SALES
Getting Rid of Objections
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting – September 2010 .
When you are out and about, trying to peddle your wares and your are getting the same negative answers all the time, you clearly need to turn these negatives into positives.
You know the objections that I mean, I am sure that we have all heard them before. The objections of “I’m not interested” or “I’m happy with my current supplier” or “the price is too high” or “there’s no budget” or “send me a proposal . . .” How are you currently responding to these statements? Do you just mutter something under your breath and slink away rejected and dejected? If so – why?
For me, writing stuff down usually helps me to clarify. My usual “MO” is a knee jerk, then I take a big breath and listen/read it again. Take a walk around the garden and have a coffee. Go back, write down my perception of the requirement and go through each item one at a time, calmly, logically and very definitely – unemotionally.
In this particular instance – what are the objections? Go back for a couple of weeks (or even months if you want to), list every person you saw and write down the objection that they gave you and how you responded to them. What did you say? How did you say it? What is the problem? If you know what the problem is, do you have a solution to that particular problem? Is there some sort of trend that you were perhaps not even aware of? Is there something in your sales pitch that you have left out or is your sales pitch as tired as you are of repeating it? Are you developing/maintaining your relationship with the customer correctly? Are you in fact providing your client with a product/service that they want or is it all about “you” and what you have decided that they need?
Perhaps it is time to look at things from a different perspective, a different angle, a fresh approach. Try being proactive to their requirements instead of reactive to their problems – yes there is an opportunity in both, but as a consumer I would prefer to avoid a potential problem.
Be honest with yourself when you answer the question. Chances are you have been trying to changing your client’s mindset instead of understanding their requirements and changing your own mindset.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
BLOGGING TIPS - What Makes A Blog Well Written - Part 1
BLOGGING TIPS – What Makes a Blog Well Written?
Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
There’s very little, in terms of feeling a great sense of achievement, as writing the last word in your article or blog. It really gives me a sense of wellbeing that carries me well into the remainder of my day.
Checking my spelling and my grammar is something that I do as a matter of course. That said though, I have recently become more aware of a few more elements that are needed to ensure that my blog gets read by as many people as possible. As much as the feeling is absolutely great when you complete the blog, so too is it absolutely devastating, when you look at the statistics and see that no-one has read the article or blog. That can be absolutely soul destroying!
So how can we fix this?
Think about this for a moment. As we travel around town, to and from our places of work, to a meeting or indeed, just going to the local mall, we see the newspaper headlines that are strung from lampposts or advertisements up on billboards everywhere. The headlines are designed specifically to entice us to buy the newspaper or buy whatever is being advertised. So too, must our headlines (or titles if you will), entice the readers to read our blogs or websites.
The headline is very important – it must pack a punch, it must captivate the imagination, it must magnetically pull the reader in.
Having the right headline (or title) can actually mean the difference between having your blog being read by a multitude of people and not being read at all.
For me, part of my test is to read the blog out loud. This means the headline as well. Read it out loud and then ask yourself a few questions. What picture does it paint in your head? Does it make you want to read more? Does it capture and hold your attention? Does it draw you in and make you feel like you are a part of the whole story?
The next question is this – I use ‘Google’ to search what I am looking for, but it doesn’t really matter which search engine you use – if your headline was in the line up (of whatever it is that you are looking for), would you be compelled to click on it before you clicked on any of the others? If you really are stumped and you can’t think of a suitable headline, ask a friend. Brainstorm! Throw it out there and see what comes back at you. You will be amazed at the amount of help there is and even more amazing is the fact that as you practice your writing, your skill at writing will improve immensely.
Next week we will have a look at a few more points on how to write a great blog.
1
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
There’s very little, in terms of feeling a great sense of achievement, as writing the last word in your article or blog. It really gives me a sense of wellbeing that carries me well into the remainder of my day.
Checking my spelling and my grammar is something that I do as a matter of course. That said though, I have recently become more aware of a few more elements that are needed to ensure that my blog gets read by as many people as possible. As much as the feeling is absolutely great when you complete the blog, so too is it absolutely devastating, when you look at the statistics and see that no-one has read the article or blog. That can be absolutely soul destroying!
So how can we fix this?
Think about this for a moment. As we travel around town, to and from our places of work, to a meeting or indeed, just going to the local mall, we see the newspaper headlines that are strung from lampposts or advertisements up on billboards everywhere. The headlines are designed specifically to entice us to buy the newspaper or buy whatever is being advertised. So too, must our headlines (or titles if you will), entice the readers to read our blogs or websites.
The headline is very important – it must pack a punch, it must captivate the imagination, it must magnetically pull the reader in.
Having the right headline (or title) can actually mean the difference between having your blog being read by a multitude of people and not being read at all.
For me, part of my test is to read the blog out loud. This means the headline as well. Read it out loud and then ask yourself a few questions. What picture does it paint in your head? Does it make you want to read more? Does it capture and hold your attention? Does it draw you in and make you feel like you are a part of the whole story?
The next question is this – I use ‘Google’ to search what I am looking for, but it doesn’t really matter which search engine you use – if your headline was in the line up (of whatever it is that you are looking for), would you be compelled to click on it before you clicked on any of the others? If you really are stumped and you can’t think of a suitable headline, ask a friend. Brainstorm! Throw it out there and see what comes back at you. You will be amazed at the amount of help there is and even more amazing is the fact that as you practice your writing, your skill at writing will improve immensely.
Next week we will have a look at a few more points on how to write a great blog.
1
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
WORKSHOP: Corporate Governance, Compliance & the New Companies Act
Workshop Invitation : Corporate Governance, Compliance and the New Companies Act, for Entrepreneurs
Viljoen Consulting, Sisibukula, Mystical Cat and Women in Finance together can provide you with every business solution every business problem.
Come and join us at the workshop entitled “Corporate Governance, Compliance and the New Companies Act, for Entrepreneurs.”
Much is heard about the Kings Commission and the New Companies Act, but what exactly does that mean and does it have any impact on the SMME/Entrepreneur? Of course it does and sadly, many only find out that it does, when they suffer the consequences.
As in all things in life, it makes sense for all small businesses and entrepreneurs to be proactive and run their businesses in a manner that evidences good governance.
The workshop takes the form of interactive sessions, where participants have the opportunity to discuss their own concerns and requirements and brainstorm towards solutions. Workshops will be valuable to owners and directors of organisations, no matter what the size of the company.
The workshop is facilitated by Frik Vermaak Frik who is an Entrepreneur in his own right. Frik has 29 years of banking and financial services experience. During his career he obtained a BCom (RAU), MBA (PBS), TGMP (Harvard) and is a Chartered Marketer (SA). He completed his banking career at ABSA Corporate and Merchant Bank as General Manager Financial Institutions. He was a founding director of the JSE’s STRATE project and also served as a director of Unexcor and the Central Depository. He furthermore served on an advisory committee on the National Payment System of the South African Reserve Bank. In 2000 he was appointed CEO of Computershare South Africa Ltd. In 2004 he was a co founder and Executive Director of IIIPA Ltd, subsequently sold to Alexander Forbes. He consulted to both Alexander Forbes and IQ Business Group and worked as a corporate finance associate of Salamander Capital in structuring M&A, BEE and specialised funding transactions. In 2006 he joined Allegro Holdings as CEO until founding Evolution Consulting Group in 2009.
Frik is currently is Chief Executive Officer of Evolution Consulting Group, and serves in the boards of various companies. He uses his extensive experience in assisting Small and medium enterprise in business restructuring. He is a professional member of the Investment Analyst Society (IASSA) as well as the Marketing Association (MASA).
The workshop covers the following issues:
1. What is compliance?
2. Areas of compliance?
a. Corporate governance
b. Statutory compliance (New Companies act etc.)
c. Legislatory compliance (e. g. FAIS, FICA)
d. Industry/Product specific compliance
e. Labour compliance
f. Policies and procedures (HR, job descriptions, manuals, assessment policies)
g. Information Technology
h. Operational procedures (Manufacturing, Workflow)
i. Financial compliance (Audit, SARS etc)
j. Black Economic Empowerment
k. Disaster recovery/business continuity
3. Consequences of non-compliance: is it worth the price?
Date: Tuesday 5th October 2010
Venue: Mystical Cat
NGN House.
Riley Road Office Park
15E Riley Road
Bedfordview
Cost: R950.00 (includes breakfast/lunch/refreshments and course material, inclusive of VAT)
Time: 08.30 to 3.30/4.00 pm. (Registration from 08.00 onwards). Please allow additional travelling time to combat traffic.
RSVP: no later than 1st October 2010 . Space is limited therefore bookings will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Please contact:-
Mystical Cat delegates, please contact Cat on 011 022 1863 or cat@mysticalcat.co.za.
Women in Finance delegates please contact colleen@womeninfinance.co.za or 084-353-9865.
Everyone else please contact Nikki Viljoen on nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or 083 702 8849 or on my landline 011 022 8089 for booking details.
I look forward to meeting you at the workshop.
Viljoen Consulting, Sisibukula, Mystical Cat and Women in Finance together can provide you with every business solution every business problem.
Come and join us at the workshop entitled “Corporate Governance, Compliance and the New Companies Act, for Entrepreneurs.”
Much is heard about the Kings Commission and the New Companies Act, but what exactly does that mean and does it have any impact on the SMME/Entrepreneur? Of course it does and sadly, many only find out that it does, when they suffer the consequences.
As in all things in life, it makes sense for all small businesses and entrepreneurs to be proactive and run their businesses in a manner that evidences good governance.
The workshop takes the form of interactive sessions, where participants have the opportunity to discuss their own concerns and requirements and brainstorm towards solutions. Workshops will be valuable to owners and directors of organisations, no matter what the size of the company.
