Yesterday I attended the Durban Business Fair Seminar.
This event is one of many in store for Durbanites. This is all in line with the Durban Business Fair which happens in the city from 19 - 21 September. Attendance to the Fair is free so swing by and see what is on offer. Loads of small business will be in attendance showing off their products. Their will also be an International Pavilion where companies from other countries will be interacting with local companies and seeing if they can partner with them or do business with them.
The Business Seminar was a very inspiring event filled with some amazing speakers.
Lynette Ntuli (IgniteSA) kicked things off along with Andile Khumalo (MyStartUP).
Here are some of the business tips that these business leaders shared with us:
Ipeleng Mkhari - Motseng Investment Holdings
- Entrepreneurs need to love risk
- You have to back yourself each day
- Understand your business and understand the sector your business is in
- Perfect your disaster plans and success plans
- Stay abreast of the latest developments
- Develop ideas
- Get public speaking and writing skills
- Learn how to write a proposal
- Know how much business your company can cope with
- Learn financial and leadership skills
- Know the laws involved with companies be they tax laws or labour laws.
- At the end of the day it starts with you.
- How do you craft a brand for life?
- I hope your ambition is to create a brand that will outlive you
- The first person representing the company I see is You.
- Learning = 70% On the job + 20% Coaching and Reading + 10% Formal Training
- You need to love reading books or even YouTube videos.
- A great reputation = Winning + Strong Values.
- You can't sell something you don't know
- Your product must be consistent
- Consistency breeds trust
- Hang with people who are better than you, who intimidate you
- You can't score a goal from the presidential suite. You have to be on the field.
- Be communal. Help other people out.
- How diverse is the group you hang out with?
- You have to love your brand
- Why does your business exist?
- You must fall in love with the people you serve
- You need to make your brand visible to your customers
- Immerse yourself in your customers world
- Give samples of your product to get business then you get a reputation and loyalty
Shelley Walters
- I surround myself with positive people
- Exercise
- Get 8 hours sleep
- Everyday write down 5 things you are grateful for
- Before you meet clients start thinking about what you want to ask your clients.
- After meetings check how it went
- You can't move up if you don't stand out
- Promote your brand
- Dress well
After those speakers we heard from the Finance community and we were introduced to the Small Enterprise Finance Agency. It's worth it to check them out as they can help your small business.
The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) informed us of a great free tool that they provide which can help you if you need a business plan.
You can check it out here:
The NEF will also provide you with a mentor if they give you funding.
Reggie Naidoo from FNB informed us that each big FNB has a business manager to help you out.
They can also assist you with registering your business if you open an account with them.
Next we heard from some more inspiring speakers:
Andile Khumalo - My StartUp
- If you're not selling you're not in business
- Focus on generating cash
Lynette Ntuli - IgniteSA
- There is much potential and opportunity in Africa
Dumi Jere
- Have a positive social impact
- Your product must be disruptive
- If you want to sell in Africa your product must be Pan African
Useful Social Media Contacts For The Speakers
The Durban Business Fair is on from 19 - 21 September.
Article by +Fred Felton
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