Will you be Access Bank’s 2022 Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton South Africa winner?

The South African programme is a women-in-business support initiative that offers the opportunity to progressive, motivated women of our country to pitch their business and stand a chance to win a financial boost.

Made by Mosaic – creating hope, one job at a time

In this interview, we find out more about Terry Niemack (Manager of Made By Mosaic), her business journey, and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

How to generate online word of mouth for your SMB

Your customers can share their opinions of your brand on their platforms which not only reach their friends but can be shared by their friends to their circle of friends. So, how do you generate beneficial word of mouth?

Time to take over

It’s time to take over. For every female entrepreneur who has had the courage to start their own business, it is time to build that confidence and ensure that your business soars to heights that can only be limited by your dreams.

Need a business plan? Start here

For your business to be a success, your passion, enthusiasm, hard work and skills should be built on a practical framework. And that’s the case whether it’s a new business or an existing one. An important part of that framework is your business plan.

Can South Africa match China’s e-commerce growth?

During the PayFast e-commerce Virtual Summit organised by the Insaka e-commerce academy, our Head of Product, David Küsel explored the main factors of why China is a leader in e-commerce and what South Africa needs...

Mental health in your business

Good mental health in SMMEs is just as important as in a large corporation. We all know healthy employees are happier ones and studies have shown that mental illness is one of the main causes of unhappiness in the workplace.

Office automation tools that will make a difference to any office

The field of automation is growing to surpass $355 billion by 2028. Using automated tools saves time and money, helps with data storage, and allows you to implement effective office workflows.

COMPETITION :: Enter the 2022 Business Plan Competition

Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs. Stand a chance of winning a cash prize and mentorship vouchers.

UPCOMING EVENT :: Thriving Women Entrepreneur Summit

Get inspired by a line-up of seven empowering and inspirational women entrepreneurs. Date: 12 August 2022 Time: 09h00 – 12h30 Venue: Zoom hosted Cost: Free REGISTER TODAY!

Business Boost :: The countdown to South Africa's biggest awards programme begins

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), talk about the build up to the South African Small Business Awards - a celebration of the most outstanding businesses and the exceptional business people.

The Impressive Human Show - Featuring Ulrich van den Berg

In this episode, we spoke to Ulrich van den Berg (professional golfer, turned pro in 1999, 7-time winner of the Sunshine Tour). He has competed in the European Tour, still competes in the Sunshine Tours and is involved in the business side of golf.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Leverage eCommerce for Growth | South Africa: Economic Review & Outlook

Olebogeng Mogale (Nedbank) shares about the power of eCommerce in expanding your business and Nicola Weimar (Nedbank) gives the economic review and outlook for South Africa.

UPCOMING EVENT :: Sales Indaba with Cobus Visser

Thursday, 28 July 2022 @ 9:30 - 10:30 Discover the mindset, mental strengths and strategies needed to grow your business in the next 12 months with Cobus Visser (\S/uperman of Africa, International Motivational Keynote Speaker).

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How to use news to open sales conversations

Sales and marketing experts explain how strategically filtering and automating buyer signal news alerts can help boost your business’s sales.

Summer businesses are built in winter

We’ve all heard it before: Summer bodies are built in winter. So what? What does that mean? Well simply put; if I want the fit, toned and sculpted beach body for the December holidays, I need to be putting in the extra effort, yes extra effort...

5 growth strategies for small business

Have you ever wondered how to grow your business? Do you long to be listed as a Fortune 500 company? Then implementing one of these growth strategies will help you to work your way towards your entrepreneurial goals.

Your business needs cyber security insurance, here’s why

In a world of data breaches and hacks, cyber security is important for everyone with an online presence, more so for businesses with the responsibility to protect customers. The question is: who protects the businesses?

Starting an online business? Choose your own e-commerce adventure

At times, starting an online business can feel like you’re climbing a mountain. It may be difficult, but you know it will be worthwhile when you reach the top and take in the view. Find out if you have what it takes to start your own business...

Green building: a golden opportunity for South African SMEs

Unstable power supply and the opportunity to save on utilities are just two of the reasons businesses are planning to go green, however, the core issue of a high-cost outlay on these ventures remains.

AI: the basics to boost your business

If you use Facebook or YouTube and have seen adverts from web pages you have recently looked at then you have had an experience with artificial intelligence (AI). Slowly, AI is being adopted into our lives and if we want to survive as a business...

6 challenges women face in business

The number of women entrepreneurs is on the rise. Many of these women are struggling to survive in the business environment given the unique challenges they face. In my experience as a business coach, many women-owned businesses...

Big3 Evolution - sharing their knowledge and experience with the wider community

In this interview we find out more about Kotie Nigrini & Yvette Cronjé (Co-founders of Big3 Evolution), their business journey and why they believe South Africa should support small business.

The Impressive Human Show featuring Mark Robinson

In this episode, we spoke to Mark Robinson (wrestler, weightlifter, cage fighter, Sumo wrestler and Strong Man). He has competed and won world titles in many disciplines, is now an excellent instructor and runs his own gym.

Business Boost :: Give your startup a fighting chance

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), look how if you're struggling to get ahead, a change to your mindset can make all the difference.

How to give your startup a fighting chance

Imagine putting everything you have – your hopes, dreams and finances into starting your own business, only to watch it crash and burn. The fear of failure is at the very top above anything else.

4 pitfalls in business communication

As we get more and more channels to communicate on; there are more and more ways of being misunderstood. How can you avoid the pitfalls in business communication?

Is SA’s proposed Rapid Payments Programme good news?

South Africa’s Rapid Payments Programme (RPP) is an industry-wide collaboration intended to create a simpler, safer, and less-expensive instant payment environment for all South Africans.

Why you should add Nagging Panda to your tech stack

You might be thinking you don’t want a tech stack or that you don’t even know what a tech stack is, but if you’re using cloud accounting, a virtual meeting platform like Zoom or Teams, and possibly online storage like Dropbox or Google Drive...

The ultimate guide to invoicing

Cash is the lifeblood of any business; you simply cannot survive without it. Being paid what you are owed is important, but being paid on time is critical to avoid ending up in a dangerous cash flow position.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Ecommerce Unpacked! with Aramex

In this webinar Noel Ross-Gillespie (Aramex) helps small businesses understand the delivery side of eCommerce and unpacks both terminology and concepts that will help you take your eCommerce business to new heights.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: The Modern Workplace for Small Business

Find out how to work securely from anywhere at anytime, get closer to your customers, optimise working in this new hybrid environment.

9TX Media – supporting the dreams of other businesses

In this interview we find out more about Kutlwano Rose Whitney Malete (Founder of 9TX Media and Head of Digital & Design), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

Business Boost :: Why you aren't getting ahead

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), look at how, if you’re struggling to get ahead, a change to your mindset can make all the difference.

This is why you’re not getting ahead

If you are not getting ahead, you need to change your mindset. The right mindset is success. In your mind are the beliefs and tools you use to get what you want.

4 common business crises – how to prepare for them

When we start our businesses, very few people want to focus on the worst-case scenarios. They only dream about the good things they can do and achieve with their new business. But by not preparing for some of the most common business crises...

5 ways to set up a successful succession plan

There are thousands of business leaders in the working world today, each wanting desperately to create and build a lasting “legacy,” but very few are remembered after their last day on the job.

Understanding the importance of data storage

In the age of digital information, businesses use data storage solutions to thrive. It lessens website traffic, ensuring both employees and customers experience enhanced transactions.

4 tips for managing a multigenerational team

With this diversity in ages, how do you manage the needs of each generation and create a prosperous work environment for everyone? But before we dive into the tips, let’s look at the different generations that are currently in the workforce.

Business rescue and the practitioners tasked with managing it

Business rescue or corporate rescue refers to the restructuring or reorganization of a corporate entity. It is aimed at moving away from the culture of liquidation, and rather focusing on getting “financially distressed” entities back on their feet.

Disability sales rebate: what is it and how can Volkswagen South Africa help?

Getting a disability rebate is a useful way to ease the costs of adding adaptations to a vehicle. Volkswagen South Africa engages with opportunities to make independence, interdependence, and mobility more accessible...

Absolute Credit Control Services – contributing positively to the success of businesses

In this interview we find out more about Ansie Fourie (Owner & Director of Absolute Credit Control Services), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

3 types of legacies entrepreneurs can build

Leaving a legacy means living a legacy. The day-to-day actions of you and your business will be the bricks on which the legacy is built. It starts with a long-term mindset

5 helpful marketing tools for startups

Here are five helpful marketing tools that will make it easier to get the word out about your brand – regularly, affordably, and creatively.

How to recuperate after a business crisis

Encountering a business crisis is inevitable if you run a business, but how you recuperate from it can either mean a business that continues to grow or one that is heading for bankruptcy.

5 strategies that can help SMEs shift their mindset towards tech adoption

We discovered small businesses have a set of deeply ingrained beliefs about technology that influence their decision-making. We’ve identified five strategies that can help businesses shift their mindset towards technology adoption.

How the right technology can help empower SMEs in a hybrid environment

The right technology provides not just productivity, but personal connectivity. Video conferencing tools and collaboration platforms have played a critical role in maintaining visibility among colleagues and keeping employees efficient

CIPC enhances systems to further reduce red tape

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is making efforts to reduce the regulatory burden by easing and simplifying the way our customers transact, thus, enabling our customers to focus on growing their businesses.

4 simple ways to optimise your recruitment efforts

With a dynamic, attractive and stimulating representation of your SME and the vacant position, you will be able to stand out from your competitors – even the big corporates – and attract the very best candidates.

Fleet tracking made easy: a boost for small business safety and efficiency

Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron, has applied its experience with large fleets to launch Netstar Fleet Tracker, which makes it simple for small business owners to track their drivers affordably, and to save on fuel.

WEBINAR :: Live your legacy through your business

14 July 2022 @ 09h00 – 10h30 Join Lindie Malan for the next instalment of the ActionCOACH Entrepreneurship Series.

G3G – helping businesses grow beyond today

In this interview we find out more about Ian Theron (Head SME Unit Africa of G3G), his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR :: Where to invest next - refocussing on growth in 2022

Wednesday, 06 July 2022 The first in the Leading Edge Insights Series, brought to you by Liberty Corporate and hosted by Alishia Sekham, created to help you retain top talent, improve productivity & create long-term impact in your business today.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Build a Target List - The Power of List Building in Sales Prospecting

Maximize your prospecting efforts and find viable, valuable business leads. Transunion and D&B Hoovers explore the power of focused B2B research for more effective sales and marketing.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How to Become Financially Fit - What credit providers are looking for

In this power-packed Q&A you will discover what lenders look for on your credit report and how you can get the funds you need when you need it for your business.

Teams Phone helps African businesses stay more connected

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a Pan-African technology group, has the simple yet powerful belief that everyone in Africa should have the opportunity to be connected.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Reigniting the spirit of entrepreneurship in the youth of South Africa

n this live Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC), Nompumelelo Mkhwanazi (The Success of Business Solution) & Anastasia Goodman (Absa) discuss ways to inspire and mobilise the youth to start and grow their own businesses.

Yess Business Basics - Free of charge to students aged 12-22

To celebrate Youth Month, Join the YESS (Young Entrepreneur Smart Start) Programme - a free online course aimed at introducing the youth to business skills and education.

Why can’t entrepreneurs celebrate?!

It is however the nature of the entrepreneur to always be thinking what’s next and therefore almost rushing over success in the pursuit of the next chase. So here are a few things that can help you.

Hustle hard, but find your balance

It starts with the little things – in and outside of work. Things like exercising and eating healthier, learning and practicing turning your ‘work-brain’ off and spending more ‘you’ time away from work.

The 4 pillars of a thriving business

Is your business thriving or do you need to resuscitate it? Let us take a look at four pillars with Elan Lea from Techzoo corporation that can help you build a thriving business.

4 ways to increase your profit by 46%

During a power-packed Q&A session, Mike Anderson interviewed Shirley Pearson about what it takes to boost profits and how business owners can zero in on what they need to do now to make this happen.

To turn your camera on or not to turn your camera on?

Don’t assume you will not be asked to turn your camera on during a virtual meeting. You should always be prepared to appear professional even if you’re not conducting an in-person meeting.

Daisy Business Solutions, South Africa’s office automation group is now officially part of the NSBC network

Daisy Business Solutions is proud to announce an integration partnership with the NSBC, Africa’s leading SME organisation.

Hacking is on the rise and the biggest security risk is: you

Sophisticated cybercrimes are rapidly increasing and will become the biggest threat yet. The question is, are you informed? And more importantly, is your family and business protected?

Google launches new initiatives to support small retail businesses in Africa

As part of a month-long commemoration of International Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Businesses Day in June, Google has announced new initiatives to support small retail businesses in Africa.

Langa Lahko – understanding the importance of nature

In this interview we find out more about Wendy Radebe de Kock (Owner/Founder of Langa Lahko), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR :: Live your legacy through your business

Join ActionCOACH, for the next instalment of the Entrepreneurship Webinar Series featuring Lindie Malan on 14 July 2022 from 09h00 - 10h30.