The workshop is facilitated by Frik Vermaak Frik who is an Entrepreneur in his own right. Frik has 29 years of banking and financial services experience. During his career he obtained a BCom (RAU), MBA (PBS), TGMP (Harvard) and is a Chartered Marketer (SA). He completed his banking career at ABSA Corporate and Merchant Bank as General Manager Financial Institutions. He was a founding director of the JSE’s STRATE project and also served as a director of Unexcor and the Central Depository. He furthermore served on an advisory committee on the National Payment System of the South African Reserve Bank. In 2000 he was appointed CEO of Computershare South Africa Ltd. In 2004 he was a co founder and Executive Director of IIIPA Ltd, subsequently sold to Alexander Forbes. He consulted to both Alexander Forbes and IQ Business Group and worked as a corporate finance associate of Salamander Capital in structuring M&A, BEE and specialised funding transactions. In 2006 he joined Allegro Holdings as CEO until founding Evolution Consulting Group in 2009.
Frik is currently is Chief Executive Officer of Evolution Consulting Group, and serves in the boards of various companies. He uses his extensive experience in assisting Small and medium enterprise in business restructuring. He is a professional member of the Investment Analyst Society (IASSA) as well as the Marketing Association (MASA).
The workshop covers the following issues:
1. What is compliance?
2. Areas of compliance?
a. Corporate governance
b. Statutory compliance (New Companies act etc.)
c. Legislatory compliance (e. g. FAIS, FICA)
d. Industry/Product specific compliance
e. Labour compliance
f. Policies and procedures (HR, job descriptions, manuals, assessment policies)
g. Information Technology
h. Operational procedures (Manufacturing, Workflow)
i. Financial compliance (Audit, SARS etc)
j. Black Economic Empowerment
k. Disaster recovery/business continuity
3. Consequences of non-compliance: is it worth the price?
Date: Tuesday 5th October 2010
Venue: Mystical Cat
NGN House.
Riley Road Office Park
15E Riley Road
Bedfordview
Cost: R950.00 (includes breakfast/lunch/refreshments and course material, inclusive of VAT)
Time: 08.30 to 3.30/4.00 pm. (Registration from 08.00 onwards). Please allow additional travelling time to combat traffic.
RSVP: no later than 1st October 2010 . Space is limited therefore bookings will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Please contact:-
Mystical Cat delegates, please contact Cat on 011 022 1863 or cat@mysticalcat.co.za.
Women in Finance delegates please contact colleen@womeninfinance.co.za or 084-353-9865.
Everyone else please contact Nikki Viljoen on nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or 083 702 8849 or on my landline 011 022 8089 for booking details.
I look forward to meeting you at the workshop.
VAT - Some of the Requirements - Part 1
VAT – Some of the Requirements – Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
“Who here loves the VAT man?” That is a question that I ask on a regular basis. Sadly though, more often than not, mine is the only hand that goes up. It is definitely a mind set that needs to be changed if we are to make the best use of the concessions that SARS gives us.
That said, here are a few tips in terms of what must be done regarding the VAT requirements.
Obviously – number one on the list is that you have to be a VAT vendor in order for any of this to apply to you and if your turnover is a million or more per annum, then being a VAT vendor is compulsory. You can, however, apply to become a ‘voluntary’ VAT vendor.
VAT has to be charged at the current rate (as at September 2010) which is 14% and of course you have to make use of a valid ‘Tax Invoice’ and this has to be kept in terms of the correct retention period as promulgated by law. That means that your documents must be archived and retained.
VAT must be charged for all services and/or products supplied by the vendor. These services and/or products must be wholly and/or partly used for consumption in the course of making supplies or supplying a service that is taxable. That means of course that if you buy a potato (as a basic foodstuff this does not attract VAT which means you cannot offset it), to make chips or mash or even a roast potato dish for your restaurant, you used the potato (but changed it in the cooking process) in your product and your product does now attract VAT.
Going out for a meal with clients is called ‘entertainment’ and as such you can claim it as a business expense, but you cannot claim the VAT on it, unless . . .
If you or one of your staff are going out for a meal with a client and you (they) are out of town for longer than one night, you can claim the VAT back on this. In fact any meals taken by you and your staff, including alcohol, whilst you are out of town on business for a period longer than one night can have the VAT claimed for.
Normally, you cannot claim VAT for ‘office refreshments’, however if you purchase refreshments for the delegates that you are training, then you can claim VAT on those refreshments.
As usual, it is about what you know and how you use it that will allow you to make the most of your relationship with SARS. Next week we will have a look at a few more expenses that you can in fact claim VAT on.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
“Who here loves the VAT man?” That is a question that I ask on a regular basis. Sadly though, more often than not, mine is the only hand that goes up. It is definitely a mind set that needs to be changed if we are to make the best use of the concessions that SARS gives us.
That said, here are a few tips in terms of what must be done regarding the VAT requirements.
Obviously – number one on the list is that you have to be a VAT vendor in order for any of this to apply to you and if your turnover is a million or more per annum, then being a VAT vendor is compulsory. You can, however, apply to become a ‘voluntary’ VAT vendor.
VAT has to be charged at the current rate (as at September 2010) which is 14% and of course you have to make use of a valid ‘Tax Invoice’ and this has to be kept in terms of the correct retention period as promulgated by law. That means that your documents must be archived and retained.
VAT must be charged for all services and/or products supplied by the vendor. These services and/or products must be wholly and/or partly used for consumption in the course of making supplies or supplying a service that is taxable. That means of course that if you buy a potato (as a basic foodstuff this does not attract VAT which means you cannot offset it), to make chips or mash or even a roast potato dish for your restaurant, you used the potato (but changed it in the cooking process) in your product and your product does now attract VAT.
Going out for a meal with clients is called ‘entertainment’ and as such you can claim it as a business expense, but you cannot claim the VAT on it, unless . . .
If you or one of your staff are going out for a meal with a client and you (they) are out of town for longer than one night, you can claim the VAT back on this. In fact any meals taken by you and your staff, including alcohol, whilst you are out of town on business for a period longer than one night can have the VAT claimed for.
Normally, you cannot claim VAT for ‘office refreshments’, however if you purchase refreshments for the delegates that you are training, then you can claim VAT on those refreshments.
As usual, it is about what you know and how you use it that will allow you to make the most of your relationship with SARS. Next week we will have a look at a few more expenses that you can in fact claim VAT on.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Monday, September 27, 2010
MOTIVATION - Getting Past the Fear of Failure
MOTIVATION – Getting Past the Fear of Failure
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – September 2010
This is a topic that I have covered before, however that said, it is something that has really come to the forefront in my life lately. The other fear that I seem to constantly battle with is the fear of success.
Let’s look at this in a logical and unemotional manner.
Firstly – the fear of failure is a very normal emotion. I promise you, you are not alone. Everyone has, at some time or another had this fear. It’s how you deal with it that is important.
One of the ways to deal with the fear of failure, is to set yourself reasonable and effective goals. Remember though that you need to keep your goals as bite sized chunks, so that they are easily attainable.
Here’s the thing – “We can only have one thought at a time” says Robin S. Sharma – the trick is to have the right thought.
I am currently reading “The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari” by Robin S Sharma and some of the advice that I have seen there, not only resonated with me – it blew me out of the water. You see the whole book, (and I haven’t finished reading it yet) is around the fact that our minds control our thoughts and we should control our minds. Our thoughts actually bring about our fears or failures or indeed, our successes and pretty much anything that we wish to achieve.
In this wonderful story the Sage (or teacher) says that even one negative thought is poisonous to us as individuals and that we, by controlling our minds and our thoughts’ can change these ‘negative’ thoughts into ‘positive’ thoughts that will serve us. The reader is given exercises in visualization of the positive kind. These exercises start at a few minutes a day and they progress from there. There is also a section on ‘what to do’ when you have a negative thought. It really is a wonderful book and one that I would really recommend to everyone.
Of course, like everything else in life, it is only in the repetitive actions of the individual, that the solution will take place – it’s not an instantaneous happening, but rather a gradual reformation, so don’t think that you can do the exercise once and then everything in your life is solved. It won’t be, you have to repeat the exercise on a daily basis and you have to continue it for life.
Secondly, let’s have a look at the fear of success. This is the one that bites me in the rear end on a regular basis. I have spent all my life dreaming about my goals and when they finally arrive, I go into a kind of reverse action and my brain is flooded with thoughts of “I can’t do this because . . . “ or “I don’t deserve . . . .”! Actually yes I do deserve – I have put in the work, I have sweated the blood and the reward is mine to enjoy.
Again, it is about controlling your thoughts and turning positive thoughts into successful actions. Remember that a thought without any action is just that – a thought. The thought needs an action in order for anything to happen.
The bottom line of course, is that it is up to you – they are your thoughts and you are the only person that can control them.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – September 2010
This is a topic that I have covered before, however that said, it is something that has really come to the forefront in my life lately. The other fear that I seem to constantly battle with is the fear of success.
Let’s look at this in a logical and unemotional manner.
Firstly – the fear of failure is a very normal emotion. I promise you, you are not alone. Everyone has, at some time or another had this fear. It’s how you deal with it that is important.
One of the ways to deal with the fear of failure, is to set yourself reasonable and effective goals. Remember though that you need to keep your goals as bite sized chunks, so that they are easily attainable.
Here’s the thing – “We can only have one thought at a time” says Robin S. Sharma – the trick is to have the right thought.
I am currently reading “The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari” by Robin S Sharma and some of the advice that I have seen there, not only resonated with me – it blew me out of the water. You see the whole book, (and I haven’t finished reading it yet) is around the fact that our minds control our thoughts and we should control our minds. Our thoughts actually bring about our fears or failures or indeed, our successes and pretty much anything that we wish to achieve.
In this wonderful story the Sage (or teacher) says that even one negative thought is poisonous to us as individuals and that we, by controlling our minds and our thoughts’ can change these ‘negative’ thoughts into ‘positive’ thoughts that will serve us. The reader is given exercises in visualization of the positive kind. These exercises start at a few minutes a day and they progress from there. There is also a section on ‘what to do’ when you have a negative thought. It really is a wonderful book and one that I would really recommend to everyone.
