BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
Get the full magazine now for only $1 or subscribe for 12 months for only $10. Visit http://smebusinesslink.com/magazine for details or call us or Whatsapp +263 777 774 007
Millions of people being relocated from cities, fewer jobs, greater centralization, and more movie blockbusters are just some of the author’s predictions for the year.
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issueThe PRactice
The startup environment in India is still positive but there are some signs of trouble in this ‘paradise’. Our 4th Viewpoint Roundtable – Navigating Downturn Alley – was aimed at highlighting ways in which startups can build greater brand relevance in good times in order to make it through the not-so-good ones. But is all this talk of a recession and systemic issues in the startup ecosystem overblown? One of our guest writers explains why she thinks so. We also explore the links between CSR, charity and business cycles through past recessionary data and a conversation with the Bangalore head of a charitable trust.
Millions of people being relocated from cities, fewer jobs, greater centralization, and more movie blockbusters are just some of the author’s predictions for the year.
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issueThe PRactice
The startup environment in India is still positive but there are some signs of trouble in this ‘paradise’. Our 4th Viewpoint Roundtable – Navigating Downturn Alley – was aimed at highlighting ways in which startups can build greater brand relevance in good times in order to make it through the not-so-good ones. But is all this talk of a recession and systemic issues in the startup ecosystem overblown? One of our guest writers explains why she thinks so. We also explore the links between CSR, charity and business cycles through past recessionary data and a conversation with the Bangalore head of a charitable trust.
Musson Jamaica Limited Chairman, Paul B. Scott sheds light on the question of whether it is naive to believe we as a Region can achieve harmonious growth despite our many difference, during the Governors' Roundtable discussion at the 46th Annual Meeting of CDB's Board of Governors in Montego Bay, Jamaica on May 19, 2016.
BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
Get BusinessLink magazine delivered to your email inbox every month. Subscribe for only $10 for a year.
Please visit
http://smebusinesslink.com/magazine
BusinessLink Magazine April 2015 Sample DownloadPhillip Chichoni
BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, click the following link: http://eepurl.com/Z3z99 or visit our website http://smebusinesslink.com
Subscribe to the digital magazine for only $10 per year and you will get free BusinessLink Networking Community member worth $10, offer valid until 25 June.
Email Marketing Management (EMM) Netcore, platform email blast (email marketing) yang sangat powerful untuk melakukan kampanye promosi, transaksi, & informasi, bahkan bisa digunakan untuk menaikan ROI
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Marketing Summit with special guest “Peter Fisk” is presented to companies who need to know:
*How to become more analytical and more creative in marketing.
*How to innovate products, markets and business models more radically.
*How to stand out in today’s market
*How to inject genius way into your marketing strategy
*How to explore the blue oceans and enter new space in a complex world of change
*How to shake up markets and changing the game
Peter Fisk is a highly experienced strategist and marketer, an inspirational author, speaker and coach. He wrote many bestselling books: Marketing Genius, Customer Genius, and Creative Genius. His next book “Gamechangers” will be launched in many countries including Indonesia.
Proposal Digital Marketing & Social Media Conference 2014 K.A Nchus
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The Best Digital Marketing Cases in the World
Digital Marketing & Social Media Conference tahun ini menghadirkan implementasi digital marketing pada berbagai industri. Menghadirkan pakar-pakar digital marketing dunia yang akan menyajikan the best award winning cases di dunia.
Para pakar akan membahas secara detail kisah sukses brand-brand dunia, strategi yang dibangun dan key success point apa yang membuat mereka berhasil?
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BusinessLink is the digital magazine entrepreneurs. . It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
BUSINESSLINK MAGAZINE JANUARY 2015 ISSUE
Insights, resources and opportunities for small to midsized firms and entrepreneurs to help accelerate your growth.