EVENT :: Township SMME Development Hackathon

The Microsoft SA, SAtion and Empire Partner Foundation Hackathon - aimed at improving business information accessibility for township SMMEs - takes place from 24 - 26 June in Illovo at the Empire Partner Foundation Tech Hub.

Business Boost :: Stop thinking like a salesperson and think like a doctor

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Henceford Khoza (Mix 93.8 FM), look at how thinking like a doctor can increase your sales. They also look at powerful tips on how to become a top deal maker.

How to win by thinking like a doctor

Poor and average salespeople, on the other hand, jump into pitching their solution before the prospect talks about their pain points. Let’s take a look at eight powerful tips adopted by the world’s top rainmakers:

Overtime, commission, and bonuses: what you need to know

Setting up a payroll structure is a critical component of the payroll function to ensure that your employees are paid the correct salary in addition to overtime, commissions, and bonuses.

Bidding for success: New ways to find your most valuable customers

When everyone is doing the same thing, it’s difficult to stand out. But the latest generation of Google campaign tools can help you find and reach your most valuable customers.

Nagging Panda: New start-up gets your invoices settled

If anyone understands the constrictions and damage late payments have on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and corporates alike; it’s serial entrepreneur and TechZoo Corporation chief executive, Elan Lea.

Ten hustle marketing strategies for small business owners going it alone

Being a small business owner is tough! We know it. That’s why we’ve made your life a little easier by giving you ten marketing strategies that can help you as a small business owner, and some tactics to go along with them.

Understanding the world of office automation

Office Automation (OA) is a general term that refers to the various computer systems and software used to produce, store, alter and communicate office information. OA enables these processes to occur digitally and without human intervention.

7 key customer buying signals for SMEs

Being able to clearly identify a buying signal and acting upon it is the way to make more sales but it takes time and effort to notice them online and in one-on-one conversations. Here are seven key customer buying signals to look out for.

How vehicle telematics is changing the future of business

Smart money is on using technology to redefine the future of mobility, writes JW Oberholzer, Senior Manager for Commercial Sales at Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron.

Nash & Co Inc – combining trusted experience with modern flexibility

In this interview we find out more about Dianne Louisa Nash (Director of Nash & Co Inc), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR: Reigniting the spirit of entrepreneurship in the youth of South Africa

In this live Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC), Nompumelelo Mkhwanazi (The Success of Business Solution) & Anastasia Goodman (Absa) discuss ways to inspire and mobilise the youth to start & grow their own businesses.

Join Old Mututal's SMEgo Beta Testing Group and you could win 1 of 20 Takealot vouchers worth R500

Old Mutual has created SMEgo - a digital solution offering a single platform to help you run and grow your business wherever you are, available 24/7. Help them test an early version of the App and Web solution and you could WIN.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: The 4 pillars of a thriving business

Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) interviews Elan Lea from TechZoo Corporation in this inspirational webinar.

Business Boost :: Ways to get the best out of your employees

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), speak about how the most important asset for any business are the people in it.

4 alternative ways to secure small business funding

If you can’t get a loan, don’t have any savings, aren’t related to anyone wealthy (and generous) and don’t have a business network, how do you get the start-up funding you need to get your business off the ground?

5 ways to avoid bad hires

It is crucial, especially for small businesses, to make sure the hire is a great fit for your business from the start but how do you avoid bad hires? Let’s look at five ways.

COVID-19 facts as we enter the fifth wave

As the fifth wave of COVID-19 spreads, South Africa is seeing an increase in positive cases. Just as the Delta and Omicron variants became part of our daily vocabulary, the new Pi strain will too.

The role of modern telematics and data-driven technologies in businesses

Mike Anderson and Francois Stols got together to discuss the role of modern telematics and data-driven technologies to make businesses more efficient, safer and greener.

4 benefits of buying local

What are the benefits of supporting local businesses rather than global brands? Let’s look at four benefits of buying locally.

The power of list building in sales prospecting

How and why to build a targeted list of companies using sophisticated, strategic search and segmentation filters.

Startwise – knowledge sharing and business networking through cutting edge technology

In this interview we find out more about Velly Bosega (Internet entrepreneur and founder of Startwise), his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

EVENT :: Google Shopping Small Business Summit

You are invited to the Google Shopping Small Business Summit taking place on 21 June 2022. This event will touch on e-commerce trends in Africa and explore how Google is supporting small businesses in their online growth.

How young people can start a business and become an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is hard, but it’s also noble. Not only do you crack a chance at making some good money, but you can also bring others with you along your journey. Make no mistake: the road is difficult, and filled with potholes.

Entries are open for the 2022 Santam Women of the Future Awards

Santam, together with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE, are searching for South Africa’s most enterprising women. Entries close on 20 June 2022.

WEBINAR :: Learn how to effectively target lists and reach decision-makers

23 June 2022 @ 10:00 Maximize your prospecting efforts and find viable, valuable business leads. Transunion and D&B Hoovers explore the power of focused B2B research for more effective sales and marketing.

Digital Flyer – expanding digital footprints and reaching communities

In this interview we find out more about Dewald Rosema (Owner/Founder of Digital Flyer), his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

Business Boost :: Ways to get the best out of your employees

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), speak about how the most important asset for any business, are the people in it.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Sales Indaba - 5 ways to increase your profit by 46%

In this power-packed session, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) interviews Shirley Pearson (ActionCOACH Business & Executive Coach) about what it takes to boost profit.

Nedbank wins award for being the best bank for small and medium enterprises in South Africa

Nedbank has been recognised as the Best SME Bank in South Africa at the Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services International Awards 2022.

7 ways to make your small business easy to buy from

Whether online or in brick-and-mortar stores, seeing an abandoned shopping basket is devastating. But how can you make it easier for customers to buy from you? Let’s look at seven ways to make buying from your small business easy.

38 Free and paid marketing tools for small businesses

Grow your small (or large) business with the help of these tools. As a startup, small-, or even medium-sized business, you want to grow and scale your business effectively, whilst being aware of costs.

5 traits needed for successful entrepreneurs

As a country, we urgently need to address these mistaken attitudes and work to instil more confidence in our youth if we are to achieve a thriving, job-creating economy. In keeping with this, here are the five traits needed...

TechZoo Corporation launches Nagging Panda to help businesses deal with late payers

TechZoo Corporation and serial entrepreneur Elan Lea launches Nagging Panda as a solution business owners and financial managers didn’t know they needed but won’t be able to live without.

How to build employer-employee relationships in the digital world

Though in-person contact is the best way to build relationships, there are many ways that you can continue to build relationships in the digital world.

Have a side hustle? This tax hack could help you recover losses

More and more South Africans from all tax brackets are supplementing their primary income streams with so-called ‘side hustles’ or, as I prefer to call them, ‘part-time businesses’.

Youth is where the heart is

Youth. How is the word and concept of youth defined? I loved the United Nations definition: Youth is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence.

UPCOMING EVENT :: ActionCOACH Entrepreneurship Series

Thursday, 09 June 2022 @ 9:00 Join ActionCOACH Trevor Clark as he highlights the importance of our Youth getting business experience.

SPECIAL OFFER :: Microsoft 365 Solutions

The hybrid working model has been crucial for the survival of SMEs but with it has come some new cyber security sets. Mitigate these threats today by strengthening your organization’s security framework with Microsoft 365 solutions.

VIDEO: How compliant and secure is your SME’s data?

Join Jonathan Tullet (Research Manager IDC Sub-Saharan Africa) and Jaco Stoltz (CEO Startegix) as they discuss one of the top concerns for SMEs in South Africa. They talk broadly about data compliance and security.

How to boost sales with intent monitoring

Are you tired of cold calling clients hoping they are in the market to buy? Then you are in the right space. Intent monitoring is another tool to add to your marketing toolbox so that you can potentially make more successful conversions.

Small Business Detox: 6 behaviours to stop today

Do your staff often call in sick or stay off work regularly? Do you have a high turnover of staff members? Then it is time to examine the behaviours in your business because it may be a toxic environment.

Cybercrime is on the rise – is your business adequately protected?

The need for a digital evolution has become vital for all businesses. Many businesses in South Africa are not adequately protected against cybercrime, mainly due to a lack of information or the belief that “it won’t happen to me”.

Small businesses set to fuel South African economy with ambitious growth plans

Despite the challenges of operating through a pandemic, 87% of South African small businesses are optimistic about their outlook for 2022 and nearly two-thirds (62%) reported growth over the last year.

Digital economy for African SMEs

The growth of the digital economy has made it possible for people to participate in local and global economies but how can the digital economy help strengthen African SMEs?

What Google is doing to help brands build resilience and drive results

Join us at Google Marketing Live (GML) on demand for a keynote presentation, where we’ll announce new product innovations and share plans to help you prepare for the future of marketing

How to read and understand your medical aid to avoid paying for benefits you will never use

Medical schemes help us finance life’s curveballs when we can’t do it alone. It’s advisable to evaluate your medical aid coverage each year to make sure you have adequate cover for your needs or for any changes in your health.

Smart Fogging Solutions - a mom's vision for change

In this interview we find out more about Sandra Kathleen Venter (Owner/Founder of Smart Fogging Solutions), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

B Doyle and Associates Group - bringing four decades of proven industry expertise and reliable service

In this interview we find out more about Lynn Templeton (Managing Member of B Doyle and Associates Group), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Streamline your business with the right technology - Exploring Microsoft Dynamics 365

Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to entrepreneur and technology expert, Donovan Manuel (CEO - Link-Up ICT), about his business and what attracted him to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as well as the importance of cyber security.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: The 4 "I's" of Leadership with Lindie Malan (ActionCOACH)

In this webinar Lindie explores the 4 "I"s of leadership, being: Intentional, Inspirational, Influential and Impactful.

Business Boost :: How a "failure-is-not-an-option" mindset can help you overcome adversity

In this interview, the "failure is not an option" mindset is discussed, the importance of having the right mental state (when times get tough in life and business) is highlighted and practical tips are provided as to how to achieve this.

Learn to dream

The issue is that you learn what you want, and – more importantly – what you don’t want, as you navigate the journey of life. The starting point for me is actually learning to dream.

How to convert with conversation commerce

Let’s take a closer look at conversation commerce. In this type of commerce, we are looking at the digital process of buying an item. We look at how we can use messaging to make the online shopping experience more personal, enjoyable, and easier.

Tips to help get your small business funded in South Africa

Every SME looking for funding can learn a lesson from this: make sure what you present to the outside world, even in your personal capacity, is legit, and that you look, or more importantly, are credible to the highest degree.

Hire young workers and give your business a boost with the Employment Tax Incentive

The ETI is a widely beneficial tax benefit: employers are rewarded for hiring young people, and young people gain valuable work skills and experience. As a result, the private sector grows, and the economy strengthens.

Fixed-term contract employee or full-time employee: which is it?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty in most instances, like when to appoint someone as a part-time employee or full-time employee. As the economy is hankering toward the “normal”, employers may be sceptical about appointing...

Reap the benefits of cashless transactions

South Africa is already a cash-heavy economy as it is and this reliance on cash is financially and socially costly for the economy. This cost alone is estimated at approximately R88 billion per year.

Get your business into the cloud

Let’s take a look at what is the cloud?, how will your small business benefit from the cloud? And how can you migrate to the cloud?

Top companies share how Dynamics 365 and Teams empower employees to collaborate like never before

Leaders in their industries—insurance and legendary music brands—shared how Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Teams are helping them bring people, information, and processes together...

Business Boost :: Are you playing it safe? Why taking risks is so important to success.

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), speak about how taking risks is an essential part of achieving success in business and life.

ONLINE COURSE: Cybersecurity for Small and Medium Businesses: Essential Training

Discover this new course presented on LinkedIn Learning by Kristin Judge and brought to you by Microsoft.

13 ways to keep your business youthful

You’ve spent years building a business, now it’s time to monetise. But you’re not sure how to get your business to the next stage, maybe give it a fresh look or bring some youthfulness into the mix?

How to be a resilient business in SA during times of uncertainty

Businesses of all sizes have had to learn how to adapt and become resilient – in a very short amount of time. With the challenges posed by the pandemic, the ongoing load shedding struggles thanks to Eskom and...

Advice on navigating the new world of work from ProTalent’s Cindy Norcott

We also hear of careers becoming redundant within a few years as artificial intelligence takes over and singularity becomes the norm. Does this mark the end for the employee in South Africa?

How to keep track of small business financial transactions

You can easily manage all of your company’s financial transactions with a bit of planning and organisation. The following are the three major types of transactions that you must be aware of and keep records for:

Business ecosystems 101: creating fertile soil for business growth

Developing fertile environments within business industries is crucial for the growth of the economy as well as building up communities to become thriving places for commerce. But what does it take to build a business ecosystem?

Just like that? The voetstoots clause

In the normal course of operations, it will often be necessary for small businesses to purchase second-hand goods from local suppliers. In most cases, a voetstoots clause will affect the transaction.

How small businesses can navigate risk in a post-pandemic world

There is a cascade of complex new risks that entrepreneurs must contend with if they wish to successfully steer their business into the future. Here are some tips to help entrepreneurs navigate this new world.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How #AbsaSmallBizFriday can help your business get ahead

In this Q&A, you will discover more about this incredible nation-building initiative, get tips and insights from a successful small business owner, and learn how to maximise this opportunity to grow your business.