Of course, like everything else in life, it is only in the repetitive actions of the individual, that the solution will take place – it’s not an instantaneous happening, but rather a gradual reformation, so don’t think that you can do the exercise once and then everything in your life is solved. It won’t be, you have to repeat the exercise on a daily basis and you have to continue it for life.
Secondly, let’s have a look at the fear of success. This is the one that bites me in the rear end on a regular basis. I have spent all my life dreaming about my goals and when they finally arrive, I go into a kind of reverse action and my brain is flooded with thoughts of “I can’t do this because . . . “ or “I don’t deserve . . . .”! Actually yes I do deserve – I have put in the work, I have sweated the blood and the reward is mine to enjoy.
Again, it is about controlling your thoughts and turning positive thoughts into successful actions. Remember that a thought without any action is just that – a thought. The thought needs an action in order for anything to happen.
The bottom line of course, is that it is up to you – they are your thoughts and you are the only person that can control them.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Thursday, September 23, 2010
SALES - Make A List of What You Do
SALES
Make A List Of What You Do
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting – September 2010 .
Phew! What a hectic couple of weeks it has been! Writing proposals and delivering presentations . . .
The last one that I had to do was a 15 minute presentation on who I am!
It’s not that I was totally stumped, you understand – but the question was “who are you?” not “what do you do?”
For me that poses a bit of a dilemma because I think that ‘who’ I am is exactly ‘what’ it is that I do – I do understand that that is not the same for everybody out there.
I realized very quickly that this presentation was about selling myself, selling my brand, selling my belief in myself, my morals and my ethics as well.
Actually it made a lot of sense as I had already submitted a whole proposal on what I do and what I was prepared to offer and what the cost would be.
So how did I do this? I mean, I have no doubt that the panel that I am presenting to have no real interest in the fact that I love my cat Deushka, who is a little strange and eccentric since he loves to eat olives and avocado pear with balsamic vinegar!
For a minute there, I was quite stumped and of course my ‘knee jerk’ reaction was ‘what the hell do they want this for’? Fortunately I have many friends who are always willing to help and Dyonne came to my rescue (being well versed in the world of presentations and proposals). Dyonne is very methodical and we started at the beginning and broke it down.
It started with a little history – a little background if you will, you know - the where I have worked, where I come from, what I did and so on. This progressed to how it all started – Viljoen Consulting – why I started the business and the driving force that is behind my decision to go on my own. From there we went into the how it has changed, which is clearly about how the business has morphed and grown and almost taken on a life of its own and then finally the ‘what’s in it for me’? Clearly cost is important as I need to pay the bills and put food on the table, but it’s also about my sense of achievement, my own personal satisfaction of a job well done and of course, my own mission of ‘making a difference’ in the lives of others in order to make a difference in my own life. It’s about the things that I value in life and how I go about achieving them.
Now of course, my biggest challenge was to keep it short and within the 15 minute time frame – talk about going from nothing to say to nothing can shut me up!
Clearly the lesson here for me is to ‘step away from the car’! Calm down and the write it all down in a logical manner!
Now why didn’t I think of that?
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Make A List Of What You Do
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting – September 2010 .
Phew! What a hectic couple of weeks it has been! Writing proposals and delivering presentations . . .
The last one that I had to do was a 15 minute presentation on who I am!
It’s not that I was totally stumped, you understand – but the question was “who are you?” not “what do you do?”
For me that poses a bit of a dilemma because I think that ‘who’ I am is exactly ‘what’ it is that I do – I do understand that that is not the same for everybody out there.
I realized very quickly that this presentation was about selling myself, selling my brand, selling my belief in myself, my morals and my ethics as well.
Actually it made a lot of sense as I had already submitted a whole proposal on what I do and what I was prepared to offer and what the cost would be.
So how did I do this? I mean, I have no doubt that the panel that I am presenting to have no real interest in the fact that I love my cat Deushka, who is a little strange and eccentric since he loves to eat olives and avocado pear with balsamic vinegar!
For a minute there, I was quite stumped and of course my ‘knee jerk’ reaction was ‘what the hell do they want this for’? Fortunately I have many friends who are always willing to help and Dyonne came to my rescue (being well versed in the world of presentations and proposals). Dyonne is very methodical and we started at the beginning and broke it down.
It started with a little history – a little background if you will, you know - the where I have worked, where I come from, what I did and so on. This progressed to how it all started – Viljoen Consulting – why I started the business and the driving force that is behind my decision to go on my own. From there we went into the how it has changed, which is clearly about how the business has morphed and grown and almost taken on a life of its own and then finally the ‘what’s in it for me’? Clearly cost is important as I need to pay the bills and put food on the table, but it’s also about my sense of achievement, my own personal satisfaction of a job well done and of course, my own mission of ‘making a difference’ in the lives of others in order to make a difference in my own life. It’s about the things that I value in life and how I go about achieving them.
Now of course, my biggest challenge was to keep it short and within the 15 minute time frame – talk about going from nothing to say to nothing can shut me up!
Clearly the lesson here for me is to ‘step away from the car’! Calm down and the write it all down in a logical manner!
Now why didn’t I think of that?
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
WORKSHOP: Financial Literacy for Non Financial Entrepreneurs
Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs – 29 September 2010
Hosted by Sisibukula, SA German Chamber and WIF.
Accounting is a language used to communicate important information about a business’ financial status and as a small business owner and entrepreneur understanding this language is vital to the financial success of your business. After all, how can you look after your bottom line if you don’t know what it is!
Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs is a workshop aimed specifically at small business owners and entrepreneurs, at all levels who want to equip themselves with the basics of accounting and understanding the financial aspects of their businesses.
Understanding the language of accounting will empower you to take your business to the next level and to understand and manage the business growth. Ultimately you will be equipped to grow a healthy and sustainable business.
Nico Labuschagne facilitates this workshop. Nico Labuschagne obtained his degree in Internal auditing from the Potchefstroom University based in Vanderbijlpark in 1997. To complete his articles, Nico joined a medium sized auditing firm. Nico then applied to join The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). After being tested and reviewed he was registered as a full member and received his practice number from the institute in 2002.
Like most entrepreneurs, Nico soon became bored with the mundane repetitiveness of corporate life. Nico had also noticed that in most small and medium sized businesses, the owners or and staff carried out the financial business without being equipped with any kind of accounting knowledge or understanding.
Understanding the challenges that face SMME’s and Entrepreneurs, Nico felt the need to empower them and has done so by writing a financial programme for the business man/woman in easy to understand language. The programme aims at a better understanding of how accounting works and its importance as a tool in running a financially healthy and stable business. Accounting principles are demonstrated. Topics like what an income statement and balance sheet are and what to look for in these statements are covered. Entrepreneurs and SMME’s no longer need fear financial data, putting them in a very empowering position. The entrepreneur is in control of the business.
Topics that will be covered in this workshop:
• Understanding the basic concepts of accounting.
• Reading financial statements.
• Analysing the basic elements of a balance sheet.
• Using the evidence in financial statements to make a financial decision.
• Determining financial viability of a project/enterprise.
• How to base decisions on evidence in the balance sheet.
• The financial strengths and weaknesses of an entity are analysed and suggestions are made of ways to improve income and reduce costs.
No prior knowledge of accounting or book keeping is necessary for this highly effective but simple to understand workshop that promises to equip you with powerful tools to manage your business on a practical level.
Date: Wednesday, 29th September 2010
Price: R950 per delegate (includes breakfast snack/lunch/refreshments and course material)
Venue: SA German Chamber
47 Oxford Road
Forest Town
Time: 08.30 AM- 4:00 PM (Registration from 08.00 onwards). Please allow additional travelling time to combat traffic.
To book your place for Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs, please contact:
For SA German Chamber delegates, please contact Shaan Padayachy on 011 486 2775 or spadayachy@germanchamber.co.za
For WIF delegates, please contact Colleen Larsen on 084 353 9865 or colleen@womeninfinance.co.za
Everyone else, please contact Nikki Viljoen on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za
RSVP: Please book no later than 27 September 2010. Space is limited therefore bookings will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Hosted by Sisibukula, SA German Chamber and WIF.
Accounting is a language used to communicate important information about a business’ financial status and as a small business owner and entrepreneur understanding this language is vital to the financial success of your business. After all, how can you look after your bottom line if you don’t know what it is!
Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs is a workshop aimed specifically at small business owners and entrepreneurs, at all levels who want to equip themselves with the basics of accounting and understanding the financial aspects of their businesses.
Understanding the language of accounting will empower you to take your business to the next level and to understand and manage the business growth. Ultimately you will be equipped to grow a healthy and sustainable business.
Nico Labuschagne facilitates this workshop. Nico Labuschagne obtained his degree in Internal auditing from the Potchefstroom University based in Vanderbijlpark in 1997. To complete his articles, Nico joined a medium sized auditing firm. Nico then applied to join The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). After being tested and reviewed he was registered as a full member and received his practice number from the institute in 2002.
Like most entrepreneurs, Nico soon became bored with the mundane repetitiveness of corporate life. Nico had also noticed that in most small and medium sized businesses, the owners or and staff carried out the financial business without being equipped with any kind of accounting knowledge or understanding.
Understanding the challenges that face SMME’s and Entrepreneurs, Nico felt the need to empower them and has done so by writing a financial programme for the business man/woman in easy to understand language. The programme aims at a better understanding of how accounting works and its importance as a tool in running a financially healthy and stable business. Accounting principles are demonstrated. Topics like what an income statement and balance sheet are and what to look for in these statements are covered. Entrepreneurs and SMME’s no longer need fear financial data, putting them in a very empowering position. The entrepreneur is in control of the business.
Topics that will be covered in this workshop:
• Understanding the basic concepts of accounting.
• Reading financial statements.
• Analysing the basic elements of a balance sheet.
• Using the evidence in financial statements to make a financial decision.
• Determining financial viability of a project/enterprise.
• How to base decisions on evidence in the balance sheet.
• The financial strengths and weaknesses of an entity are analysed and suggestions are made of ways to improve income and reduce costs.
