Advice for entrepreneurs
JOBURG – Get a kick-start on the year by becoming the best entrepreneur that you can be.
Becoming a success is a journey, so here are some tips to make your ride a little smoother.
The journey from growing a start-up into a successful business is often a long one, requiring hard work and dedication. According to South African entrepreneur Mark Ahjam, honesty, adaptability and determination to succeed are just some of the mental attributes an entrepreneur needs to turn their start-up into a success.
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“I believe the main factors behind my success are treating both my employees and customers with integrity and adjusting to conditions when things don’t go as planned. Treat any failures as lessons, learn from them and don’t let the challenges make you give up,” he said.
In 2009, he established Bilionetworks with a vision of providing a complete cabling solution and support service. The company has since grown, employing 124 staff members and also offers a range of ICT products and services.
Ahjam, a beneficiary of the Innovator Trust Enterprise Development Programme, advised entrepreneurs to stay focused. “Diverting from core offerings is one of the most common errors entrepreneurs make early in their business journey.
“Staying focused on what you do best will help your business grow organically while maintaining a high standard of work quality that not only meets but exceeds your customers’ expectations.”
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He also advised those starting up businesses to take control of their finances.
“Start-ups sometimes lack the capital needed to establish the business, but that can be overcome. Make connections and learn about the various finance options that are out there for SMMEs. At the same time, you must always keep an eye on your bottom line and make sure you keep track of daily income and expenses.
“Avoid taking on unnecessary debt, and pay your creditors on time.”
Planning ahead was another tip offered by Ahjam. “Running a start-up is often a hands-on job and requires a significant amount of immediate focus from the entrepreneur. Medium- and long-term goals need attention, too, in order to budget, strategise and plan for the future.”
Read: Entrepreneurs: Take a leap of faith
Comment on the City Buzz Facebook page and let us know what other tips to follow when starting a business.
