastix.net

Mr Gutter

Franchise: Gutter installations Contact: Heidi or Candice Tel: 011 462 8282 Email: info@mrgutter.co.za Investment (ex vat): R450 000 Web: www.mrgutter.co.za

Mr. VIDEO

Franchise: Video rental and retail Contact: Andre Grobler Tel: 021 948 5396 / 011 455 0382 Email: info@mrvideo.co.za Investment (ex vat): R250 000 Web: www.mrvideo.co.za

My Mobi Car Wash

Biz Opp: Eco-friendly mobile business solution Contact: Vaneshri Tel: 083 222 1804 Email: sales@mymobicarwash.co.za Investment (ex vat): R24 000 Web: www.mymobicarwash.co.za

National Trailer Rental

Franchise: Nationwide trailer rental Contact: C H Buitendag Tel: 083 700 4015 Email: chb@icon.co.za Investment (ex vat): Enquire Web: www.natrail.co.za Nkukhu-Box Franchise: QSR – Grilled chicken and African flavours Contact: Itumeleng Mpatlanyana Tel: 012 755 0305 / 073 444 9517 Email: info@nkukubox.com Investment (ex vat): R1.182-million Web: www.nkukubox.com

Nyama & Chips

Franchise: Fast food – meat and chicken on the grill with huge chips Contact: Marinos Singopoulous Tel: 011 656 0809 Email: info@nyamaandchips.co.za Investment: From R489 999 (incl. vat) Web: www.nyamaandchips.co.za No Betr Windscreen Repair Systems Biz Opp: Mobile repair kits for windscreens, headlights, glass scratch removal Contact: Frik Liebenberg Tel: 082 364 9669 Email: frik@nbwindscreenrepairs.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various from R950 – R7 500 Web: www.ndwindscreenrepairs.co.za Ocean Basket Franchising Company Franchise: Restaurant/casual dining Contact: Gabrielle Issa Tel: 011 655 1300 Email: gabrielle@oceanbasket.com Investment (ex vat): R3.8-million to R4.5-million Web: www.oceanbasket.com

Only Realty

Franchise: Rental and management of property Contact: Megan Ladbrook Tel: 0861 736 8257 Email: franchises@onlyrealty.co.za Investment (ex vat): R95 000 Web: www.onlyrealty.co.za

Page Automation

Franchise: Office automation, money handling, consumables Contact: Pieter De Beer Tel: 011 574 3000 Email: pieter@pageauto.co.za Investment (ex vat): R150 000 Web: www.pageauto.co.za

Perfect Eco Friendly Car Wash

Franchise: Waterless car washing Contact: Cliff Bauermeister Tel: 082 445 8269 Email: cliff@perfectcar.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R50 000 Web: www.perfectcar.co.za

Performance Booster

License opportunity: Personal and business development programme Contact: Manus du Toit Tel: 013 755 0027 Email: manus@performancebooster.co.za Investment (ex vat): R98 500 Web: www.performancebooster.co.za

Pirtek Southern Africa

Franchise: Hydraulic hose and fitting mobile service Contact: Ray Wentzel Tel: 011 608 2299 Email: rwentzel@pirtek.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R1-million to R2.8-million Web: www.pirtek.co.za Pizza Perfect Franchise: Pizza franchising company Contact: Chantal van Rooyen Tel: 011 462 4405 Email: chantal@pizzaperfect.co.za Investment (ex vat): R940 000 Web: www.pizzaperfect.co.za

Powerflow Exhaust

Franchise: Aftermarket exhausts, auto Contact: Bruce Jackson Tel: 031 468 2643 Email: bruce@powerflowexhausts.com Investment (ex vat): R1.3-million Web: www.powerflowexhausts.com

Prestige Baby & Kidz Academy

Contact: Judy Franchise: Exclusive five-star baby centre and pre-school group Tel: 083 616 0633 Email: judy@prestigebaby.co.za Investment (ex vat): R450 000 excluding property Web: www.prestigebaby.co.za Printzz Franchise: One-stop printing shop Contact: Kobus Aggenbach Tel: 072 203 7872 sabizopps@gmail.com Investment (ex vat): R195 000 Web: www.sabizopps.co.za Real Fish ‘n Chips Franchise: Fast food outlet Angelique Jardim Tel: 012 803 8628 Email: angelique@realfishandchips.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R600 000 Web: www.realfishandchips.co.za Realnet Franchise: Real estate Contact: Gerhard Kotze Tel: 082 447 5698 Email: gerhard@realnet.co.za Investment (ex vat): Joining fees vary from R90 000 to R180 000 Web: www.realnet.co.za

Repcillin

Distributorship: Skin care products Contact: Emma Sweet Tel: 041 366 1011 Email: emma@repcillin.com Investment (ex vat): R50 000 Web: www.repcillin.com

Royal Tombstones

Franchise: Manufacture of granolithic concrete tombstones Contact: Craig Tel: 033 342 0744 Email: admin@royaltombstones.co.za Investment (ex vat): Packages start from R517 500 Web: www.royaltombstones.co.za

Run/Walk for Life

Franchise: Fitness and weight loss Contact: Matthew Grossett Tel: 011 367 9400 Email: matthew@rwfl.co.za Investment (ex vat): R12 000 Web: www.runwalkforlife.com

SA Memory Institute

Franchise: Education Contact: Wynand van Vuuren Tel: 021 979 2225/6 Email: wynand@memoryinstitute.co.za Investment (ex vat): R125 000 Web: www.memoryinstitute.co.za

Sandwich Baron Franchising

Franchise: SA’s largest sandwich franchise Contact: Sally J’Arlette-Joy Tel: 011 907 6237 Email: sally@sandwichbaron.com Investment (ex vat): R595 000 Web: www.sandwichbaron.co.za

Saverite Supermarket National Call Centre

Franchise: Supermarket Tel: 011 532 3888 Email: info@saverite.co.za Investment (ex vat): R500 000 to R2-million Web: www.saverite.co.za

Sherpa Kids South Africa

Franchise: Before, after school, holiday care Contact: Ms Genevieve Allen Tel: 011 792 4679 / 082 853 6479 Email: md@sherpakids.co.za Investment (ex vat): R120 000 Web: www.sherpakids.co.za

ShowMe Online Media

Franchise: Network of internet portals Contact: Graham Theobald Tel: 044 533 6289 Email: graham@showme.co.za Investment (ex vat): R100 000 - R500 000 Web: www.showmeonlinemedia.co.za

Simuteach Skilled Driving

Franchise: Driving academy and driving training simulators Contact: Andre Van Der Merwe Tel: 051 412 6512 Email: technical@k53sim.co.za Investment (ex vat): R850 000 Web: www.simuteach.co.za

Skitterblink Cleaning Services

Franchise: Domestic and commercial cleaning services Contact: Iaan van Niekerk Tel: 082 851 1546 Email: manager@skitterblink.co.za Investment (ex vat): R75 000 Web: www.skitterblink.co.za

Slim Active Slimming & Wellness

Franchise: Slimming and wellness clinic Contact: Christa van de Merwe Tel: 071 633 5908 Email: christa@slimactivesa.co.za Investment (ex vat): Start-up from R200 000 Web: www.slimactivesa.co.za

2017 DIRECTORY

Franchise & Biz Opps

Snap-on Tools (A Division of Snap-on Africa)

Dealership: Mobile tool and equipment store Contact: Garry Oftebro Tel: 031 569 7637 Email: biz@snapon.co.za Investment (ex vat): R150 000 Web: www.snapon.co.za Sorbet Franchise: Beauty salon, health and beauty Contact: Rudi Rudolph Tel: 011 202 7940 Email: franchising@sorbet.co.za Investment (ex vat): Complete an application form online Web: www.sorbet.co.za

Sparkling Auto Care Centres

Franchise: One-stop-shop - Car wash, auto detailing and cosmetic repairs Contact: Marissa Tel: 018 293 3970 Email: marissa-anne@sparklingauto.co.za Investment (ex vat): R3-25-million (franchise cost) + R200 000 cash flow Web: www.sparklingauto.co.za Spectank® Franchise: Spectank® carbon removal systems Contact: Simon Priestley Tel: 011 452 5525 Email: simon@spectank.co.za Investment (ex vat): Various dependent on area Web: www.spectank.co.za

Stimulus Maksima! Computer-Aided Education

Franchise: Reading development and improvement methodologies Contact: Lotta Engelbrecht Tel: 082 494 2017 / 012 667 4333 Email: lotta@stimulus.co.za/ admin@stimulus.co.za Investment (ex vat): Varies according to implementation model Web: www.stimulus.co.za

Stretch-n-Grow South Africa

Franchise: Children’s health and fitness franchise Contact: Kate Feist Tel: 076 014 5357 Email: kate@stretch-n-grow.co.za Investment (ex vat): R150 000 Web: www.stretch-n-grow.co.za

60 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

SUPERSEAL

Franchise: Residential, commercial and industrial painting contracting Contact: Craig Martin Tel: 021 001 7325 Email: franchise@superseal.co.za Investment (ex vat): R145 000 + three months’ working capital Web: www.franchise.superseal.co.za

Sure Slim Wellness Centre

Franchise: Health, wellness and weight loss Contact: Garth Lewis Tel: 021 671 4225 Email: garth@sure-slim.co.za Investment (ex vat):R120 000 license fee only Web: www.sure-slim.co.za

Swemgat

Franchise: Swimming pool and spa specialist Contact: Hendrik Ehlers Tel: 0861 012 012 Email: hendrik.ehlers@swemgat.co.za Investment (ex vat): R250 000 Web: www.swemgat.co.za

Talisman Hire

Franchise: Light equipment rental solutions provider Contact: Hermann Voigt Tel: 012 653 7995 Email: franchising@talisman.co.za Investment (ex vat): Enquire Web: www.talisman.co.za

Tengizak

Franchise: Cash loans (work from home) Contact: Jason Tel: 082 871 3602 Email: tengizak@vodamail.co.za Investment (ex vat): R170 000 plus R80 000 minimum for sales Web: www.tengizak.co.za