No prior knowledge of accounting or book keeping is necessary for this highly effective but simple to understand workshop that promises to equip you with powerful tools to manage your business on a practical level.
Date: Wednesday, 29th September 2010
Price: R950 per delegate (includes breakfast snack/lunch/refreshments and course material)
Venue: SA German Chamber
47 Oxford Road
Forest Town
Time: 08.30 AM- 4:00 PM (Registration from 08.00 onwards). Please allow additional travelling time to combat traffic.
To book your place for Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Entrepreneurs, please contact:
For SA German Chamber delegates, please contact Shaan Padayachy on 011 486 2775 or spadayachy@germanchamber.co.za
For WIF delegates, please contact Colleen Larsen on 084 353 9865 or colleen@womeninfinance.co.za
Everyone else, please contact Nikki Viljoen on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za
RSVP: Please book no later than 27 September 2010. Space is limited therefore bookings will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
BLOGGING TIPS - Don't Be Scared to Ask For Help
BLOGGING TIPS – Don’t be Scared to Ask for Help
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
Many of the people that I encounter on a daily basis, look at me as if I have lost the plot, when I suggest that they should blog.
I am not sure if it is because they feel insecure about themselves and what they do or indeed if it is merely because the very thought of “I have to write something” scares the crap out of them. The look of absolute terror on their faces pretty much resembles those of a buck that has been caught unawares in the headlights of an oncoming car – pretty much ‘frozen’ in terror they are!
Yet it is these self same individuals, whose faces light up in animation and with intense passion as they verbally describe who they are and what it is that they do and why you should purchase their product or engage their services. Why is that do you think?
What is it about the written word that sends people into an absolute tizz? I mean, at some point we all have to document things, proposals or Business Plans and what have you – why is it so difficult to document something that we are really passionate about?
I actually have several clients and colleagues who have grasped the ‘idea’ of writing blogs, but who are doubtful of their ability to communicate in the written word.
We sat down together and I ‘talked’ them through it. They made lists of all the topics that they wanted to write about and then we broke them down into sub topics and then further into bite sized chunks that would easily fit into articles of around 300 words or so.
Ideas of what they actually wanted to share, were jotted down and then the whole exercise of writing could begin. Once the article was written, they sent it to me to read and critique.
For most, what started out as a monthly blog has now become a weekly blog and I suspect, it won’t stay as just a weekly blog for much longer and some have even added a monthly newsletter to the mix.
To be quite honest, in many ways I feel like a ‘proud’ parent as I watch their writing grow from strength to strength and as I watch their style of writing morph and flourish and become more about ‘who’ they are.
Well done to them I say – for taking that first step into a whole new, exciting and magical world of the written word.
Well done!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
Many of the people that I encounter on a daily basis, look at me as if I have lost the plot, when I suggest that they should blog.
I am not sure if it is because they feel insecure about themselves and what they do or indeed if it is merely because the very thought of “I have to write something” scares the crap out of them. The look of absolute terror on their faces pretty much resembles those of a buck that has been caught unawares in the headlights of an oncoming car – pretty much ‘frozen’ in terror they are!
Yet it is these self same individuals, whose faces light up in animation and with intense passion as they verbally describe who they are and what it is that they do and why you should purchase their product or engage their services. Why is that do you think?
What is it about the written word that sends people into an absolute tizz? I mean, at some point we all have to document things, proposals or Business Plans and what have you – why is it so difficult to document something that we are really passionate about?
I actually have several clients and colleagues who have grasped the ‘idea’ of writing blogs, but who are doubtful of their ability to communicate in the written word.
We sat down together and I ‘talked’ them through it. They made lists of all the topics that they wanted to write about and then we broke them down into sub topics and then further into bite sized chunks that would easily fit into articles of around 300 words or so.
Ideas of what they actually wanted to share, were jotted down and then the whole exercise of writing could begin. Once the article was written, they sent it to me to read and critique.
For most, what started out as a monthly blog has now become a weekly blog and I suspect, it won’t stay as just a weekly blog for much longer and some have even added a monthly newsletter to the mix.
To be quite honest, in many ways I feel like a ‘proud’ parent as I watch their writing grow from strength to strength and as I watch their style of writing morph and flourish and become more about ‘who’ they are.
Well done to them I say – for taking that first step into a whole new, exciting and magical world of the written word.
Well done!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
BUSINESS TIPS - Entrepreneurs in South Africa
BUSINESS TIPS – Entrepreneurs in South Africa
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
Oh boy – am I going to make myself hugely unpopular with this one! Still sometimes a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do!
I, for one and sick and tired of the lament that many SMME’s have at the moment.
I am constantly told how ‘difficult’ it is because there are no opportunities and there is no funding. What a load of nonsense! There are huge opportunities out there – all you have to do is open your eyes and look! The majority of SMME’s walk around with blinkers on and wouldn’t see an opportunity if it bit them on the bum! There is also this whole sense of entitlement – what the hell is with that? Stop sitting around on your arse, waiting for things to happen, be done and dusted and fall into your lap. You have to work at and for things to come about!
Sadly too many SMME’s are so fixated on that idea of what they want to do that they fail to recognize the fact that it is about the ‘customer’s need’ rather than ‘their wants’. Even more sad is that this is something that they have probably learnt from one of their Corporate connections.
Then of course there is the whole issue around funding. Firstly, what makes you think that it is your God given right to demand funding from anyone – and not only just funding, but funding on your terms?
Let’s just put this into perspective shall we – if a person arrived at your front door, someone you have never met before and that you don’t know from Adam (presuming of course that he were able to get passed all the security and actually get to the front door), and this person asked you for a loan – what would you say? What would your reaction be? I know what mine would be and I am sure that yours would be no different.
The lending institutions have a right to lend you money (or not) and if they choose to lend you the money, they have the right to ask you whatever questions that they want to and they have the right to ask you to produce whatever documentation that they want to – of course, you also have rights too – if you object to being asked the questions or you have a problem with supplying them with the documentation and/or information that they want, you can always go somewhere else. No-one is forcing you to go, cap in hand, begging for money – you do that all by yourself. Be warned though, if you do go somewhere else, chances are that the ‘somewhere else’ will require the same time of information. So if you want the loan – suck it up!
Why do you think that it is like this? Do you think that the lending institutions want to make it as difficult as possible because they have nothing better to do? Personally, I think it is because they have been burnt before, over and over again. Think about it from your personal perspective – if you had lent a whole chunk of money to someone and they didn’t pay it back – how willing would you be to lend to someone else the next time? Or, how willing would you be to lend money to someone who has a track record of not paying it back? Or, what about when you got to the 10th or 100th person who you lent money to and only one was paying back – how would you feel then?
Remember the risk is all theirs. You go under or fall flat on your face or take the money for a fancy holiday in the Alps, instead of using it to build your business – they have lost their money. Sure they can go the legal route and usually that is exactly what they do, but that still means that they are without their funds for the duration and we all know that these things take forever and also cost an arm and a leg.
My suggestion to you, to avoid as much irritation, aggravation and frustration as possible, is to ask the institution to give you a list of all of their requirements. Whatever documents they give you to complete, complete them in full. Chances are, if you don’t give them all the information that they ask for, your application will be rejected and/or sent back to you for completion. Remember they hold all the cards in their hands and they can prolong your agony for as long as they like, so don’t give them added cause. If you are not sure of what something means – because some of the questions can be very ambiguous and can appear to be complicated, then ask someone. Be sure to get the person’s name and contact details and where possible, get them to confirm what they said in an e-mail – or you send an e-mail confirming what they said. Whatever you do don’t guess or assume or supply them with information that is not correct or true. They do check what you have supplied and if you are caught out in a lie, chances are they you will never get your loan, no matter how many hoops you then jump through.
Oh, and while I am on my soap box – the Government has offered to help and help doesn’t mean that they will pay 100% for what you want to do. Help means exactly that – they will assist you, not do everything for you. Expecting them to supply you with 100% of the money that you require to buy a franchise or a business is just unrealistic – you also have to contribute something. So don’t expect to have your own business that someone else has bought and paid for and you just sit back and rake in all the cash. Having your own business takes hard work, determination and many – and I mean many, sacrifices!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC September 2010
Oh boy – am I going to make myself hugely unpopular with this one! Still sometimes a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do!
I, for one and sick and tired of the lament that many SMME’s have at the moment.
I am constantly told how ‘difficult’ it is because there are no opportunities and there is no funding. What a load of nonsense! There are huge opportunities out there – all you have to do is open your eyes and look! The majority of SMME’s walk around with blinkers on and wouldn’t see an opportunity if it bit them on the bum! There is also this whole sense of entitlement – what the hell is with that? Stop sitting around on your arse, waiting for things to happen, be done and dusted and fall into your lap. You have to work at and for things to come about!
Sadly too many SMME’s are so fixated on that idea of what they want to do that they fail to recognize the fact that it is about the ‘customer’s need’ rather than ‘their wants’. Even more sad is that this is something that they have probably learnt from one of their Corporate connections.
Then of course there is the whole issue around funding. Firstly, what makes you think that it is your God given right to demand funding from anyone – and not only just funding, but funding on your terms?
Let’s just put this into perspective shall we – if a person arrived at your front door, someone you have never met before and that you don’t know from Adam (presuming of course that he were able to get passed all the security and actually get to the front door), and this person asked you for a loan – what would you say? What would your reaction be? I know what mine would be and I am sure that yours would be no different.
The lending institutions have a right to lend you money (or not) and if they choose to lend you the money, they have the right to ask you whatever questions that they want to and they have the right to ask you to produce whatever documentation that they want to – of course, you also have rights too – if you object to being asked the questions or you have a problem with supplying them with the documentation and/or information that they want, you can always go somewhere else. No-one is forcing you to go, cap in hand, begging for money – you do that all by yourself. Be warned though, if you do go somewhere else, chances are that the ‘somewhere else’ will require the same time of information. So if you want the loan – suck it up!
