BLOGGING TIPS – What Makes a Blog Well Written?
Part 2
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC 2010
So now we have a great title and . . . now what?
It feels like a hundred years ago since I was at school, but I do remember the
English teacher always drilling into us the basics of a good composition – it, the story that is, has to have a beginning, a middle and an ending. Let’s be honest here, what is a blog – if not a story about your business, or about who you are or what it is that you are doing and why you are doing it? The reality is, that it is a story and it is in the telling of the story, that you have the power.
A story is no good, if the beginning makes you want to fall asleep. Most people will stop right there and not continue reading. So too is having a fantastic and strong ending, without a great beginning. That is just a hopeless exercise. Conversely having a fantastic beginning, that grips the imagination or curiosity of the reader and then having an ending that makes them feel like they have just lit the soggy end of a wet squib, will also make them reluctant to read any of your future offerings.
So you’ve got a fabulous beginning and an ending that will make the reader bang down the door for the next installment, but what about the middle? How do you tell the story? Does it follow the twists and turns, does it have a surprise somewhere along the way, does it make the reader engage with the characters or feel that they want to buy your product or service? Does it conjure up pictures or colours or smells or memories that reach down into the very core of a being? How does it make them feel inside? For example, what are you ‘feeling’ right now as you read these words. Are you nodding your head furiously because you understand exactly how you feel when you are reading something that bores you to tears or the excitement that creeps up from within as you read something that gives you an ‘ah-ha’ moment or that challenges you or that makes you think, I mean really think – or are you sadly shaking your head from side to side, because you don’t have a clue about what it is that I am going on about (and yes, there will always be those who remain utterly clueless – no matter what the topic)!
For me, the beginning must grab my attention from the getgo – I must think, I have to just read this page before I . . . . (insert what you will here). The ending must make me sigh with pleasure, sad that I have come to the end and eager to start reading the next article or the next book by the same author and the middle, well the middle must keep me engrossed, it must feed my imagination and satisfy my curiosity, it must stretch my mind and leave me with an internal sense of well being. It must make me willing to follow without question, not make me feel like I am being dragged along, resisting all of the way. Reading the kind of articles that make me feel like I am being forced to read, irritate and annoy and sap all the pleasure out of reading the written word.
Step back from your page for a moment and ponder – what is the picture that you want your reader to have? What is the experience that you wish for them to have? Is it a pleasurable one? Now sit down and write the story with all of those images that run around and swirl about in your head – they will see them, they will feel them and I have no doubt that they will enjoy 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
Custom Search
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
VAT - Some of the Requirements - Part 2
VAT – Some of the Requirements – Part 2
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC October 2010
Last week we looked at a number of expenses that most people think they cannot claim on. Here are some more.
If you hire a car for business purposes, then you are entitled to claim the VAT on the insurance that you are required to take out on the vehicle. Be sure to get an invoice that lists the insurance, or itemizes it separately, this will make it much easier for record keeping purposes.
Should one of your staff fall ill at work or get hurt in an accident whilst they are at work and the medical expenses are paid by the company, the VAT on these medical bills can also be claimed back.
Parking fees – now here is one of my favorites. Do you know how much we spend on parking in the malls and in office park complexes – it’s frightening! Parking fees, particularly fees that are paid, while working, that have VAT charged on them (in other words Tax Invoice should appear, somewhere on the receipt, and yes you have to have a receipt to claim the VAT back), can be claimed back. Most malls that have those ‘pay machines’ actually give out receipts – be sure to request and submit those receipts. Obviously monies that are paid out to the ‘car guards’ cannot have the VAT claimed for, but you can of course, claim them as a business expense as long as they are “reasonable” and it is always better to be able to substantiate them. I use my diary as a guide to when I paid the car guards.
When you send wreaths and/or flowers to staff and/or customers who have had a death or bereavement in their families, you can claim the VAT back.
In terms of postage stamps and postage, this too, the VAT portion can be claimed back provided of course that the postage is being used for business purposes.
Artwork, in the form of carpets or paintings and pictures or even plants, can have the VAT claimed for, provided of course that they were actually purchased for the office. Here’s the thing though – they have to physically be in the office. Understand that if they are not in the office and the VAT man comes to visit, you could be in the deep brown smelly stuff.
Next week we will have a look at some additional expenses that you can claim the VAT back on – I must say, there were a whole bunch that I was not aware of, so this exercise has been of great value to myself as well!
