Entrepreneurs

[Shnorkiller]

Hi all,

During my short time on these forums i"ve noticed a large amount of highly intelligent and motivated people.

I was hoping to start a thread where those who are entrepreneurs can share what they do, what businesses they have going, as well as what start ups they're currently involved in. Getting to know what others do and being able to network and communicate with them online is a great way to develop ideas and meet others who can help contribute to ones own ideas, i believe.

So please feel free to share more about yourself as well as your business/es.

 

[Moosedrool]

Also noticed this on the forums thus checking mybb at least once a day is becoming a must.

Here's my 10c

I'm co owner of a recording studio where we specialise in recording, producing and mastering of all genres. Specific voice over and musical recordings can be done at lower prices due to myself and co-workers extensive knowledge in the music industry and IT fields.

Practically we make use of top end interface hardware, the latest DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and Virtual studio technologies available in order to capture a giant amount of audio channels digitally. Combined with the acoustic setup of the tracking areas we are capable of recording up to 36 channels of perfect quality sound simultaneously at serious bit rates.

It's fun and a great business to be part of not only from an engineering point of view but also the perspective of operating the overall company in this dynamic industry. I'm never bored, there is always work and challenges.

I started working in the IT field GijimaAST as a Field support engineer directly placed on the Absa contract, gradually worked and studied my way up in the company and worked as a system administrator in Active Directory for 3 years. We were in sourced into Absa, By this time I already started the business with my coworker and decided after 1 more year that in order for the company to grow I'll need to put in full effort and forget about the IT field all together. Doing something like this is always risky in a sense but I'm unmarried, young and skilled in this field from the managing side all the way to the musical aspect.

I'm also noticing considerable growth in Entrepreneurs in South-Africa most likely due to the number of unemployed skilled citizens either just trying to make a living or investing in business creation. This is bad news for our government but great news for the economy as whole.

 

[Lostee]

This is a great thread, not sure why it doesn't have 10s of pages already. Maybe the guys and girls out here don't like to share about themselves. I would contribute, but I'm still someone's employee...

 

[Jozsef Borbely]

This is a great thread, not sure why it doesn't have 10s of pages already. Maybe the guys and girls out here don't like to share about themselves. I would contribute, but I'm still someone's employee...

Make sure you have a buy and sell agreement in place for your business. Sorry its the financial planner in me. That being said I have to agree about the statement about intelligent people on this form. I was actually quite shocked to see the volume of people too. I think it might have to do with something with the age of the forum. How old is it, 20+ years?

I'm also noticing considerable growth in Entrepreneurs in South-Africa most likely due to the number of unemployed skilled citizens either just trying to make a living or investing in business creation. This is bad news for our government but great news for the economy as whole.

I believe it might have something to do with the internet becoming a excellent source of information. Anyone can learn to do anything if they research it hard enough. Take me for instance, im a financial planner by trade and other then computer games have very little computer experience. But with youtube, google, forums like this I was able to make my own website with some nice features and produce youtube videos of my own. Not bad if i say so myself.

Heres a link if anyone is curious. Feedback is welcome and appreciated. www.financespotlight.co.za

 

[CH2013]

Are there any reputable South African post-grad diplomas or masters in entrepreneurship? I know the nature of entrepreneurship is to go out there and just do it. Want to know if there are any courses to help become a more well rounded businessman.

 

[AchmatK]

Are there any reputable South African post-grad diplomas or masters in entrepreneurship? I know the nature of entrepreneurship is to go out there and just do it. Want to know if there are any courses to help become a more well rounded businessman.

Have a look at www.tsiba.org.za. The just launched part time pg dip but i think the next intake is only next year. Their main course is a Batchelors in business administration with a major in entrepreneurship offored completely through private scholarships.
Sent from my RM-821_im_south_africa_250 using Board Express

 

[Freshy-ZN]

For me the secret is not having all your eggs in one basket. I draw income from four different sources. The idea being to spread risk and not have one income stream slow down or collapse leaving me up shyte creek without a paddle.

As a salaried employee why couldnt you have another income stream or two? To me this is what being an entrepenuer is largely about.

 

[Sly21C]

Great thread! I wonder if links to a business' websites is allowed on this website, i.e. it might be seen as spamming? Maybe a link to one's website shouldn't be done because people will flock onto this threat and start spamming or advertising their business.

For me the secret is not having all your eggs in one basket. I draw income from four different sources. The idea being to spread risk and not have one income stream slow down or collapse leaving me up shyte creek without a paddle.