Why do you think that it is like this? Do you think that the lending institutions want to make it as difficult as possible because they have nothing better to do? Personally, I think it is because they have been burnt before, over and over again. Think about it from your personal perspective – if you had lent a whole chunk of money to someone and they didn’t pay it back – how willing would you be to lend to someone else the next time? Or, how willing would you be to lend money to someone who has a track record of not paying it back? Or, what about when you got to the 10th or 100th person who you lent money to and only one was paying back – how would you feel then?
Remember the risk is all theirs. You go under or fall flat on your face or take the money for a fancy holiday in the Alps, instead of using it to build your business – they have lost their money. Sure they can go the legal route and usually that is exactly what they do, but that still means that they are without their funds for the duration and we all know that these things take forever and also cost an arm and a leg.
My suggestion to you, to avoid as much irritation, aggravation and frustration as possible, is to ask the institution to give you a list of all of their requirements. Whatever documents they give you to complete, complete them in full. Chances are, if you don’t give them all the information that they ask for, your application will be rejected and/or sent back to you for completion. Remember they hold all the cards in their hands and they can prolong your agony for as long as they like, so don’t give them added cause. If you are not sure of what something means – because some of the questions can be very ambiguous and can appear to be complicated, then ask someone. Be sure to get the person’s name and contact details and where possible, get them to confirm what they said in an e-mail – or you send an e-mail confirming what they said. Whatever you do don’t guess or assume or supply them with information that is not correct or true. They do check what you have supplied and if you are caught out in a lie, chances are they you will never get your loan, no matter how many hoops you then jump through.
Oh, and while I am on my soap box – the Government has offered to help and help doesn’t mean that they will pay 100% for what you want to do. Help means exactly that – they will assist you, not do everything for you. Expecting them to supply you with 100% of the money that you require to buy a franchise or a business is just unrealistic – you also have to contribute something. So don’t expect to have your own business that someone else has bought and paid for and you just sit back and rake in all the cash. Having your own business takes hard work, determination and many – and I mean many, sacrifices!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Monday, September 13, 2010
MOTIVATION - Stuff Happens - Deal with It
MOTIVATION – Stuff Happens – Deal With It.
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – September 2010
Today’s quote comes from Aldous Huxley who says “Experience is not what happens to a man, it what a man does with what happens to him.”
Profound words I am sure you will agree and certainly ones that made me dig deep . . . really deep.
You see, of late, I have been really struggling with ‘my life’s purpose’. For a while now, everything has been a mission – getting new clients, getting paid, getting people to my workshops, even getting the work done (its that time of the year when I battle with sinus and coughs and sore chest and this year I added ear ach to the mix as well).
To make current matters worse (although in many ways it is also very exciting too), I have also been working on four different long term projects, that will certainly pay handsome dividends . . . . down the line, but at this point bring nothing in and cost a fortune in terms of time and energy.
To top it all off, my friend, confidante and Mentor, Vanessa had a bad fall just over three weeks ago and because of the nature of her injuries, I have been unable to talk to her and I was only able to start communicating with her by e-mail in the last couple of days.
Technology challenges with my website being hacked into, servers going down and a general disruption of my life has left me feeling more than a little cut off and a tad isolated.
“So what’s this all about?” I stared to wonder “Why am I here and is it worth all of this effort?” Isn’t it strange how at the first hint of things not going the way that we want them to, that this is generally the first thing that we think? Well I do!
This for me is where today’s quote and what it means, is so important. Sure there are a number of options open to me. Some are as simple as closing up shop and getting myself a job (not really an option I must say, as it would kill my spirit and make me even more grumpy than I usually am), some as scary and as deep as . . . ok, I’m not going there and a whole host more in-between. Being a logical person though, I did have to look at ALL of my options, unemotionally and fairly and then make a decision.
The fact that I am currently ‘cut off’ from Vanessa who is my support system, meant that for the first time, in a very long time (almost 13 years to be exact), I had to make a decision on the ‘what and how’ I felt and the ‘where’ of my life, based on what I felt as opposed to being guided through the whole process by her. It was damn scary I can tell you!
Let’s just say that I had to think about things that I didn’t want to think about and go to places inside myself that I haven’t been to for a long time and that I would prefer not to have to visit again. We all have a ‘dark side, so I know that you know what I am talking about.
So I hear you asking – ‘what will you do?’
Well I am feeling a lot better and I am sure that has a lot to do with as I find being sick very exhausting. A whole bunch of ‘new’ opportunities have presented themselves and the ‘old’ opportunities seem to have taken on a new life of their own. I have completed as much as I can on some of the long term projects and now await the outcome, which I know is out of my hands and in the hands of the “Gods”.
I look around me and have a deep sense of something about to happen, like the electricity in the air just before one of our infamous Highveld storms.
I know that whatever is going to happen, will happen whether I worry about it or not and it will happen when it should and not a moment before.
I know that I have a purpose and that I am going in the right direction, but that there are times when I am too impatient for my own good and I try and push to make things happen faster, when in fact I should be resting, so as to be ready, willing and able, when they do happen.
I know that often I am the biggest ‘doubting Thomas’ in my own life, when I doubt my ability and my capability and then I am always gobsmacked when people tell me of the impact that I have had in their lives, and then I do a 180 degree turn around and become humbled by who I am and what I have achieved and how much more there is for me to achieve.
And then I see words like “experience is not what happens to a man, it is what man does with what happens to him”, and I know that I am fine and I know that ‘ all is well’ with my world.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – September 2010
Today’s quote comes from Aldous Huxley who says “Experience is not what happens to a man, it what a man does with what happens to him.”
Profound words I am sure you will agree and certainly ones that made me dig deep . . . really deep.
You see, of late, I have been really struggling with ‘my life’s purpose’. For a while now, everything has been a mission – getting new clients, getting paid, getting people to my workshops, even getting the work done (its that time of the year when I battle with sinus and coughs and sore chest and this year I added ear ach to the mix as well).
To make current matters worse (although in many ways it is also very exciting too), I have also been working on four different long term projects, that will certainly pay handsome dividends . . . . down the line, but at this point bring nothing in and cost a fortune in terms of time and energy.
To top it all off, my friend, confidante and Mentor, Vanessa had a bad fall just over three weeks ago and because of the nature of her injuries, I have been unable to talk to her and I was only able to start communicating with her by e-mail in the last couple of days.
Technology challenges with my website being hacked into, servers going down and a general disruption of my life has left me feeling more than a little cut off and a tad isolated.
“So what’s this all about?” I stared to wonder “Why am I here and is it worth all of this effort?” Isn’t it strange how at the first hint of things not going the way that we want them to, that this is generally the first thing that we think? Well I do!
This for me is where today’s quote and what it means, is so important. Sure there are a number of options open to me. Some are as simple as closing up shop and getting myself a job (not really an option I must say, as it would kill my spirit and make me even more grumpy than I usually am), some as scary and as deep as . . . ok, I’m not going there and a whole host more in-between. Being a logical person though, I did have to look at ALL of my options, unemotionally and fairly and then make a decision.
The fact that I am currently ‘cut off’ from Vanessa who is my support system, meant that for the first time, in a very long time (almost 13 years to be exact), I had to make a decision on the ‘what and how’ I felt and the ‘where’ of my life, based on what I felt as opposed to being guided through the whole process by her. It was damn scary I can tell you!
Let’s just say that I had to think about things that I didn’t want to think about and go to places inside myself that I haven’t been to for a long time and that I would prefer not to have to visit again. We all have a ‘dark side, so I know that you know what I am talking about.
So I hear you asking – ‘what will you do?’
Well I am feeling a lot better and I am sure that has a lot to do with as I find being sick very exhausting. A whole bunch of ‘new’ opportunities have presented themselves and the ‘old’ opportunities seem to have taken on a new life of their own. I have completed as much as I can on some of the long term projects and now await the outcome, which I know is out of my hands and in the hands of the “Gods”.
I look around me and have a deep sense of something about to happen, like the electricity in the air just before one of our infamous Highveld storms.
I know that whatever is going to happen, will happen whether I worry about it or not and it will happen when it should and not a moment before.
I know that I have a purpose and that I am going in the right direction, but that there are times when I am too impatient for my own good and I try and push to make things happen faster, when in fact I should be resting, so as to be ready, willing and able, when they do happen.
I know that often I am the biggest ‘doubting Thomas’ in my own life, when I doubt my ability and my capability and then I am always gobsmacked when people tell me of the impact that I have had in their lives, and then I do a 180 degree turn around and become humbled by who I am and what I have achieved and how much more there is for me to achieve.
And then I see words like “experience is not what happens to a man, it is what man does with what happens to him”, and I know that I am fine and I know that ‘ all is well’ with my world.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Friday, August 20, 2010
HR - When You Want to Hire Staff - Part 2
ARTICLE 62
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 2
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Last week we had a look at ascertaining whether we really did need to hire staff or not, as well as ‘how to’ ensure that we were hiring them for a specific purpose (being the right purpose) and not just because there was a body available and we felt sorry for them. This week we look at the next steps to take.
Ok, so now you have set up the job spec and posted the information where -ever you can think of on the web, at your local supermarkets - just generally all over. Suddenly, it’s as if the flood gates have opened and you are flooded with e-mails and CV’s. Everyone is looking for a job (whether they are actually qualified to do it or not is something else altogether). You will be able to tell at first glance (and I mean glance – don’t do more than that at this stage) who may be (and I stress MAY be) suitable and who definitely isn’t. Here’s a true story:
I was looking for a Financial Administrator for one of my clients. The job spec was really very clear, to the point that we stipulated that the applicant should be a qualified CA (chartered accountant) with a minimum of 5 years working experience in a Financial environment. One of the applicants we got a CV from (and there were over 700 applicants for the position) was working as a Financial Planner in one of the banks – she didn’t even have basic bookkeeping as a subject at school. Curious I contacted her and asked her why she even responded since she was clearly not at all qualified for the position. Her response “well I work in a financial planning department in the bank, so how difficult can it be”? Not too difficult I guess, if you have done the study for 3 or 4 years and qualified and done the year long stint as an ‘Article Clerk’ and then actually worked in a Financial department (and no Financial Planning is not a Financial Environment – it is an Insurance environment) for no less than the required period!