The Braai Hut

Franchise: SA’s favourite take-away or sit-down braai meals Contact: Kobus Aggenbach Tel: 072 203 7872 Email: sabizopps@gmail.com Investment (ex vat): R345 000 Web: www.sabizopps.co.za

The Brazen Head

Franchise: Authentic Irish pub and restaurant Contact: Karin van der Walt / Ralph Rojahn Tel: 011 467 4224 Email: info@brazenhead.co.za Investment (ex vat): R2.5 – R3.5-million Web: www.brazenhead.co.za

The Fish & Chip Co

Franchise: Food Contact: Zelneri van Zyl Tel: 011 608 1999 Email: franchise@tasteholdings.co.za Investment (ex vat): Start up R570 175, deposit R130 000 (incl. Vat) Web: www.fishandchipco.co.za

The Lice Treatment Company

Biz Opp: Mobile head lice treatment services Contact: Ester Bruwer Tel: 082 454 3424 / 021 9101650 Email: headlice@vodamail.co.za Investment (ex vat): R20 000 Web: www.facebook.com/ thelicetreatmentcompany/

The Tax Shop

Franchise: Accounting, payroll and tax Contact: Bernard Schoeman Tel: 0861 303 404 Email: enquiries@taxshop.co.za Investment (ex vat): R160 000 Web: www.taxshop.co.za

Tina Cowley Franchises

Franchise: Educational Contact: Tina Cowley / Linda Pieters Tel: 013 656 5748 Email: tinacow@mweb.co.za/ linda@tinacowley.co.za Investment (ex vat): R450 000 Web: www.tinacowley.co.za

Tyre-Assist.com - SEAL

Franchise: Manufacturer, distributor, home-based opportunity Contact: Michael Tel: 084 017 7788 Email: michael@tyre-assist.com Investment (ex vat): R25 000 – R500 000 Web: www.tyre-assist.com Ubuntu Connect Biz Opp: Telecommunications products, financial services, business solutions Contact: Chris Taylor Tel: 082 200 8480 / 076 705 1024 Email: sales@ubuntuconnect.com Investment (ex vat): Various from under R10 000 Web: www.ubuntuconnect.com

Universal Power Trading

Biz Opp: Industrial goods and machinery Contact: Allison Tel: 031 700 4442 Email: upt@telkomsa.net/upt3@telkomsa.net Investment (ex vat): R24 999 (valid until March 2017) Web: www.wizmix.co.za

Vectron Systems SA

Dealership: Point-of-sale hardware and software Contact: Jitesh Nanda Tel: 021 830 5262 Email: sales@vectron.co.za Investment (ex vat): R120 000 Web: www.vectron.co.za

Vending Solutions

Wiesenhof Coffee

Franchise: Restaurant and coffee shop Contact: Brigit Jaucot Tel: 016 340 8300 / 083 628 9107 Email: brigid@wcholdings.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R800 000 to R3-million (depending) Web: www.wiesenhoffranchise.co.za

Xango

Vending opportunity: Snacks, drinks, coffee, fresh food Contact: Cuan Tel: 0861 656 055 Email: info@vendingsolutions.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R50 000 Web: www.vendingsolutions.co.za

Biz Opp: National health beverage distributorship Contact: Steve Hinrichsen Tel: 082 453 9070 Email: stevenhinrichsen@businesswizardpro.com Investment (ex vat): R2 000 Web: www.smartchoice.iamxango.com

Vizionary

Zebroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

WeFix Repair Specialists

Zhauns Business Opportunities

Biz Opp: Capricoin, the Future of Money Contact: Luc Tel: 072 377 9509 Email: lribouet@gmail.com Investment (ex vat): From R1 500 - R15 000 Web: www.vizionary.com/tic567 Franchise: Mobile device repair specialists (Apple, Huawei, Samsung, LG) Contact: Glen Joffe Tel: 021 837 9800 / 082 923 7711 Email: glenjoffe@wefix.co.za Investment (ex vat): From R1.3-million Web: www.wefix.co.za

For these opportunities and more, visit www.bizmag.co.za

Franchise: Food Contact: Zelneri van Zyl Tel: 011 608 1999 Email: franchise@tasteholdings.co.za Investment (ex vat): Start up R745 614 deposit R170 000 (incl. Vat) Web: www.zebros.co.za Biz Opps: Supplier of incredible money-making machines Contact: Mr Zhaun / Riad Tel: 021 447 3665 Email: info@zhauns.com Investment (ex vat): Various, enquire Web: www.zhauns.co.za

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

Fanchise The kiddie & market BizOpps

Starting a KIDDIE-ORIENTED BUSINESS: Is it child’s play? There’s no doubt that the sector is booming, but what does it take to establish a sustainable childrelated enterprise? We chatted to some local entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that; and have some advice to share with those looking to start out... 62 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Spotting a gap in the market is always a solid premise upon which to launch a business, and this is exactly what Kids Shack founder Nikki Wates did when, after years of being involved in the children’s entertainment industry, she discovered a lack of play places to take her own children to, particularly over the winter months. “My business partner Charlie and I had a dream... my own twins were just over a year old when we started looking for premises to open and I knew that if we could create something that they would love growing up in, then there had to be many more children who would love our spot too,” she says. And so the Kids Shack was born, an indoor play venue for children from 0 to 12 years, boasting a massive indoor wooden jungle gym, nine hole putt-putt course, an extensive push bike track as well as a range of exciting games and activities, arts and crafts and a soft play area for toddlers. They also host kids’ birthday parties, which now make up the majority of the business. Swimmable founder Tom Corcoran also decided to start something to fill a need, when he noticed that most of the children’s swim schools in his area were

in large gyms or private homes, and not developed exclusively with parents or children in mind. “Swimmable opened up in November 2013 and was adapted from an idea I saw in the UK where industrial units had been converted to purpose-built swim schools,” says Corcoran. “I thought we could go one better and set up a pool built specifically with children’s lessons in mind, as well as spacious changing rooms and showers, and a coffee shop and viewing area for parents to relax and watch lessons in. Being in a shopping centre also adds the benefit of on-site parking and a great selection of shops and cafés to visit before and after lessons.”

Know your customer Wates also realised the importance of catering for parents’ needs, and that they need to be able to take a bit of a break while their kids play. “We love our kids dearly, but knowing that you can meet up with a friend, enjoy a cup of coffee and just have a minute or two to chat is what many parents want. Parents know that their kids can go off and play safely and they don’t have to worry about them.” She stresses that although you are

being soaked to the skin and on show to expectant parents. But the patience and enthusiasm of our swimming teachers never fails to amaze me. And our two centre managers keep on top of a very busy timetable and all the challenges and admin that generates. Finding the right specialist management software has been a big help with this – but parents quickly lose patience if you aren’t on top of your admin.”

pitching your product/service at kiddies, the actual customer is the child’s parent, so everything that you do needs to be appealing to them. “Parents only want the best for their little ones and they don’t settle for anything less, so you need to focus on personalised service,” says Lisa Shaw, who followed her passion for music and desire to do work that was meaningful and allowed for flexibility as a new mom, when she started Music 4 Minis together with her mother Barbara in September 2014. “They are looking for unique, personal, beneficial and authentic experiences/products, so you need to provide something special.” For Shaw, so much about her business journey has been positive, but something that stands out for her was an interaction between a mother and baby boy who had been sick for most of his life, and whose experience at a Music 4 Minis class was his first activity around other children. “They were so incredibly happy to be there and I was honoured that they’d chosen our class. They continued to attend classes for the next two years and were always a reminder to me of why we started our little business in the first place,” she says. Moments like these also helped Shaw when tragedy struck exactly a year into her business and her beloved mother and business partner

was diagnosed with advanced illness and passed away. “I wasn’t sure how the business could carry on without her, particularly as she was so integral, playing the piano, helping with all the classes and being so wonderful with all the children and adults who attended. But her positive attitude gave me a lot of strength to keep going and keep our dream alive. My mom decided to record all the songs she usually played in class, so that even if she couldn’t be there in person, her music would still live on in the class. Her legacy certainly continues.” Corcoran also highlights the most rewarding moments of his business journey as being relationship-centred. “We have been open for three years now and some children have been with us from three months old, so we have seen them grow from having fun baby/parent lessons to being really great little swimmers, full of confidence. It’s incredible to see kids who are unable to swim at all when they start with us, progress to swimming all four strokes competently before they move on to lessons in a bigger pool.”

The building blocks of business And as to what it takes to succeed in this sector? For Corcoran, great employees are key. “It isn’t easy dealing with nervous, excited or grumpy kids all day, while

“Building a kiddie-related business requires much the same set of skills as any business – a sound knowledge of business and operational processes is essential to ensure the smooth running of all aspects,” says Wates. “With this in mind, I would say it is important to identify the areas that you are good at and hand over the weaker areas to others. Consistent marketing is also key – new kids are born all the time, so you should constantly be looking for new customers. We learnt this after a significant drop in foot traffic through our doors at the end of our first year – many of the children had moved on to play schools and we needed to get the word out to the next set of young children. The ability to diversify and change as it is needed is also important – we opened with some ideas of what we thought people needed and wanted, but realised there were some areas where we had not got things spot on. A willingness to re-invest, change and adapt to what you see and hear from customers is essential.” Shaw suggests you need a genuine love for children, a lot of energy, a great sense of humour, and the ability to roll with anything that is thrown your way. If you feel like this describes you well, be sure to research the potential for the many new and exciting businesses that haven’t been tried in South Africa before. “It’s a great sector to work in with new opportunities springing up all the time that get traction very quickly – just look at the popularity of new trampoline parks like Jump Around. Another example is forest schools – a major success in Europe at the moment but I don’t think they exist here. The key is picking a business that lasts,” ends Corcoran. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

