NELSPRUIT – The renowned chief executive of the Global Equipping Centre (GEC) is visiting the city again to give a motivational talk on improving one’s approach to doing business.
Mr David Wilkinson combines theory and practice in the executive training programmes offered by the GEC. He has trained many executives from Fortune 500 companies, and since he has opened a local branch of the GEC, many Lowvelders can also attest to how these programmes boosted their businesses.
After spending a few years in Nelspruit, Wilkinson recently relocated to his native United States, but still visits regularly. Later this month, he will be the guest speaker at the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism’s (KLCBT) networking breakfast session.
The theme, “Breaking into the market” will be aimed at helping entrepreneurs crack the specific nut that is the local business environment. He told Lowvelder that he would divulge the two secret strategies for becoming successful in this area, which he had learned himself when the GEC moved its headquarters from Durban.
“It was much more difficult to make the company succeed in the Lowveld with the capital to do so, than to open a new branch in the US from scratch! It’s time to assist others to become successful in their sphere of influence.”
He explained that the local environment was a unique mix and he found that even if an individual was aggressive in the
marketplace but had not been born in the region, he or she might experience some underlying challenges.
“There is a basic Johannesburg mentality of business individuals who are serious about developing their company and their personal financial portfolio. However, because of its scenic beauty, fauna and relaxed ambience, the overall feel of
the Lowveld is a much more laid-back approach. Adding the complexity of “family first” when doing business, makes for a unique blend that can result in either massive success or failure.”
He states that balanced people are poor. “If you study some of the most successful individuals in the world, they are anything but balanced, especially in the launching phase of a new project. Too many entrepreneurs have failed as they try to build a business, pick up their kids from school, take vacations and keep their hobbies.”
Wilkinson’s advice is for them to give the business all their time, talent and finance in the initial phase, in order for it to become the platform for their long-term success.
“Once the momentum has gained critical mass you have only to maintain it Slightly and you can add the fun, family and hobbies back again. The question is whether you have the self-discipline and motivation to fulfil this critical mandate.”
There is still space left to attend the breakfast at the Emnotweni Arena on April 16. Enquiries: KLCBT on 013-755-1988.