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 October 2010
Last week we looked at a number of expenses that most people think they cannot claim on. Here are some more.
If you hire a car for business purposes, then you are entitled to claim the VAT on the insurance that you are required to take out on the vehicle. Be sure to get an invoice that lists the insurance, or itemizes it separately, this will make it much easier for record keeping purposes.
Should one of your staff fall ill at work or get hurt in an accident whilst they are at work and the medical expenses are paid by the company, the VAT on these medical bills can also be claimed back.
Parking fees – now here is one of my favorites. Do you know how much we spend on parking in the malls and in office park complexes – it’s frightening! Parking fees, particularly fees that are paid, while working, that have VAT charged on them (in other words Tax Invoice should appear, somewhere on the receipt, and yes you have to have a receipt to claim the VAT back), can be claimed back. Most malls that have those ‘pay machines’ actually give out receipts – be sure to request and submit those receipts. Obviously monies that are paid out to the ‘car guards’ cannot have the VAT claimed for, but you can of course, claim them as a business expense as long as they are “reasonable” and it is always better to be able to substantiate them. I use my diary as a guide to when I paid the car guards.
When you send wreaths and/or flowers to staff and/or customers who have had a death or bereavement in their families, you can claim the VAT back.
In terms of postage stamps and postage, this too, the VAT portion can be claimed back provided of course that the postage is being used for business purposes.
Artwork, in the form of carpets or paintings and pictures or even plants, can have the VAT claimed for, provided of course that they were actually purchased for the office. Here’s the thing though – they have to physically be in the office. Understand that if they are not in the office and the VAT man comes to visit, you could be in the deep brown smelly stuff.
Next week we will have a look at some additional expenses that you can claim the VAT back on – I must say, there were a whole bunch that I was not aware of, so this exercise has been of great value to myself as well!
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, October 04, 2010
MOTIVATION - Making Opportunities
MOTIVATION – Making Opportunities
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – October 2010
I have no doubt that the average South African who owns a TV, will remember the advertisement about the guy who moves into his new office, all bright eyed an bushy tailed, at the beginning of the day. As the day progresses, he continues to watch the phone, that is clearly not ringing and eventually in frustration, he picks it up to check whether there is a dial tone or not. The look of absolute disappointment on his face says it all, when there is obviously nothing wrong with the phone. His expectation certainly did not align with his reality!
Sadly, for many South African SMME’s and Entrepreneurs – this is their reality – the silent phone – and it has nothing to do with the phone being out of order. In my opinion, it has everything to do with their mindset being ‘out of order’.
I know that I have said this before and I have no doubt that I will say it again, many times over – I am seriously confused as well as really exasperated by the sense of entitlement that some (actually make that many) people have.
Like the chap in the TV advertisement, many people think that because they have made the decision in life to open their own business/office/shop (insert what you like here), that Joe Public, who has never met them before and in all truth, has no idea of their very existence, will suddenly be overcome by some mysterious malady, that is air/water/thought borne and they will now miraculously flood though their doors or ensure that their phone rings off the hook as they try frantically to purchase their particular product/service.
Please people – get a grip! And I would suggest that it is a very large and ‘real’ grip on reality.
For someone to walk through your door, or phone you – you yourself will have to do something! There has to be an action of some sort on your part!
Absolutely, categorically and without a doubt, there are opportunities out there – in fact, again in my opinion – there are probably more opportunities than there are people on the plant, but there has to be some sort of action on your part, to make or turn that opportunity into a successful, viable reality. Oh and . . . opening and office and staring at a phone, willing it to ring just doesn’t cut it!
You have to go out there and ‘create’ your opportunity. You have to take your idea or your product and do something about it.
You have to use your talent, your strengths and go knocking on doors, attend Networking meetings, write blogs or articles for newspapers or magazines. Get yourself interviewed on radio or TV. Create a stir so that people will sit up and take notice!
Obviously as an SMME, you do not have access to a huge budget for marketing, so you have to innovative and creative in finding different ways to get your name, your brand, your product, your service out to the people you want to sell it to.
Not only that, but if you are really smart and wide awake, you will ensure that whatever it is that you are peddling – product or service – it will be something that Joe Public actually wants as opposed to what you think Joe Public wants.
Whatever it is that you decide though – you can be sure, your actions will determine how successful you are.