FOCUS ON

The kiddie market

Do your HOMEWORK

Once you’ve narrowed down the field to a kiddie-related franchise, it’s time to choose a specific franchise. Here are a few tips… Finding the right opportunity starts with thorough research. You should talk to parents in your area to see what services they are interested in. Check what extramural activities local schools and day care centres offer or need. Visit a number of child services businesses to give you a better understanding of gaps in the market and what it takes to succeed. Next, look carefully at the offerings in this space, and chat with existing operators and franchisees about their experience, how they rate the support from their head office, and what they believe the strengths and weaknesses of the system are. To make sure you are a good fit for all aspects of the opportunity, carefully considering your preferences for culture, owner lifestyle and business type. Once you identify a potential investment opportunity, you’ll be able to get a lot of information from your franchisor or licensor, but you will still need to do a lot of legwork on your own. You really want to become an expert on the system before signing up and parting with your hard-earned cash. Existing franchisees are an outstanding source of information on the system, and 64 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Franchisehelp.com advises that you ask the following questions: >> Are you making as much money as you had anticipated and how long did it take your unit to become profitable (if it is)? >> Are you happy with the training and support provided by the franchisor? >> What kind of hours were you working in your first year in the business? In the second year? >> What do you know now that you wish you knew before you invested? >> What other franchises were you considering and why did you choose this franchise over the others? Starting a business is an expensive endeavour, although many kiddie-related franchises and business opportunities can be run from home, and as a result overheads are minimal. Compare this to a restaurant or retail franchise opportunity, for example, where you would have to invest in shop fittings and face high rental costs if you want to set up in a mall. Do you know how much money you have to invest? You’d be well advised to get the help of an attorney or financial advisor to take you through the financials on the opportunity you have pinpointed to ensure you are investing in a sound

and healthy business and profit model. You will also need to determine how much working capital you will need to have on hand to keep the business running during the first few months of operation before you start showing a profit. Your running costs will include overheads like rent, wages, electricity bills etc., as well as variable costs for marketing and advertising. One of the benefits of buying into a franchise system is the training and ongoing support that the franchisor should offer. So, find out what initial training you will receive, as well as what type of marketing and advertising support will be available. Will the support and training be ongoing, with monthly visits? One of the best things about opening a franchise that focuses on children is that you’ll never run out of customers. South Africa is a young country with more than 50% of the population being under 23. This market has massive buying power in itself, and directly influences much of the household spending in the country. Add to this society’s increasing emphasis on products and services that focus on the happiness and wellbeing of children, and you have a very enticing prospect for would-be business owners.

FEATURED OPPORTUNIT Y

Advertorial

CREATE your BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY Be your own boss with Create-a-Book’s exciting concept... “The most impressive part of this business opportunity has to be witnessing the customer’s excitement when they see the books for the first time,” says Gary Steyn of Create-a-Book, a company that produces personalised story books, and allows a child to become the hero of their very own story in a professionally bound hard cover book. Perhaps the next best thing is the fact that it takes less than five minutes to make these lifetime keepsakes, and that this low-risk investment offers the ideal work-from-home opportunity to suit those wanting to be in charge of their own time and income.

the books practically sell themselves,” continues Steyn. “As with any business, success comes from hard work and smart marketing and selling. Our record for the dealer that paid their business off the quickest is two months; although this was exceptionally fast and six months is probably a good average time to expect.” The R15 500 investment includes the lifetime license, all assembly equipment as well as start-up stock, and there are no further royalties or ongoing costs other than purchasing your own stock to make up the books.

“As soon as the software is loaded onto a computer, the ability to make money is there, and as the concept is so unique,

Full training is given at the time of the package handover, and the new dealer is guided through the process of making

Bring smiles to little faces

up their very own book. Each licensee is also supplied with a marketing manual with guidelines and examples of how to market the products, and the Create-aBook friendly staff are always on hand to discuss new and innovative ideas. “We are continually looking at improving the delivery of our products and services, and there are plans afoot to make the product easier to sell online,” says Steyn. “Joining the Create-a-Book team means becoming part of a leading national network selling an exciting concept that has a huge target market – come along and join the fun!”

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

SHOWCASE

Advertorial

Want to be your own boss in the EDUCATIONAL SPACE? Computers 4 Kids is a South African based Education/ ICT Company with its head office in Cape Town and a footprint throughout Africa and the Middle East. To date, six million learners and 20 000 teachers have completed the e-Learner content. Computers 4 Kids is now offering local entrepreneurs the opportunity to become licensees, thereby impacting on their local communities, as well as making a living for themselves. Having a 22-year record of accomplishment in the industry and an excellent reputation, the opportunity speaks for itself. Getting a foot in the door has always been difficult for entrepreneurs. However Computers 4 Kids has come up with a business model that makes entering the market affordable. In fact, the entry cost is zero, if you have your own hardware. So, 2017 should see a number of new ICT entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. The Computers 4 Kids licensing agreement is structured in a very simple way with no fine print; there are no hidden or extra costs in the package. The opportunity is aimed at any entrepreneur who is keen to tap into the education and ICT market, and could include students, internet cafĂŠ operators and any person who has access to hardware. Work your own hours, offering benchmarked ICT courses for students of all ages. Licensees receive access to the full suite of Computers 4 Kids award-winning software curriculum, including the primary school, high school, educators and community packages. All CAPS aligned software integrates with classroom themes and topics that are taught at school, and high school students have access to the new and exciting K53 content. Adults use the community 66 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

version, which teaches users how to create CVs, deal with SARS, create wills etc. A flat rate royalty fee of R300/month will be charged per device. So, if you have five devices your fee will be a standard fee of R1500/month with unlimited online users. Licensees must source or provide all hardware required to run the training centre, as well as the venue itself. Access to all curriculum versions is online (i.e. internet access is required). Licensees must travel to Cape Town for one full day (at their own cost) to attend training on the various curriculum versions. There is no cost for the training itself. The Computers 4 Kids e-Learner courses are endorsed by ICDL SA (International Computer Drivers License) meaning you can offer internationally benchmarked certification at your centre. This offering is totally unique and only available to licensees. Additional certification costs apply for end users who require or want certification. Computers 4 Kids offers full support to licensees, including online, telephonic and email support. All marketing resources are provided electronically, including editable flyers, posters, business cards and letterheads etc. As a leader in the ICT industry, Computers 4 Kids has a team of qualified developers working on trends and new developments and technologies on an ongoing basis.

Computers 4 Kids has won a number of awards over the last 22 years. Some of them include: Technology Top 100 Winner (2013) 3rd place in The Premierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (PERA) in the Job Creation category in 2016 1st place, SMME of 2016 for the SA Premier Business Awards

In addition to keeping the content up to date and relevant, they are also tasked with researching trends and adding their own opinions and experience to the team at large. Computers 4 Kids has a strict open door policy that allows all new ideas to be expressed in a supportive environment, including input from its licensees. Development for 2017 will include the migration of the curriculum to Google Docs, Google Cardboard lessons, Microsoft Minecraft Edu activities and new programming and coding lessons for all ages. Computers 4 Kids is currently involved with the training of 384 000 Western Cape citizens and the employment of over 700+ trainers to complete this mammoth task. Work for yourself, but not by yourself. Apply and become a Computers 4 Kids/ e-Learner licensee in your area. Additional information and application forms can be found at: www.computers4kids.co.za.

FOCUS ON

Opportunities in the kiddie market

4 A KID

Computers 4 Kids

Contact: Ally Cohen Tel: 011 656 8290 Email: info@4akid.co.za Web: www.4akid.co.za Min investment: Reseller â&#x20AC;&#x201C; None | Franchise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R500 000

Contact: Jethro Mac Donald Tel: 021 712 7800/079 976 5040 Email: Jethro@computers4kids.co.za Web: www.computers4kids.co.za Min investment: R300 per month per device

Agency and franchise: As a sole distributor of imported brands and local baby products, 4 A Kid offers you the chance to sell their exclusive range, either as a part-time agent in your area in your own time or through your retail outlet, shop or online store. 4 A Kid has some of the highest quality baby and kids products available on the market today. These products include a range of trendy baby accessories, kiddies clothing, pregnancy items, child safety products and more. There is no pressure for targets and being a 4 A Kid agent gives you the opportunity to earn an extra income, while doing something worthwhile, fun and flexible. 4 A Kid takes pride in their partnerships and business relationships. To join this dynamic team with endless possibilities contact Ally Cohen today.

License: Computers 4 Kids is a South African-based education/ICT company headquartered in Cape Town and with a footprint throughout Africa and the Middle East. To date, six million learners and 20 000 teachers have completed the e-Learner content, and the company is now offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to become licensees and make a living for themselves while impacting their local community. The licensing agreement is structured in a very simple way, with a flat rate royalty fee of R300 charged per device each month (meaning if you have five devices you will pay a standard monthly fee of R1 500 with unlimited online users). Licensees must provide or source all the necessary hardware to run the training centre, as well as the venue itself. Contact Jethro Mac Donald for more info.

68 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Create-a-Book SA

Kumon Education SA

Contact: Nathenia Tel: 011 465 9062 Email: info@createabook.co.za Web: www.createabook.co.za Min investment: R15 500

Contact: Jaco Coetzee Tel: 0800 002 775/011 459 2600 Email: franchising@kumon.co.za Web: www.kumon.co.za Min investment: R70 000 to R90 000 ex Vat

Business opportunity/license: Create-a-Book SA, established in 1989, is the perfect homebased business to suit anyone seeking a low-risk investment, with the ability to make money from day one, while putting smiles on little faces. Imagine the look on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face when they realise theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the heroes of their very own story... this unique and exciting concept is loads of fun and appeals to a huge market. The R15 500 investment includes the lifetime license, all assembly equipment as well as start-up stock, and there are no further royalty or ongoing costs, other than purchasing your own stock to make up the books. Full training is also given at the time of the package handover, and each licensee is supplied with a marketing manual with guidelines on how to best market the products. For more details contact Nathenia.

Owner run franchise: Make education your business! Would you like to run a business that contributes to education in South Africa by helping children to succeed at school and in life, while experiencing the support and framework from one of the largest private education companies in the world? Visit our website or call us to find out more about upcoming Orientation Sessions. Prime franchise opportunities available throughout the country.