In the January Issue:
*Hit 2015 Running with a Mind Set for Success
*35 Great New Business Ideas for 2015
*Why a Lack of Systems is Impending Your Growth
*Learning from Strive Masiyiwa: How to Turn a Small Business into a Big Business
*13 Digital Marketing Trends and Predictions for 2015
*Entrepreneur on Fire: GTel Founder Chamunorwa Shumba is Connectiong Everyone
Musson Jamaica Limited Chairman, Paul B. Scott sheds light on the question of whether it is naive to believe we as a Region can achieve harmonious growth despite our many difference, during the Governors' Roundtable discussion at the 46th Annual Meeting of CDB's Board of Governors in Montego Bay, Jamaica on May 19, 2016.
BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
Get BusinessLink magazine delivered to your email inbox every month. Subscribe for only $10 for a year.
Please visit
http://smebusinesslink.com/magazine
BusinessLink Magazine April 2015 Sample DownloadPhillip Chichoni
BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
BusinessLink, the magazine for growing companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative business builders. It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, click the following link: http://eepurl.com/Z3z99 or visit our website http://smebusinesslink.com
Subscribe to the digital magazine for only $10 per year and you will get free BusinessLink Networking Community member worth $10, offer valid until 25 June.
Email Marketing Management (EMM) Netcore, platform email blast (email marketing) yang sangat powerful untuk melakukan kampanye promosi, transaksi, & informasi, bahkan bisa digunakan untuk menaikan ROI
Learn more than 50 cases and 20 tools to be a marketing genius!
Marketing Summit with special guest “Peter Fisk” is presented to companies who need to know:
*How to become more analytical and more creative in marketing.
*How to innovate products, markets and business models more radically.
*How to stand out in today’s market
*How to inject genius way into your marketing strategy
*How to explore the blue oceans and enter new space in a complex world of change
*How to shake up markets and changing the game
Peter Fisk is a highly experienced strategist and marketer, an inspirational author, speaker and coach. He wrote many bestselling books: Marketing Genius, Customer Genius, and Creative Genius. His next book “Gamechangers” will be launched in many countries including Indonesia.
Proposal Digital Marketing & Social Media Conference 2014 K.A Nchus
How to Win Market through Digital Marketing
The Best Digital Marketing Cases in the World
Digital Marketing & Social Media Conference tahun ini menghadirkan implementasi digital marketing pada berbagai industri. Menghadirkan pakar-pakar digital marketing dunia yang akan menyajikan the best award winning cases di dunia.
Para pakar akan membahas secara detail kisah sukses brand-brand dunia, strategi yang dibangun dan key success point apa yang membuat mereka berhasil?
more info klik www.event.marketing.co.id
BusinessLink is the digital magazine entrepreneurs. . It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
BUSINESSLINK MAGAZINE JANUARY 2015 ISSUE
Insights, resources and opportunities for small to midsized firms and entrepreneurs to help accelerate your growth.
In the January Issue:
*Hit 2015 Running with a Mind Set for Success
*35 Great New Business Ideas for 2015
*Why a Lack of Systems is Impending Your Growth
*Learning from Strive Masiyiwa: How to Turn a Small Business into a Big Business
*13 Digital Marketing Trends and Predictions for 2015
*Entrepreneur on Fire: GTel Founder Chamunorwa Shumba is Connectiong Everyone
BusinessLink is the magazine for innovative business builders, full of insights and advice to help you build a sustainable business.
Subscribe for only $10 per year (12 issues), at http://smebusinesslink.com/magazine.
iDeal Magazine is a quarterly publication which is specially produced and written with business owners in mind.
iDeal Magazine highlights some of the most recent deals BCMS has completed, offering a real insight into the mechanical and emotional processes involved with selling a business.
The publication also incorporates industry news, business updates as well as other business related information.
Sign up here http://www.bcmscorporate.com/business-sale-news-magazine
The magazine designed for SME's, a platform to grow, connect and equip small, medium enterprises, with issue that have to do with small businesses, while celebrating by profiling hard working entrepreneurs, trailblazers, difference makers and thought leaders in the SME sector.
With Christmas just around the corner, this edition Grant Field shares six tips to take your business to the next level in 2015. You will also see an update on the latest changes to SMSFs and the imminent end of the ATO's Project Do It campaign. Happy reading.
