Daily Archives: January 21, 2025

Retrenchment propels Sefali to open laundry business

Montsheng Claudia Sefali – Tshenku’s Laundry Services in Jagersfontein Image: VUKUZENZELE When Montsheng Claudia Sefali could not further her studies or secure permanent employment after completing matric, she decided to open Tshenku’s Laundry Services in Jagersfontein, Freedom.Jagersfontein, is a small town historically known as a diamond-mining centre in Free State. The 34-year-old had the idea of starting a business in 2013, considering that she lived in a mining town and many people would potentially need her services.She started saving money to buy equipment and started operating the business in 2020.It specialises in washing, ironing, and folding clothes and blankets for clients.“I completed my matric in 2007. My family did not have enough money to enable me to further my studies. I was accepted for several learnerships over the years, including a motor mechanic learnership in 2008 for two years and received my level 1 and 2 certificates from the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority in 2010,” she said.In 2013, Sefali was accepted for an apprenticeship at Barloworld Equipment in Bloemfontein for five years and completed her trade test certificate for general mechanic level 1 in 2018.She worked for the company until she got retrenched in 2020. “I used some of my savings to buy equipment for the business and opened Tshenku’s Laundry Services in December 2020,” she said.Running a business has not been without challenges, but Sefali’s resilience keeps it afloat. Some of the challenges she faces include the burden of paying monthly rent where the business operates from and the limitations of using household washing machines that often break down under heavy duty.Initially, she had employed two staff members but could not retain them due to financial constraints.The laundry business has received support through training and funding from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).In 2022, it received a tumble dryer, two irons and laundry scale from the NYDA, and received teardrops and flyers from Seda in 2023.

Dom Joly stars in hilarious comedy skit to highlight business struggles

The comedian is the face of a new hidden-camera stunt, which sees him play an overwhelmed business owner being bombarded with work calls on a Sunday afternoon11:22, 21 Jan 2025Dom Jolly teams up with AirLandline in skitDom Joly has whipped up a side-splitting comedy sketch that shines a light on the daily trials and tribulations of small business owners.In ‘true’ Joly fashion, the Trigger Happy TV star takes on the role of a frazzled entrepreneur, juggling a barrage of work calls and client requests while desperately trying to snatch a moment’s peace.The skit, crafted in collaboration with Air Landline, injects a dose of humour into the all-too-real issue of work-life balance that many business owners grapple with.Owning your own business is often viewed as the ultimate dream. The freedom to set your own hours, make key decisions, and guide your company in the direction you see fit are certainly attractive aspects of entrepreneurship.However, a recent survey commissioned by virtual landline firm Air Landline suggests that the reality of running your own business can be far less glamorous, with significant impacts on mental health, personal relationships, and the ability to switch off from work.The study showed that 16% of small business owners feel like they’re constantly on-call, 24/7. This relentless sense of duty is exacerbated by the pressure to respond to after-hours messages promptly – half of those surveyed confessed to replying within 30 minutes, if not instantly, to communications received outside traditional working hours.20% of SME owners haven’t had a holiday in over five years(Image:

Master These Skills To Build A Business That Makes Millions

Building a business that makes a lot of money isn’t just about having a groundbreaking idea or perfect timing. You need to master the right skills. Knowing how to create a thriving, profitable business requires a combination of strategic thinking, financial acumen, marketing expertise, and leadership. By focusing on building these essential skills, you can position yourself for long-term success and turn your vision into a financial powerhouse.

Let’s explore the skills you need to master to build a business that makes millions:
1. Strategic thinking
This is a critical skill because success requires a clear vision and a roadmap to achieve that vision. Without strategic thinking, you risk wasting time and resources on activities that don’t offer results. Strategic thinking not only keeps your business on track, but it helps you adapt to challenges as they arise.

2. Marketing mastery
Marketing mastery is the ability to effectively promote your products or services, ensuring that they reach the right audience and drive sales. It’s a non-negotiable skill for building a profitable business because, without customers, there’s no revenue.

3. Sales skills
Sales skills are the art of converting leads into paying customers, turning interest into revenue. These skills are essential because revenue growth is directly tied to how efficiently you can close sales and create consistent income. Effective sales require more than just pitching a product—it’s about understanding the customer’s needs and providing a solution.

4. Financial acumen
Financial acumen is the ability to understand and manage your business’s numbers, including budgeting, cash flow, and profitability. It’s a critical skill because even the best ideas can fail without proper money management. Knowing how to track and interpret financial data allows you to make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary expenses, and ensure your business remains profitable. With strong financial skills, you’ll build a business that’s not just successful but also sustainable.

5. Networking and relationship building
Networking and relationship building involve creating meaningful connections that open doors to partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and valuable collaborations. In business, success is often about who you know, as relationships can lead to opportunities that wouldn’t arise otherwise.

6. Leadership and team management
Leadership and team management are the skills that enable you to guide a team toward shared goals, delegate responsibilities effectively, and cultivate a productive, collaborative culture. These skills are crucial because a profitable business can only scale with the support of a strong, well-managed team. By mastering leadership and team management, you’ll create a high-performing team that drives your business toward sustained success.
7. Adaptability and problem-solving
Adaptability and problem-solving are essential skills for navigating the inevitable challenges of running a business and pivoting when necessary to stay competitive. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, flexibility is key to remaining relevant and seizing new opportunities. With strong adaptability and problem-solving skills, you’ll be prepared to overcome obstacles and position your business for long-term success.
The bottom line is that building a business that makes millions requires more than ambition as you need a suite of skills that will help you make money in your business. By focusing on and strengthening these skills, you’ll be equipped to not only build a thriving business but create a lasting legacy of financial success. So invest in yourself and the skills needed and watch your business vision become a profitable reality.