For all these opportunities and more, visit www.bizmag.co.za

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

STARTING UP

Hitting a CENTURY Tactics and techniques for your first 100 days… I remember day one of my new business well. I’d left my corporate job and was sitting in front of my new PC and printer trying to figure out how to load the software. In my corporate job there were IT nerds who did all the technical stuff and I’d never had to learn how to do it. I was stumped, and eventually had to call those nerds at the helpdesk of my previous employer and ask them to guide me through it. It was my first and most important lesson in starting my own business. I was on my own, and was the only one who would get everything going. It was all up to me. So now it’s you. You’re no dummy. You’ve done your research, you’ve identified your competitors, and you know that 70% to 80% of small businesses fail in the first year and, of those left, only half will make it through the next five years. But you know that these statistics won’t apply to you, because you’ve been smart. You’re prepared, or are you? The decision to go your own way is hard to make. Throughout our schooling we are taught to prepare for a good job; the discipline and structures imposed are designed to make us obedient employees who don’t ask questions and only occasionally think for ourselves. If you choose to head off the road welltravelled, you need to approach things a little differently.

Jules Newton

Know thyself Our reasons for starting a business are all different. You may have a burning passion and launching a business is the only way to live it, you may want to improve the lives of others, or perhaps you have been retrenched and have decided that you will never be secure as an employee. Or you’ve hit on a genius idea that’s going to make you millions. It’s important to know why you are launching; this should be your guide when things get tough. And trust me, they will. 70 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Understand what you want out of the business. Mindmaps are a great tool to use here. The further you allow your thoughts to roam, the more reasons you will find; some may even surprise you. Be sure to document your reasons and keep them close as you will need to revisit them fairly often.

The thinking boss In case it hasn’t sunk in yet; the boss – that big scary person who tells you what

to do all the time, how to handle situations and who takes the most complex (and often most fun) work off your hands – well, that’s you now. You’re that person, and as such there is a lot to think about, starting with your product, and the clients that might buy them.

Know what you do Before launching your world-beating business, answer this: What services or products will you be able to sell to customers? You may not have all the details ironed out, but you do need a clear idea of the answer. What’s the product? Who will be interested in it? Why is it unique? Is it something you understand deeply and can you confidently make it work? We worked with an entrepreneur who took in whatever work she was offered for the first six months after launching. She was passionate about what she did; but she did too much. The business lacked focus and meandered for a lot longer than it should have. It was only when she got too busy to finish work that she finally started to

streamline her services, and focus on those that were lucrative and aligned to her business goals. It’s not a bad way to start, if by doing everything you are able to create some income that keeps you eating while you figure it out. But focusing is eventually going to be the thing that helps you succeed. Knowing what you do, and what you want to do, will help you to stay focused, and develop sales and marketing strategies that are relevant and designed to build your business.

Once upon a time Remember when you were little and someone would read to you? It was fun because it required very little effort on your part, but you learnt a lot. As a business owner, you now have to do the hard yards yourself, and this includes reading. Others have travelled this road before and they have documented their journeys, their learnings and their failures. TED Talks, YouTube and Google are your starting points. But learning isn’t limited to the online world. There are great stories out there, and enormous lessons to learn. Talk to potential customers. Ask them what they think of your idea; what they might pay for it; would they be prepared to buy it from you if you could guarantee the quality they need? Talk to mentors. Talk to people in the industry and get them to challenge your thinking. You want to hear every possible objection to your idea so that you can identify the potential risks and roadblocks you may experience before you commit a huge amount of time and resources barking up the wrong tree.

Practical matters There are things you need to put in place if you want to operate properly as a business. In your first 100 days you don’t need to resolve everything, but some things are more important than others. Get yourself a tax advisor who knows what they are doing; ask for references from friends or other business people. A great tax person can help you structure your business, your income and expenses. SARS can be really friendly to new businesses, but cross them at your peril.

Your success will hinge entirely on your ability to find and sell to the right clients. If you’re a one-womanshow, the buck stops with you.

Depending on the level of sophistication of your business, you may want to set up an online accounting software package. But if you’re not going to have much invoicing and transacting for the first year, run it off excel, or use free software – don’t spend money upfront on niceto-haves – you need to spend every cent on finding customers and making and delivering your product.

You may need a (relevant) brand and some marketing material, depending on the type of business you’re going into. A company name, if you aren’t trading under your own name, a logo, and a website. These are the absolute basics; they don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to be out there. The temptation is to spend days, hours and bucks on a decent logo and website and letterheads and business cards, but I’d advise against that, unless you’re setting up an online business. You can tweak and amend and perfect a million times over, for now just get it out there. Your website can be a sales tool, and when it needs to be available so that people can research both you and your product, then get it up there. But the most important thing you have to do is get customers – and you will need to know how to reach them, depending on what you’re selling.

Stan the plan-man So you have your product, (initial) branding and a dream; now you need a plan. Where is the money going to come from? You need clients or customers. But where do you find them? Do you have the necessary skills to find them? Will they be found through marketing and advertising? Or is yours the relationship game? These are important questions, because your

success will hinge entirely on your ability to find and sell to the right clients. Over the years, we’ve done some work for the director of a software company. He’s technically proficient, even brilliant, but he can’t sell. Luckily his unique skills are recognised and these are his focus, and others have been hired to do the selling. But – when you start up, it’s often up to you to sell the concept. So don’t hope that you will eventually “find” some people to sell your stuff. If you’re a one-woman-show initially, the buck stops with you. There are many brilliant ideas out there that have never seen the light of day because their originators couldn’t sell their dream. If you can’t do this, find a passionate partner who can, or stop what you’re doing. The importance of this role cannot be underestimated or downplayed. It truly is the role upon which your company will succeed or fail. Starting a business is hard work; but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and the most fun you will have at the office. It will allow you to reach heights you have barely dreamed of up until now. Just remember to plan and sell. And then sell some more. And then throw in another sale for good measure.

Jules Newton is an entrepreneur and proud South African. She founded learning and development company, Avocado Vision, in 1996. Her passion and expertise lies in people development, interaction and communication. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

SALES & MARKETING

THE RIGHT SALES PROCESS How were your sales in 2016? Were you happy with your results? If not, what went wrong? Today’s customers are savvy and knowledgeable, and as a result they can be difficult to sell to. If you had a challenging year, you’re definitely not alone, but what are you going to do differently in 2017 to manage these new disruptions in traditional selling methods, and make this year the success you know it can be? Let’s take a look at the sales function; the unit of your business that is tasked with the responsibility of bringing in the revenue by selling your products or services. If you missed your sales targets last year, it is time to review and assess your sales process. To start, ask if what you are doing now, or planning to do, is really the process for your organisation? Look at last year’s data, specifically your sales numbers. Are there any indicators as to why targets were missed? Some common red flags to look out for as you analyse the past year: Smaller deal size. Your average sales price is down, do you know why? Sliding win rate. Why are you now only closing 20% of deals, rather than 25% from the prior year? Lengthy sales cycle. Why is it now taking you longer to close sales? The way you’re losing. Do you know why you are losing deals? Is it price, features, lack of innovation, or is it the salesperson? An honest assessment

>> >> Sean Clancy

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72 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

and discussion on this topic will reveal where your product is lacking, or where additional sales training is required. Perhaps the sales rep is not clarifying the value proposition clearly, or not effectively addressing buyer needs. Key staff turnover. Your best employees know your sales process or product is inadequate and so they’re leaving for a competitor that is more successful, and perhaps has a better sales process. Another seldom used but effective way to confirm whether your process is the reason for dwindling sales is to go back and ask your customers why you’re winning, and ask past prospects why you lost, or why they never reached a decision either way. Both groups will be able to give you critical insights into what’s working and what isn’t.

So what exactly is a sales process? Simply, it’s an attempt to put together a repeatable, step-by-step template that can be: Used to guide and focus your sales effort for maximum efficiency and more importantly maximum success, Shared with other sales staff (and as a training tool for new staff) to guide their efforts, and Used by management to review and oversee the sales team’s efforts.

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How do you find the right process? Is there one golden process that can be used by all businesses? Unfortunately the answer is, no. Your process should be unique to your industry and to your company’s particular selling style or strategy. You must create your own process. To get started down the road to defining what your company’s ideal sales process should look like, break the process down into individual steps; from initial identification of a potential customer, all the way to a close. The common stages of the sales process include: Prospect. This is the process of finding new early-stage leads or prospects at the start of the process. Prospecting may involve online research to find new prospects, researching an existing database of contacts, or better yet, creating an effective marketing campaign that leads prospects to contact you, or come to your website. Engage. Here you initiate contact with these early stage leads to qualify them, gather information and judge their worthiness for moving forward. Always finish these conversations with a commitment to a next step (meeting, presentation, etc.). Research. In this stage, the focus is on learning more about a prospect and their

needs as they progress through the sales process. It may seem fairly straightforward, but as you dig deeper it becomes more complex. The key to effectively moving the sales process along nicely is uncovering your prospect’s needs – all of them, and in what order they are going to require your services and products. This will improve the likelihood that you will eventually close the deal. Identifying their needs involves asking the right questions, as well as building a strong relationship so that the prospect feels comfortable enough with you to share their needs. It is worth noting that not every salesperson is going to be successful here, and this skill – building trust – is usually what separates good salespeople from the not so good. Present. A formal presentation is a common part of the process, but shouldn’t focus on product features, but rather on how you plan to solve the prospect’s needs i.e. exactly how and in what ways the prospect will benefit in their world from using your product. This stage can be time consuming, but it is critical to your sales effort. And, if done well, it will make a significant impact on your buyer. Showing how you solve their needs, how they win with your product, and what that positive outcome is for them are crucial steps, and will help you close the deal. Objection management. If you do your homework well and know how your product can solve the prospect’s needs, you should be able to handle most sales objections as they come up. Close. If your presentation was successful, your buyer should be ready to move ahead with the deal. This last stage involves

setting the terms and price in order to get their buy in. Key to a successful close is to repeat to the prospect how they win, give them a “vision” of what using your product will look like in their business and, if possible, quantify that value for them. For example, if you are selling a heating solution that costs R40 000, but will save them R5 000 per month in electricity, then show them how much they save in 12 months (R20 000) by buying your product today. It may also be necessary to explain what not moving ahead with your product will look like: continuing of their problems, higher costs, poor performance, etc. in order to encourage them to act now. At this point you have earned the right to ask for the order. So, go for it! In this sluggish economy, a poor sales process can have the following negative effects: Eroding your competitive edge. Damaging your team’s morale. Hindering your ability to meet your sales revenue goals.