Business Boost :: How to achieve greater happiness and life success

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), speak about the role happiness plays in achieving success. They also look at "Happiness Factor" and share key tips and insights on how to live a happier life.

Business in a digital economy: Love Jacaranda

Mike Anderson (NSBC founder & CEO) and Christina Close (Love Jacaranda co-founder) discuss how to build a business during the boom of the digital economy and how to continue to make it successful.

6 steps to building your business with video marketing

According to Wyzowl’s the state of video marketing 2021 report, 94% of marketers say video has helped them increase their understanding of a product or service. 86% of say video has helped them generate leads...

Are end-to-end business solutions too complex and expensive for SMEs?

Many small and medium businesses (SMEs) still use a combination of standalone, on-premises business solutions for accounting, payroll and human resources (HR). Although these systems have served them well for many years...

The importance of a name

If indeed a brand is the single most important investment of a business, it isn’t surprising that the name (brand) of a medical scheme bears significant importance. Not only to the medical scheme and its members, but also to the public at large.

Ten tips for flu and COVID-19 vaccines

The seasons are changing and winter is on its way, which heralds the start of the ‘flu season’. We chat to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund on why a flu vaccine is recommended...

A guide to accessing funds that can help your small business

It takes money to run a business and there is a need for assisting and guiding SME owners to secure more funding, particularly given the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

How does Cindy Norcott do it?

How Does She Do It? is Cindy Norcott’s second instalment in her writing career, after her first book, How To Be Unstoppable reached best-selling acclaim.

Pinnacle Consulting - born from a passion to uplift and change the lives of others

In this interview we find out more about Wayden Barnes and Yeshika Peruman (Owners / Directors of Pinnacle Consulting), their business journey and why they believe South Africa should support small business.

Team meetings will buy your freedom

One of the most valuable systems you can implement in an organisation is a steady rhythm. This creates the pulse that your team works to, which in turn creates the steady pulse your organisation needs to thrive. How do you create this?

5 factors to consider before starting a business

There are many factors to consider before starting your business such as what product or service to launch and whether there is a market for it. You will also have to decide how you will fund your new venture...

How to generate online word of mouth for your SME

Word-of-mouth advertising is an age-old marketing strategy. But with the advent of the internet and social media networks, this conversation has become more public then in the past.

Learn about invoice finance with Capitalise

Invoice finance is a funding solution that can help you release cash from your outstanding invoices to ensure you have enough money in the business to pay your suppliers and continue growing.

How to survive as a local business during the times of load shedding

Load shedding is currently a frustrating factor of everyday life in South Africa. Here are seven strategies to help your business survive and thrive through days filled with power outages and uncertainty.

Can you commission documents virtually?

Not all day-to-day transactions are the same. In certain instances, physical engagement is a strict requirement. Commissioning of documents is a prime example, as it requires that all deponents are to appear in person...

The importance of partnerships

A strategic partnership is one of the ways that small business owners can expand their business and increase revenue without incurring drastic costs or necessarily increasing staff.

Adbot – empowers small- and medium-size businesses to effectively advertise

In this #AbsaSmallBizFriday interview, we find out more about Michelle Geere (CEO of Adbot), her business journey, and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

Common FAQ's regarding Start-up's

In this guide, find out answers to common frequently asked questions regarding start-ups.

FREE GUIDE :: Work fewer hours, increase productivity and profits

Knowing how to spend time is a skill more valuable than knowing how to make, manage, invest, and spend money. Get this free guide from ActionCOACH.

Business Boost :: Why small business owners should stop discounting their prices

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM), speak about how small businesses are often requested to discount their prices, the effect this has on the business, and why you should stand firm on your pricing.

Is there a work-life balance?

I am hectic. I am stressed. I am tired. I am exhausted. These are phrases we often repeat to ourselves as we hunt for the enigma of work-life balance. Very few people do balance well and that’s OK.

5 key concepts to remember when insuring your SME

As with insurance – and all things in life – honesty is always the best policy. And, when it comes to insurance – both business and personal – five concepts are key

How discounting can harm a business

Some salespeople have a tendency to think that giving a discount is the easiest, and quickest way to make a sale. Of course, they may be right, but what about the profit they are giving away?

All about COVID-19 vaccination boosters

Depending on which vaccine you received, you will either have had one or two initial vaccines doses and then, between two and six months afterwards are eligible for a booster.

How you can improve workplace health and wellness

Employee wellness is an important priority as a business owner. This article takes you through ways to improve the health and wellness of your workplace and your staff.

Imagin8 - Dream big, exceed those dreams, and dream even bigger

In this interview, we find out more about Adam Rabinowitz (owner, founder, and Chief Imaginator of Imagin8) his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

FREE GUIDE :: 2022 Talent Outlook - Trends & Uncertainties: A local perspective

In this guide you'll find out more about: hiring outlook, hybrid working; flexibility culture; diversity & inclusion and wellbeing.

3 ways to meet new hybrid expectations with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365

Discover new product innovations, from Microsoft, designed to help make hybrid work work.

ONLINE COURSE: Finance Essentials for Small Business

Manage your small business successfully with these finance essentials from accounting professors Jim and Kay Stice brought to you by Microsoft and hosted on LinkedIn Learning.

What is Nedbank Money Message?

Create and send invoices to your customers and receive payments into any bank account of your choice via WhatsApp. You don’t even need to be a Nedbank client to use Nedbank Money Message.

PODCAST :: The Business of Small Business

Discover more about "Building financially strong businesses, developing business solutions and supporting each other" with Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Telkom Business.

Launch My Startup: It's time to get your business off the ground

Want to be selected to get your FREE CIPC Company Registration and lifetime NSBC Membership?

REPLAY :: Love Jacaranda: Business in a digital economy

Join the NSBC and Vodacom Business for the latest instalment of the Fast Forward Series: Season 3 featuring Christina Close, Co-Founder Love Jacaranda - a successful online South African business.

How to minimize your credit risk when extending trade credit terms

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Mandy Pretorius (Experian Head of Product) as they discuss how to minimize your own credit risk / What to look for when extending trade credit terms?

Anyone can sell

If you are in business, you must sell. If you don’t like selling, then you should get out of business. No matter what level of the organization you are in, you are the chief rainmaker. You need to do marketing and selling.

The Business of Small Business: Building financially strong businesses, developing business solutions and supporting each other

Telkom Business will be looking at the different environments that small businesses find themselves operating in, what possible solutions exist for them and also how the public and private sectors can lend their support.

How to become financially fit – Experian’s United for Financial Health drive

How to become Financially Fit” and how Experian aims to help individuals and small businesses to recover from the past few years. Let’s see what they had to say.

Common FAQs regarding startups

Many startups have questions about how to run a business. Let’s look at six common frequently asked questions about startups when they consider shares and taxes.

Fact: No matter the size of your business, you need insurance

If the past two years have shown South African companies anything, it’s that no business can afford to be without insurance. Whether you’re a growing SMME or still starting up out of your garage, insurance is critical.

Crafting a successful business that buys you freedom

Money is a key resource required to invest in the business’s growth and once that has been achieved it will allow you to buy time and freedom. You can’t buy time and freedom at the exclusion of having a business that first generates strong cashflows

COVID-19: how and when might it all end?

COVID-19 has disrupted the world in so many ways, including the uncertainty of what the future holds. The Bonitas Medical Fund clinical and actuarial teams unpack some of the pandemic versus endemic terminology and offer scenarios for the future.

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: Job Crystal

In this interview, we find out more about Kelly Louw (COO of Job Crystal), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

Launch My Startup - Sponsoring 1000 new startups

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about the Launch My Startup initiative. Discover how you can be one of 1000 new startups who will be sponsored.

REPLAY :: Growth of the hybrid workplace: Technology driving SMMEs of the future

In this power-packed LIVE Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Thibault Dousson (General Manager of Lenovo Southern Africa).

UPCOMING EVENT :: ActionCOACH Entrepreneurship Series : Learn how to gain freedom in your business

14 April 2022 09:00 AM - This Freedom Month, join ActionCOACH Thabo Pitse as he discusses how your business should be a vehicle to support the life you want. If your business isn't giving you that FREEDOM make sure to join this.

REPLAY :: How to Become Financially Fit: Experian's "United for Financial Health" drive

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Ferdie Pieterse (Experian Africa CEO) about Experian's "United for Financial Health" drive and why it's so important that businesses get financially fit and credit savvy.

INFOGRAPHIC: The Empower Process

7 steps to help SMB leaders select the right business management solution

How do you establish your brand in Africa?

In a recent webinar at The Business Show :: Africa 2022, Mzamo Masito (Chief Marketing Officer for Google Africa), gave us some tips and tools to work on building a sustainable and successful brand.

Your SME, load shedding and insurance: what you need to know

Load shedding can make it tricky for many SMEs to keep their lights on and doors open. And, apart from its impact on your operations, load shedding comes with insurance considerations too.

Absa launches campaign to support small businesses

In a move aimed at supporting, growing and rewarding small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Absa has launched the Absa Small Business Friday campaign. The initiative comes at a time when SMEs are slowly finding their feet...

Right price: A path to running a profitable business

There are several methodologies you can use to set the prices for the products and services you sell. Many businesses take the easy way out by simply adding a markup to their costs and changing the price each time their expenses increase.

SMEs are key to driving e-commerce success in South Africa

The mere act of using your phone or computer to order things that you need, which then show up at your door within hours still seems quite magical. Add to this that those few clicks could boost South Africa’s economic recovery.

Unauthorised use of company property for private use, dismissible or not?

Using company property by an employee is a direct result of the existence of an employment relationship. Company property should therefore be used for work-related purposes only.

Demystifying small business funding

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, there has never been a time when a thorough awareness and knowledge of the different financing options available to them has been so vital.

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: Love Jacaranda

In this interview, we find out more about Christina Close (Co-Founder of Love Jacaranda), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR :: Data protection and security, what businesses need to know

6 & 26 April at 11:00 CAT - Data protection and security, what businesses need to know, our industry experts will discuss the importance of data protection, POPIA vs GDPR, risks and costs of data breaches and more.

The future of job creation is here!

Starting a business with little or no money but plenty of passion, perseverance and persistence is the way to go. Don’t allow not having startup capital to destroy your dreams. It’s time to change the mindset and go from zero to hero.

Understanding the digital economy: a quick breakdown

Whether you know it as the new economy, the web economy, the internet economy or the digital economy, the new way of doing business is here and it is becoming more prolific each year. But what is this new economy and how does one participate in it?

Solving unemployment by climbing a ladder

By understanding the concept we call the Entrepreneurial Ladder – you can be clear on where you are right now, and just how high you want (and are willing) to climb:

How to build employer-employee relationships in the digital world

The digital world has opened multiple channels you can use to build relationships with your employees. But how? And is it as effective as in-person contact? Though in-person contact is the best way to build relationships...

Unleash the power of your small business with Microsoft 365

We’re excited to expand on this SMB platform by rolling out a brand-new security offering. These new products are purpose-built to unleash the power of small businesses.

Protecting your business in divorce

When people get married, they always hope for ‘happily ever after,’ but the sad fact is that some marriages will end in divorce. Divorce affects families as well as businesses. How can you limit the risks?

How to set business goals during a VUCA world

Because of this unpredictability of the world, we need to become more agile in our goal creation. How do we set goals in a VUCA world?

It’s time to create your own ‘culture club’

A popular statement asserts that culture eats strategy for breakfast. This might be true, but it also may be just partly true. Good culture enables or empowers strategy while dysfunctional culture bites into strategy, or totally devours it.

Investing in your employee’s wellness is the smartest business decision you can make

Whether stress is high, moderate or low, leaders and employers must address the mental and emotional impact on employees, the risk of high levels of burnout, and lower productivity.

Business Boost :: Why it’s so important to support small business

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about the nation building-initiative, Small Business Friday (Sponsored by Absa) and why you need to get involved today.

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: Sage Wise

In this interview we find out more about Darshen Moodley (CEO & Founder of Sage Wise), his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR :: Growth of the hybrid workplace: Technology driving SMMEs of the future

Wednesday, 23 March 2022 @ 9:30 In this LIVE Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Thibault Dousson (General Manager of Lenovo Southern Africa) aboutthe growth of the hybrid workplace and the right technology for SMMEs.

WEBINAR :: How to Become Financially Fit - hosted at Breakfast Connect

Wednesday, 30 March 2022 @ 9:30 Join us for a morning of inspired virtual networking with Karen Woest (Product Manager Experian Africa) and discover how to minimize your own credit risk and what to look for when extending trade credit terms.

How to make your business more profitable

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they look at some key tips on how to increase your profits. It all starts with asking "Is my business doing what it should be doing?"

REPLAY :: How to build your brand in Africa

Join us for this highly insightful session where the Mzamo Masito (Chief Marketing Officer for Google Africa) shares how you can grow your business and build a successful brand in Africa.

FREE GUIDE :: Grow your business online

A simple step-by-step guide for small businesses to help them discover how to grow their business online. Learn about Google Search and Google Maps and how to be visible to your current and potential clients.