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 – October 2010
I have no doubt that the average South African who owns a TV, will remember the advertisement about the guy who moves into his new office, all bright eyed an bushy tailed, at the beginning of the day. As the day progresses, he continues to watch the phone, that is clearly not ringing and eventually in frustration, he picks it up to check whether there is a dial tone or not. The look of absolute disappointment on his face says it all, when there is obviously nothing wrong with the phone. His expectation certainly did not align with his reality!
Sadly, for many South African SMME’s and Entrepreneurs – this is their reality – the silent phone – and it has nothing to do with the phone being out of order. In my opinion, it has everything to do with their mindset being ‘out of order’.
I know that I have said this before and I have no doubt that I will say it again, many times over – I am seriously confused as well as really exasperated by the sense of entitlement that some (actually make that many) people have.
Like the chap in the TV advertisement, many people think that because they have made the decision in life to open their own business/office/shop (insert what you like here), that Joe Public, who has never met them before and in all truth, has no idea of their very existence, will suddenly be overcome by some mysterious malady, that is air/water/thought borne and they will now miraculously flood though their doors or ensure that their phone rings off the hook as they try frantically to purchase their particular product/service.
Please people – get a grip! And I would suggest that it is a very large and ‘real’ grip on reality.
For someone to walk through your door, or phone you – you yourself will have to do something! There has to be an action of some sort on your part!
Absolutely, categorically and without a doubt, there are opportunities out there – in fact, again in my opinion – there are probably more opportunities than there are people on the plant, but there has to be some sort of action on your part, to make or turn that opportunity into a successful, viable reality. Oh and . . . opening and office and staring at a phone, willing it to ring just doesn’t cut it!
You have to go out there and ‘create’ your opportunity. You have to take your idea or your product and do something about it.
You have to use your talent, your strengths and go knocking on doors, attend Networking meetings, write blogs or articles for newspapers or magazines. Get yourself interviewed on radio or TV. Create a stir so that people will sit up and take notice!
Obviously as an SMME, you do not have access to a huge budget for marketing, so you have to innovative and creative in finding different ways to get your name, your brand, your product, your service out to the people you want to sell it to.
Not only that, but if you are really smart and wide awake, you will ensure that whatever it is that you are peddling – product or service – it will be something that Joe Public actually wants as opposed to what you think Joe Public wants.
Whatever it is that you decide though – you can be sure, your actions will determine how successful you are.
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, October 01, 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 October 2010
Last time we had a look at how to screen the applicants using the Job Description and today we will progress onto the actual interview.
So there I was left with 3 applicants for the job. How to choose which one would be the most suitable for the position.
At this point it is not always about the qualifications and the number of years experience – what happens, as in my particular situation where you had 3 individuals who met all the requirements in the job description? Well at least that is what they said.
It is extremely important, when you interview someone to have a list of what it is that you want to ask – be sure to ask everyone the same question and have a ‘reason’ why you are asking that question. For example, when you ask a candidate if they are married and have children – the question is not so that you can ask them out on a date, it is usually asked so that you can ascertain if they have other commitments (outside of the working environment) that will take up their time or asking them what sport they enjoy is not because I want to come and watch them playing their next game, its because I want to know if they play for the Provincial/National team, as that would take them ‘out of the office’ when they go away on tours and the like.
Remember questions like “Are you pregnant?” or “Do you have HIV/Aids?” should not be asked. Actually, if the truth be told, you can ask any question you like, but if the applicant is of the opinion that they didn’t get the position because of their answer to that particular question, then you could be in trouble with the Department of Labour as you cannot discriminate against someone because they are pregnant and you cannot discriminate against someone because they are HIV/Aids positive. So why bother asking those particular questions unless the position that they are applying for will adversely affect those in that particular position. For me, awarding a score to each answer that is positive for the Company, means that I can reduce their answers to numbers and then the applicant with the highest score would be the winner. Don’t forget to take into account things like, whether they are able to work as part of a team, your first impression, how they presented themselves, how they spoke or articulated what they wanted to say – these are all very important factors that should also be scored upon. What do you think of the individual and as a person? Let’s be honest – if the hair on the back of your neck rises each time you look at them or talk to them, it is not a good idea to hire them, especially if you are going to be working closely with them. Don’t ever disregard your ‘gut feel’ or your intuition – it may save you many a grey hair in the long run.
Then get them to do a little test – something that they would be expected to do as a matter of course. If for example you are employing someone who will assist in putting together and running an event - give them the brief on an event that you have run in the past (take out the clients name and any other confidential information or change the names etc) and get them to give you a list of what they need to do. Someone who has actually done this before will have no trouble giving you something that makes sense, but someone who is taking a chance will in all probability leave out many of the most fundamental and basic steps. Getting them to do a little test is one of the quickest ways to ensure that you actually have someone who knows what it is that they are doing as opposed to someone who thinks they know it all.