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It’s clear that a good sales process is critical to your success. A highly efficient and effective sales process that can, for example, increase your prospect close rate from 15% to 20%, will have a huge positive impact on your bottom line. So it is critical that your sales process be right for your company, and that you revisit it frequently to ensure it matches any changes in your strategy, industry or customers’ buying habits. Take time in this early part of this year to re-assess your sales process and you will reap the rewards by the end of year as you meet and hopefully surpass your sales targets. Happy selling!

Sean Clancy runs Cape-based sales training consultancy SalesRockIT. Need some complimentary sales advice to jump start your year? Buy Sean a coffee and he’ll give you an hour of his time to assess your business. Contact him at: sean@salesrockit.co.za.

Don’t fall in love with YOUR PRODUCT... Fall in love with the customer… As a sales training company we receive many phone calls from frustrated sales managers asking us to please teach their salespeople how to close more deals. Their requests focus on the poor closing rate of their staff and they honestly believe that we can help by imparting assertive closing techniques. And there are endless techniques that we can teach – because this is what the market demands – but sadly the reality is that in the real world these closes do not actually work.

Become a master questioner If you’re not happy with your sales team’s results, chances are high that the real problem is their questioning skills. And, your money will be better spent in training that helps them develop this skill and how to put it to best use during the discovery meeting. Yes, presenting and closing are important, but the discovery meeting is more important. A salesperson can’t even get to presentation and closing stage if he trips up in the discovery meeting.

So where does the close happen in the sales process? Ask any top sales pro and they will tell you that the close starts at the beginning. But the question you should really be asking is: When does the “buy-in” start? The answer is that it starts during the Discovery Phase, where salespeople are working with the prospect to establish their pain points. If “buy-in” occurs at this stage, the close is easier to achieve. It’s really just a matter of summarising the points of agreement. We play a game with delegates on our training programs to help them establish the prospect’s “buy-in”. One delegate is nominated to conjure up the profile of an ideal prospect and include at least three problem areas. The other delegates have to then try to find out what these YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

SALES & MARKETING

Follow the 30/70 Rule. This means spending 30% of the time talking, and 70% of the time listening to your prospect talk.

problem areas are while sticking to the following rules:

No closed questions allowed. Closed questions are those that result in a “yes” or “no” answer. For example: “Do you want to go ahead?” Why are these types of questions best avoided? Because most people lean naturally towards a “no” because this seems the safest option. And, once you’ve received a “no”, that’s it, the discussion is over.

Find at least three points of “pain”. Other descriptions for this “pain” include; new opportunities, problem areas, gaps, unforeseen problems, and negative consequences of maintaining the status quo.

Get the prospect’s agreement to these points of “pain”. You could ask something like: Just to doublecheck that we are on the same page here, you agreed XYZ. Then repeat the points discussed and where you and the prospect have agreed.

You are not allowed to pitch or present your product or service before identifying three points of “pain”. Which of these ground rules do you think is broken, time and time again? You’d be right if you said no. 4. This occurs 95% of the time and we know this to be a fact after 20 years’ experience in eight countries with over 140 000 delegates from around the world. With almost 100% certainty, we can safely predict that salespeople will jump at the first chance to tell a prospect how they can solve their problems. This is not selling, it is telling, 74 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

and we know this doesn’t work. People like to buy, but dislike being sold to. Why do salespeople jump so quickly into a telling mode? Because it’s a comfortable place for them. Salespeople can’t wait to tell prospects about the benefits of their products or services. Companies spend hours teaching their staff about a product. This conditioning process paves the way for salespeople to fall into the biggest trap in the sales process; the Presentation Trap. This is pitching the benefits of your product/ service far too early, without having three points of “pain” clearly on the table. This mistake is as nonsensical as going to a doctor and expecting him to immediately prescribe medication without asking any questions about the reasons for your visit. So how do you avoid this fatal temptation? You ask your salespeople to follow the following rules to the letter:

If you find yourself telling your prospects about the product; stop and ask yourself: Have I identified three points of “pain” and, more importantly, does my prospect concur?

Stop focusing on your product and listen to the prospect. Don’t fall in love with your product – fall in love with the customer. In fact, do yourself a favour and “divorce” your company, and only fall back in love with it when you present your benefits to the client.

Follow the 30/70 Rule. This means spending 30% of the time talking, and 70% of the time listening to your

prospect talk. Recent research by Diana Tamir shows that talking about ourselves – whether in a personal conversation or through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter – triggers the same sensation of pleasure in the brain as food or money. Participants in the study chose to speak about themselves, even when tempted with financial rewards. If you can get your prospects to talk about themselves; you’ve made huge progress. If you can demonstrate that you are actively listening to them, the chances of them liking you are high. Salespeople need to find the triggers that will get prospects talking; it usually doesn’t require too much inducement. In the game described above, we mirrored examples of real-life events. Follow the rules of the game in your business and keep practicing them. The game is all about gradually encouraging “buy-in” from your prospects and ultimately getting to the point where you close the deal. As you uncover issues pertinent to your prospect, not your product, you will gain their “buyin”. You can then close the deal by summarising the pain points and getting the prospect’s agreement. Now, make this “game” your reality and watch your sales soar.

Clive Price is MD of The Peer Group, a company that specialises in sales training and front line excellence. Clive has a BA (Econ) from Wits University and a Post Graduate Degree in Learning Psychology from London University. Visit: www.mypeergroup.com.

FIRING THE WRONG CLIENT can bring the right business We all have clients with unrealistic expectations and inconsistent feedback that haggle over every expense. But, do you have the courage to fire them? And, what do you think would happen if you did? Firing a client is never easy but sometimes it’s a necessity for the successful and sustainable future of your business (and your sanity). This may sound dramatic, but one bad apple can profoundly spoil the whole team barrel and negatively impact how you do business. Here are three reasons to let go now so you can flourish:

Head space A bit of breathing space does wonders for creativity. When you fire the wrong client, take a moment to sit back, get some perspective and figure out what the best use of your time is. Instead of asking yourself what you need to accomplish today, ask, ‘What am I going to create today?’ On top of that, make two lists: one with deal-breakers or things you won’t stand for again with future clients, and one with that describes your dream client.

Streamline Each client you work with helps you refine your offering and progressively understand what you’re good at. Once the wrong client is fired, you can streamline your business to play to these strengths, and ensure you offer a worldclass service or product. Having a clear offering will make it much easier to attract your dream clients.

Tip: Make sure the terms and conditions on your website, and in your quotes, are clear. State your prices clearly, demonstrate how you will add real value, and don’t back down if someone quibbles over a cost estimate. Take complaints of this nature as a warning sign and walk away. Now.

Doing the deed

Once your mindset has shifted, it’s time to get your A game on. Firing a difficult client is likely to affect the cash flow of your business in the short term, but that thorn in your side is often what it takes to challenge yourself, plug into your network and find a new client that is a better fit.

With all that in mind, how do you actually go about firing the wrong client? First up, avoid firing a client via email. Do it in person if you can, or over the phone if it’s too far to travel. Be polite and professional throughout the conversation, and focus on their interests rather than their flaws. Lastly, explain what will happen next and manage their expectations around the exit/ handover process. Do everything you can to ensure the end of the relationship is as amicable as possible. When it’s done, breathe a sigh of relief and embark on your next adventure of finding the right business.

Keep the renowned Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule in mind – where 20% of your customers represent 80% of your sales. So aim high, use your time and resources wisely, and secure clients that will be worth your while. You want to work with brands that are profitable, brands that will inspire you and brands you enjoy working with.

Emma Donovan is the co-founder of creative agency the Yellow Door Collective. With over seven years of industry experience, Emma is inspired by new challenges and extraordinary places, and has found that sought after balance between work and play.

Motivation

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

STR ATEGY

SETTING GOALS by (business) life stage Be sure to set goals that align with where you’re at...

Setting goals is challenging, particularly for entrepreneurs. In large organisations, you have clear measurables and a team to use as a sounding board and support. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, often find themselves alone, trying to weigh up the pros and cons of staying small and niche versus diversifying for expansion. It’s important to recognise that you’ll tackle goal setting in different ways at every stage of the business; stages which author Les McKeown defines as: Early struggle, Fun, White Water, Predictable Success, Treadmill, Big Rut and the Death Rattle in his bestseller Predictable Success. The secret is to identify a single goal, which covers a number of secondary goals as well. Then you need to break this goal down into as many actionable steps as possible, and set these out on a timeline. Here are a few typical examples of goals for the first three stages of a business:

Early struggle In this start-up phase and perhaps for the first few years, your focus will be on setting up, identifying a niche, increasing your client base, getting your product mix right, finding reliable suppliers and developing workable processes. The goal here will most likely be to increase turnover, and all these others will be secondary goals.