As a salaried employee why couldnt you have another income stream or two? To me this is what being an entrepenuer is largely about.

I'm a salaried worker, my new year resolution was to have a second income this year and so far not so good. Could you please share a bit of how and where the other sources of income come from?

 

[Shnorkiller]

Well in the hope of regenerating the thread and encouraging others to get involved, I'd like to share what I do.

I'm 21 years old, currently in my final year of a Bcom Business Management. As Jozsef said, I think the internet is a huge contributor to the growth in the Entrepreneurship world. Having the ability to research and potentially test the feasibility and viability of an idea with minimum expenditure is something of exponential value.

I currently own and run a small ISP. My partner and I were able to set up and now successfully run this business from the information which is freely available online. I think the only barrier an entrepreneur faces is the motivation to actually make things happen. There are so many guys out there who have an idea that could actually work, yet dont have the confidence, desire or enthusiasm to stand up and make it happen and it just remains a pipe dream.

There are so many platforms now-a-day to launch from, so many opportunities presenting themselves everyday that anyone can capitalize on. Everyone is so caught up ensuring their financial security that they dont embrace what they love and chase what they have the potential to achieve.

I was lucky enough to be selected to join the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship (any Gauteng based entrepreneur, do yourself a favour and apply, its an outstanding facility) and have benefitted greatly from the networking and collaboration opportunities that presented themselves. Pursuing the often lonely road of going it yourself is hard and facilities like this really motivate and encourage one.

My aim for the start next year is to have grown the business to a point whereby both myself and my partner can comfortably live off the profits. This will allow me not to have to take a job and free up more time for me to focus on this business, as well as other projects that are in the pipeline for when the time is right.

 

[Jozsef Borbely]

Well in the hope of regenerating the thread and encouraging others to get involved, I'd like to share what I do.

I'm 21 years old, currently in my final year of a Bcom Business Management. As Jozsef said, I think the internet is a huge contributor to the growth in the Entrepreneurship world. Having the ability to research and potentially test the feasibility and viability of an idea with minimum expenditure is something of exponential value.

I currently own and run a small ISP. My partner and I were able to set up and now successfully run this business from the information which is freely available online. I think the only barrier an entrepreneur faces is the motivation to actually make things happen. There are so many guys out there who have an idea that could actually work, yet dont have the confidence, desire or enthusiasm to stand up and make it happen and it just remains a pipe dream.

There are so many platforms now-a-day to launch from, so many opportunities presenting themselves everyday that anyone can capitalize on. Everyone is so caught up ensuring their financial security that they dont embrace what they love and chase what they have the potential to achieve.

I was lucky enough to be selected to join the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship (any Gauteng based entrepreneur, do yourself a favour and apply, its an outstanding facility) and have benefitted greatly from the networking and collaboration opportunities that presented themselves. Pursuing the often lonely road of going it yourself is hard and facilities like this really motivate and encourage one.

My aim for the start next year is to have grown the business to a point whereby both myself and my partner can comfortably live off the profits. This will allow me not to have to take a job and free up more time for me to focus on this business, as well as other projects that are in the pipeline for when the time is right.

Give this man a BELLS!

Well said, I will try and join that facility.

In terms of confidence, i highly recommend watching the youtube vids of Murray Kilgour, a SA based leadership coach.

 

[Shnorkiller]

Give this man a BELLS!

Well said, I will try and join that facility.

In terms of confidence, i highly recommend watching the youtube vids of Murray Kilgour, a SA based leadership coach.

Thank you kindly! Will certainly give those videos a watch.

 

[AlbiKo]

We call it the future of Real estate, you call it i-viewproperty360

We market and list properties for estate agencies, B&B's, guest houses, rental's, self-catering accommodation and owners who wish to sell their own property privately with affordable fully interactive 360 virtual tours within Western Cape, South Africa.

Let’s face it, computers and more so the internet has become an important part of our daily lives and more and more people are using these tools, whether to buy something, compare prices, look for property, book a holiday or to look for a new rental home as it saves them time and money and they can do all of this from the comfort of their own home.

As they say knowledge is power, so knowing this fact can help you move with the times and market your property virally with a 360 Virtual Tour. Which is a cutting edge marketing tool and will reach more people from further away, that will place you head and shoulders above your competition.

We list all our properties, holiday accommodation and rentals with a fully interactive 360 Virtual Tour and still images. This ensures that every potential client can view your property as if they are standing there in person, in turn helping your clients save time and money.