With Christmas just around the corner, this edition Grant Field shares six tips to take your business to the next level in 2015. You will also see an update on the latest changes to Self-Managed Super Funds and the imminent end of the ATO's Project Do It campaign. Happy reading.
Best Crypto Marketing Ideas to Lead Your Project to SuccessIntelisync
In this comprehensive slideshow presentation, we delve into the intricacies of crypto marketing, offering invaluable insights and strategies to propel your project to success in the dynamic cryptocurrency landscape. From understanding market trends to building a robust brand identity, engaging with influencers, and analyzing performance metrics, we cover all aspects essential for effective marketing in the crypto space.
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What You're Going to Learn
- How These 4 Leaks Force You To Work Longer And Harder in order to grow your income… improve just one of these and the impact could be life changing.
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#1 LEADS Don’t Book
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When listening about building new Ventures, Marketplaces ideas are something very frequent. On this session we will discuss reasons why you should stay away from it :P , by sharing real stories and misconceptions around them. If you still insist to go for it however, you will at least get an idea of the important and critical strategies to optimize for success like Product, Business Development & Marketing, Operations :)
Reflect Festival Limassol May 2024.
Michael Economou is an Entrepreneur, with Business & Technology foundations and a passion for Innovation. He is working with his team to launch a new venture – Exyde, an AI powered booking platform for Activities & Experiences, aspiring to revolutionize the way we travel and experience the world. Michael has extensive entrepreneurial experience as the co-founder of Ideas2life, AtYourService as well as Foody, an online delivery platform and one of the most prominent ventures in Cyprus’ digital landscape, acquired by Delivery Hero group in 2019. This journey & experience marks a vast expertise in building and scaling marketplaces, enhancing everyday life through technology and making meaningful impact on local communities, which is what Michael and his team are pursuing doing once more with Exyde www.goExyde.com
How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio.pdfTrims Creators
Building a diversified investment portfolio is a fundamental strategy to manage risk and optimize returns. For both novice and experienced investors, diversification offers a pathway to a more stable and resilient financial future. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to create and maintain a well-diversified investment portfolio.
Salma Karina Hayat is Conscious Digital Transformation Leader at Kudos | Empowering SMEs via CRM & Digital Automation | Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Philanthropist | Education & Homelessness Advocate
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2. “Sound
strategy starts
with having the
right goal.”
—Michael
Porter
ALWAYS DO CAREFUL RESEARCH
BusinessLink magazine is designed to
educate and provide general
information as well as to stimulate
readers’ thinking. While every care is
taken to ensure that information in this
magazine is correct, we advise readers
to consult their professional advisors
when making business decisions. The
magazine is distributed on the
understanding that the publisher is not
rendering legal or financial advice and
readers use the information herein at
their own risk.
BUSINESSLINK
MAGAZINE
BusinessLink, the magazine for
growing companies, delivers real
solutions for today’s innovative
business builders. It gives advice,
tools and resources to CEOs and
owners of small-to-midsize
companies as well as new
entrepreneurs that help accelerate
their growth.
BUS INESSLINK MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 Page 2
4. Contents
2015 is here. Grow or die. .................................................................................................. 6
Business News Updates ..................................................................................................... 7
Zimbabwe lures SA for investments ............................................................................... 7
Choppies engages Zimbabwe SMEs for product supply ................................................. 9
Take responsibility for developing your rural area ........................................................... 11
Business Profile: Ratanje Shoe and Heel Bar: Providing Leather Products Since 1963 .. 13
Cover feature ................................................................................................................... 18
Ten Rules for Growing Your Business Fast in 2015 ....................................................... 18
How to Get Projects Done More Quickly ...................................................................... 28
9 Things Rich People Do Everyday ................................................................................ 30
Doing business in Zimbabwe ............................................................................................ 35
How To Register A Company ........................................................................................ 35
Leadership ....................................................................................................................... 38
Grow by Sharpening your networking skills ................................................................ 38
Managing People ............................................................................................................. 41
Human Resources Challenges for SMEs ....................................................................... 41
Marketing and Selling ...................................................................................................... 44
How To Create The Perfect Social Media Post.............................................................. 45
Why do we resist asking for money? ............................................................................ 48
Finance ............................................................................................................................ 50
5 Financial Mistakes Entrepreneurs Should Avoid ........................................................ 50
Last Page .......................................................................................................................... 54
BUS INESSLINK MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 Page 4
5. REFER A FRIEND AND
EARN COMMISSION
Good News: Earn commission when you refer a
friend for the following services:
New Company registration
Self Company
Private Business Corporation
Tax clearance
Vendor number
State Procurement Board registration
Liquor licence
Business plan writing
call Phil now on 0777 774 007, or Christine on
0772 854 301
OR visit us at 3rd Floor Merchant House. 34 Robson
Manyika/ 2nd Street, Harare
PS: We now offer flexible payment terms for
company and PBC registration, so no need to
wait, contact us now.
