Messages of Hope for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Retirees, Students (Learners) or anyone who wants to build a better future for themselves. Via the Magic of Email.
But a much-needed one and must be planned accordingly. It is a vast and complicated subject.
A lot of us approach retirement with trepidation and angst. Fear. What can we do? Have we made enough provision to retire? How long can I keep my job? The youngsters are queuing up to take it.
This is scary, but what can we do?
Most of the retirement advice is aimed at those people who still have good jobs and are going on pension soon. They have pension funds or retirement annuities. The insurance companies make a fortune. But where does it leave us a few years after we have retired?
I am not a financial advisor, so I can’t help with your money issues. I can only give some guidance, based on my experiences. I’ve been through a lot in my short life. Owned small businesses. Tried a lot of different things. Won some, lost some. But I’m still around to tell the story. And I’d like to share some of those experiences. Lots of ideas and suggestions, particularly for those of us over the age of 60.
It’s never too late to learn. We can still teach others.
Or learn to help ourselves a little better. Tomorrow holds a better place for us all. If we are prepared to learn and share that learning with others just like us. We have to just get on and make our own great future. But we have to act on what we learn.
Plans with no action won’t get us anywhere. We have to practice what we learn, over and over. Edison took over 1 000 tries before the lightbulb was perfected. But he didn’t give up. Which is a good thing. If he had, we wouldn’t have electricity today. Despite Eskom’s efforts at preventing us from having it.
Young people are more than welcome to join in, as they are the future. We can teach them an awful lot too, can’t we? There are many fundis around who can give us expert guidance and advice. If you think you can’t afford to invest in your own learning, please think again.
You owe it to yourself and your family and friends not to be a burden. Have a look at Peter Carruthers’ courses at the Academy of Business Owners.
I have done most of the courses myself and recommend Peter very highly. As a trainer, mentor and friend. There is bound to be a course or two for you.
Whether you’re young or old. Rich or Poor.
With or without experience. Wherever you live. Whatever you do. Whether you have a job or are self-employed. Learn to Earn. You can’t lose. Good luck. Luck is what you get when you cross opportunity with action.
Herman Mashaba is the founder and leader of Action SA. He is confident that his party will enjoy support from many ‘gatvol’ South Africans. Those who had never bothered to register as voters. He says his party’s volunteers are helping thousands of apathetic citizens sign up.
Most recent polls ignore this factor, he says. They rate the party’s national support in the low single digits. He cites the 10% ActionSA polled in a recent by-election in rural Limpopo. Despite only entering the contest two months before the vote.
The successful entrepreneur turned politician says the party has spread nationwide. By drawing on the distribution strategy used to build his successful BlackLikeMe business. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews.
Joining Phila today is David Ansara, Chief Executive at the Free Market Foundation.
An independent Public Benefit Organisation founded in 1975 to promote and foster an Open Society, the rule of law, economics, press freedom, human rights, and democracy. Based on classical liberal principles.
David clarifies what he means by “Free Market”.
He dispels some lingering myths about it. And he elaborates on the values of the FMF. Further, David talks about what he would like to achieve. And why he thinks that South Africa is desperate for Free Market ideas. Finally, David and Phila talk about the current economic climate in South Africa. Drawing on some tangible issues that need addressing.
Want to know more about the Free Market Foundation? Click Here.
With very best wishes,
Chris Wilkinson – My Front Page – Plastic Plant Pots This is what I do for a living
As a small business owner, the mindset shift is vital.
Most of us find ourselves in this position for various reasons:
We have to supplement our retirement savings
We were retrenched or fired
We got sick and went through some tough times
We lost all our money through bad investments
Desperation
And a whole host of other reasons.
Small Business is not a “little version” of “Big” business. The differences are vast. Those who come from a corporate background will learn this. There are a number of lessons to learn before even starting out on this adventure.
Yes, it is an adventure and should be enjoyed.
What’s the point of doing something if you’re not going to have a little fun along the way? It’s certainly not about rags to riches. Or getting rich quickly. No free lunches. We have to earn our share. Investment advisors always tell us not to use borrowed money to buy shares, for instance.
The same goes for when you start your first small business. Never borrow money or take loans or get an overdraft before you have found a customer. Definitely not a good idea. If you haven’t got startup money of your own, you have to “bootstrap” your business. How does one do that?
We have to LEARN to EARN – a mindset shift.
Google is filled with people offering advice on this. There are loads of books on Amazon. Ask friends and other small business owners about their journey. Subscibe to email newsletters. Those you like or those that can help you. NOT the “spammy” ones.
Invest in yourself before spending money on anything else.
We don’t “need” expensive toys, especially those bought on “tick”. It’s not necessary to have a business plan. The banks won’t loan you money on that. You have to have some security, like a house or insurance policy to cover them. If you can’t pay the loan within the stipulated time, they’ll take the house. And everything you own to get their money. Never, ever sign a surety. Certain financial death. The bank manager is not your friend. He may be nice enough to give you the money. It’s the debt collector who comes after you. And he’s a Rotweiller. No sentiment.
I know, I’ve been there. Not a nice place.
Instead of spending your time on all these things, find a customer. Just one to start. Grow from there. Slowly. When you have a few good, supportive customers, look after them by giving great service. Stay in touch. Help where you can. As time goes by, they will find new customers for you, by word of mouth. Satisfied people tell their friends. Good news does spread. To the right people. As Seth Godin says: “People like us do things like this” The smallest viable market.
What’s the point of advertising nationally, if you live in Pofadder?
Find people in your own town, suburb, or neighbourhood who may want what you offer. Unhappy customers don’t say anything, they just leave. Especially if it’s your fault. And it’s always your fault. Take responsibility for what you do. Or don’t do.
Accept the challenge to be successful by adapting your mindset. Learn the things that will make your small business a success. Talk and listen to the fundis, gurus, and teachers.
“Where you will be in 5 years’ time will depend on the books you read and the people you meet” – Jim Rohn
Read books, and watch Youtube videos.
Learn as much as you can. Most of this is Free, by the way. You don’t have to spend a fortune before you start. Of course, not all the free stuff is good stuff. Be picky. Follow the leaders.
They’ll take you where you want to go. Focus on your continuous growth, and you’re sure to make it. Believe in yourself and make your plans. Be positive and the world will start to look like a different place. A much nicer place.
Check out all the courses available from the Academy of Business Owners. Choose the one most suited to you and your small (or large) business.
With very best wishes,
Chris Wilkinson.
Check out My Front Page to see what I can do for you.
In this interview with Mike Sham on The State of the Nation, we delve into her political journey and learn about the DA’s vision for a better South Africa.
From their stance on important national issues to their plans for the future. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in South African politics. And the role of young leaders in shaping the country’s future.
Personally, I think it’s time for a change to become more dynamic. “The Times they are a-changing” – Bob Dylan sang in the ’60’s. It’s taken that long, now it’s time for a new approach. Perhaps even a softer one!
Join us as we sit down with Mpho Phalatse for a truly enlightening and inspiring discussion.
Regards,
Chris Wilkinson
PS. Click Here for a Catalogue and Price List for Plastic Plant Pots
PPS. Have a look at the courses at The Academy of Business Owners Learn to start, run, and succeed in your own business. Choose a course best suited to your own needs in your business.