Once you have gotten rid of all the nonsense, it is time to take a more serious look at what is left (I was left with around 20 at this point). I usually draw up a check list of sorts, of the requirements that are needed for the job and then as I work through the CV’s, I tick off what they have. For me, the applicant needs to have at least 80% of the requirements before I even start interviewing and of those some are not even negotiable. As in the above example – certainly the applicant having the required qualification, is not negotiable, but the applicant having say four years experience instead of the required five, would have been a point that I would have been happy to negotiate. After performing this particular task, I was left with 3 people to interview.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 2
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Last week we had a look at ascertaining whether we really did need to hire staff or not, as well as ‘how to’ ensure that we were hiring them for a specific purpose (being the right purpose) and not just because there was a body available and we felt sorry for them. This week we look at the next steps to take.
Ok, so now you have set up the job spec and posted the information where -ever you can think of on the web, at your local supermarkets - just generally all over. Suddenly, it’s as if the flood gates have opened and you are flooded with e-mails and CV’s. Everyone is looking for a job (whether they are actually qualified to do it or not is something else altogether). You will be able to tell at first glance (and I mean glance – don’t do more than that at this stage) who may be (and I stress MAY be) suitable and who definitely isn’t. Here’s a true story:
I was looking for a Financial Administrator for one of my clients. The job spec was really very clear, to the point that we stipulated that the applicant should be a qualified CA (chartered accountant) with a minimum of 5 years working experience in a Financial environment. One of the applicants we got a CV from (and there were over 700 applicants for the position) was working as a Financial Planner in one of the banks – she didn’t even have basic bookkeeping as a subject at school. Curious I contacted her and asked her why she even responded since she was clearly not at all qualified for the position. Her response “well I work in a financial planning department in the bank, so how difficult can it be”? Not too difficult I guess, if you have done the study for 3 or 4 years and qualified and done the year long stint as an ‘Article Clerk’ and then actually worked in a Financial department (and no Financial Planning is not a Financial Environment – it is an Insurance environment) for no less than the required period!
Once you have gotten rid of all the nonsense, it is time to take a more serious look at what is left (I was left with around 20 at this point). I usually draw up a check list of sorts, of the requirements that are needed for the job and then as I work through the CV’s, I tick off what they have. For me, the applicant needs to have at least 80% of the requirements before I even start interviewing and of those some are not even negotiable. As in the above example – certainly the applicant having the required qualification, is not negotiable, but the applicant having say four years experience instead of the required five, would have been a point that I would have been happy to negotiate. After performing this particular task, I was left with 3 people to interview.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
EARLY WARNING - Hand Luggage Restrictions
EARLY WARNING
Hand Luggage Restrictions
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting - August 2010.
Not all of us travel frequently for business or pleasure, but for many out there, a day trip to Durban and/or Cape Town on a weekly basis (or even more frequently) is the norm. This information is not only for the ‘frequent flyer’ amongst us, but also for those of us who fly infrequently, and who are therefore unaware of the new rules and regulations.
Here’s the message that I was sent:
“ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), in conjunction with domestic airlines, has agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays. Read further and be aware of the Hand Luggage Restrictions!
ACSA has recently implemented strict hand luggage restrictions.
The recommend dimensions of the hand luggage piece should be no more than 55cms x 40cms x 20cms and should not weigh more than 5kgs (please note the weight restriction is a per 1time airline).
With passengers now being able to check-in at home or through the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.
‘We can no longer afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will co-operate and give us the necessary support’, said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager.”
So there you have it – sounds like good advice to me.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Hand Luggage Restrictions
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting - August 2010.
Not all of us travel frequently for business or pleasure, but for many out there, a day trip to Durban and/or Cape Town on a weekly basis (or even more frequently) is the norm. This information is not only for the ‘frequent flyer’ amongst us, but also for those of us who fly infrequently, and who are therefore unaware of the new rules and regulations.
Here’s the message that I was sent:
“ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), in conjunction with domestic airlines, has agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays. Read further and be aware of the Hand Luggage Restrictions!
ACSA has recently implemented strict hand luggage restrictions.
The recommend dimensions of the hand luggage piece should be no more than 55cms x 40cms x 20cms and should not weigh more than 5kgs (please note the weight restriction is a per 1time airline).
With passengers now being able to check-in at home or through the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.
‘We can no longer afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will co-operate and give us the necessary support’, said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager.”
So there you have it – sounds like good advice to me.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
EARLY WARNING - Hand Luggage Restrictions
EARLY WARNING
Hand Luggage Restrictions
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting - August 2010.
Not all of us travel frequently for business or pleasure, but for many out there, a day trip to Durban and/or Cape Town on a weekly basis (or even more frequently) is the norm. This information is not only for the ‘frequent flyer’ amongst us, but also for those of us who fly infrequently, and who are therefore unaware of the new rules and regulations.
Here’s the message that I was sent:
“ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), in conjunction with domestic airlines, has agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays. Read further and be aware of the Hand Luggage Restrictions!
ACSA has recently implemented strict hand luggage restrictions.
The recommend dimensions of the hand luggage piece should be no more than 55cms x 40cms x 20cms and should not weigh more than 5kgs (please note the weight restriction is a per 1time airline).
With passengers now being able to check-in at home or through the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.
‘We can no longer afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will co-operate and give us the necessary support’, said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager.”
So there you have it – sounds like good advice to me.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Hand Luggage Restrictions
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting - August 2010.
Not all of us travel frequently for business or pleasure, but for many out there, a day trip to Durban and/or Cape Town on a weekly basis (or even more frequently) is the norm. This information is not only for the ‘frequent flyer’ amongst us, but also for those of us who fly infrequently, and who are therefore unaware of the new rules and regulations.
Here’s the message that I was sent:
“ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), in conjunction with domestic airlines, has agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays. Read further and be aware of the Hand Luggage Restrictions!
ACSA has recently implemented strict hand luggage restrictions.
The recommend dimensions of the hand luggage piece should be no more than 55cms x 40cms x 20cms and should not weigh more than 5kgs (please note the weight restriction is a per 1time airline).
With passengers now being able to check-in at home or through the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.
‘We can no longer afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will co-operate and give us the necessary support’, said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager.”
So there you have it – sounds like good advice to me.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Power of Networking - Part 170
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
The Power of Networking - Part 170
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
BUSINESS TIPS - Computer Shortcuts - Part 4
BUSINESS TIPS – Computer Shortcuts – Part 4
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Another fabulously positive responsive week I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are last lot, which makes this one the end of the series.
Last Up – Outlook Shortcut Keys
Alt + S Send the mail
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + X Cut selected text
Ctrl + P Open print dialogue box
Ctrl + K Complete name/e-mail typed in address bar
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted selection
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + R Reply to an e-mail
Ctrl + F Forward and e-mail
Ctrl + N Create a new e-mail
Ctrl + Shift + A Create a new appointment for your calendar
Ctrl + Shift + O Open the outbox
Ctrl + Shift + I Open the inbox
Ctrl + Shift + K Add a new task
Ctrl + Shift + C Create a new contact
Ctrl + Shift + J Create a new journal entry
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
Okay everybody, that’s the end of that, next week we will be looking at something completely different.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Another fabulously positive responsive week I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are last lot, which makes this one the end of the series.
Last Up – Outlook Shortcut Keys
Alt + S Send the mail
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + X Cut selected text
Ctrl + P Open print dialogue box
Ctrl + K Complete name/e-mail typed in address bar
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted selection
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + R Reply to an e-mail
Ctrl + F Forward and e-mail
Ctrl + N Create a new e-mail
Ctrl + Shift + A Create a new appointment for your calendar
Ctrl + Shift + O Open the outbox
Ctrl + Shift + I Open the inbox
Ctrl + Shift + K Add a new task
Ctrl + Shift + C Create a new contact
Ctrl + Shift + J Create a new journal entry
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
Okay everybody, that’s the end of that, next week we will be looking at something completely different.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Monday, August 16, 2010
MOTIVATION - Lead SA
MOTIVATION – Lead SA
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – August 2010
By now, most Gautengers, if not the rest of South Africa have heard of the Prime Media “Lead SA” initiative. I say “Well Done” on a brilliant concept!
While telling us all about it the other day though, Alex Jay mentioned that he had heard that Edith Venter had said something along the lines “ordinary South Africans need to step up and do their bit” (and no those are not the exact words before anyone gets all bent out of shape). Some individuals took umbrage to this because well . . . oh who knows – I actually cannot remember, I just remember wondering what the hell they were on about!
For the record, I know Edith Venter in my personal capacity and she has got to be the least judgmental person on the face of the planet. I guess that is because of how often she is judged and/or misquoted and/or quoted out of context.
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to and attended a luncheon held and hosted by Professor Helena Van Zyl of the University of the Freestate. There were about ten of us and the conversation was lively, to say the least. One of the topics under discussion was how people have this unrealistic attitude to entitlement – you know the one I am talking about. The one where the staff member, who is part of the marketing team, refuses to carry a box of promotional items to the event that is about to start, well because they ‘have a degree in marketing and they were not employed to carry things’, so it’s not part of their job! As you can imagine, all of us had similar and sometimes hilarious tales to tell.
One of the ladies said that she will never forget the time that she attended an event and went off to the bathrooms, only to find Edith Venter in her beautiful ball gown and made up to the nines, on her knees in one of the stalls, cleaning the toilet.
You see, the bathrooms had not been cleaned to Edith’s exacting standard and rather than trying to find who was ‘in charge’ and then finding the person who was supposed to clean the bathrooms and getting them to re-clean (there was very little time as guests were already beginning to arrive), Edith got on with just doing it herself. Was it her job – of course not. The bottom line however, is that Edith was in charge of the event and although the staff responsible for cleaning the venue were not accountable to her – Edith was responsible for everyone’s ‘experience’, and to Edith (being the person that she is) this meant that their ‘loo time’ was a pleasant experience too.