There is nothing small about the impact small businesses have on our economy

Small Business Friday is South Africa’s biggest small business movement and it’s back for the eleventh consecutive year. The movement is brought to the nation by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) and sponsored by Absa

10 ways to manage your cash flow and grow your profit

Why is management of cash so important? Think of it this way, cash is to business as what fuel is to your car. If you run out of fuel the car stops.

What is a business due diligence?

Due diligence is a thorough investigation into the legal and financial affairs of the entity. And the question of how thorough and to what extent the investigation must be done depends on the purpose of the investigation...

#EntrepreneurshipIssues: Is it really easy for SMMEs to secure funding?

As per my previous columns, I encourage small business owners to look for funding when they want to grow their businesses. However, I’ve been asking myself this question for a long time now – Is it that easy for SMMEs to access funding?

South Africa: gaining traction with start-ups

The Startup Genome’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report for 2021 was released recently and this is what it had to say about Africa as a region and some of the most prosperous ecosystems in Africa.

CIPC introduces artificial intelligence

The CIPC is constantly reinventing itself to offer its end-users and stakeholders the best service possible. The latest innovation at the organisation is the use of artificial intelligence.

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: Pharsyde Accounting

In this interview, we find out more about Tamryn Dicks (Owner of Pharsyde Accounting), her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

How to create an effective strategic plan for your business

Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss the importance of strategic planning for your business as well as some key pointers as to how to do this effectively to get ahead.

REPLAY :: The important link between financial and mental health when building a SMME

In this power-packed Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC) interviews Dr Nirmala Reddy (Nedbank) about the important link between mental and financial health.

Growing your small business through skills development

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC) and George Mushaike (W&RSETA) as they discuss the W&RSETA’s interventions to support the SMMEs through skills development.

Benefits of a Second New Year

Fortunately for most businesses, 1 March 2022 is actually the true start of the year. The financial year for most businesses starts on the first of March and therefore this is the critical time to take stock, refocus and realign...

The value of implementing a social media policy in your business

It is therefore really important to establish a social media policy that addresses all the different scenarios where social media is used, and can affect employees, the reputation and security of employers, and the privacy of their customers.

How the right technology can help empower SMEs in a hybrid environment

The right technology provides not just productivity, but personal connectivity. Video conferencing tools and collaboration platforms have played a critical role in maintaining visibility among colleagues and keeping employees efficient.

South Africa grows number of women business owners, despite challenges – Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs

Despite the gender gap and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in South Africa are making progress as entrepreneurs, indicating a strong will and determination to survive.

Create, send and get your invoices paid on WhatsApp with Nedbank Money Message

Whatever your business, you can now create and send invoices to your customers and receive payments into any bank account of your choice via WhatsApp.

6 reasons why a business credit report is invaluable

A business credit report has become a litmus test for companies that want to establish solid foundations and build trusted reputations. It’s an important part of putting your business on the map...

How SMEs can win the battle for talent

When it comes to talent, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are fishing in exactly the same pool as large companies who are offering well-established employee brands, multiple career path opportunities and bigger remuneration packages.

WEBINAR :: Growing your small business in 2022 through skills development

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and George Mushaike (W&RSETA’s Senior Regional Manager) as they discuss The W&RSETA’s interventions to support the SMMEs through skills development. Register here. 09 March 2022 @ 09:30

Good is not good enough. How to do more great work and live a great life

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about strategies and ways to move forward in our quest to get ahead.

#StartupStory: In the Loop with Kimberly Taylor

Loop is an adaptable, intuitive delivery management platform that empowers companies by enabling them to cleverly optimise and scale their delivery systems.

Start 2022 on a positive note with these business’ finance tips

As a small business owner, it is a no brainer that financial planning is critical for survival. We encourage you to get your financial house in order by preparing a financial road map for the year ahead.

Tech trends small businesses should be considering in 2022

The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, and businesses that don’t tap into these trends risk being left behind. Investing in new technology might seem like a burden, but in the long term it will free businesses up to focus on growth...

Embrace uncertainty in the business world

Before we look at techniques or strategies to deal with uncertainty better, we need to understand the difference between uncertainty and risk. The difference between the two has to do with the level of predictability between the two.

The importance of e-commerce and online marketplaces for SMMEs

Using a major e-commerce or online marketplace platform to sell their goods and services can allow businesses to increase their visibility through lead generation tools.

How to register a trademark in South Africa

Names, brands and slogans have power in business. Establishing your ownership of and rights to a business name is an important first step for a business that wants to make sure that their name remains one-of-a-kind.

WIN a R10,000 Takealot voucher!

What type of business owner are you? A personality quiz gives insight into your leadership style. Are you an Oprah or an Elon? Find out today - and you could win a R10,000 Takealot voucher!

Importance of experiencing failure

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about failure and the value of it looking at it in a new light - as something highly beneficial in life and business.

The Business of Small Business

Join Telkom Business as they host different conversations around small business: the state of the small business environment in South Africa, the shifts experienced during COVID-19, the current outlook and how we can all lend our support.

How to fall (BACK) in love with your business

Often, the initial goal or intention is forgotten, so much focus has been placed on managing the day-to-day of the business. When we lose focus we lose the love, the passion, and all the things. So, how do you fall back in love with your business?

Deep Work: the new competitive edge

Deep work is setting aside time in your day to work without being distracted. This means switching off all your notifications and closing your door...

4 mistakes every new entrepreneur should avoid

As a startup entrepreneur or a first-timer in the world of business, you are bound to make mistakes. It’s okay, it happens to the best of us and we all have horror stories.

Getting tax-savvy for your small business

Has your upcoming tax return got you feeling a bit under pressure? Perhaps you are not sure where to start? We have drafted five quick tips to help your tax return go smoothly and avoid any sudden non-compliance.

How to prepare your people and business for sustainable growth

In this article, we offer advice on how to manage these challenges in your business in a way that supports sustainable growth for everyone.

Boost your small business with gig workers

According to a report by Investec about the gig economy, there are 3.9 million gig workers in South Africa. So, how can small business use gig workers to boost their business?

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: Adbot

In this interview, we find out more about Michelle Geere, CEO of Adbot, her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

REPLAY :: A good credit score - how to get there? How to fix your credit profile?

Join us for a power-packed Q&A with Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Paul Nel (Head of Innovation - Experian Africa) plus an unmatched virtual networking experience. Friday, 11 February 2022 @ 09:30

#TheBizShowSA: Speakers have been announced

Meet our exciting line-up of industry leaders and experts for The Business Show :: Africa - 02 - 04 March 2022. Book your sessions today!

#TheBizShowSA: Bookings are open!

The Business Show :: Africa is back! Join us on 02 - 04 March 2022 for a power-packed programme of webinars, live Q&As, networking and exhibits. Book now

Rekindle your passion for your small business

Do you live for the weekend? Are you constantly being distracted while working on your business? Do you feel like throwing in the towel? Then it’s time to rekindle your passion for your small business.

How to start a business without capital

Starting a business with no money might seem impossible, but it’s often entirely doable with some clever planning. What’s more, it will teach you to be creative and entrepreneurial and make you less likely to dig into your savings.

Understanding your personal credit score and how it works

What is a credit score? A credit score, also known as a credit rating, is a number that reflects the likelihood of you repaying money you want to borrow.

4 ways to fall in love with your business

How do you as a business owner: Work harder on yourself, Become better, Gain more skills? The answer is simple – you need to make the decision to fall in love with learning

Insuring your SMME: Back to basics

Now that you’ve created your letterheads, set up your bank account, secured clients and perhaps even employed some expert support, it’s vital to ensure that your passion is safeguarded. Because failing to plan simply means planning to fail.

SMS Regulations in South Africa

South Africa has a robust and strict regulatory environment for SMS messaging. Several laws provide a framework for the mobile messaging industry regulations.

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: JOBJACK

In this interview, we find out more about Christiaan van den Berg, Co-CEO of JOBJACK, his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

The business value of a credit report

A business credit report is less an unpleasant necessity and more an artist’s paintbrush. It paints the picture of your business, showcasing its financial capabilities and opening doors to credit facilities.

UPCOMING EVENT:: You´re Invited to Google for South Africa 2022

You're invited to the second edition of Google for South Africa virtual event. Friday, 09 February 2022 @ 10:00 (Use this access code when registering: 8D449D72F2C22680)

GIFT VOUCHER:: Want to run a better and more successful business?

Get your complimentary session with a Certified ActionCOACH Business Coach valued at R3995.00.

RADIO INTERVIEW :: Business Boost: How to become financially fit

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about the NSBC's Financially Fit Campaign.

SPECIAL OFFER FROM VW:: The next generation of the much-loved Caddy is here.

Introducing the new Caddy Cargo and Caddy Kombi, with a stylish design and advanced driving features - transport solutions that are made for your business.

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE: Show your business a little love

Do you feel stuck? A business idea is brewing in your mind but you struggle to see where to begin. Download ActionCOACH’s simple business plan and quick marketing plan guide today and see your business come alive.

What are your customers doing on your website?

The average person searches on Google three to four times every single day and that the search engine processes over 3.5 billion searches daily? What this means for businesses is that their customers are pretty much always online.

12 solid gold tips from a successful serial entrepreneur

Starting a business isn’t easy! You need to make sure that your dedication and zeal can weather storms and bounce back from disappointments. Lets have a look at 12 tips from a successful serial entrepreneur.

Unlocking the power of loyalty and rewards programmes is easier than you think

Brett White, CEO of independent QR-code and URL-based mobile payments and rewards platform, Zapper, looks at how businesses can use loyalty & reward programmes to better understand their customers and, help influence their buying behaviour.

Learn about asset finance with Capitalise

Buying new machinery, plant or equipment is an essential part of business growth. But ever find it racks up hefty upfront costs that put pressure on your business? We’ve partnered with Capitalise to help you understand asset finance.

#AbsaSmallBusinessFriday business of the week :: React24

In this interview, we find out more about Celeste Margo Le Roux Co-Founder of React 24, her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

How to fall in love with your business

We have Marlene Powell, presenting on how YOU as the business owner can reignite the passion in your business and learn to LOVE what you do whilst building a Commercial Profitable Business that Works with YOU!

5 ways of overcoming the fear to start your business in 2022

Fear is a great emotion and very necessary to ensure our survival. We need to balance the logic with the emotion to allow you to take a step forward. So I’ve put together five easy ways of doing just that.

How to build a core team for your business

Let’s see how you can build a core team that will help you to expand into a bigger and better business when the growth opportunities arrive.

Be wary of credit repair scammers on the prowl

Consumers should be careful of those claiming to improve credit scores and fix credit reports overnight, especially if charging an upfront fee.

The importance of e-commerce and online marketplaces for SMMEs

On the back of the pandemic, e-commerce and online marketplace platforms will continue to grow in South Africa and small and medium businesses can expect to benefit immensely from this growth.

How can SMEs survive a VUCA world?

Riots, pandemics, and power outages create a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). But how can your SME survive in a world where it feels like you are surrounded by never-ending chaos.

Working from home: Yes, it’s different to working at work

Working from home has become the norm and it’s difficult to predict when things will go back to ‘normal’. But many corporate culture experts predict that a hybrid home/office model is the way of the future.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How to become financially fit

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Thabo Hermanus (Experian Africa) for a power-packed Q&A on the role of the credit bureau and how your credit score works.

Featured business of the week :: Noble Prosperity

In this interview, we find out more about Renate Jute, owner of Noble Prosperity, her business journey and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

WEBINAR REPLAY: Sales Indaba: How to get the cash to flow in your business

Watch this power-packed Q&A with Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and discover how you can kick off 2022 with more sales.

UPCOMING EVENT: Breakfast Connect - Discover how to become financially fit

Friday, 28 January 2022 @ 9:30 Join us for a power-packed Q&A with Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Thabo Hermanus (Chief – Credit & Bureau Services, Experian Africa) plus an unmatched virtual networking experience.

Experian and NSBC partner to help South African SMEs improve their financial health

Experian and the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) have announced a new programme to improve the financial fitness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Trends that will shape your small business in 2022

The world has moved online and entire industries are blossoming on the Internet through innovations and digital solutions that not only cater to the needs of the business but also prioritise the Customer Experience.

An economic overview: looking back at 2021 and expectations for 2022

This article provides an economic overview of 2021, both internationally and locally, and a view of expectations for 2022.

Help your employees kickstart a side hustle

From running an e-commerce store selling homemade crafts to restoring furniture in out of a garage - South Africans are skilled at turning their passions into profit.

Four steps to SME business success in 2022

As the country now enters another year of the pandemic, but with the green shoots of a recovery starting to appear, SMEs can take the lessons learned and adapt to the “new normal”.

Relaxed lockdown could be to thank for rapid decline in COVID-19 cases

Members who were vaccinated demonstrated significantly better protection against severe illness, and barely a handful, mostly older people with co-morbidities, were hospitalised in the fourth wave.

How to get BEE certified with the CIPC

Customers can apply for a BEE certificate (i.e. Affidavit), as a stand-alone, whilst registering a private company or during the filing of an annual return. The service is open to customers with a South African ID document.

Featured business of the week :: Filmer.tv

In this interview, we find out more about Peri Van Papendorp and Janez Vermeiren, Co-Founders of Filmer.tv, their business journey and why they believe South Africa should support small business.

