ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXPOSE

When i started on my journey of being self employed i was clear of the decision i had taken and what it would mean for me and for me as young woman in Africa who wants to live her dream as well as someone who is also a breadwinner in her family. I did a lot of research and read as much as i could to prepare myself. Image Consulting is a career choice that is not common in the African Community and i was aware of this. The passion and hunger i had to pursue this career was all i was living for. So i made that decision to leave MultiChoice (my former employer) in 2011. I can’t tell you how lonely and frustrating that journey can be at times. Those around me had respect for me when i made this decision, some were envious and wished that they could have made the same decision i had made, while others felt hat this was going nowhere and after a few minutes i will be begging for my job back, clearly they must have been counting the days and months till that happened. They can count alright, the Entrepreneurship Expose came along.With such support one cannot go wrong.

For the 1st time yesterday i was in a room full of people who took that leap of faith and decided to start their own businesses, just like i did 3 years ago. THANK GOD for his timing!!!. This is all thanks to Enablis (SA ) , Radepolelo Consulting, Zakheni DR,  as well as other Sponsors on board.  The event was hosted at the Regenesys Business School. They made it all happen. For the first time in  along time i knew that what i am aiming for is attainable and that my mistakes and challenges in business are not unique to me. Without my mentor’s advise i probably would not have attended this Expose.

The conference theme is “Tipping The Scales: How little things can make a huge difference”. The theme was derived from Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Tipping Point”. After the presentation and introduction of what inspired this theme i am definitely buying Malcolm Gladwell’s book .

Noelle Makhaukane wa-ka Ngobeni was the 1st Speaker of the day. She is the Enablis Chapter Manager in Gauteng.  Enablis Entrepreneurial Network is an organized, interactive network of entrepreneurs in developing countries who share similar values and who believe in the importance of small-to-medium enterprises for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The result is a group of individuals drawn together by their capacity for entrepreneurship; a powerful force for change in the developing world.What most people do not know and you will not believe it either, is that this are the membership packages that they have. For as little as R100 you can become a member of Enablis and learn more about how to start a business and how to get your business to grow. It’s all up to you.

Roche Mamabolo was the Host as well as the  2nd Speaker at this Expo. He is the CEO and Founder of Radipolelo Consulting. His presentation to me was a slap in the face to say wake up. What separates the brands that have made it and those that are struggling yet they have great ideas? “Tipping the Scales ” is what needs to happen. Of course even with a great business idea a business man/woman has to know the state of the economy they are operating in. The stats he shared about the economy of the country and the state of Entrepreneurship were shocking in comparison to the overseas nations as well as here in Africa. Each and everyone of us has a role to play especially businesses that are in existent and those that are yet to be in existence.  We have a long way to go . Entrepreneurs are the answer to this challenge the country is facing. Other than that all i can say is Roche is a great speaker and he put this theme out in a manner that left me realising what power i have in my business and that making this business grow is as imperative as the jobs that will be created from it. With such a range of note worthy leaders and speakers , one can only draw inspiration and aim to be more.

I cannot complete this write up without mentioning the key note speaker Mike Harrington. He is the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. This man is a living encyclopedia about business. Not only was he speaking from an experienced point of view but  you can also tell that  he is passionate about he does. To write up about what his presentation was about needs a few chapters or so. The nature of presentations is that most info is high level and minimized taking into account time etc, so everything is compressed and presented to you in short. Other than that this is a subject of it’s own on another day. Mike Harrington is charming and has a great sense of humor, there wasn’t  a moment he did not have us laughing through his presentation. This kept me engaged.

Below is a list of all the other Guest Speakers and you can Google their profiles if you are interested. I also encourage that you follow them on Twitter as well as connect with them on LinkedIN. If you are in business , this is a workshop worth your money and worth your time. THANK YOU ENABLIS, RADIPOLELO, ZAKHENI DR and all other Sponsors and as well as Exhibitors. It was a day well spent, well organised and i will be seeing more of you.

Bontle Moeng Boeng – Digital Marketing Expert and former Head of Content at various ICT Companies Dirk Hartford – Social Entrepreneurs and Founder of Yfm Lesego Malatsi – Founder: Mzantsi Designers William Seyama – Founder: eNitiate Integrated Solutions Noelle Makhaukane Wa-Ka Ngobeni – Chapter Manager: Enablis Max Lichaba – Founder: Lichaba Creations & Jewellery Hub Mike Herrington – Director: Innovation & Entrepreneurship – University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business Roche Mamabolo – Founder: Radipolelo Entrepreneurship Consulting Isaac Chalumbira – Chairman & CEO: Lionshare Holdings Tj Malamule – Founder: Rihanyo Seminars Deshanta Sigamoney – Founder & CEO: Green Apple Digital Doug Johnson – Founder: Voyage Consulting & LEMON Leadership