360 Biz

Are we free as business people or citizens... or are we captured by Capitalism? Most African countries were colonised by pushing business interests, thus they are still captured to date. We are now officially in recession (is that not part of capture?) - hence we are borrowing monies to free the economy etc. Will we ever be free as a market? Joining Teboho Mafodi and Bulelani Balabala in studio for the discussion is: Chris Hattingh (Researcher at Free Market Foundation), Dr Harry Akinola (Global Learning& Dev Head at Puma Energy & Shift Convener), and Lisa Illingworth (Author, Entrepreneur & Founder of FutureProofSA). www.cliffcentral.com

For years, the terms "business model" and "marketing strategy" were cut-and-dried subjects. Both company and customer knew what to expect, and the process from touchpoint to sale could drag on for ages. In this linear approach to marketing, companies expected a lengthy time to reach a sale, all but leaving their business to chance, in the hands of a customer who may or may not have all the information they need to make a purchase. Learn how digital marketing has evolved over time and the new ways of marketing for your business. www.cliffcentral.com

According to the latest Women in Business report, only 28% of senior management roles in South Africa are held by women. Furthermore, the report indicates that almost 31% of SA companies have no women at all in senior management positions. Teboho Mafodi and Bulelani Balabala talk about women in leadership and they are joined by Nthabiseng Phoshoko, Lebo Ramokhoa, Mathabo Tebello Mathebule, Nelisiwe Masango, and Zi Hatting. www.cliffcentral.com

Companies who successfully implement a customer experience strategy achieve higher customer satisfaction rates, reduced customer churn, and increased revenues. For Women's Month, the female entrepreneurs we have in studio have excelled in their businesses to satisfy their customers in their service offering. www.cliffcentral.com

There is no denying that women are faced with challenges in the workplace. These include sexual harassment, access to opportunities, the 'mom' effect, pay gaps, investing gaps, and more. The challenges increase exponentially in male-dominated industries such as mining, finance, tech, engineering, construction, politics, etc. These industries are comprised of 25% or fewer female employees, and an even smaller percentage of women in leadership. The team talks to women who are working in men’s worlds. They share some of their challenges and how they survive against all odds. In studio are Alice Madisha (Co-Founder of Smith & Madisha Construction), Nthabiseng Sathekge (Founder of Latitude Liberty), Jo Mathole (Founder and CEO of Kwame Diamonds), and Charon Maseka (Field Engineer at Hilti). www.cliffcentral.com

Unemployment remains stubbornly high in South Africa and is one of the greatest socio-economic problems currently facing the country’s youth. Many are turning to entrepreneurship to make ends meet. But some have found it easier than others. Job creation was a leading goal of government policy during the first decade of democracy in South Africa following the end of apartheid in 1994. However, little success has been achieved in the struggle to create sufficient jobs. The team talks to entrepreneurs who have found solutions to the economic problems we are facing as a nation. Maggie Mo runs CV Desk - which recruits for national and international companies. Henri Bam is the co-founder of Sxuirrel - a peer-to-peer marketplace that brings together hosts and guests from within a community, to create local, unique and flexible storage solutions. www.cliffcentral.com

Entrepreneurs and innovators fuel economic growth. We rely on them to create new jobs, implement pioneering ideas and attract global investment. Entrepreneurial opportunities of all types exist in every part of the world, and while opportunities may be diverse in different economic contexts, there are ambitious entrepreneurs everywhere with the aspirations to pursue them. Our guests in studio are Takalo Mahlogonolo (Owner of Lamagia Events Management), Mikel Moyo (Managing Director at Mphato & Associates), and Katlego Rakoma (Chief Retail Strategist at Dinatla Manufacturing). www.cliffcentral.com

Entrepreneurs are meticulous about their marketing strategy, they will not compromise on the product or service quality, and will leave no stone unturned to make sure the team meets its target. Their saving acumen and investment insights, however, may be a different story altogether. Ironically, saving and investing money is as important for an entrepreneur as their commitment to deliver value to customers. Statistics show that 50% of enterprises fail within the first year, and 95% fail within the first five years. www.cliffcentral.com

Entrepreneurs and innovators fuel economic growth. We rely on them to create new jobs, implement pioneering ideas and attract global investment - yet this is a sector that has been largely overlooked and under-serviced by traditional banking models. Having recognised this critical challenge, there is now a unique banking proposition for entrepreneurs.

Most people believe that entrepreneurs in less-developed economies, such as those in Africa and Latin America, only start their own businesses because they have no other options and are desperate to earn a living for themselves and their families. Entrepreneurs today are breaking barriers and kicking down those locked doors.

On Opportunity Wednesday, we hosted guests: Zimkhita Zatu - Head of EDGE at Standard Bank; Chef Melusi Twala - Owner of The Mood Restaurant, and Lee-Roy Joyce - General Manager at Cool Ideas. www.cliffcentral.com

Everyone can innovate. Innovation means coming up with new ways of doing things. However being innovative does not only mean inventing; it can also mean changing your business model and adapting to changes in your environment to deliver better products or services. Bulelani chats to Ndumiso Hadebe to discuss the best way to innovate in your business. www.cliffcentral.com