PODCAST: World of Work: Rebuilding the world of business

Mike Anderson, Founder and CEO of National Small Business Chamber, joins 702's Aubrey Masango to discuss how to start a business with a few resources.

Sales Indaba: How to get the cash to flow in your business

Join us on 21 January 2022 @ 9:30 for this power-packed Q&A with Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) plus a one hour networking power hour.

Three trends that will impact SMEs big-time in 2022

Business owners need to be aware of the trends and innovations that are driving business in a new world. Here are three key trends of ‘what works’ that will help SMEs significantly in 2022 – to accelerate growth and boost profits.

5 strategic habits to help you conserve your cash in business

Is your business leaking money on low return-on-investment items? Then it is time to conserve your cash so that you can build a strong and prosperous company in the future.

PayFast’s top 5 payment trends for 2022

We believe the theme for 2022 will be frictionless payment processes that minimise the barriers of buying. Specifically, those that promote faster checkouts, as well as inclusion and access to the digital economy.

Learn how to register your domain via CIPC

The CIPC offers a range of integrated services to date, including the registration of a private company and acquiring a SARS tax number, UIF, and Compensation Fund reference numbers in a seamless manner.

How employee wellness affects your business

When you think of improving your bottom line, employee wellness is probably not at the top of your list. Studies show, though, that investing in employee wellness typically delivers great returns

The future of work is flexibility

Our challenge now is to find ways to shape a new world of work that keeps us authentic, engaged, and innovative, and that also allows our culture and social capital to thrive.The culture you build within your SME is the departure point.

Fast Success. What we must stop and start doing now

Before we move onto the success factor, we need to know what causes slow progress, a mediocre journey and often failure. Let’s summarise what we must STOP doing now, so we can move to a more positive conversation.

Unstoppable: The spirit of an entrepreneur and the winding road to success

Leanne Rhodes met up recently with Mike Anderson, Renate Jute (Owner of Noble Prosperity) and Shakeel Karijeker (Owner of Global Unique Fabrics) to discuss the spirit of an entrepreneur and what the road to success looks like.

Grow your business with a new digital business card

Webcard, a new digital business card that will help you promote your products and services to new customers, and help your networking with other members as you grow your business.

SMEs of Tomorrow – tips to drive growth in 2022

Experts speculate that digital transformation(DT), COVID-19 awareness, shifting supply-chain trends, and operational optimisations are among the key areas where SMEs can drive improvements, and thrive in 2022.

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance

As an employer, how do you keep your people happy? Here are five tips to encourage a healthy work-life balance in your business.

A smarter way to work: Leading a streamlined business and an action-packed life

Using technology like Xero at NML means the team can find a better balance and not feel guilty about taking time to do the things they love – whether it’s going for a surf or a run in the mountains

Here’s how insurers can protect SMEs in 2022 and beyond

Technology gives insurers the ability to provide an individual customer experience, with AI, user-friendly apps and chatbots driving a range of digital-first, human-friendly services that are tailored to the exact needs of their clients.

How to speed up your success going into 2022

As we are now closing in on 2022, business owners and entrepreneurs everywhere need to uplift their game and fine-tune strategies so as to succeed beyond all expectations.

5 virtual selling trends to look out for

According to Mckinsey, about 80 per cent of buyers prefer virtual selling because it is easier to schedule and the travel costs are lowered. With these statistics in mind, what are the trends for virtual selling?

Black Friday 2021 breaks PayFast records once again

Following a record-breaking Black Friday / Cyber Monday period in 2020, it’s not surprising that this year we once again broke records with this year’s total online transaction volumes increasing by a further 34%.

SMEs of tomorrow – tips to drive growth in 2022

xperts speculate that digital transformation(DT), COVID-19 awareness, shifting supply-chain trends, and operational optimisations are among the key areas where SMEs can drive improvements, and thrive in 2022.

Local SMEs turn to low-risk growth capital ahead of festive season

Small businesses across the country are turning to non-interest bearing financing options in an effort to secure growth funding ahead of the festive season.

Get BEE certified via the CIPC platforms

The CIPC, since its inception, has been progressively offering a number of company-related services to its customers. One of the offerings is concerning the BEE certificate (i.e. Affidavit) that exempted micro enterprises can apply for.

Vicarious liability of employers in terms of the Protection Of Personal Information Act

At its heart, the Act seeks to enhance the constitutional right to privacy, give data subjects some form of control over their personal information and ensure that organisations processing information do so in line with POPIA.

Webinar Replay :: IoT (Internet of Things) for Small Businesses

In this live Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) interviews Vusi Mngomezulu (Head of Sales at IoT.nxt) about the Internet of Things (IoT) Technology and how it can transform your business. Brought to you by Vodacom.

Business Boost :: How to speed up your success going into 2022

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about what is to come in 2022 and how to fine tune our stategies to prepare for the new year and how to speed up your success.

South Africa: gaining traction with start-ups

The Startup Genome’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report for 2021 was released recently and this is what it had to say about Africa as a region and some of the most prosperous ecosystems in Africa.

10 management lessons to live by

We can’t get away from the fact that management skills have had to be scrutinised even more than before since the pandemic kicked in. We are all facing a multitude of challenges on top of the usual work and personal stress we were accustomed to.

Smart marketing: you’ve got mail

Digital marketing has many elements but one which is cost-effective and viable for SMEs to pursue is e-mail marketing. E-mails are important in converting clicks into clients. Let’s take look at eight questions around CRMs and email strategies.

5 ways SMMEs can become competitive in e-commerce

A few years ago, the majority of South Africans had never made a single purchase online. Today, the local e-commerce market has experienced a massive boom as lockdown restrictions made online shopping feel like the only option.

PayFast launches second e-commerce performance index

From the rise of contactless payments to the boom in social commerce, the pandemic has significantly altered consumer expectations when it comes to making purchases online.

The important link between financial and mental health when building a successful small, medium or microenterprise

Stress and anxiety are often dubbed the ‘silent killers’ of SMEs, so being able to access holistic business and financial support that helps to alleviate the stress of business owners and employees is key to ensuring the survival of any business.

6 entrepreneurial lessons learned the hard way

or some reason, many people think the word ‘entrepreneur’ is synonymous with success. They don’t see the hard work, the skinned knees, the effort it takes to get up and try again after you’ve fallen.

Business Boost :: Be Brutal on the Money

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about being "brutal on the money" and how to protect yourself from financial disruptions in your business.

Webinar Alert :: Disruption is inevitable - thriving in a post-pandemic world

Monday, 29 November 2021 @ 14:00 As 2021 draws to a close we now look ahead at the promise of a Future of Work. It’s time now to develop renewed strategies to attract, retain and shape high-preforming talent models.

All the winners of the 2021 South African Small Business Awards are announced

South Africa’s Top 20 Finalists, Special Award Winners and the Main Category Award Winners have been announced.

Business Boost - Small Business in the Spotlight

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about the 2021 South African Small Business Awards, what it takes to become a business champion, why there is a local and global emphasis on small business.

Future-proofing your small business to weather the storm

When talking about the future, we need to look at the current situation and this may be uncomfortable at times, but we must plan to recover and future-proof our small business. But how can we do it

Grow your business with customer surveys

Customer surveys can help you gather critical intel on what opinions your customer has about your business.

Boost your digital marketing skills with Forge Academy

Forge Academy in partnership with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) offers 6 digital marketing courses in the following disciplines:

6 ways to bubble-wrap your small business

All companies are prone to risk but being properly prepared can save you from the worst.

Mastercard Economics Institute: Small business creation in South Africa grew 13% from 2019 to 2020

To shed light on the impact of the global health crisis and the ongoing recovery thereof that has had a significant impact on small businesses globally, Mastercard has released Recovery Insights

Webinar Replay :: E-commerce growth in South Africa and Financing Solutions

Join Global Sourcing Fair South Africa and Global Sources International and discover in how to tap into the e-commerce industry in South Africa and various SME financing options and considerations.

Business Boost with Mix 93.8 FM

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) as they talk about the state of small business, the startup revolution and what it takes to bounce back and be successful.

The Top 20 winners are announced for the 2021 South African Small Business Awards

The NSBC in association with World Famous Events, has today announced South Africa’s ‘Top 20’ for the 2021 South African Small Business Awards.

How to stand out in a crowded and noisy digital world

Are you finding that your brand is being swallowed up in a digital crowd? Are you struggling to get traction on your social media ads? If this sounds familiar to you then sit tight as we explain how you can stand out in a crowded digital world.

4 steps to building an online community

Online communities. This strategy looks at creating a place online for individuals interested in your brand to gather and interact with each other.

5 ways to level up into a small business

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for taking a start-up to the next level. Deciding to take this leap is exciting, but it’s not without risks. Planning ahead and seeking sound advice can position you to navigate the challenges and opportunities.

Platform technology: a big boost for the democratisation of payments

The real power of platforms is demonstrated when delivering services equitably, easily and at scale. In the rapidly evolving world of payments, platforms are game changers.

Sales hunters are now an endangered species

You may have the best product, service and offering, but if people don’t know that you exist, you are never going to sell it. If you want to stand out from your competitors, it’s time to develop your sales hunting skills.

The role of technology in helping local delivery entrepreneurs reach success

Long after the pandemic has ended, the logistics industry will remain the lifeblood of our economy. Therefore, implementing data-driven, smart, and informative technology solutions should be non-negotiable.

What is a transactional SMS and why should you use it?

What makes using SMS for transactional notifications so effective? The answer lies in the very nature of text messages, and it is why so many businesses are using transactional messages to streamline their processes.

An increasingly common life-changing disease

Cancer remains a silent killer that threatens the lives of many in South Africa. Facing this potentially deadly disease may result in life-long scars, often leaving one discouraged and feeling defeated.

How to build a smart office for your SME

And what are the real benefits of a smart office? In this article, we will look at the jargon and benefits of a smart office and how you can build one. You may be surprised by how many smart tools you are already using.

The 4 biggest challenges facing sales

When training and coaching salespeople, I always highlight four key areas. If you’re lacking in one of these areas, you are never going to reach your true sales potential. This remains true, regardless of the impact of COVID-19

How to prepare your online store for Black Friday 2021

To ensure a successful Black Friday, it’s important to have a strategy in place to make sure you have all the resources needed to meet your customers’ expectations and to avoid any nasty surprises.

What you didn’t know about medical schemes in South Africa

South African medical aid schemes play an important role in the healthcare industry of the country. Without medical aids, many South Africans will not able to afford the quality healthcare that private medical practitioners and hospitals provide.

Seasonality and Small Business: How South Africa’s SMEs can plan for the festive season

An accurate cashflow forecast means creating a rolling 12-month spreadsheet and a commitment to update it every month. In this way, businesses can anticipate cash flow shortages, and be able to plan for uncertain times.

How can SMEs survive a VUCA world?

How can your SME survive in a world where it feels like you are surrounded by never-ending chaos. Let’s take a look at four ideas of an SME surviving in a VUCA world.

Humanizing and Personalizing the banking experience

Infobip is hosting a complimentary webinar on 2 November at 11:00. Their CX and Industry experts will discuss the importance of mobile channels for banks and financial institutions, industry best practices and more.

The DNA of a Sales Guru

In this article, we will look at what is in the DNA of a Sales Guru. Then we will see how you can look at it and take from the primary elements in the DNA and implement them for you to experience greater success.

The cost of cybercrime for SMEs

Depending on whose numbers you believe, cybercrime will cost the global economy anything between $1 trillion and $6 trillion this year alone.

Medical Aid terms to understand before seeking quotes in South Africa

Getting medical aid quotes in South Africa is not too hard – most schemes today offer an easy way to access their quoting system. When you do not know what you are being quoted for, however, the process can get a little tricky.

#EntrepreneurshipIssues: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

The income that comes from the cash-based section of a business is meant to supplement the service business’ cashflow and close the gap when clients either have delayed or not paid at all.

Tech for business the Incredible way

When it comes to supporting small businesses, Incredible Connection is all business. For over two decades, we’ve offered leading tech, first-to-market innovations, finance options, and tech support that deliver practical solutions for every business.

Podcast 101 – your guide to get on the air

By creating a podcast, you may be able to bring more awareness about your products or service and you can leverage yourself as an industry leader with your podcast. But how do you create one?

How to start an online business

Find out what it takes to start and run an online business. And learn how it differs from a regular brick-and-mortar operation. This guide includes tips and insights from experts and owners who’ve done it all before.

Never surrender – from start-up to greatness

Mike Anderson (Founder & CEO of the NSBC) has spent many years researching and participating in the entrepreneurial journey and identified some key ingredients to becoming an entrepreneurial legend. Let’s look at these 12 key ingredients.

Marketing automation: an SME guide

By automating your processes you can keep a keen eye on your marketing efforts and see which ones are successful and what needs a better process. Let’s look at how to automate your marketing.

NFC versus QR code payments – there’s room for both

As the demand for contactless payments increases, business owners are debating whether to adopt NFC or QR codes as the best technology. But, both have a path forward in mobile payments, says Zapper CEO Brett White.