Knowing Edith as I do, this is probably exactly what she meant when she said (my mis-quoted words) that ordinary South Africans should step up and do their bit. Furthermore I suspect, this is exactly the essence of what “Lead SA” is all about.
Yes, it’s about not bribing the metro cops when you exceed the speed limit – but rather you making a concerted effort to slow down.
It’s about not getting upset in the traffic and allowing road rage to get the better of you – rather turn up the music and enjoy the tune or enjoy the weather or sneak a peek at the beautiful lady/hunky man in the car next to you.
It’s about not complaining about everything that is wrong around you and waiting for someone else, the government, the politician, the cleaner to fix it/sort it out/ clean it up – but getting up off your own rear end and doing something about it.
So for me, it’s well done Edith Venter, for being who you are and leading by example.
It’s well done to Alex Jay, for dealing sensitively, with the disgruntled when they jumped to conclusions about what Edith had said.
It’s well done to Terri Volkwyn and her Prime Media team for starting and backing this incredible initiative.
But mostly – it’s well done to us ordinary South Africans, who have embraced the concept and the spirit of “Lead SA” and in so doing, will make a difference in South Africa. We are indeed all extraordinary individuals.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – August 2010
By now, most Gautengers, if not the rest of South Africa have heard of the Prime Media “Lead SA” initiative. I say “Well Done” on a brilliant concept!
While telling us all about it the other day though, Alex Jay mentioned that he had heard that Edith Venter had said something along the lines “ordinary South Africans need to step up and do their bit” (and no those are not the exact words before anyone gets all bent out of shape). Some individuals took umbrage to this because well . . . oh who knows – I actually cannot remember, I just remember wondering what the hell they were on about!
For the record, I know Edith Venter in my personal capacity and she has got to be the least judgmental person on the face of the planet. I guess that is because of how often she is judged and/or misquoted and/or quoted out of context.
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to and attended a luncheon held and hosted by Professor Helena Van Zyl of the University of the Freestate. There were about ten of us and the conversation was lively, to say the least. One of the topics under discussion was how people have this unrealistic attitude to entitlement – you know the one I am talking about. The one where the staff member, who is part of the marketing team, refuses to carry a box of promotional items to the event that is about to start, well because they ‘have a degree in marketing and they were not employed to carry things’, so it’s not part of their job! As you can imagine, all of us had similar and sometimes hilarious tales to tell.
One of the ladies said that she will never forget the time that she attended an event and went off to the bathrooms, only to find Edith Venter in her beautiful ball gown and made up to the nines, on her knees in one of the stalls, cleaning the toilet.
You see, the bathrooms had not been cleaned to Edith’s exacting standard and rather than trying to find who was ‘in charge’ and then finding the person who was supposed to clean the bathrooms and getting them to re-clean (there was very little time as guests were already beginning to arrive), Edith got on with just doing it herself. Was it her job – of course not. The bottom line however, is that Edith was in charge of the event and although the staff responsible for cleaning the venue were not accountable to her – Edith was responsible for everyone’s ‘experience’, and to Edith (being the person that she is) this meant that their ‘loo time’ was a pleasant experience too.
Knowing Edith as I do, this is probably exactly what she meant when she said (my mis-quoted words) that ordinary South Africans should step up and do their bit. Furthermore I suspect, this is exactly the essence of what “Lead SA” is all about.
Yes, it’s about not bribing the metro cops when you exceed the speed limit – but rather you making a concerted effort to slow down.
It’s about not getting upset in the traffic and allowing road rage to get the better of you – rather turn up the music and enjoy the tune or enjoy the weather or sneak a peek at the beautiful lady/hunky man in the car next to you.
It’s about not complaining about everything that is wrong around you and waiting for someone else, the government, the politician, the cleaner to fix it/sort it out/ clean it up – but getting up off your own rear end and doing something about it.
So for me, it’s well done Edith Venter, for being who you are and leading by example.
It’s well done to Alex Jay, for dealing sensitively, with the disgruntled when they jumped to conclusions about what Edith had said.
It’s well done to Terri Volkwyn and her Prime Media team for starting and backing this incredible initiative.
But mostly – it’s well done to us ordinary South Africans, who have embraced the concept and the spirit of “Lead SA” and in so doing, will make a difference in South Africa. We are indeed all extraordinary individuals.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Saturday, August 14, 2010
HR - When You Want to Hire Staff - Part 1
ARTICLE 62
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Let me just say from the get go, that in my opinion, we, more often than not, hire staff that we either do not need or alternatively that are completely unsuitable.
Let me explain my statement.
Firstly we have the situation where we hire staff that we don’t need – this is what happens when you walk into your office and are confronted by this huge mound of paper, files, stuff all over the desk – well you assume that it is a desk, because you cannot see it. Your first ‘knee jerk’ reaction is “I need help” and your second ‘knee jerk’ reaction is – “I have to hire a staff member”. This is where you need to step away from the problem, take a deep breath, go and have a cup of coffee a large whiskey (or whatever your choice of poison) and do nothing else. Chances are, you see, that you actually don’t need anything more than a student type person for a couple of hours to help you clear through the backlog.
Secondly we have the situation, where you are correct, you do need someone to help you and your friend’s, aunties sister who lives down the road was recently retrenched and ‘ag shame’ she could do with the money – so you hire her and then while she sits and watches you work, you do all the work because she has no clue how to do anything! Bad move that! In this situation you are stuck with the new employee that you actually don’t want because they are not helping you but rather costing you money and giving you additional work.
Here’s the thing, before you actually hire anyone, you need to sit yourself down and ask yourself some really hard questions like (but not limited too):
1. Do you really need help or are you just a little behind?
2. What exactly will the person do – or rather (in the spirit of being absolutely honest with yourself), what work, that you are currently doing are you prepared to relinquish to another person – because that is exactly what it is that you will have to do.
3. This work that you are prepared to give up to your new employee – how long does it take you to do it (this will determine whether you need a full day person, or a half day person or a now and then person).
4. Are you giving the person the things that you hate to do (in which case it would be crazy to hire someone exactly like you – you should be looking at someone completely different to you) or are you going to part with the things that you absolutely love to do (I don’t think that that is even up for discussion – do you?).
So now you have asked and answered the questions – now how do you go about finding that particular person and then interviewing them and then hiring them, and yes, it is a process.
Firstly, I would suggest that you write down exactly what they will need to do and what (if any) qualifications/experience you think that they will need to have in order to fulfil their obligations.
Hiring somebody’s aunties, granny who lives down the road and who has never used a computer to do all your online marketing, is not a good idea, I am sure you will agree. So it’s fair to say that if you take each task that you want that particular person to perform and list the minimum skills that they would require in order to perform those skills, would be a good idea.
What usually happens now, is that you are left with a list of (but not limited to)
a. Qualifications (e.g. bookkeeping certificate)
b. Skills (e.g. computer literate and versed in excel and office)
c. Experience (e.g. 3 years as an administrative assistant)
and of course a list of what you want them to do such as (but not limited to):
d. maintaining of filing, both paper and electronic, in compliance with laid down procedures
e. data capture new members and maintain existing database
f. check and confirm prices and calculation on shipping documents
g. check and confirm duties charged on imports etc
Now you have the basics of a Job description – and here’s the bonus, the new staff member’s performance (or lack thereof) can be measured.
Once all your requirements and duties are listed, you can use the list to draft your job spec and once your job spec is drafted and you have handed it to the recruitment agency and/or posted it on the various websites you subscribe to, hopefully you will now start getting some CV’s in.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Let me just say from the get go, that in my opinion, we, more often than not, hire staff that we either do not need or alternatively that are completely unsuitable.
Let me explain my statement.
Firstly we have the situation where we hire staff that we don’t need – this is what happens when you walk into your office and are confronted by this huge mound of paper, files, stuff all over the desk – well you assume that it is a desk, because you cannot see it. Your first ‘knee jerk’ reaction is “I need help” and your second ‘knee jerk’ reaction is – “I have to hire a staff member”. This is where you need to step away from the problem, take a deep breath, go and have a cup of coffee a large whiskey (or whatever your choice of poison) and do nothing else. Chances are, you see, that you actually don’t need anything more than a student type person for a couple of hours to help you clear through the backlog.
Secondly we have the situation, where you are correct, you do need someone to help you and your friend’s, aunties sister who lives down the road was recently retrenched and ‘ag shame’ she could do with the money – so you hire her and then while she sits and watches you work, you do all the work because she has no clue how to do anything! Bad move that! In this situation you are stuck with the new employee that you actually don’t want because they are not helping you but rather costing you money and giving you additional work.
Here’s the thing, before you actually hire anyone, you need to sit yourself down and ask yourself some really hard questions like (but not limited too):
1. Do you really need help or are you just a little behind?
2. What exactly will the person do – or rather (in the spirit of being absolutely honest with yourself), what work, that you are currently doing are you prepared to relinquish to another person – because that is exactly what it is that you will have to do.
3. This work that you are prepared to give up to your new employee – how long does it take you to do it (this will determine whether you need a full day person, or a half day person or a now and then person).
4. Are you giving the person the things that you hate to do (in which case it would be crazy to hire someone exactly like you – you should be looking at someone completely different to you) or are you going to part with the things that you absolutely love to do (I don’t think that that is even up for discussion – do you?).
So now you have asked and answered the questions – now how do you go about finding that particular person and then interviewing them and then hiring them, and yes, it is a process.
Firstly, I would suggest that you write down exactly what they will need to do and what (if any) qualifications/experience you think that they will need to have in order to fulfil their obligations.
Hiring somebody’s aunties, granny who lives down the road and who has never used a computer to do all your online marketing, is not a good idea, I am sure you will agree. So it’s fair to say that if you take each task that you want that particular person to perform and list the minimum skills that they would require in order to perform those skills, would be a good idea.