Fun At this point you have found your groove; your clients and product mix are working and you are starting to develop a good reputation and relationships leading to an increased demand for your product or services. This is a feel-good stage, cash flow improves and the possibility of expansion of staff, premises or your fleet seems good. At this stage you want to keep the momentum and energy going, keep your clients satisfied and grow your business to cope with the added demands. Your goal is growth and stability, whilst maintaining an element of fun. 76 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

White Water

If you don’t address the risks associated with expanding during the Fun phase, you could end up in White Water. And, even if you think you’ve considered all the challenges, you stand a good chance of landing up here too. Most entrepreneurs are familiar with this White Water phase, where they have to be resourceful, tap into their innate creativity and “row like hell” to stabilise the boat. It’s a stage that many entrepreneurs inherently thrive on. Stability is the goal and is reached by formalising processes; an activity that doesn’t play to an entrepreneur’s strength. Discipline is required, as are good, sound business decisions around growth and streamlining, and the allocation of resources. All business should aim to reach the Predictable Success stage and to stay there as long as possible. During this phase you hit the balance between risk and processes. Instead of a raft, your business is now a “surf board” and you’re riding that wave in perfect harmony with the movement of the water beneath you. It takes discipline to get there, strength to stay on the wave, vision to see where you are going, and intelligence to see what is required to stay on top. Goal setting certainly doesn’t end here, but if you continually reflect on where your business is at, knowing what your values are and what you stand for, you will avoid falling into traps that will lead your business out of this stage and on a downward trajectory.

Melody Tomlinson is a full time, practicing Performance Booster coach with a passion for people development. She is a driver by nature and heads up market development for licensees. She also heads up national and international market development.

Where we’d like to be... Three ‘treps share their tips on setting goals that’ll close the gap between their current status and desired destination...

Actions speak louder than words According to BHEKI KUNENE, Founder of Creative Agency Mindtrix, it is as important to plan your actions as it is to set your goals.

Think big, but mind the detail HADLEY HARRIS, Managing Director of telecommunications and convergence technology company, Futuretell Group, says annual goals should motivate you to into action. “I enjoy getting into the creative space as it forms the best energy for a new plan of action,” Harris says. Harris recommends creating a creative ‘vision board’, placing pictures of what you would

“Once you’ve set financial targets, for example, you need to decide how you’re going to go about achieving them,” Kunene says. “For some, a financial goal requires expansion into new locations for bigger market share, while others might need to grow their product and service offerings to existing customers.” He says planning and focus are important, but that they have to be supported by hard work and habits that are in sync with the entrepreneur’s vision. To help stay motivated, he suggests that entrepreneurs should reward themselves for reaching certain milestones on the journey toward their goals. Kunene says he is still committed to achieving his current goals and, once they are completed, he will refocus and set new goals for both himself and his business in 2017. He says he prefers to take a few days away from technology and civilisation at the start of a new year in order to clear his head and help him plan for the future.

like to achieve so that you can have a visual representation of your goals. He says he uses the emotion that the vision board creates as daily motivation to ensure he reaches his goals, even if they are big dreams. “In order to achieve these goals, however, I believe that all entrepreneurs should create a financial plan before the year has started. Once that’s done, you should create a more detailed breakdown of how you plan to reach this goal each month,” he says.

Look back to move forward Past experiences are crucial in setting goals for the year ahead, believes owner of design, website and application development company Cybertech-IT IMAAD TOFFAR. “One of the most important things to remember is to review the year gone by and lessons learnt,” he says. Assessing where you are in relation to your long-term goals will help guide your objectives in your coming year, says Toffar. “No matter what goals you set, they must be challenging, yet

His goals for Futuretell Group include striving towards being a primary contributor to the Voice and Data infrastructure in South Africa, followed by expansion into Sub Saharan Africa and beyond in 2018. “I plan to break into South Africa’s top five network operators by bringing change and innovation to the market, influencing data and voice pricing, making these services accessible to low-income households,” Harris says.

achievable. Most importantly every goal has to be set into motion by specific actions that can take you closer to achieving your objectives,” he says. Toffar’s own business goal in 2017 is to start moving Cybertech-IT into the bigger IT environment and not just the digital arena. “We are moving and positioning ourselves to be Oracle implementation partners as well as an IT Resourcing Company, providing specific IT skills. This is a complete change in the business focus, but we are on-track with our partnerships that have been put in place to achieve this,” he says.

These ‘treps are all part of the Innovator Trust, which was formed to grow small black-owned businesses in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and to help develop competent SMMEs through training, skills sharing and infrastructure support. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

HUMAN RESOURCES

What EMPLOYEES WANT Here’s how to spark their interest and improve productivity... In recent years the balance of power in the workplace has shifted from employers towards employees, and business owners and bosses have had to learn how to build organisations that engage their employees. Ongoing change means it’s not just about improving employee engagement anymore, instead you need to focus on “building an irresistible organisation”. The question is: how does one do this?

Deirdre Elphick-Moore

What matters today? While engagement surveys have been widely used over the years, research suggests that they aren’t providing modern, actionable solutions. As a result HR professionals have had to rethink their approach. Today analytical solutions that predict retention are being used, looking at factors such as compensation, travel schedules, managers, and demographics to understand why some people are less engaged than others. But it can still be very difficult to assess which benefits work and if they actually result in high levels of engagement. How then can you create an organisation that is magnetic and attractive, creates a high level of performance and passion, and continuously monitors problems that 78 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

need to be fixed? Research suggests we need to rethink the problem and address issues around what engagement means, how to measure and capture employee feedback and how to move this important part of your business from an isolated HR programme to a core business strategy.

Facilitate meaningful work The following factors are considered crucial when it comes to impacting employee performance and work enjoyment: Nearly every job has been transformed by technology, and well-run companies constantly look for ways to do more with less. Despite these pressures to improve productivity, research shows that when we enrich jobs, giving people more autonomy, decision-making power, time, and support, the company makes more money. While these seem to be sound criteria for success, when organisations study the characteristics of high performers, they find that other “fit factors” drive success and happiness. For example, one of my clients finds that among their employees those who drive the highest levels of customer satisfaction and sales are not

the ones with good grades or a strong academic background, but are rather those who “like to have fun” and “love to serve others”. Research also shows that meaningful work takes place in small teams. Small teams feel empowered, they make decisions faster, and they get to know each other and can lend a hand when help is needed. This is an emotional space and you can spark engagement by encouraging employees to look for examples where they experience the following emotions at work. They will not feel on top of the world all the time, but employees will be more engaged if they are able to identify opportunities to experience these emotions in the work they do: Contentment: It may not be what your employee views as their ideal job but they should experience some happiness in the workplace. You can perhaps encourage them to think about what benefits they derive from their work e.g. engagement with interesting people, opportunities to learn, mobility between branches. Create opportunities for them to explore whether they feel content.

STRONG MANAGEMENT The following four management practices drive engagement: SIMPLE GOALS: Good managers create simple goals, make sure they are clear and transparent, and revisit them regularly. When people have clearly defined goals that are written down and shared, everyone feels comfortable, and more work gets done. Goals create alignment, clarity, and job satisfaction.

Curiosity: Being curious means finding things intriguing and interesting. When we don’t have curiosity, we become bored. If your employees have jobs that make them eager to learn, they won’t hate going to work. If your staff members seem bored; it’s a signal that you should look for challenges for them to find curiosity again in their roles. Challenged: No one wants to just “go through the motions” at work. Unless employees are learning and growing, they will feel like they are stuck in a rut. Are you creating careers that allow your staff to better themselves, to grow in ways that are applicable beyond their immediate roles? Are there opportunities to be challenged in your workplace? Rewarded: Most people will agree that a rewarding job is the only kind of job worth having. But how is reward measured? All too often it comes down to paycheck, but there are other rewards that employees may appreciate. For example, they may appreciate public recognition of a job well done or time off in lieu for overtime worked. Neither will cost the business anything but both will show that staff members are valued. Motivation: Motivation gives us reason for everything we do. It’s possible to self-motivate but who can be their own “hype man” morning, noon and night? Seek to create roles that encourage employees to strive for more without needing to convince themselves that they deserve it. Optimistic: Does your workplace promote optimism? Help your staff members to feel positive about their roles, as well as realistic in their expectations, knowing that no perfect job exists. A little bit of optimism can go a long way towards keeping workplaces healthy and employees engaged.

Deirdre Elphick-Moore is the co-founder of soft skills development firm The Office Coach. Working with her clients, Deirdre and her team create bespoke skills and personal development programmes to benefit individuals and organisations.

Google, for example, uses an agile goal-setting process called OKR (objectives and key results). The process is simple and effective; everyone sets ambitious and measurable objectives, and key results to monitor their progress. These OKRs are public, so it’s easy to see what your CEO or peer is holding themselves accountable for. For Google, this creates alignment because employees can see who is relying on them to get their jobs done. People feel that they know what to do, they see what others are working on, and the measurement of their performance is clear.

COACHING: A coaching culture is the practice that’s most associated with performance, employee engagement, and overall retention. When people are promoted to supervisory positions, they often think their job is to direct or evaluate people. While directed management is important, it is the coaching and development role of management that is the most valuable. A great coach understands people’s strengths, moves them into positions and rearranges work to leverage these strengths, and then coaches them to build on these strengths. Few things make a person feel better about work, than feeling like they are being invested in. Coaching is a cost-effective way to offer this. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Organisations with high levels of employee engagement focus on developing their leaders to be great. They invest in ongoing management development and ensure that new leaders are given the right balance of autonomy and support. Another big part of leadership development is the creation of networks that leaders can draw on for expertise, ideas and business leads. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: The annual review process is among the most damaging and disheartening processes employees face each year. In many companies, the process does not involve enough continuous feedback, places too much weight on the actual rating, and does not encourage good performers to perform at an even higher level. Performance management is something that should be done daily. It should also focus on what employees need to start doing, stop doing or do more of. Regular, constructive feedback is one of the most powerful tools for developing high performing organisations. Remember your “job” is not to manage the work done in your business, but rather to develop, coach, and help the people in your business. Forward-thinking business owners reward managers for, what I term, “talent production”; developing people to the point that they move on and make room for fresh talent. This culture of continuous development is a management culture widely used in high-engagement companies.

YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

HUMAN RESOURCES

Keep your DREAM TEAM on track

You’ve worked hard to get the right people on board; now make sure you keep them thriving... If you’re a business owner chances are that either you or someone you know will have had a bad “people experience” – perhaps a business partnership that ended in tears or a hire that has gone horribly wrong. As a result you may be wary of going the people route at all. And, while the pitfalls are many and building a team isn’t easy, it’s essential for business growth. Over the last few issues, we have looked at what it takes to build an effective team; including what you as the leader need to do, how to work towards common goals, how to make sure you’re all on the same page when it comes to the rules and consequences of poor and exceptional behaviour, what goes into a good team plan, and factors that can hold your team back. In this final article in the series, we look at cultivating a culture that encourages engagement and deselects those who won’t or don’t. Because nothing is more demoralising to high performance teams than when individuals don’t or won’t pull their weight, and nothing is done about it. This encourages mediocrity and disengagement and will see the team lose respect for whoever is in charge – death knells to any good business.