7 ways for SMEs to manage their risks

While it’s impossible to prevent incidents, well-prepared businesses can manage their risks through a comprehensive business insurance portfolio that mitigates the damages and after-effects.

Multifunctional printers: multitasking powerhouses for SMEs

Small businesses always seem to do a lot with very little and having access to one of these powerhouse printers will give you solutions that will make your working day a lot easier.

5 tips to boost empathy in the workplace

Many people have cognitive empathy but few can engage or take action to support someone when they have recognised the emotion. So how do you boost empathy in the workplace?

Webinar Replay :: From startup to greatness

Are you willing to go after success? Do you have a clear vision? Do you have a burning desire? Are you willing to fail? If so, you are well on your way to succeeding.

How to rebuild your business after a national crisis

Crises. They come whether global or local, your small business will encounter a crisis at one time or another but how can you rebuild when you have been brought to your knees?

5 productivity tips to help drive small business growth

With the right technology, you can save time, generate more leads, and enable new, more productive ways of working. Here are five productivity tips to help your growing business thrive and adapt.

What is QR code standardisation and why do we need it?

What exactly is QR code standardisation and how would it affect businesses, consumers, and payment providers?

SA’s small businesses to focus on financial literacy, boosting revenue and tech adoption amid COVID-19’s lasting consequences

Almost two thirds of small business owners in South Africa are concerned with overcoming financial instability. Xero is setting out nine recommendations for the government and wider business community to make life easier for small firms.

Digitalisation in South Africa: From recovery to success

Digitalisation was already underway when COVID-19 began its rapid global spread, although many South African business owners had not yet felt the immediate impact of this trend.

The 2021 SA Small Business Awards – How to make your entry stand out

Celebrating the importance and success of small businesses in South Africa, entries for the 2021 South African Small Business Awards will be closing soon. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when entering.

Post-pandemic goal setting for your SME

As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic and more vaccines are administered and more businesses start to open, what is your goal for your SME? How can you set goals for a post-pandemic world? Let’s look at six ways to set a goal for your SME.

Why CRM systems are key to the growth of South African SMEs

In this article, we’ll be focusing on one of the key trends that was identified in particular: the increased adoption by South African SMEs of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

Marketing for SMMEs during a crisis

Marketing is crucial to any business whether or not you make sales; continuous communication of your product or service must be made to the potential consumer. Otherwise, one runs the risk of having their product or service forgotten.

Nedbank ensures there are big things in store for small businesses

Nedbank is launching its Big Things for Small Business campaign, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to win their share of R1 million.

4 tips on how businesses can navigate today’s complex risks

It is important to note that having good risk management practices, updated safety training for employees and clients alike, as well as a solid plan for the new normal can influence whether or not a business makes it past this next hurdle.

How to choose the best printer for your SME

Trying to match the right copier/printer to your business can be quite overwhelming. Do you choose a cheaper model and hope that it meets your current business requirements, or do you go for the new, pricey model....

TikTok: is it fad or the emerging standard in social media

TikTok. Depending on who you speak to some may say it is the sound of a grandfather clock in the hallway or the fastest-growing social media platform in recent years. But is it a fad or an emerging new platform which SMEs need to take note of?

The art of being paid: A free kit to help your business speed up late payments

While several large South African companies pledged to pay SMEs faster, the issue of late payments still looms large. So what can businesses do to work with their clients and customers to ensure timely payments are being made in full?

South Africa’s top start-ups and small businesses are making world-wide waves – here’s how you can join them

we explore the three factors that have enabled South Africa’s top small businesses to grow and scale successfully: getting the right tools for the job, making their sales processes more efficient, and delivering unparalleled customer experience.

The benefits of SMS

SMS provides a simple and cost-effective way of communicating with customers, but the benefits go far beyond that. Which is exactly why it remains an essential part of communication and marketing strategies.

Choosing a medical aid when you are on a budget

It is important that the medical aid you choose will meet your health needs. Do not compromise on your health. Make sure you get more for less. Rather pay a bit more now and save in the future.

Back to better: everything you need to know about cash flow

Dext is your go-to platform for getting on top of business finances – and back to an even better place. We put you in control of your business within minutes, giving you all the tools you need to capture, upload and track your cashflow

Nominate a small business you admire and they could win up to R100 000 in interest-free funding + more

Join the CapeTownMagazine.com and Lulalend initiative to put deserving small businesses, from anywhere in the country and any sector of the economy, in the spotlight.

The mistakes, the myths and the best advice when starting a business

There is no right or wrong time to start. But there is no better time than the present to start a business. A global start-up revolution is happening now.

The on-demand economy: an SME guide

In this article we will define what is the on-demand economy, what does the workforce look like, and how can small businesses use the on-demand economy to build their business.

Why PR is so important for small businesses

PR services do not have to be expensive – SMMEs can start building their brand with very small budgets and use social media to keep their brands top of mind to potential and existing customers.

What should you do if your business is hacked?

Statistically speaking, being hacked is more an issue of ‘when’ and not ‘if’, with a small business being successfully hacked every 19 seconds in the UK. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a hack or data breach, it can be easy to panic.

Giraffe: The technology behind the mobile platform tackling South Africa’s unemployment crisis

South African mobile recruitment platform, Giraffe, was founded with a clear mission – to help people find jobs, and change lives in the process. In a country where one in four people are unemployed, the platform is sorely needed.

Here’s how to make your medical aid comparison process a little easier

For many South Africans the idea of paying a hefty hospital bill is enough to make them run for the hills. Private healthcare in the country is costly, but fortunately, there are plenty of medical aid schemes to choose from

A head start for your start up

When it comes to tech, Incredible Connection is all business. For the past 26 years, we have not only offered the widest range of leading tech brands and made first-to-market innovation accessible to all businesses – big and small

Webinar Alert :: E-commerce growth in South Africa and Financing Solutions

Join Global Sourcing Fair South Africa and Global Sources International for a webinar on 23 SEPTEMBER 2021 at 10:30 (SAST) in how to tap into the e-commerce industry in South Africa and various SME financing options and considerations.

10 powerful insights for your strategic planning day

Here are 10 insights to plan your day strategically.

How to partner with a social media influencer to promote your brand

Whether we love them or hate them, there’s no denying the power that social media influencers have over their followers. Their endorsement or denouncement of a product or service can literally make or break a brand’s credibility.

Webinar Replay - The DNA of a Sales Guru

Hosted at The Business Show :: Africa. Join Mark Keating (SALESGURU CEO) as you learn how to develop a winning mindset, increase your activities, improve your sales skills, and reach your goals.

Webinar Replay :: Never Surrender - From Startup to Greatness

Hosted at The Business Show :: Africa If you apply the tips by Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO), they will help you succeed in business and in life.

Webinar Replay :: Unstoppable: The spirit of an entrepreneur and the winding road to success

Join Leanne Rhodes (NBSC Creative Director) as she interviews Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO), Renate Jute (Owner of Noble Prosperity) and Shakeel Karjieker (Ownber of Global Unique Fabrics).

Webinar Replay :: Stand out in a crowded digital world

Join Leanne Rhodes (NSBC Creative Director) as she discusses branding strategies to give your business that unique edge.

Webinar Replay :: Future proofing small business to weather the storm

Join Anita Opperman(Mastercard - Commercial Sales Specialist) as she discusses how to drive your cash flow, better manage your finances and discover new reliable and trustworthy tools and solutions to meet the needs of fast-evolving consumers.

Webinar Replay :: Smart Marketing: You’ve got mail!

Join Ines Rosef Ingram (Pine3 Marketing CEO) & Mike Anderson (NSBC FOUnder & CEO) in the 3rd installment of the Fast Forward Series - Season 3 brought to you by Vodacom.

Webinar Alert :: A specialised employee benefit solution for the SMME Industry

Kick start 2022 with our exciting, technologically advanced human capital solutions - benefitting your employees and your bottom line.

The South African Small Business Awards to recognise entrepreneurial excellence

The prestigious South African Small Business Awards recognises the tireless journey, hard work and outstanding achievements of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurial Success.

4 key small business marketing statistics for 2021

2021 has been a rollercoaster of a year, but let’s look at four key small business marketing statistics for the world and South Africa.

How to build an SMS database the right way

So, you’ve got a great SMS marketing campaign idea and you’re all set to hit send, but do you even know who your SMSes are going to?

Webinar Replay :: Wellness Workshop

When staff members are able to access the wellness tools and healthcare they need; businesses stand to benefit from improved productivity and a more engaged workforce.

Webinar Replay :: Introducing getlion™️ - Africa's go-to platform for entrepreneurs

Want to find out more about the mobile app, where you can access knowledge, tools & services, funding, rewards and a first-of-it’s-kind marketplace to sell online. Use this access Passcode: Getlion2@2@

Webinar Replay :: Effective Sales Management in a changed world

How to focus on leading a sales team and the management of high-yield activities that ensure not only that the target is met, but a healthy pipeline is being created.

No time like now for start-ups and SMMEs

For entrepreneurs and those who have dreamed of starting their own business one day, right now is the best time to launch a small business, or to change the trajectory of existing small, micro or medium enterprises (SMMEs).

8 steps to building a sustainable small business

Many entrepreneurs start a business to leave a legacy for those who will follow them, but is your company built to be sustainable?

Tips for growing your career as a female founder

Here are five pieces of actionable advice for female entrepreneurs, accountants, and professionals:

#WomensMonth: If you want something, go get it

It takes time for people to recognise true talent, so don’t let doubt put you down. Your story may just be beginning but your pursuit of happiness will pay off, given patience and drive.

Telkom pledges support valued from R10m to rebuild small businesses in aftermath of unrest

The Telkom SME Relief initiative, currently valued at R10 million, is aimed at providing aid to small business owners to rebuild their businesses and to urge South Africans and the private sector to rally behind SMEs.

The Young Entrepreneur’s Playbook

In a time of crisis and unpredictability, Lindile Xoko has written a guide, a playbook, a step-by-step ‘how to’ for the budding entrepreneur. The Young Entrepreneur’s Playbook

Vodacom’s Fast Forward Series continues to nurture small-business success

Currently in its third season, after successfully debuting in 2019, the aim of the free-to-attend series is to drive meaningful change and growth that enables crucial digitalisation within the SME business environment.

Webinar Alert :: Key strategies to boost shopping sales and deliver a better shopping experience

26 August @ 10:00 Learn how to build a seamless customer experience and boost retail and ecommerce sales with this webinar from Infobip.

5 steps to projecting professionalism online

With many meetings going online, appearing professional has become a prerequisite. Here are five quick steps to project a professional image online.

How to get clients and build your customer base

The search for new clients and customers drives most businesses. However, finding new customers is one of the most difficult challenges

Get yourself registered for Xero Roadshow 2021

Join us for a morning of insight and inspiration on 26 August 2021, as we dive into accelerating your business, your clients and the economy.

Start or grow your e-commerce business with the PayFast Guide to Going Online

The 50-page e-commerce toolkit is jam-packed with e-commerce insights, tips, tools and advice based on extensive research and valuable insights from some of our trusted partners like uAfrica.

Top three liquidity risks for manufacturers

We live in challenging times and for the manufacturing industry, this means increased pressure on its requirements and a need to rebuild resiliency and stability. For this, liquidity is fundamental.

Nedbank repositions its Business Ignite programme to give more South African small businesses a hand

Nedbank is equally determined to partner with the nation’s entrepreneurs to help them reshape their businesses for sustainable success

Spring celebrates the arrival of the biggest small business day of the year – Small Business Friday

The 10th Small Business Friday is South Africa’s biggest small business day of the year. This powerful and meaningful movement is about mobilising all South Africans to go out there and support and buy from their local small businesses.

How to network at an online event

With many events moving to an online platform, being able to network online has become crucial. But how do you network online without spamming the live chat with your business details which can cause people to think less of your business?

4 ways to improve your business’ cash flow

Keeping track of your business’ incoming and outgoing cash flows can be tricky, but is critical during uncertain times where revenue may fluctuate. Here are four simple and useful actions to help you manage and improve your business’s cashflow.

Mastercard and Payfast launch priceless campaign to support small businesses and boost online sales

A partnership with online payment gateway, PayFast, sees the launch of a “shop local” campaign with prizes for consumers and SMEs using online checkout systems.

Upcoming Event: The Business Show Africa – This is what you need for business success!

The Business Show: Africa will be hosted virtually from 01 – 03 September 2021

How to design an order fulfilment process

How can we design a better order fulfilment process? And what is an order fulfilment process anyway?

5 ways to increase e-commerce profits using the 5% rule

Now that you’ve set up your e-commerce store and you know how to promote it, it’s time to look at increasing your profits

Successful entrepreneurs need more than a good idea

While it is important to have a viable idea, the key to success is being able to turn the idea into a sustainable and profitable business.

The SME guide to improving your cash flow

In this guide SMEs will learn about the importance of cash flow, technology to help manage your cash flow in real-time, how to sustain improvements and cash flow management tools.

New tool introduces AI-powered analytics to help small businesses plan for the future with trusted, insightful data

Xero announced Xero Analytics Plus, part of a new suite of planning and forecasting tools powered by artificial intelligence. Xero Analytics Plus combines cash flow forecasting featuring advanced predictions and insightful business reporting tools.

