What software do I need for my small business?

Factors like product or service category, size of enterprise, nature of venture all influence the software requirements of businesses.  For the small business owner basic software systems are critical to drive operational efficiencies, and the initial focus is on accounting, payroll & Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems 

How do I attract new clients to my business?

There is no silver bullet to designing a marketing plan for your business.  It is what is the best plan for your business at the time to get across your authentic customer offer.  Building an intelligent brand is about listening closely to what your customers are saying (and leaving unsaid), interpreting what/why, and using it to create a more customised product / service experience.We provide a guide to communicating your value message, protect your market share, grow your business and achieve improved business ROI    

What’s the one thing you think most small business owners are doing wrong?

Spreading themselves too thin. They often try too many things, doing everything themselves. Building an awesome team around a strong, meaningful and focused cause is the formula to a great business.

What can an Accountant do for a small busines owner?

The skills of an accountant are no doubt an excellent resource to add to your small business team, especially if you do no have a strong financial background yourself and your business growth rate is rapid.              Accountants can optimise and complete your tax filing process but also provide thngs like advice on business structuring, areas for financial improvement and creating financial forecasts to help you make better business decisions.

How do I check that my business is POPI compliant?

The purpose of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act is to ensure all South African businesses conduct themselves in a responsible manner when collecting, processing, storing and sharing another entity’s personal information.  As a start, do a quick 'health check for POPI Act Compliance" by answering some simple questions to see how your organisation complies with the basic requirements of the Act.  You can see more information at www.popisolutions.co.za

How should I price my products and / or services?

Pricing is probably one of the toughest things to do for business owners.  There are a variety of different types of pricing strategies in business, however, there's no one surefire approach that suits all types of products, businesses, or markets.  Setting a pricing strategy involves considering factors including target customer, competitor pricing and understanding the relationship between quality and price.

How do I use social media, like Facebook and Instagram, to grow my business?

Social media platforms today offer businesses a untapped opportunity to further engage with their target markets and attract new customers.  But this will only happen after you develop a large following and learn how to give them what they really want.  Start with building a thorough understanding of your target market and how your business can become part of their lives.     

Why do I need a website for my business if I don’t sell online?

Customers are increasingly searching, researching and reviewing products & services online and a website presents a critital touchpoint for you to interact and provide the information they need.  Your website allows you to position yourself online with a strong, professional destination that gives customers the impression you mean business and the motivation to want to engage more with your business

When must I register for VAT?

As per the SARS website "It is mandatory for any business to register for VAT if the income earned in any consecutive twelve month period exceeded or is likely to exceed R1 million"

What’s the best way for small businesses to recruit new staff?

Finding the time and mechanisms to vet candidates and attract the right people can be time consuming but you know is important. If you recruit through agencies you are facing cost implications, but if you recruit in-house you will have to set aside your time to vet applications.  

Employee referral schemes work well, where they can recommend suitable candidates in exchange for a reward, or outsource to a specialist who will also manage the interview process with you.