Finally, once you have made you choice, don’t forget to check those references. Don’t just call the cell phone number of the person that they say they worked for – look up the Company’s phone number and ask to speak to that person – at least that way you know that they actually work there. Another tip is to ask to speak to that person’s supervisor/manager. Do you know how many people give the name and contact details of the person who sat at the desk next to them and not their supervisor and/or manager? Remember that if you cannot get hold of one or more of their references, there is usually a reason and I promise you it will not be in your favour. I personally would not employ someone whose references I could not verify.
If you are needing certificates and/or diplomas – check with the university or learning establishment to make sure that they did in fact get that qualification – this always reminds me of the surgeon who is performing complicated operations who was thrown out of medical school before he qualified. Don’t believe anything they tell you – check it out and make sure yourself.
Next week we will have a look at the alternatives to hiring staff.
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 October 2010
Last time we had a look at how to screen the applicants using the Job Description and today we will progress onto the actual interview.
So there I was left with 3 applicants for the job. How to choose which one would be the most suitable for the position.
At this point it is not always about the qualifications and the number of years experience – what happens, as in my particular situation where you had 3 individuals who met all the requirements in the job description? Well at least that is what they said.
It is extremely important, when you interview someone to have a list of what it is that you want to ask – be sure to ask everyone the same question and have a ‘reason’ why you are asking that question. For example, when you ask a candidate if they are married and have children – the question is not so that you can ask them out on a date, it is usually asked so that you can ascertain if they have other commitments (outside of the working environment) that will take up their time or asking them what sport they enjoy is not because I want to come and watch them playing their next game, its because I want to know if they play for the Provincial/National team, as that would take them ‘out of the office’ when they go away on tours and the like.
Remember questions like “Are you pregnant?” or “Do you have HIV/Aids?” should not be asked. Actually, if the truth be told, you can ask any question you like, but if the applicant is of the opinion that they didn’t get the position because of their answer to that particular question, then you could be in trouble with the Department of Labour as you cannot discriminate against someone because they are pregnant and you cannot discriminate against someone because they are HIV/Aids positive. So why bother asking those particular questions unless the position that they are applying for will adversely affect those in that particular position. For me, awarding a score to each answer that is positive for the Company, means that I can reduce their answers to numbers and then the applicant with the highest score would be the winner. Don’t forget to take into account things like, whether they are able to work as part of a team, your first impression, how they presented themselves, how they spoke or articulated what they wanted to say – these are all very important factors that should also be scored upon. What do you think of the individual and as a person? Let’s be honest – if the hair on the back of your neck rises each time you look at them or talk to them, it is not a good idea to hire them, especially if you are going to be working closely with them. Don’t ever disregard your ‘gut feel’ or your intuition – it may save you many a grey hair in the long run.
Then get them to do a little test – something that they would be expected to do as a matter of course. If for example you are employing someone who will assist in putting together and running an event - give them the brief on an event that you have run in the past (take out the clients name and any other confidential information or change the names etc) and get them to give you a list of what they need to do. Someone who has actually done this before will have no trouble giving you something that makes sense, but someone who is taking a chance will in all probability leave out many of the most fundamental and basic steps. Getting them to do a little test is one of the quickest ways to ensure that you actually have someone who knows what it is that they are doing as opposed to someone who thinks they know it all.
Finally, once you have made you choice, don’t forget to check those references. Don’t just call the cell phone number of the person that they say they worked for – look up the Company’s phone number and ask to speak to that person – at least that way you know that they actually work there. Another tip is to ask to speak to that person’s supervisor/manager. Do you know how many people give the name and contact details of the person who sat at the desk next to them and not their supervisor and/or manager? Remember that if you cannot get hold of one or more of their references, there is usually a reason and I promise you it will not be in your favour. I personally would not employ someone whose references I could not verify.
If you are needing certificates and/or diplomas – check with the university or learning establishment to make sure that they did in fact get that qualification – this always reminds me of the surgeon who is performing complicated operations who was thrown out of medical school before he qualified. Don’t believe anything they tell you – check it out and make sure yourself.
Next week we will have a look at the alternatives to hiring staff.
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 30, 2010
SALES - Getting Rid of Objections
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