Register your (Pty) Ltd Company Now

This business startup package is amazing and unmatched. Let us help you to take action and turn your dream into a reality by getting you started and then helping you to succeed.

6 online networking ideas for small businesses

With wearing a mask and social distancing becoming more and more of the norm, small businesses have had to move online to meet their potential clients. But where and how can you network effectively online? Here are six ideas on networking online.

Marketing strategies for start-ups

As your business grows and expands its presence, it may attract customers through word of mouth. But until that happens, let’s go over a few things that can spread the word about your start-up and get your marketing moving in the right direction.

How to grow your business using SMS

Business owners who use SMS find the cost-saving benefits instrumental in the growth of their mini empires. Here we look at three cases where SMS is proving to be a valuable tool when it comes to helping local businesses reach their customers

Changing lives – a new project aimed at uplifting South Africans after the decimation from COVID-19

Changing Lives is an independent project created by author and neuroscience coach, Tanya Kunze, and media personality and executive producer, Hein Kaiser, to effect positive change in South Africa, and the world.

Webinar Alert :: Looking after your employees during a VUCA time

Join Liberty as they look at the current VUCA environment and the impact on employers and employees and discuss how goal-based investing is good and how value-for-money solutions can improve retirement outcomes.

The SME guide to sales optimisation

Practical tips on how to boost your sales by optimising your sales funnel from Lulalend. This guide will help you and your small business grow with workable steps.

We need job creation, not job destruction – Proudly SA CEO

Entrepreneurship and innovation are the backbone of the South African economy, and it is Proudly South African’s mandate to promote those companies that manufacture, grow or produce local goods and services, creating thousands of jobs in the process.

How to create a successful Instagram platform for your business

Social media can be an important channel to reach potential customers and keep in touch with your current customers. Here are eight tips on how to increase your number of followers and engagement on social media:

How is COVID-19 changing our message?

As COVID-19 continues to spread across borders and countries, companies are changing the way they communicate with their customers and teams. It’s no longer business-as-usual we’re now getting SMSes telling us to “stay inside and stay healthy”.

Good customer retention tactics translate to brand loyalty and profitability for SMEs

There is a good reason why the saying goes “first impressions last” and this is particularly important for small businesses. Once they’ve connected with a new customer, businesses should focus on offering high-quality delivery over the long-term.

How to maintain your company culture while working from home

In this remote work environment, sustaining organisational culture becomes even more important and reaching everyone in various locations is even more challenging. So, how should a company foster a positive culture for remote employees?

Emerging payments keep SMEs afloat

Chipo Mushwana, Executive of Emerging Innovation at Nedbank, explores the potential impact of emerging payment innovations on the South African economy.

Looking for Smart Marketing solutions?

Market to your existing and potential customers exactly where they are online. Vodacom's easy-to-implement and cost-effective solutions fit and scale to your small business’ marketing needs.

Want your own website?

Check out this instructional video on how to build your own website with the Vodacom website builder

Connecting the Dots 2021

Download this free, helpful guide and discover the latest trends and how you need to adapt to our ever changing environment.

Covid-19 Ters applications re-open

Workers affected by the Covid-19 lockdown regulations since March 2021 will once again be able to claim from the Covid-19 Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme (Ters)

Webinar Replay :: Building your online presence & taking your business to your customers

In this live power-packed Q&A, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Ines Rosef-Ingram (Founder & CEO of Pine3 Marketing) share expert lessons on how your website can be a marketing machine for your business.

What’s next for small businesses?

Power outages, the pandemic, and now a looting and destruction crisis. What’s next for small businesses?

5 ways to effectively engage with and grow your social media community

Irrespective of how big your online business is, it’s important to be approachable on social media, as this not only creates a positive customer experience but also encourages word of mouth, which is priceless.

How to be a digital solopreneur in 2021

Solopreneurship is when someone strikes out on their own as a fulltime entrepreneur. They run their entire business independently, taking sole responsibility for the business operations – from service provision to administration.

7 myths about launching a start-up

When launching a start-up you may be bombarded with myths that hold you back. Today we will debunk the myths and help you to start your journey to being a successful entrepreneur.

New VAT e-filing tools go live to help small businesses with digital tax

VAT e-filing is live now and is being rolled out to all South African users in the coming weeks. This means that they will be able to submit their VAT returns to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from within the Xero platform.

Access Bank’s Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton Africa welcomes South Africa

Access Bank’s campaign “Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton Africa” is designed to support women in business across the African Continent. Now, the bank is looking to put South African women’s businesses on the map.

Celebrating ten years of recognising home-grown app development talent

MTN Business App of the Year Awards now open for entry, offering biggest prize money ever

TERS Update

Following the announcement that Covid19 TERS will be extended to 25.07.2021 for certain sectors that have not been able to operate and employees that remain affected by regulatory restrictions.

TERS Update

Annexure A

TERS Update

Annexure B

How to start a business with what you have

Is your dream to operate your own business. If so, now is the time to ‘Think Differently’ and ‘Take Action’. The great start-up boom is coming. Are you ready?

8 ways to increase sales with your current customers

Increasing sales with your current customers should be easy as you already have a relationship with them. They know you can serve their needs but how can you increase sales with your customers? Here are eight ways to do just that.

What is POPIA and how does it affect your online business?

In this blog post, we’ll examine the main important points of POPIA and how it affects your online business.

5 practical ways to improve customer retention

In this article, we’ll look at five effective techniques to increase client retention, loyalty and transform existing customers into brand ambassadors:

Guidance Note on the processing of personal information

Guidance Note on the processing of personal information in the management and containment of the Covid-19 pandemic, in terms of POPIA.

Webinar Replay :: POPIA compliance: yes, we are looking at you SMEs

SMEs are not exempt from complying with POPIA from 1 JUL 2021. ENSafrica Executives and POPIA experts, Era Gunning and Nicole Gabryk guide SMEs on how to comply with POPIA with urgency.

Webinar Replay :: Why the smart are getting ahead

Do you want to know why business structures will make you successful?Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO), Rob Velosa (iProtect) and Jose Delgado (iProtect) in this power-packed Q&A session.

The SME guide to building customer loyalty

Customer loyalty is the act of continually choosing one company’s products and services over its competitors. In this guide you will find useful insights on how to keep customers coming back and staying loyal to your business.

Serious about launching a start-up or growing a bigger and more successful business?

Get your free passport to The Business Show: Africa 2021 (Live Virtual Extravaganza) taking place from Wednesday, 04 August 2021– Friday, 06 August 2021.

10 ideas on how to increase sales for your small business

Increasing sales is on every entrepreneur’s mind, but how can we do it? Especially when our customers are clutching their purse strings closed. Here are ten ways on how to increase sales for your small business.

4 tips on how to use social media to drive traffic to your online store

To help you on your social media journey, we’ve outlined some tips below on how to create and publish engaging content to attract the right audience to like your business pages and navigate out to your online store.

What you should know about email marketing today

Email marketing might not be the most exciting channel to use when doing digital marketing, but it should definitely not have any less priority for that reason

4 steps to grow and scale your e-commerce business

When your online business is up and running, and has been for some time, it’s easy to fall into the trap of the monotony of the day-to-day. Here are simple suggestions to inspire you to take action to grow and scale your business.

How to change your business game plan in tense economic times

“To change your game plan and adapt to the pandemic, it’s pivotal to really hone in on what’s important right now.

Use SMS to reconnect with customers

Here are a few ways SMS can help businesses reconnect and engage with their customers again.

The start-up boom is coming. Are you ready?

If you aren’t sure how to start and what your new business will be, but you’re hoping to ride this new wave of opportunity – Your business starts right here!

Local SEO: 5 steps to getting more local business online

Are your customers based locally? Do you struggle to attract them to your business online? Then it is time to update your local SEO. Local search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on boosting your business for local searches.

How to build a tech stack for your business

By selecting the right technology you can improve your team’s efficiency and thereby boost your bottom line. Let’s learn how to build a great tech stack.

Financial advice for small business owners

As a small business owner, one element of your business you have to master is your finances. But small business finances can be very confusing. Sue Torr from Crue Invest shares her most practical financial advice for entrepreneurs.

Succeed at social media with these simple steps

Give your business brand a social media touch and not only will you generate more business, but also connect with your customers on a higher level and create a better customer experience.

Webinar Replay :: Online marketing and why you should consider it for your business

Are you looking to future-proof your business or update and reimagine outdated business models and marketing strategies? Watch this power-packed Q&A Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Ines Rosef-Ingram Founder & CEO of Pine3 Marketing.

SMS Best Practice Guide

In this guide, we take you through the five best practices that the messaging industry associations and regional regulations expect you to follow when sending SMS communications.

Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Certain Workplaces

the Amended Directions retain the Consolidated Directions issued by Government Gazette on 1 October 2020. The Amended Directions particularly contain directions on how to deal with employee vaccinations.

Adjusted Alert Level 4 regulations announced

Adjusted Alert level 4 will apply nationally as from Monday, 28 June 2021

Webinar Alert :: Why the smart are getting ahead? How to financially bulletproof your business.

Do you want to know why business structures will make you successful?Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO), Rob Velosa (iProtect) and Jose Delgado (iProtect) in this power-packed Q&A session.

Failing fast and often will make you stronger

Innovation is about new ideas, new processes, and new ways of doing things. Step outside of your comfort zone and experiment. Try something different in life. Put your ideas to the test. Innovation relies on trial and error.

Top tips when starting your own business: a guide to business essentials

Having a good business idea, nurturing it, and putting it into practice is one of the critical steps on the journey to entrepreneurship. Running a successful business, even during a pandemic, is the ultimate goal for all entrepreneurs.

Tax experts offer their top tips for SMEs this tax season

Small businesses are already struggling, so it’s vital that they get tax filing right to avoid any penalties or nasty surprises. This means understanding how to stay compliant and also what special taxes may apply to them.

Strategies for achieving and sustaining growth

“Prevention is better than cure”, right? Well, in the early stages when any company starts showing signs of stagnation, the senior leaders should respond by evaluating the growth potential of the core trading activities.

5 affordable ways to promote your online store

Promotion is the key to the success of any online store. The more effort you put into marketing your products, the more likely it is that customers will decide to buy from you. Customers can’t buy what they can’t see.

Free Guide :: SMS in e-commerce

With so much weighing on the effectiveness of communication, many players within the e-commerce space have turned to SMS messaging as an invaluable communication tool.

ADJUSTED ALERT LEVEL3 PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH 15 JUNE 2021----GOVERNMENT GAZETTE

Government Gazette containing the imposition of the latest Adjusted Alert Level 3 regulations, as announced by the President on Tuesday, 15 June 2021.

How to present online effectively

But how can you ensure your message is received and that you hold the attention of your participants throughout the presentation? Here are six steps to presenting online effectively.

Five questions small businesses should ask before applying for funding

Finding and applying for suitable funding is often not as simple as just ‘asking the bank’. You will find it useful to consider these key questions when you set out to get funding.

What might extra sanitising mean for our immunity?

According to some schools of thought, ‘overzealous’ hygiene might threaten our natural defences by depriving the body’s immune system of opportunities to recognise and build resistance to germs.

Free Guide :: The SME Guide to Sales Optimisation

Your SME will benefit from insights on the following: Understanding a sales funnel, how conversions occur, improving each stage, practical tips on how to convert leads to customers, and how marketing can support your sales optimisation.

E-commerce website options in South Africa

By creating an e-commerce store that’s localised and optimised for the South African market, you’ll be in an ideal position to connect with a huge (and expanding) audience of online shoppers.

Master the online sales process

Let’s look at how we can master the online sales process to boost our profits.

Complacency: the rule of doubling efforts

Every time we win an account, we need to double our efforts. Every time we lose a deal, we need to double our efforts. Every time we achieve an internal target...

The GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business

The Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business – to provide free tools and resources you can use right now. It is applicable for any small organization with limited IT expertise, resource or budget – whether commercial, not for profit or mission based.

Nedbank committed to supporting SMEs and their owners

Because your business and personal finances are so interdependent, Nedbank has designed a banking solution that enables you to manage both through a single point of contact: your dedicated relationship banker.

Cash Flow Survival Guide

Whether in a crisis or not, positive cash flow is essential for any enterprise and negative cash flow is one of the toughest hurdles to get over

Shorten your SMB’s sales cycle

Sales are the lifeblood of any small-to-medium-sized business but how can you shorten the cycle? How can you stop it from dragging on for days or, even, months?

8 best practices for online presentations

Here are eight best practices to keep the attention of your viewers.

Why improving customer engagement remains critical

As much as the term ‘customer engagement’ is frequently used, don’t let the buzzword stop the immense value it still has for your business.

Serving the community through modern tech

Incredible stories of how tech enables dreams do not only remind us that it is possible to reach your goals, but go an extra mile to show us how it’s done

A seamless collaboration between a small business owner, an accountant, and connected apps

For Kristen Buttress, Managing Director of Kristen’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream, using Xero alongside a suite of connected apps from the Xero App Marketplace has enabled her to grow her business.

5 Reasons to choose WordPress for your e-commerce store

Are you looking to move your business partially or entirely online? There’s no better time to do it than now. But keep in mind, the platform you use to manage your e-commerce store will play a pivotal role in its success.