BUS INESSLINK MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 Page 5
6. 2015 is here. Grow
or die.
Phillip Chichoni-
Publisher
Another year is coming to an end. It has been one
of the most challenging years for business and
economics that we have experienced ever. Numerous small businesses
have closed. Many offices, retail shops and industrial factories are empty.
A lot of business owners have fallen by the wayside or downsized. The
environment, characterized by tight liquidity and low demand, has been
too much of a challenge for a lot of business owners.
For serious entrepreneurs, however, challenge is the name of the
game. The race is on and you are in it. If you are not committed to
winning, to conquering against all odds, you will be brushed aside and
passed over by people and companies more determined to win than you
are.
The challenges in business are not unique to Zimbabwe. Some time
ago, Harvard University made three predictions that apply to the
current economic situation. First, they said, there will be more change in
your business in every year ahead than ever before. Second, there will be
more competition in your business than ever before. And third, there will
be more opportunities in your business than ever before.
To survive, business owners must stay on their toes and think on their
feet. It can no longer be business as usual. Old methods of doing
business will not keep you in the race. You need to know more and do
more. Staying in the same place in a moving environment will see you
being left behind.
You need to always be growing. If you don’t grow, you will atrophy.
This December issue, our ninth edition of BusinessLink magazine, we
focus on growth. We give you advice on how to plan and act in order to
grow and keep your business moving fast ahead in the coming year and
forward. I hope you will be stimulated and motivated to keep on
growing, adapting to the changing environment and making your
business proper.
You are the one responsible for the outcomes of your business; not the
external environment.
Have refreshing holidays and hit 2015 running!
Twitter: #chichonip
7. Business News Updates
Zimbabwe lures SA for
investments
By Tawanda Karombo
Reuters File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko
Zimbabwe has turned to its
southern neighbour and other
external sources for financial
support in its bid to secure much
needed financing to fund an
economic programme that has
remained stuck on paper owing
to budgetary constraints and
waning appetite by investors.
Saddled with a debt running beyond $9 billion (R98bn) and nervy
investors who are unwilling to take additional political, regulatory and
operating risks occasioned by an uncertain environment, Zimbabwe’s
economy is struggling.
Profitability prospects for businesses and companies have taken a
knock while the country’s populace is battling rising unemployment, two
major factors that have led to the informalisation of the economy.
Despite being told to fix its regulatory framework and to restore
certainty to the operating framework, Zimbabwean government officials
are turning to the international community for fresh funding.
Even those source markets previously considered hostile such as
Britain are viewed as potential sources for key funding and investment
facilities.
Declining confidence in the country’s financial services sector is also
hobbling the economy, with the informal sector booming. Most of the
locally owned banks are struggling for liquidity while the rate of non-performing
loans is spiking.
8. “The productive sector is evidently struggling, with productivity going
down. If we are to revive the economy, it starts with having a plan to
boost production but the key sector for all this – the financial services
sector – is also struggling for liquidity and the banks are not sure if
borrowers will be able to pay back,” an executive with a Johannesburg-based
investment fund manager said.
Last week, senior Zimbabwe government officials staged a conference
in Johannesburg in a bid to lure South African investors to sink money
into Zimbabwean projects. Central bank governor John Mangudya and
Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa – who both made presentations in
Johannesburg – have written to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
seeking new assistance, even though the country has not yet cleared its
arrears.
