CATEGORIES

Why Protecting Your IP Might Be The Most Important Thing You Can Do

What’s the worst that can happen if you do not protect your company’s intellectual property? Worst case scenario — you can lose everything you’ve worked so hard to build.

4 mins |

What Sheryl Sandberg Taught Me About Giving Criticism

How many times have you tried to give feedback that totally falls flat?

5 mins |

Staying Ahead In The Knowledge Era

How do you succeed when your customers, competitors and even employees know as much as you do or more?

The Builder

Starting a business is easy. You need a white board, a cool idea, and a small amount of cash to get you started. That’s Karl Westvig’s view of entrepreneurship. The real challenge comes down the line, when you’re trying to scale your business, stay true to your vision, and answer to investors who aren’t in your business and don’t share the same appetite for risk.Here’s how Karl has negotiated the many challenges of building a highimpact growth organisation that currently has a turnover of R150 million, which expects to double within the next three years.

'I Wish I'd Fired More People'

It took the founder of Panera Bread three decades to perfect his recipe for a well-run business. Now, after stepping down as CEO in January, he looks back on what he wishes he’d done differently. 

Launch Co-ordinates - Start-up Therapy

Tips to help you make money without sacrificing your happiness.

2 mins |

Dealing With The Giant In The Room

A giant customer can be highly profitable or cost you your business. Have you considered all the angles?

Keep Up The Momentum

The year has kicked off with a whirlwind ride and already the first quarter is done and dusted. It’s important not to lose the momentum.

Don't Let Strikes Strike Out Your Business

Industrial action in South Africa poses a guaranteed business risk. The negative impact is often immense for both employers and employees. Extended negotiations, drawn out demonstrations, and safety risks often result in a loselose situation for both parties, even when demands are met.

2 mins |

Bootstrapped & Booming

You don’t need millions in investment (or even thousands) to get a successful business off the ground. With passion, perseverance and a product or service that customers will pay for, you can start a successful business on a shoestring budget.From USN starting in a small flat in Pretoria with a hand-cranked washing machine to mix product, to UCOOK launching in a garage and sharing floor space with a Chrysler, there are many ways — and many businesses — that you can launch from your home. You just need to get a little creative.

Living The VC Dream

Yoco entered the market in 2015. In 2018, the founders raised R248 million in Series B Funding. Here’s how they’ve built a business that funders will back.

Why Small Teams Get It Done Better, Faster And Under Budget

How is a project delivered four months ahead of schedule and R2 million under budget? Because small teams deliver work within significantly shorter time frames and with smaller budgets. Here’s how.

6 mins |

Fund This

Ask entrepreneurs, and one of the biggest challenges facing businesses is a lack of funding. Speak to funders, and the biggest problem is finding investable businesses — there’s more than enough cash available. To get the low-down on what it takes to become a fundable business, Entrepreneur spoke to funders and start-ups who have secured funding. These are their lessons.

The Future Of The Business Plan

When things get rocky, what will keep you on point and on mission? What can you refer to, ensuring you aren’t straying from your original vision? The right business plan can go a long way.

How To Do Big Things

The secret to achieving impossible dreams is accretion — slowly and steadily working towards your goals.

Million Rand Questions

Don’t waste your time asking job candidates to name their greatest weaknesses (yes, everyone will say they’re a perfectionist). Instead, try these four tips from seven entrepreneurs who offer up their best strategies.

2 mins |

moving Forward

Successful businesses need to find ways to improve their margins while still delivering excellent and efficient customer service. VDM’s CEO, Deon van der Merwe, explains why this wouldn’t be possible in his business without TomTom Telematics’ solutions.

Growth At A Mile A Minute

Mike Wright launched Striata in 1999 from his converted garage in Kensington, Johannesburg. He was 30 years old, had limited capital, and had resigned from his job as MD of a leading web design firm to follow his dreams. To get started, he rescheduled his bond and provisional tax payments, and started working on his big idea.Today, half of Striata’s R120 million+ turnover comes from international business. It hasn’t all been easy. Offices in the US and the UK are soaring, while the company’s foray into Australia and the Far East has been far more challenging.These are his lessons in high-level growth, and the do’s and don’ts of international expansion.