Refuse to be boring: A guide to storytelling for business owners and sales professionals

How do brands stand out? Through effective story telling. In this e-book, Charles Hsuan discusses storytelling and how creating your A.P.a.R.T moment is the perfect place to start.

Webinar Replay :: The "Big 4" every business owner aspires to achieve

Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) discusses the "Big 4" every business owner aspires to achieve, and concludes with five factors seen in the super successful.

How to register for e-filing and is it necessary for a small business

(SARS) developed the e-filing platform to help make it easier for taxpayers to submit their returns, make payments to SARS, and get a tax clearance certificate. Follow these easy steps to register for e-filing.

Google tools to help you grow your small business

As a small business owner, you juggle a lot of different roles. This makes it important to work smart, not hard. What’s the best way to do this? By using all the tools available to you as a small business owner.

Business across cultures 101

By following these six steps you will be well on your way to building strong healthy business relationships with your foreign colleagues.

Debit orders save time

SMEs need to get to the point in their cash conversion cycle, where they are bringing in more revenue than they are paying out. One way to accelerate cash flow is to automate debit order collections, payments and invoicing.

The rise of e-commerce

Gone are the days when buying online was simply a purchase of a book, clothing item, or food. Nowadays, having a business presence online that integrates e-commerce functionality will become a lot more common.

Candid Conversations with Charles Hsuan featuring Mike Anderson

Seizing opportunities before the tipping point of evidence is what makes a true entrepreneur.

Sourcing beyond China and alternative markets

Maintaining a stable supplier network in diverse places can help mitigate risk and sourcing disruption.

The role of luck in entrepreneurial ventures

So, you ask: what role does luck play in the success of my venture?

How to build a small business website in minutes

Running a small business can be very rewarding, but it’s also a complex and time-consuming job. Fortunately, creating a website is one aspect that doesn’t have to eat into your resources.

The power of word of mouth

If you know your client is happy, ask them to recommend you to other potential clients. It won’t cost them a thing and could make a big difference to your pipeline.

How to give constructive criticism

No one likes to be criticised especially when it is an attack on their identity but there are times when criticism is necessary to help someone grow in their position.

Dispelling three myths about QR code payments acceptance in South Africa

Consumer adoption of QR code payments has accelerated during the pandemic, partly due to merchants and consumers looking for contactless ways to transact as opposed to cash or cards.

The most affordable SME mobile voice and data packages in South Africa

It is critical that you sign up to an SME business connectivity package that provides you with everything your company needs – and for an SME, this often comes in the form of an LTE package.

Supplier Stories: Maintaining a long-distance (business) relationship

Does your company have what it takes to nurture a solid and lasting business relationship at a distance?

Sourcing Talk - Supplier Stories: What Buyers Get Wrong

Suppliers share their experiences and insights into where buyers go wrong and how to overcome those challenges.

Master the secret language of sales: storytelling

NSBC’s CEO, Mike Anderson, met up with Charles Hsuan, a storytelling sales coach from Flying Kite, to learn more about how to use storytelling to boost your sales.

Project management: a growth tool for small businesses

Have you missed important deadlines? Do you run over budget often? Then it may be time to employ some project management techniques to help you keep on schedule and to budget and grow.

The future of work

As employees begin returning to the office, companies will need to leverage technology to enable this new form of hybrid working to take place in a safe and secure manner.

Cash to card: the next frontier for SA’s micro-SME sector

For the migration from cash to card to gain meaningful momentum, it needs to be driven by consumers, and this is already happening.

What you need to know about debit order fraud and the latest PASA regulation

Debit orders are a safe, cheap and convenient way of collecting money and it can really boost cash flow significantly, but small merchants must educate themselves about the risks.

Digitalisation will put South Africa ahead as we move beyond COVID

It’s a critical time for small businesses and having the right digital tools to support recovery will continue to be essential.

Your burnout game plan: unlock your business’ wellbeing

It’s the buzz-word we hear time and again, but what does ‘burnout’ really mean? How do you know if you’re heading towards it?

Future of Sourcing: 2021 and Beyond

Future of Sourcing: 2021 and beyond — an exclusive webinar for VIP buyers.

Sourcing Talk: Maintaining a Long-Distance Business Relationship live panel

Global Sources suppliers share the ways they keep up long-lasting relationships with far-flung clients.

4 things to give up to be successful

Success isn’t simply a product of doing more — gaining more skills, more education, more certificates or promotions. What’s even more important, in fact, are the habits and things you need to give up along the way to improve.

Develop a kick-ass referral strategy

By following the six points, you will be well on your way to creating a customer pool who are more loyal and trusting.

How to generate content for your small business

There are many challenges businesses could face when it comes to building a brand on social media. A few challenges include lack of creativity, online reputation management, and the ability to become noticed and stand out.

Neuroscience and marketing – what’s the connection?

By learning from these seven steps you will be able to encourage the unconscious mind of your customers to react to your products in a productive and meaningful way.

Emerging opportunities for small business arising from SA’s success in slowing the COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant economic distress, which is likely to have a lasting impact into the future. However, it has also resulted in many new opportunities for small, medium and micro-enterprises.

Webinar Replay :: How to go BIG in business with Mike Anderson

In this interview (recorded at Breakfast Connect - virtual business-to-business networking event), Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) shares what he has learned from the world's most successful entrepreneurs.

3 Insider Tips to Boost Your China Sourcing

Join Steven Selikoff from Product Development Academy, as he shares three insider strategies that will elevate your China sourcing.

Webinar Replay :: Master the secret language of sales: Storytelling

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Charles Hsuan (Storytelling Sales Coach from Flying Kite) as they discuss why good storytelling beats good selling every time.

25 Steps to FAST Success

If we can model the success traits of the zero-to-hero mega entrepreneurs, there is no doubt that we will experience fewer difficulties and fewer failures and that our road to entrepreneurial success will be shorter.

How to prospect for your best clients online

How do we prospect for our golden clients? Those clients who will be loyal, trustworthy and help contribute to the growth of our business. Here are three steps to prospect for your best clients online.

Effectual logic and a holistic approach to problem-solving

In their search to find solutions for their customers’ pains, successful entrepreneurs apply effectuation (and effectual logic) which stands in contrast to the causative approach to problem-solving as taught in most business schools.

4 ways to manage the low season

With winter just around the corner, many businesses will be going into the low season. This means fewer customers, therefore, less revenue.

An overview on dealing with deserting employees

Employers are often faced with situations where employees are absent from the workplace for long periods. It is important to follow a proper procedure to deal with these situations. :

Financial educational tools to empower South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic

Having a handle on your finances is one way of ensuring that you feel empowered through this difficult and challenging time.

5 ways to sell virtually

Selling virtually is daunting and many people are scared to go online to sell. They are waiting for the day everything goes back to normal but that day may never come and it is time to embrace virtual selling.

Delegation vs. abdication

One of the most common mistakes I see entrepreneurs making as their businesses begin to grow is confusing the concept of delegation with the concept of abdication

3 e-commerce security tips to keep your online store secure

There has literally never been a better time to open an e-commerce store and sell your products or services online. If you’ve just done so – congratulations!

Telcos and the SME opportunity

“Telcos play a key supporting role in enabling SMEs to shift to a digital business model. They can advise SMEs on how they can adapt their businesses to operate in a virtual way.

Fostering digital transformation for SA’s SMEs: building for the future

Through digitisation, SMEs can become more adaptable to the changing work environment. An example is to be able to shift seamlessly between remote working to office operations and back, as needed, for office workers.

SA's #1 Business Opportunity

Join the NSBC Founder & CEO, Mike Anderson for this monthly informative and interactive webinar. This is when he will unpack this unmatched, high income remote working business model.

Webinar :: Sales Indaba with Charles Hsuan

Join Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Charles Hsuan (Storytelling Sales Coach from Flying Kite) as they look at utilising storytelling as a powerful sales technique.

No money marketing

Many SMEs have less than a shoestring to throw at their marketing budget but how can we get our name out there and keep ourselves top of mind in our customer’s mind?

Add energy to your sales channels

Every business, whether large or small, makes use of sales channels. Here are four methods to add energy to your sales channels:

How SMMEs can be more financially resilient

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for SMMEs to adopt new ways of doing things and has pushed businesses to try and become more financially resilient.

Supporting the rise of the side hustle economy

The COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown response highlighted the opportunities for these so-called side hustles, and the work-from-home protocols have made it easier than ever for employed individuals to operate small businesses from home.

6 steps on how to manage your digital assets

Have you used an expired logo on your website? Are you struggling to find the latest document you produced to explain how to use your product? Then it is time to organise your digital assets.

Succession: who will take over from you?

What will happen to your business if you die or become incapacitated? Here are four steps to creating a succession plan.

Mastering a comeback: how family businesses are triumphing over COVID-19

Are family businesses really more resilient, agile and adaptable than other business types? And, if so, have they been able to tackle the challenges of COVID-19 better than most and, perhaps, emerged even stronger?

The importance of data for small business

Here are four reasons why data is important to small businesses.

4 key aspects in rethinking remote employee connectivity in 2021

Here are some of the important factors that has been identified as key aspects to consider when deploying employee connectivity;

One year on: how COVID-19 lockdown affected e-commerce

On the flip side, ec-ommerce also provided new opportunities for businesses that were caught off guard by the restrictions and unable to generate revenue and pay their employees.

Developing a competitive mindset

What makes you better than Competitor X?” The right way to answer this question is to speak about what’s good about your organisation, your product, your service

Why living on the edge is the key to success

Living on the edge and taking action are the keys to happiness and success. Almost everything worth doing is risky. You will never get where you want to be if you don’t seize risks and take action.

Four easy-to-implement customer support strategies

Clients are responsible for the existence of a company. Without customers, you will struggle to have cash flow. But more and more clients are looking for a good buying experience rather than price.

Small business resolutions to boost cash flow

Staying in the green has always been a priority for small business owners. Now, more than ever, you need to take control and manage your finances to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Use OKR to execute your next big idea

Are you setting a new goal? Do you have huge ambitions but never seem to achieve then OKRs may be the solution.

10 tips for coping with stress and anxiety as a business owner

Being an entrepreneur is stressful at the best of times, but what happens when unforeseen circumstances cast its dark shadow of doubt, forcing you to rethink everything about your business and yourself?

Targeting paying customers

Why target poor-paying customers if ultimately they are going to cost you margin and effort?

TERS EXTENSION – APPEAL PROCESS - LOCKDOWN PERIOD 16 OCT 2020 – 15 MAR 2021

The gazetting of the confirms that Covid19 TERS benefits have been extended for certain categories of employees.

TERS Sector Appeal Form

Appeal for unsuccessful lodgement of claims for the period 16 October 2020 to 15 March 2021, particularly for certain sectors which have not been able to operate and employees who remained affected by regulatory restrictions.

Replay:: Breakfast Connect featuring Cindy Norcott with "No Money Marketing"

n this interactive exceptional virtual experience you will get to network with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, future customers and discover strategies and action steps to boost your marketing.

5 strategies to boost your SME’s profitability

Being profitable is the aim of every small business when they start. Here are five strategies to boost your SME’s profitability today.

Load shedding – a major obstacle for small businesses and their hope to survive the pandemic

"SMEs play a major role in the economy. There are important steps that can be taken to try and buffer these small companies from the effects of power interruptions”, says an industry body that represents the solar PV industry.

E-commerce: the basics

Here are five basic questions to consider before joining the e-commerce bandwagon.

Creating optimised content for your website

Once you have created your website, you are ready to optimise your website to rank high on Google. Here’s how to create optimised website content:

The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs demands innovative, gender-specific support for women throughout pandemic recovery

While women entrepreneurs are making strides to overcome gender-related biases and advance their businesses in South Africa, they still face several structural and social obstacles, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Replay :: Sales Indaba with Mark Keating

Discover how to over-deliver, generate thrilled customers ​​​​​​​and become the ultimate sales performer. In this power-packed Q&A session, Mike Anderson and Mark Berger will share tried and tested ways to increase sales results.

Virtual meetings 101

Meeting over Microsoft teams or Zoom has become the new normal but how can we be as effective in online meetings as we are in face-to-face meetings? Here are nine basic points to know so that you can excel at virtual meetings.

The process of a consumer complaint

It is important for a supplier to know when a consumer can lodge a complaint, where they can lodge a complaint, and what will happen after a complaint has been lodged.

The SME Guide to Business Funding

In this guide, small business owners can look forward to information that answers some questions and concerns around business funding.

The basic health and safety rules you need for your small business

Making sure your business complies with health and safety rules is critical for the wellbeing and safety of your employees.

Webinar :: Sales Indaba with Mark Berger

Discover how to over-deliver, generate thrilled customers ​​​​​​​and become the ultimate sales performer. In this power-packed Q&A session, Mike Anderson and Mark Berger will share tried and tested ways to increase sales results.

Succeed in sales in 2021

The sales environment has changed and it’s time to adapt. If we don’t, we may never achieve the success that we want.

PR vs Advertising: which is ideal for marketing SMMEs?

Public relations and advertising are both crucial for the promotion of any business. Which one is more cost-effective and lucrative for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in 2021?