Our Virtual Tours are always of the highest quality as are the still images that accompany them. Our descriptions of your properties are accurate to the tee, as you provide us with the information. The i-viewproperty360 team are highly dedicated specialists, working with you to provide a personalized service no matter how small or big your needs are, we aim to get back to you promptly each and every time no matter what time of day it is.

Since the launch of our websites global rank has dropped from 15 000 000 to 509 000 in the last 3 months, its not easy as the western cape isn't the easiest crowd to launch such a futuristic concept with, but we must be doing something right.

Show your support http://www.i-viewproperty360.co.za any advise or interested partners please contact us through our webpage

Thank you

 

[minty203]

I had an idea for a project. To start small businesses and keep those records of what actually happened when I started those businesses.

I have heard it too many times before, "this guy is lazy, why doesnt he make an effort to do something, sell something. All he does is it around and complain that there are no jobs"

My first business was selling wors rolls. On the outside it seemed like a champion idea. But I noted down all the expenses, and I was really surprised when the figures started talking. The way I initially saw it was like this. Wors R7, Roll R1, Sell for R15. Make R7 profit per wors roll.

But in practice, it is different. I didnt account for charcoal, sauces, wages, petrol, serviettes, paper plates, wastage, etc. I recorded a loss in the end.

The lesson that came from this is that nothing is as easy as it seems. And record keeping is one of the most important activities that need to happen in any business.

I tried one or two other small business ideas, but I need to get to bed now, and I am one of those people who will talk you dronk.

Who thinks that such a project actually has some potential of bring a success? A benefit atleast of guiding entrepreneurs who are thinking of opening this, that or the other business?

Sort of like open source entrepreneurship models. Iron out all the kinks, learn from predecessor's mistakes, so that eventually, years down the line some entrepreneur can open the perfect wors rolletjie stalletjie.

 

[AlbiKo]

Hardwork

I had an idea for a project. To start small businesses and keep those records of what actually happened when I started those businesses.

I have heard it too many times before, "this guy is lazy, why doesnt he make an effort to do something, sell something. All he does is it around and complain that there are no jobs"

My first business was selling wors rolls. On the outside it seemed like a champion idea. But I noted down all the expenses, and I was really surprised when the figures started talking. The way I initially saw it was like this. Wors R7, Roll R1, Sell for R15. Make R7 profit per wors roll.

But in practice, it is different. I didnt account for charcoal, sauces, wages, petrol, serviettes, paper plates, wastage, etc. I recorded a loss in the end.

The lesson that came from this is that nothing is as easy as it seems. And record keeping is one of the most important activities that need to happen in any business.

I tried one or two other small business ideas, but I need to get to bed now, and I am one of those people who will talk you dronk.

Who thinks that such a project actually has some potential of bring a success? A benefit atleast of guiding entrepreneurs who are thinking of opening this, that or the other business?

Sort of like open source entrepreneurship models. Iron out all the kinks, learn from predecessor's mistakes, so that eventually, years down the line some entrepreneur can open the perfect wors rolletjie stalletjie.

Fair play mate, but as with any small business it is all a about trial and error. It certainly seems like you are on the right track, it just is such a shame that you packed it in.

Knowledge is power, now that you know what costs are involved, why don't you re-asses your selling price (maybe do a little survey and see how much the general public is willing to pay for your product.), find a good supplier or bulk shop and look for specials and try again as long as you are making a profit, no matter how small and you build a good reputation, you and your business will succeed.

i-viewproperty360(my business) have been at it for 3 months now, yes we have had to cut prices to get clients on board, but always deliver an exceptional service with a friendly smile and it is now slowly starting to payoff, more and more people are contacting us with regards to listing their properties.

Patience is a virtue

 

[shogun]

Are there any reputable South African post-grad diplomas or masters in entrepreneurship? I know the nature of entrepreneurship is to go out there and just do it. Want to know if there are any courses to help become a more well rounded businessman.

If you are going to start a business, don't look to a degree to get going. For the accounting stuff, find an accountant to give advice. Have a lawyer on stand by for reviewing any contracts. Other than that you need to look at the obvious things... capital, cash flow, expenditure, R&D (if applicable), and employees (if applicable) amongst others.