What usually happens now, is that you are left with a list of (but not limited to)
a. Qualifications (e.g. bookkeeping certificate)
b. Skills (e.g. computer literate and versed in excel and office)
c. Experience (e.g. 3 years as an administrative assistant)
and of course a list of what you want them to do such as (but not limited to):
d. maintaining of filing, both paper and electronic, in compliance with laid down procedures
e. data capture new members and maintain existing database
f. check and confirm prices and calculation on shipping documents
g. check and confirm duties charged on imports etc
Now you have the basics of a Job description – and here’s the bonus, the new staff member’s performance (or lack thereof) can be measured.
Once all your requirements and duties are listed, you can use the list to draft your job spec and once your job spec is drafted and you have handed it to the recruitment agency and/or posted it on the various websites you subscribe to, hopefully you will now start getting some CV’s in.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
EARLY WARNING - Do You Drink Enough Fluids?
EARLY WARNING
Do You Drink Enough Fluids?
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting August 2010.
I know that I have repeatedly told my own story of when I sat down to work one morning, long before the sun came up and then suddenly wondered why it had suddenly dark, and then realized that the sun had gone down and it was now night time. Sadly, what is most concerning out of this particular story, is not only the fact that I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I did not notice the passage of time, but that I did not eat or drink anything during this whole period. I do recall thinking, on occasion throughout the day, that I should get something to drink – but that thought was quickly followed by “let me just finish . . .” whatever it was that I was doing at that moment in time. When I did finish whatever it was that I was doing, the memory of the thought that I needed to drink something was long gone and I just went onto the next thing that I needed to do.
Here’s the thing though – apparently by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already in the throes of dehydration.
According to an article by Dr. Robin Rushlo, our bodies are supposed to be made up of about 70% water. Our blood, “muscles, skin and vital organs all contain and need large amounts of water for optimal health. Water also transports oxygen to your cells and delivers nutrients, removes waste and provides energy to the body.”
Clearly, my not having had anything to eat and/or drink the whole day was not a good idea and I was obviously quite dehydrated by the time that I realized that the day was gone.
We also seem to lose quite a large amount of liquid during the course of the day – around 2.5 litres (and remember with that liquid we also lose a lot of salt when we sweat – something that I had to learn the hard way earlier this year), through normal bodily functions such as sweating, breathing and body waste. Also the more physically active we are the more liquid we use.
According to Dr Rushlo, the “symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation.”
Drinking loads of coffee (or caffeine type drinks) or soft drinks, also doesn’t help because of the caffeine and the artificial sweeteners, that have their own accumulative side effects and the bottom line is that they usually make us lose more liquid than they give us. So again, not enough liquid in the body. Dr Rushlo says that “many people are unknowingly in a mild state of undiagnosed dehydration.”
Sadly I think, he is talking directly to me!
You see part of my problem is that I don’t particularly like the taste of water and whilst it is funny when I say that I have to put the ‘whiskey into the water to disinfect it’, the truth of the matter is that I can’t be drinking whiskey all day long either!
So, what am I doing about this sad and sorry state of affairs?
Well firstly, now when I sit down at my desk to work, I also set the alarm (one of those oven timer type gadgets). That way, every hour, I get to either have something to drink or even just get up and walk around for a few minutes. Secondly (thanks to my friend Claudie and Woolworths), I have discovered that ice cold (and I mean with lots and lots of ice) water that has some sort of fruit in it, doesn’t taste too bad. Yesterday I had a strawberry day, with about six sliced strawberries in a large beer glass with lots of ice and water. The day before was half a peeled lemon and today it’s going to be a peach day. The slight hint of the flavour of the fruit and the ice makes the taste of the water quite nice and I find myself replenishing my ‘water’ several times during the course of the day.
Whichever way you choose to get the required levels of liquid into your body though, just make sure that you do – your life depends upon it.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Do You Drink Enough Fluids?
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting August 2010.
I know that I have repeatedly told my own story of when I sat down to work one morning, long before the sun came up and then suddenly wondered why it had suddenly dark, and then realized that the sun had gone down and it was now night time. Sadly, what is most concerning out of this particular story, is not only the fact that I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I did not notice the passage of time, but that I did not eat or drink anything during this whole period. I do recall thinking, on occasion throughout the day, that I should get something to drink – but that thought was quickly followed by “let me just finish . . .” whatever it was that I was doing at that moment in time. When I did finish whatever it was that I was doing, the memory of the thought that I needed to drink something was long gone and I just went onto the next thing that I needed to do.
Here’s the thing though – apparently by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already in the throes of dehydration.
According to an article by Dr. Robin Rushlo, our bodies are supposed to be made up of about 70% water. Our blood, “muscles, skin and vital organs all contain and need large amounts of water for optimal health. Water also transports oxygen to your cells and delivers nutrients, removes waste and provides energy to the body.”
Clearly, my not having had anything to eat and/or drink the whole day was not a good idea and I was obviously quite dehydrated by the time that I realized that the day was gone.
We also seem to lose quite a large amount of liquid during the course of the day – around 2.5 litres (and remember with that liquid we also lose a lot of salt when we sweat – something that I had to learn the hard way earlier this year), through normal bodily functions such as sweating, breathing and body waste. Also the more physically active we are the more liquid we use.
According to Dr Rushlo, the “symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation.”
Drinking loads of coffee (or caffeine type drinks) or soft drinks, also doesn’t help because of the caffeine and the artificial sweeteners, that have their own accumulative side effects and the bottom line is that they usually make us lose more liquid than they give us. So again, not enough liquid in the body. Dr Rushlo says that “many people are unknowingly in a mild state of undiagnosed dehydration.”
Sadly I think, he is talking directly to me!
You see part of my problem is that I don’t particularly like the taste of water and whilst it is funny when I say that I have to put the ‘whiskey into the water to disinfect it’, the truth of the matter is that I can’t be drinking whiskey all day long either!
So, what am I doing about this sad and sorry state of affairs?
Well firstly, now when I sit down at my desk to work, I also set the alarm (one of those oven timer type gadgets). That way, every hour, I get to either have something to drink or even just get up and walk around for a few minutes. Secondly (thanks to my friend Claudie and Woolworths), I have discovered that ice cold (and I mean with lots and lots of ice) water that has some sort of fruit in it, doesn’t taste too bad. Yesterday I had a strawberry day, with about six sliced strawberries in a large beer glass with lots of ice and water. The day before was half a peeled lemon and today it’s going to be a peach day. The slight hint of the flavour of the fruit and the ice makes the taste of the water quite nice and I find myself replenishing my ‘water’ several times during the course of the day.
Whichever way you choose to get the required levels of liquid into your body though, just make sure that you do – your life depends upon it.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Power of Networking - Part 169
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 169
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
I am at a total loss! No really – at a complete and total loss! Yip, sometimes words fail me and this, is one of those time!
People who go to (or even set up) Networking meetings/events, who do not have business cards with them!
I mean I can sort of kind of understand being somewhere and running out of cards because the crowd that you expected to be there, is somewhat smaller than the crowd that actually arrived (but that’s why I always have a full box of cards in the car), but people going to a Networking event or even hosting a Networking event and not having any cards – well that, for me just defies logic. I mean, why are you going to a Networking event (not to mention actually hosting one) if your intent is not to Network?
The bottom line of course, is always be prepared (for me it’s always about being proactive) and that means always having cards with me – it’s my branding, it’s my marketing, it’s my PRO, it’s the way that I Network and it does work for me. So I always have cards in my wallet, cards in my work bag, cards in my notebook (the one that I usually take when I go to Networking functions) and cards in my car. That way, I may run out of cards on me, but I always have a back up supply.
My business cards are crucial to my getting new business. They represent me, they represent my skills and services and having them with me always, tells people that I am serious about what I do – that I am serious about my business and that I am a professional, regardless of whether I am at a Networking meeting, or at my nephew’s school watching a soccer match. My business cards tell people that my business is open . . . well for business.
I never know when the next opportunity is going to come knocking at my door – it could be as I stand in the queue at the post office or waiting for my car to be vacuumed at the car wash (and yes I did meet a colleague there, who was invited to attend some Networking meetings and the rest, as they say, is history), so I make it a point to never be without a card or two.
So the next time you head out the door, check for car keys, house keys, watch, wallet and of course . . . those business cards! There will come a time when you will be pleased that you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 169
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
I am at a total loss! No really – at a complete and total loss! Yip, sometimes words fail me and this, is one of those time!
People who go to (or even set up) Networking meetings/events, who do not have business cards with them!
I mean I can sort of kind of understand being somewhere and running out of cards because the crowd that you expected to be there, is somewhat smaller than the crowd that actually arrived (but that’s why I always have a full box of cards in the car), but people going to a Networking event or even hosting a Networking event and not having any cards – well that, for me just defies logic. I mean, why are you going to a Networking event (not to mention actually hosting one) if your intent is not to Network?
The bottom line of course, is always be prepared (for me it’s always about being proactive) and that means always having cards with me – it’s my branding, it’s my marketing, it’s my PRO, it’s the way that I Network and it does work for me. So I always have cards in my wallet, cards in my work bag, cards in my notebook (the one that I usually take when I go to Networking functions) and cards in my car. That way, I may run out of cards on me, but I always have a back up supply.
My business cards are crucial to my getting new business. They represent me, they represent my skills and services and having them with me always, tells people that I am serious about what I do – that I am serious about my business and that I am a professional, regardless of whether I am at a Networking meeting, or at my nephew’s school watching a soccer match. My business cards tell people that my business is open . . . well for business.
I never know when the next opportunity is going to come knocking at my door – it could be as I stand in the queue at the post office or waiting for my car to be vacuumed at the car wash (and yes I did meet a colleague there, who was invited to attend some Networking meetings and the rest, as they say, is history), so I make it a point to never be without a card or two.
So the next time you head out the door, check for car keys, house keys, watch, wallet and of course . . . those business cards! There will come a time when you will be pleased that you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
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