Government sources in Zimbabwe say the government is pushing for
cancellation of the debt it owes the IMF. However, this is highly unlikely,
with Dominico Fanezzi, who headed an IMF mission to Zimbabwe in
September, saying: “Zimbabwe cannot be on the Highly Indebted Poor
Countries status” as qualifying countries “have to be very, very poor.”
Some of the international funders that Zimbabwe owes such as the
Paris Club and IMF are said to be open to concrete plans for debt
rescheduling as Zimbabwe is currently financially crippled.
Chinamasa and Mangudya said in Zimbabwe’s re-engagement letter to
the IMF this month that “as part of the Zimbabwe Agenda for
Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation, we also intend to
accelerate our re-engagement on debt resolution with all our creditors”,
including the international financial institutions.
Chinamasa told the South African conference on that Zimbabwe was
trying to fix the uncertainty that was deterring investors willing to invest
in Zimbabwe.
“I believe South African investors have a moral and business
obligation to invest in Zimbabwe or we will continue bothering you. It’s
in your interest,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe was addressing uncertainty concerns raised
by investors regarding the empowerment and indigenisation policy.
In its current format, it requires that all foreign owned firms cede 51
percent majority shares into the hands of black Zimbabwean groups,
including community and employee share ownership schemes.
However, the mining sector – in which Anglo Platinum, Aquarius
Platinum and Impala Platinum have key operations – will not be affected
by the new changes the government is planning, with Chinamasa saying
“mining will be treated differently” as the “mineral… belongs to the
state”.
-www.iol.co.za
BUSINESS LINK MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 Page 8
9. Choppies engages
Zimbabwean SMEs for
product supply
Picture credit: fastmoving.co.za
By Charity Ruzvidzo
BULAWAYO’s dominant retail chain, Choppies Zimbabwe, says it
has engaged small-scale businesses to supply its outlets with certain
goods in a move aimed at enhancing growth of indigenous
entrepreneurs.
The giant retail firm opened its 15th branch in Pumula East
during a brief function attended by the company’s director
Siqokoqela Mphoko.
10. The new branch has created 32 jobs for local residents, bringing
the workforce for the 15 outlets to 1,304 workers. “We’ve been
engaging small-scale companies to sell us their products, which are
later branded for us by National Foods. For instance, we’ve peanut
butter, rice and kapenta from small businesses. We also have bread
from small bakeries that were not recognised like Tripple Fresh and
Oceans,” he said.
Mphoko said security at the retain chain’s supermarkets was
being provided by indigenous companies like Shield Security, a
Bulawayo-based company.
“We’re happy to create employment in the country. This branch
will have 32 workers, thereby increasing our workforce to 1,304
workers. We employed people from this suburb so that locals
benefit from opening of the new branch,” he said.
Choppies Zimbabwe board chairperson and former Zimbabwe
Ambassador to South Africa Phelekezela Mphoko said the retail
chain thrives on offering customers real value for their money.
“We’ve managed to grow because we don’t short-change our
valued customers by charging high prices. We give our customers
the respect they deserve and we value their support,” he said.
Choppies Zimbabwe is also set to open two more branches in
Harare next week and early next month.
Choppies has more than 100 supermarkets in South Africa,
Botswana and Zimbabwe.
This article first appeared in the Chronicle newspaper
on 24 November 2014.
IF YOU ARE ALWAYS TRYING
TO BE NORMAL, YOU WILL
NEVER KNOW HOW AMAZING
YOU CAN BE.
- Maya Angelou
BUSINESS LINK MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 Page 10
11. Take responsibility for
developing your rural area
By Milton Kamwendo
In my work at Innov8 Consultoria I do a lot of
work with agricultural-related business and Non-
Governmental Organization. I facilitate strategy
development workshops, work on capacity
building and organisational development
interventions. The role of the NGOs in
development and raising the standard of living in
our rural areas in highly commendable and should
continue. A number of other community actors have also taken the
responsibility to make a difference at the grassroots and at household
level. I have also met many individuals that have done many
commendable things in their rural spaces. Efforts are there but they are
not enough. Unless we start seeing the potential of our rural spaces and
investing in them proactively, development will be a distant song playing
on foreign radios. Should we choose, you and me can do something
where we are, with what we have to change the rural development
narrative.