The biggest challenge with starting a business apart from funding issues / lack of time / pressure to deliver / loss of social life etc, is actually that you don't realize just how much time arbitrary crap can take out of your work time. "Oh we need to submit expenses and taxes (crap where are those receipts?)", "Did we run out of coffee again?", "Dammit, that part I need is on the OTHER side of town... I need it for the weekend and it's Friday afternoon traffic!". "Oh hi ma'am, no thank you, I would not like to purchase a diary from your organisation". "Damnit Afrihost, why did you c*ck up our invoice... now I need to settle this over the phone with you, and that's another hour of my time down the tube!".

They don't teach that crap in business school. I know because I did a 4 year business degree. All the crap I did learn (balance sheets, cash flows, economics, stats, business strategy) is all a crock of sh** compared to the nuts and bolts of it.

 

[sly]

salaried worker by day for a multinational software vendor.. I get to solve hard supply chain problems.. lots of number crunching..

side work..

1. Helping my dad to create a scheduled bus service in outlying areas into cities, where taxis don't bother going.. A >R14/litre future for petrol looks very likely, people are in debt.. collaboration consumption of transport is the future... making steady progress.. 7 vehicles so far..

2. To fast track the latter, we always have an the issue of answering to the bloody banks, about risk yada yada.. paperwork.... Took a trip through southern Africa end of december 2011.. to find out what our neighbours are getting ripped off by "corporate" south african companies... this has taken off revenue growth up 200% in the last 6 months.. 2 trades per week, employing 2 people.. both studying exports diploma at IMM.. I see lots of potential here..


I think an success of a small business is starting small and getting things done.

 

[sly]

If you are going to start a business, don't look to a degree to get going. For the accounting stuff, find an accountant to give advice. Have a lawyer on stand by for reviewing any contracts. Other than that you need to look at the obvious things... capital, cash flow, expenditure, R&D (if applicable), and employees (if applicable) amongst others.

The biggest challenge with starting a business apart from funding issues / lack of time / pressure to deliver / loss of social life etc, is actually that you don't realize just how much time arbitrary crap can take out of your work time. "Oh we need to submit expenses and taxes (crap where are those receipts?)", "Did we run out of coffee again?", "Dammit, that part I need is on the OTHER side of town... I need it for the weekend and it's Friday afternoon traffic!". "Oh hi ma'am, no thank you, I would not like to purchase a diary from your organisation". "Damnit Afrihost, why did you c*ck up our invoice... now I need to settle this over the phone with you, and that's another hour of my time down the tube!".

They don't teach that crap in business school. I know because I did a 4 year business degree. All the crap I did learn (balance sheets, cash flows, economics, stats, business strategy) is all a crock of sh** compared to the nuts and bolts of it.

LOL...

Made a bet with my 2 MBA friends after they finish their fancy business school programmes my net worth will be doubled and i will have 1000 new phones numbers in my phone book which i can call so solve a business problem

 

[shogun]

LOL...

Made a bet with my 2 MBA friends after they finish their fancy business school programmes my net worth will be doubled and i will have 1000 new phones numbers in my phone book which i can call so solve a business problem

Don't get me wrong, my degree taught me loads of things that got me where I am today. They were skills though that I found incredibly useful in my profession. There's no way i'd know as much as I do now if I hadn't studied. Studying solely to learn how to RUN a small business though is somewhat pointless.

 

[minty203]

Fair play mate, but as with any small business it is all a about trial and error. It certainly seems like you are on the right track, it just is such a shame that you packed it in.

no no, it was more of a let me try something out type of thing. it was a lot of effort and i do have a full time job.

but just imagine if we could have a database of small business ideas with details of problems and solutions. like say i say i use paper plates, and it costs me a rand each, and you say you use polystyrene plates that costs 50cents. and like that we are continually improving a business model for the beginner entrepreneur. or we can discuss who sells rolls the cheapest. or which fuel burns longer, charcoal, coal, briquettes, wood, gas, etc and which is cheapest.

records must be kept strictly. everything detailed.

it could be interesting in SA what with all the unemployment we have.

anyways

 

[Chevron]

no no, it was more of a let me try something out type of thing. it was a lot of effort and i do have a full time job.

but just imagine if we could have a database of small business ideas with details of problems and solutions. like say i say i use paper plates, and it costs me a rand each, and you say you use polystyrene plates that costs 50cents. and like that we are continually improving a business model for the beginner entrepreneur. or we can discuss who sells rolls the cheapest. or which fuel burns longer, charcoal, coal, briquettes, wood, gas, etc and which is cheapest.

records must be kept strictly. everything detailed.

it could be interesting in SA what with all the unemployment we have.

anyways

But then you're just helping the competition. That's probably why it doesn't exist. When someone finds a better way to do something, they go do it.