Invest in a roadmap

Kathi Clarke

It’s your “job” as the owner to decide where the business is going; why and what things will look like (the vision); what your non-negotiable, committed to-dos will be to ensure you get to this vision (your how or your mission); and finally your business values that outsiders should see in everything you do – on the production floor, in a recruitment interview, during a supplier phone call and even in that email to your bank... You’ll find plenty of inspiration online. 80 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

Use colourful and emotive language to describe your destination and ensure that your end result includes clear outcomes that make the business as “visible” to readers as possible. Then share it on your website, with your team, with your supply chain and with prospects and clients. It is a marvellous way to attract the right people and deselect the ones you don’t want.

Align targets and tasks to achieve them All too often owners who work in the business – and their employees – don’t have clearly defined roles. These should be in the form of proper job descriptions that accurately reflect the tasks that need to be done to secure the numbers, rather than the tasks that have over time come to be associated with the job holder. This is a key mistake. Once you have a vision, mission and values document, cut and paste jobs from this list of tasks to ensure they are done. Be sure to include the expectations of when and how responsibilities need to be fulfilled in the form of job descriptions and key performance indicators (KPI’s). To do this well and ensure that you are not “winding” jobs around people, start with what the business needs to deliver in one to three years’ time, and then work backwards to what tasks you’ll need to make sure this happens. The tasks should fall into each of the usual “buckets” of a business – general management (strategy, leadership), sales, marketing, operations, finance, admin and HR. From here, group the tasks into jobs, and only then decide who is doing what. This will help to identify where you have duplication or if grouping won’t work; where expensive resources are doing lower-order jobs that can be more cheaply done by others, and where new people are needed.

Hold regular meetings If you don’t invest time ensuring the team knows what needs to be done, they won’t be able to deliver what is expected. In Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, author Verne Harnish outlines five types of meetings that are essential for your business, who should attend them and what the agenda of each should be:

Daily Stand-Up. Five minutes. Direct team members with their leader discussing what’s on for the day and any

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS BUILDING WORKSHOP Here’s a wonderful opportunity for you and your business that you dare not miss out on… During 2017 Kathi Clarke – our resident industrial psychologist and internationallyaccredited business coach – will be holding workshops at the Woodstock Exchange in Cape Town, for you our valued readers. Write to us (editorial@bizmag.co.za) if you would like to secure yourself a complimentary ticket – but hurry as seats are limited. In the morning that has already been enjoyed as “valuable, substantial and inspirational” by hundreds of our business-owning readers Kathi will walk you through what others around the globe are doing to survive and thrive in spite of tough trading times.

choke points/problems that need resolving.

Weekly Huddle. 30 minutes. Across departments to discuss what’s on for the week and any problems between departments that need resolving.

Monthly Actual vs Budget. Two hours. Heads of departments comparing actual performance dashboards against budget, getting clarity on what went wrong, and agreeing remedial action going forward to secure the target numbers.

Quarterly Strategic. GM and owners looking back at the last quarter against the long-term plan, what was achieved, what wasn’t and why; then resolving priorities for the next quarter.

Annual Off-Site. Owners and senior management review and set the long-term strategic plan and budget, understanding SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) around the plan and secure buy-in. Keep strictly to the time and agenda and ensure that all meetings end with a clear idea of who is doing what by when, and that is documented for review at the next meeting.

Conduct performance reviews quarterly Once you have good outcomes-based job descriptions that describe what and how, you have a line in the sand from where you can evaluate how job holders are doing their jobs – critical to ensuring good ROI (return on investment) on staff salaries. You as the owner can consult with team members quarterly and ask them to rate themselves on how they did their key tasks on a scale of one to 10. From there, ask them what tangible examples of delivery

they have to justify their scores. Doing a performance appraisal this way ensures that the employee takes ownership of their job and that discussion around non-performance is a dialogue rather than a lecture. Finish off with what behaviour needs to be evidenced to improve the rating and agree in writing what action steps will be taken by whom to secure this. Then use the outcomes to reward people and pay them what they are worth. If you “do cheap” with your team they won’t care about the business and won’t go to battle for you for the long-term because people who are just surviving don’t go the extra mile. Have a heart and pay the very best you can afford. Congratulating yourself on securing a “cheap staff member” is lunacy.

Draw up standard operating procedures While entrepreneurs don’t like admin, a “how things are done around here” document is a must if you want to keep standards high. Key operating procedures and routine task flows for team members need to be written down. It will save you time and provide the security that if someone doesn’t know what to do, they can find out in the file. If this task feels overwhelming, break it down into weekly chunks and get current job holders to help you. Set yourself a goal and just get it done. Your business will thank you. Kathi Clarke is an Industrial Psychologist, award winning coach and certified ActionCOACH business growth expert. Over the last 48 months, she has successfully helped more than 150 entrepreneurs to significantly grow their profits and develop entrepreneurial muscle. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

TECHNOLOGY

BUY OR LEASE?

How is your business paying for the tech that drives it?

Colin Thornton

Technology has all but overshadowed other core business tools in terms of importance and immediate impact. And, this shift is causing Chief Information Officers and Chief Financial Officers the world over to butt heads. Major technology procurement decisions will always need to be justified. But CFOthinking goes something like this: “IT always shows up, spouts unintelligible jargon and then asks for huge lumps of cash which aren’t budgeted for.” While CIO-thinking goes like this: “Without technology we fall behind and aren’t as efficient, why does finance not understand this?” While their argument is not going away in a hurry, it’s important to note that the actual choice of technology itself is just one component to consider. Increasingly, how businesses choose to pay for it is becoming an additional (and critical) factor.

CAPEX vs. OPEX To begin with, you need to understand the difference between capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational 82 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

expenditure (OPEX). Simply put, capital expenditure refers to a major investment in goods, which show up on the balance sheet and are depreciated over the life of the asset. This depreciation – for IT equipment – is typically reflected over three years. On the other hand, operating expenditure shows up on the monthly management accounts as an expense, and often doesn’t result in an asset that the business owns. In today’s fast-paced environment, operating expenses are better suited for businesses that anticipate rapid growth or changes in technology requirements. The thought of being stuck with an asset that might be out of date in 12 months has changed the way business owners approach depreciation and purchasing decisions. Bernard Golden, a columnist for CIO. com, sums it up perfectly: “Once you have purchased a capital good, you’re stuck with it, as anyone who has purchased a car understands; even if you’re no longer excited about owning it, the finance company still expects a monthly payment.

By contrast, if you rent a car, you are committed to it only if you want to use it – and once you’ve paid for that use, you have no further financial obligation.”

Assessing your needs With this mind, your decision to go the OPEX or CAPEX route, must be based on a clear understanding of the role of capital expenditure within your business, as well as the role (and expected life) of the item, software or service you are considering. In addition, you should consider the cost of maintenance and support. If, for example, you are considering a NetworkAttached Storage Device, which is essentially a box of hard drives you can dump data onto, then support and maintenance will be minimal, and CAPEX might be the right decision. If, on the other hand, you are considering a Mail Server that is going to need constant changes, updates and support, then you are probably better off “renting” a mail solution like Google Mail or Microsoft’s Office 365. Most of the support costs disappear, updates are automatic and

you can make changes yourself using simple web control panels. From a financial perspective, the decision of which route to go used to be a simple matter of assessing how much cash was on hand and how much depreciation you wanted (or didn’t want) to put through the accounts going forward. Nowadays, for IT specifically, this decision is not quite as straightforward, and the CIO and CFO need to understand each other really well.

Practical examples

extras are owned and managed by the provider. So, not only are you clear of the capital expenditure, but you get to eliminate the operating expenses associated with maintaining a data centre, too.

Hang on; it’s not that simple… But that’s an easy example, and it may not even apply to your business. Perhaps, you have so much data that the cost of storing it elsewhere and the time taken to upload and download means the Cloud isn’t an option. Or, perhaps you have complicated permission systems that can only be run from a server, which is physically in your office. These are just two examples of where a business might adopt a hybrid approach. “Hybrid” in the IT sense means having some of your services in the Cloud and some in your office. And “hybrid” in the financial sense means you might have to purchase some aspects of your infrastructure outright, but rent the rest. You could even have all of your hardware located within your office, but rent it from a provider who owns it, maintains and supports it. Or, you could rent space at a hosting provider and own the hardware stored there.

If you rent a car, you are committed to it only if you want to use it – and once you’ve paid for that use, you have no further financial obligation.

Take, for example, an on-premise server room. For bigger businesses this always meant a dedicated, secure room that contained all the core IT hardware; for smaller businesses it could have simply meant a spare office, which also stored files and spare furniture.

In any event, this has always been mostly a capital expense as it included the major purchase of a server(s), racks, UPS’s and backup hardware, as well as all the associated software and extras like air-conditioners and fire suppression. In addition, there were operating expenses: power, floor space (rental), ongoing maintenance and support. The alternative today, a server “room” hosted in the Cloud typically does not require any major initial investmentsas all of the hardware, software and

These solutions could all provide the right infrastructure or service for your needs and at a predictable monthly fee, meaning the CIO and CFO are both happy (we hope).

SO WHAT’S THE RIGHT APPROACH FOR YOU? To come to the right decision for your business, consider the following:

Which technology tools and applications are necessary (or desirable) for your business needs?

Can they be Cloudbased?

What is your organisation’s cash position over the expected life of the tool or application?

Is the tool or application something you will need indefinitely?

Are there more productive aspects of your business where you could spend CAPEX?

Does your industry have any standards or regulations which require you to own and control your data?