What is regrettable and disheartening is that there is a significant
portion of capable and resourced people that have abandoned their rural
areas and left them at the mercy of anyone-to-whom-it-may concern and
whatever-may-happen there. To use a rural home is just a burial is to
abuse a family and national treasure. We can never rise to greatness as
developing nations so long as we ignore the rural areas and allow them
to be abused for cheap political egos without tangible development.
Many people have over the years been playing their part in rural
development and it is clear that the new frontier of interest and
opportunity is developing rural areas, empowering our people and
positively impacting the grassroots. Tooting high sounding verbiage and
development rhetoric to small pools of urbanites that are not willing to
take personal responsibility while ignoring the great rural majority at the
grassroots will hold future generations of our nation hostage to
debilitating poverty.
Take responsibility: If not you, who?
12. In most areas in Africa, even for city denizens your primary identity is
the rural home of origin. In the colonial era, the first interview question
used to be: "Where do you come from?" You could not be taken seriously
is you referred to some urban area as your base. Much has changed
since.
In Zimbabwe your rural district is still identified in your national
identity number. For a few senior citizen, even your kraal is identified in
your national identity. To drum interest in the rural areas as a ticket into
circles of power is to abuse our heritage. We must start taking active
responsibility for our rural destinies. It is gross irresponsibility to treat
rural homes as places to bury and confine the poor, aged, sick and dying.
This change starts with a change in attitude and mindset. To be
cloistered within the urban comforts and forget that the rural areas are
not another country, but part of who we are is to be self-deceived.
Without taking personal responsibility and interest in developing our
rural spaces we will forever be a lost people with confused and stinking
priorities. We will be known for singing great ideals and emotive
choruses but doing nothing worthwhile to transform and uplift our own
heritage.
14. Ratanje’s Shoe and Heel Bar has been providing quality leather
products to Zimbabweans since 1963.
With a vision to become the number one national solution and service
provider of leather products, repairers and manufactures of hand bags,
footwear, belts, wallets, folders, note covers in Zimbabwe, Ratanje’s is
well poised to please its customers.
Over the years Ratanje’s has managed to build and nurture good
relationships with international and local players in the leather industry.
These include Leather Industries of Kenya, Paul Moeller of South Africa,
Fredk Moeller of Germany. Such relationships have enabled the
company to benefit from these partners’ research, product development
and better understanding of the market.
Among the company’s values are the qualities of, excellent customer
service, exceptional products, professionalism, team work, accountability
and integrity.
Ratanje’s supplies leather products to individuals as well as
institutions like schools, government departments and the police and
army. The range of service includes:
Manufacturing and repairing of all uniform shoes
Manufacturing fashion shoes and providing repair services
Manufacturing and repairing leather handbags
Manufacturing leather belts, wallets and repairs
Manufacturing and repairing folio covers, and folders
Ratanje Staff busy in the factory
15. The company also specializes in :
Designing of leather products as per customer specifications.
Shoes from uniforms, orthopedic shoes, safety shoes, travel
goods, belts in various colours.
Repairing and restoring original shape of leather products using
new materials.
Leather products materials, peripherals and accessories.
Storage and Backup service for products
The company’s management has a philosophy of developing
their personnel within the organisation, thereby expanding the
individual competencies and capabilities, which in turn
strengthen RATANJE Shoes intellectual capital. Backed by solid
incentive packages, RATANJE Shoes empowers its employees by
fortifying their strengths in their respective fields.
Key Personnel
Mr Ratilal G. Pitamber (Managing Director) : Who has been
with company since 1967, and has worked previously with various
institutions in the country from a tender age. Has got vast knowledge in
leather products, repairs and manufacturing. He has also forged strong
partnerships with different sectors of the economy.
Mr Stewart Chapeta (Pictured below) (General Manager):
Bcom Honours Degree
Management Accounting,
Diploma in Business
Administration (ZIM), Pitman’s
Certificate in Cost And
Management Accounting,
Certificate in Internal Auditing,
Taxation in Zimbabwe, SA Host
(Customer Service) marketing,
basic selling techniques,
customer service care, 20 years
working experience in
Accounting and Financial
Administration, General
Management, Sales, Marketing
and Production.
16. Mrs Pratibhadevi Pitamber / Darlington Chapeta / More-
Blessing Doka / Lovemore Bandera And Munyaradzi J.
Chapeta: These key members of staff have received in-house training in
customer service, workshop production management, purchasing and
stores control, quality control, manufacturing and repairing of leather
products.
Finished shoes on display at Ratanje’s
Ratanje’s Shoe and Heel is located at 97 Robert Mugabe Road, Harare,
Telephone 04-702620
17.
18. Cover feature
Ten Rules for
Growing Your
Business Fast in 2015
Picture Credit: Ailisgarcia.com
19. Words by Phil Chichoni
The moment you stop growing your business, you have stopped
running. It does not matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle, you are
just waiting for the inevitable end.
In 1952, a Harvard University team made three predictions that apply
to our constantly changing business environment. The predictions were
as follows:
1. There will be more change in your business in the year ahead
than ever before.
2. There will be more competition in your business than ever
before.
3. There will be more opportunities in your business than ever
before.
A fourth prediction was added later: Those individuals and
organizations that do not quickly adapt to the inevitable and unavoidable
changes of today will be in different fields of business within one or two
years.
It is no longer business as usual. The business environment is
changing faster than ever before. Firms that do not vigorously pursue
growth strategies will falter.
Businesses are facing challenges they have never had to face before.
Survival is not enough. There are more and more people and businesses
who are so determined to win that they will take over market share from
complacent snoozers.
The rules for growth detailed in this article come from the research of
successful businesses and their leaders both in Zimbabwe and outside
the country. Of course it will never be easy to apply all of the rules, but
what choice do you have? Nothing significant is ever achieved without
hard work.
Rule No.1: Set Clear Business Goals
The number one reason for business failure is the inability of the
leader to set and achieve sales, growth and profitability goals.
All the strategic and market planning, including what products and
services to supply, the people to hire, productivity, finances and
competitive responses are all embraced in the setting and achieving of
business goals.
In preparing this article, I asked some business owners I know what
their goals were for 201. The majority just gave vague answers. They had
no written goals for sales or profit, the most important measures of
business growth.
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20. With no definite goals, how do you know where you are going? How do
your people know what they are supposed to achieve?
All strategy begins with deciding exactly what is to be achieved in the
long term. You then establish the short- and medium- term objectives
that will eventually lead to your overall goals for the company.
Goals set in numbers are easier and more practical to implement. This
is because what gets measured gets done. Some examples of quantitative
goals are:
1. The levels of sales volume that you want the business to attain
during the year.
2. Gross profit margins on sales.
3. Net profit margins on sales.
4. Return on capital invested in your business.
Goals must be clearly communicated to everyone who has a role in
meeting them. Get them written down. Review them regularly to ensure
you are on track. Take corrective measures whenever you find the
business getting off-course. Action can be taken when the goals are clear
and measurable.
Rule No.2: Set Priorities and Focus on
Key Tasks
In an unpredictable business environment, many owners get bogged
down trying to solve one crisis after another. They easily lose focus and
are easily overtaken by competitors whilst they are distracted.
Winners set priorities for their business. They deploy the limited
resources available, especially people, time and money into those areas
that will make the greatest contribution to the success of the business.
List your priorities in terms of the following criteria:
a) Critical tasks. These are important and must be done or there
will be serious consequences if not done.
b) Mildly important tasks. These have mild consequences and can
be put off while you do A tasks.
c) Task with no consequences. These are nice things to do or have
but carry no serious consequences.
When allocating resources, be they time, people or money, always
prioritize A tasks. Never do a B when A is not done. And never do a C
task when B is not done. The most important things must never be left
at the mercy of the less important ones. In this cash tight economy, the
most important thing it to generate revenue. Ask yourself whether or not
an activity you are considering will add to revenue. Focus on things that
will grow your sales fastest.
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