Colin Thornton founded Dial a Nerd in 1998, and launched the business division in 2002. This division specialises in supporting companies with between 10 and 300 users. With its distinct SME focus it is able to provide a full breadth of IT services for any SME. Visit: www.dialanerd.co.za. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

TECHNOLOGY

Apps that will help you achieve work-life balance

Deirdre Elphick-Moore

There’s an app for everything. Here are a few we recommend to help achieve “balance”… Work and life seem to exist on opposite ends of a see-saw. We work so that we can have a life, it’s the financial rewards that come from working hard that allow us to do the things we enjoy; travel, live in beautiful homes, provide opportunities for our children. The reality, however, is that we are “always on” and our professional and personal lives are inextricably linked.

And, despite its efforts to clean up outdated or abandoned apps, Apple’s App Store is still growing. Sensor Tower estimates that it could more than double in size by 2020, with five million apps available. Some prep is therefore required before you hit the “search” button.

Before you can begin to hope to achieve any kind of “balance”, you need to start with a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve. Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr., author of From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership defines balance as “the ability to see situations from multiple perspectives and differing viewpoints to gain a much fuller understanding. Balance means that you consider all sides and opinions with an open mind”. With this as a backdrop, I set out to find a range of apps to improve work-life balance.

A meaningful work-life vision means coming up with a clear statement that is compelling and provides guidance for daily behaviours, decisions and practices. A work-life vision also helps to narrow our focus, which is what is needed if we are to successfully navigate the millions of apps available. Here’s an example of how this vague concept of work-life balance can be unpacked by starting with a clearly defined vision statement. “Work-life balance means managing my energy so that I can be as enthusiastic and productive as possible in all areas of my life; physical, spiritual, mental and emotional”. With these four aspects in mind, I looked for apps that can help us maintain high levels of energy and enthusiasm in these four areas:

There’s an app for everything. The number of available apps in the Google Play Store was around 2.4 million in September 2016. 84 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

What’s your vision?

4 3 2 1 Shared values

Reflection

Efficient work practices

Exercise

Scientific research backs up the view of the fitness community that regular aerobic and resistance training increases physical energy. The challenge is that not everyone enjoys it. Developers have addressed this reality by shortening work-out times. According to the developers of the 7-Minute Workout Challenge, the app features “12 exercises that can be performed in seven minutes but achieve the equivalent of an hour’s workout.” The catch is that you need to do them to the best of your ability (high-intensity) and rest very little in between. When rest intervals are too long, it undermines the effectiveness of the workout. The developers claim that the 7 Minute Workout Challenge effectively increases your metabolism, so the benefit is in effect throughout the day. The 7 Minute Workout Challenge app for iOS and Android devices instructs and encourages you throughout the workout and then tracks your results.

Poor work practices can be a drain on personal resources like time and energy. Assuming collaboration across locations is a big part of your work; apps like join. me can be invaluable in achieving the sample work-life vision. Featured as Best New Business App on iTunes in August 2016, join.me allows users to “collaborate instantly with free screen sharing, unlimited audio, and ridiculously simple video conferencing.” It also integrates with popular Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms to help you schedule and start meetings, all from within the app. It serves individuals, teams and businesses and works on both iOS and Android devices. No more time and energy needs to be wasted on waiting for people to join a call, asking around for the first ten minutes to see if everyone has joined the call, wondering if that “ping” means someone has dropped off the call, and feeling frustrated because people keep talking over each other because you cannot see the other participants.

“Reflection helps you realign old thought patterns and not be led by them. It gives you more say in directing your life-goals, helping you accept what you must and change what you can; it helps you make better decisions. Reflection cultivates ethics, clarity and insight.” Source: www.thenakedmonk. com/mindful-reflection/ In a world of oversharing and consequent overexposure, private diary apps allow you to reflect, jot down your thoughts and keep them private. DiaroApp is designed to record activities, experiences, thoughts and ideas throughout a day and sync data across all your devices. It lets you easily organise your created journal entries or notes from the past. Powerful search helps to find diary entries by any keyword in the title or text and filter results by date, folder, tags or locations. DiaroApp is a multi-platform diary that one can download and use on an Android, an iDevice, or even on an Amazon Kindle tablet.

A connected, collaborative workforce has the potential to be extremely productive. Being able to spend time with people who share our values and acknowledging shared values in action is a big part of attaining a sense of work-life balance. SPACE (Sharing Passion and Collaborative Energy) is a local, purpose-built app developed by the Fambani Corporate Signature (Pty Ltd), based in Johannesburg. SPACE is designed to promote positive interaction amongst employees. The SPACE app works on the principle of “likes” but in a more targeted way than on social media platforms like Facebook. An employee who has gone beyond the call of duty in supporting one or more colleagues in any work circumstance is given a virtual fist bump on the app by those colleagues. A variety of fist bump emojis are listed on a drop-down menu on the app and each option has a reward value in the form of virtual currency that can be redeemed. SPACE enables feedback through peer acknowledgement in an easy, real-time, measurable way.

Applying this methodology Achieving a personal sense of work-life balance is no easy feat. It takes critical thinking, application and daily effort. It is tempting to dive into the App Store without this investment, but it will almost certainly lead to a disappointing outcome. Working through this methodology will allow individuals to see situations from multiple perspectives and differing viewpoints. This fuller understanding is what is needed if a sense of balance is to be achieved. YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

TECHUPDATE

Local start-up helps drive the sharing economy

Finding creative ways to make use of underutilised resources is driving the rise of the sharing economy… Successful models, such as AirBnB, are a prime example of how technology can be used to connect like-minded people to make a profit. Owners rent out their property, vehicle or item for a lower price than what it would cost to buy outright. Rating and review systems are put in place to ensure safety and transparency. According to Chris Faure, founder and innovator of CarTrip, a local ridesharing company, the problems with our public transport system, coupled with the fact that the majority of cars on the road have only one occupant, makes carpooling a real solution. It makes

financial sense too, if you consider the cost of fuel. “If you estimate that most people in Cape Town drive a round trip to work of about 30km each day, and that many cars use about four to five litres of fuel per 30km, if you carpool with one other person for a full year, you would save around 1000 litres of petrol,’’ says Faure. And unlike Uber, CarTrip puts money back into the pockets of consumers. The challenge is to start changing the mindsets of drivers to open up their vehicles to strangers, Faure says. European start-up, BlaBlaCar, found that

The Innotribe Start-up Challenge returns to Africa

by building an online community of likeminded people it helped to earn the trust required to make this venture a success. Ten years later and BlaBlaCar has connected over 30 million passengers and drivers in 22 countries on three continents. CarTrip hopes to have a similar impact locally.

Are you an Africa-based start-up and want to benefit from expert mentoring and in-depth industry feedback? Apply now to the Innotribe Start-up Challenge… From all applications received, Innotribe will select ten start-ups to enter the Start-up Challenge programme, showcase their products during SWIFT’s African Regional Conference (ARC) held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from May 16 to 18, and receive expert coaching and mentoring. During the showcase, the three best start-ups will be nominated by the audience as finalists, automatically securing their participation to Sibos, SWIFT’s annual global financial services conference, held in Toronto, Canada, from October 16 to 19. They will also receive a 10,000 EUR cash prize each. Applications close in March 2017. Visit: www.innotribe.com for more.

86 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

L AST WORD

My #1 NETWORKING TIP We asked SME expert – and master networker – NIKKI VILJOEN to share her top networking tip to get you off to the best start possible when hitting that next event. To be honest, I really struggled when asked this question. I’ve written more than 150 blogging tips on networking and the power of networking, that to break it down into “one” tip is nigh on impossible.

doesn’t pitch. Or, he comes round the following day, has a look at everything that need to be done and promises to send you a quote and… you never receive one. Sound familiar?

Let me start off by sharing this; I have been an entrepreneur for almost 14 years now and all of my business has come from networking. Even my presence in this magazine came as a direct result of networking. Sure you have to work at it, it doesn’t fall like manna from the heavens, but the reality is that if you do work at it, and work at it consistently, then it will work for you. Pretty much like passive income, you have to put something in before you could get something out. In the case of networking, it’s effort.

And then, when you are regaling the tale to anyone who will listen, somebody suddenly says: “Hey, I’ve got a handyman who will come and help you, his name is Joe Soap.” At this point you get really excited because Joe Soap has come recommended. Of course, Joe could just be like the other chaps, or he could be a real business person who actually wants the work.

Imagine if you will that you are desperately looking for a service provider, let’s say a handyman. You find a flyer in your post box, or someone leaves a flyer on your windscreen advertising their services and you rush home to phone and make an appointment. You get an answering machine; you leave a message and… nothing. No one phones you back. Or, you get hold of the handyman and he promises to come and have a look, tomorrow, and you stay at home the whole day waiting for him and… he

88 YOUR BUSINESS | February-March 2017

If Joe Soap wants and desires his business to be successful, he will pitch up, ascertain what needs to be done, give you a quote, arrive to do the work, and do this all in a professional manner. This means you will be happy to in turn refer him to your friends and colleagues. His business will grow and he will flourish. But, what if, and here comes the crunch, what if after delivering wonderful service to you, Joe Soap becomes Sloppy Joe Soap. He starts not calling people back and doesn’t pitch for jobs. Sloppy Joe Soap’s business dies and your credibility will be affected because you

recommended him. The moral of this story is obvious. If you expect people to recommend you, you need to remember that your reputation as well as theirs is at stake. The business world in South Africa is a smaller place than you think; people talk, reputations are built up over time, but destroyed in seconds. Always operate with integrity and credibility. Of course, no one should be giving out contact details unless they have received permission to do so. And, if you are on the receiving end of a referral, treat these details with respect – use them for the specific reason they were given to you. Not only will you gain the service or gadget and assistance that you were looking for, but you will also gain a valuable contact. That’s a contact that you can leverage off over and over again. That’s it – my #1 networking tip – your heart and your words must always match your deeds. Integrity and credibility are a must for any networking exercise to be successful. Nikki Viljoen is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or www.viljoenconsulting.co.za for any policies and procedures that you may require.