BUSINESS UNUSUAL CONFERENCE 2012

The conference was held on the 10^th of October at Alliance Francaise de Harare, captains of industry where available to shed light on current affairs in the private sector.

First to address the people was Godfrey Mutizwa chief editor of CNBC Africa! He set the ball rolling with his expert analysis giving the event a professional touch from the word go.

Did you know that African countries are growing faster economically than population wise?

10 of the fastest growing economies in the world are African!

. With this enlightening opening, Mutizwa introduced the first speaker

Luke Ngwerume

 He got to the platform with his presentation “Business unusual a paradox” this was directed towards the nature of local business in relation to the rest of the world he stated how the world is still shaking off a depression, so the thrust of his presentation was to debunk this emerging theory that most international ideas are not applicable to Zimbabwe. Another interesting statistic he introduced was the how intra-Africa investment had improved to 17% which hinted that within a few years Africa will be the fastest growing continental block in the world.”If you see something that is not working, it is an opportunity for you to be productive”. It was amazing how much relevance his presentation had to the young Entrepreneurial audience; as they queued to meet him during the tea break.

TINASHE RWODZI

 “You eat what you kill” his presentation was titled “The hunter gatherer” based on the business ethics that helped his generation build empires, He spoke about breaking the KIA   KIA entrepreneur gene born during the high inflationary period of 2007-2008 by upholding proper business ethics. This concept of sustainable development was re-enforced by him urging young business people not to take advantage of their customers, but put them on a pedestal to ensure their well being creating a better community and market.

Shingai Mutasa

 Founder of Musawara enterprises & owner of Joina city, he started with winding rhetoric about African pride, his upbringing and how he had worked with plenty venture capitalists from around the globe eventually connected it to the prevailing economic situation and how young people can lure investors

“If they were more economic barriers such as language and the economic empowerment & indigenization act”. His view point was that for a foreigner to be able to enter any industry locally they have to partner with a native.

Entrepreneurs

Amongst the entrepreneurs available was the BOOST FELLOWSHIP (Mid-Lands State University): In operation since 2001 it has established programs in Universities & Colleges across the country the international franchise is an entrepreneurial network for undergraduates across the world. The aim of this network is to provide sustainable & innovative ways to empower communities. They had with them a contraption which has the ability to convert plastic in to fuel.

MUNGAI LENNEIYE

 The country manager of world bank for Zimbabwe  brought the presentations to an end by his short speech in which he highlighted the potential the country has if both human and finance resources are tapped in to.

Mungai also alluded to the fact that Zimbabwe has one of the most effective tax collection systems in Africa coming only second to South Africa. This led to an anti-corruption campaign ensuing.

      

The floor was open for discussion and the audience took turns at siphoning wisdom out of those on the panel.

Lost track of competitors on the long holiday?

FOUR TIPS FOR HOLIDAY YOUR RESEARCH

 

 Holiday is over, after four days of sluggish behaviour, waking up in the afternoon and every unconceivable and unprofessional conduct. Now it’s back to work, well some are just waiting for the next holiday! but if you are in Zimbabwe that’s the festive season, though it was restful and good to spend time with family and replenish your energy some people cannot help but obsess about the time lost during the break. Here are a couple of tips to help you have a fun profitable holiday next time all you need is a small notebook in which to write what you observe.

1.       FOLLOW THAT OLD DREAM

          Take your time to be young again and chase that long abandoned dream of yours, act it out at least for a day feel how different it might have been had you pursued it. This will help you re-ignite your passion and definitely get your creative juices flowing again.

2.       GET WITH THE TREND

Due to the monotonous nature of most business’ it’s only natural that you lose track of the latest trends in any sector where transformation takes place fast enough. The truth about trends is that they are the true source of innovation there are a couple of executives of major corporations who failed to invest in million dollar ideas because they believed the internet was for those with a lot of time to waste ''the  immature'' Age consumes us all but the beauty of the mind is that it can resist ageing, this is exactly how you keep young act young during the small holiday see what new thing
                                    you observe! Be it fashion or technology do it!

3.       DO SOMETHING YOU CONSIDER FUN

You will always give maximum performance when you are doing something you love and enjoy play golf. You may meet future associates at the course networking while enjoying yourself though past time sports with business people soon turns to a success expo you never know what spills over from all that energy released while showing off (residual advice)

4.       GO  WITH THE CROWD

Now the honest truth is profit moves with the crowds so good example is how at the bus terminus’ around the nation will be jammed due to high transit volumes during the holidays no wonder why local commuter bus operators work through them! It’s brisk business for them. So this is an opportunity to discover problems and create niches think of anytime during the past weekend and holiday where you thought to yourself who is supposed to be doing this? That is a gap for you to fill.

                                                                                    FOUR ACTIVITIES FOR FOUR DAYS

PRECISION OF A DIAMOND CUTTER

By Tafadzwa Sharaunga

Innovation comes from questioning, observing, networking and experimenting but a solid plan will get you half way, so before you learn the behavioural traits of the worlds innovators planning is the most effective business tool that will get you off the ground.
An organisation of any size needs to plan in order to effectively utilise its resources.To challenge the culture of complacency once a goal is set, it has to be attainable but that much of a challenge to keep one on their toes. Getting too comfortable with the current position will give competitors the chance to gain ground.The ultimate power of establishing clear cut goals is visible when the time for review approaches, here you have the unique chance of competing against a paper version of yourself and see where exactly you fall short of being the perfect money making machine. Will disaster strike?


Uncertainty lies everywhere in this treacherous global economy that businesses find themselves in today. Having a contingency plan prolongs the life of your organisation, be at least 10 scenarios ahead to ensure you have comfortable market space. In 2009 Econet released a statement in the press claiming that they were 3 times larger than any competitor and 6 times bigger than any newcomer in local Telecommunications. If this did not wake their rivals then nothing would, the audacity to talk of companies that had not yet been established! Their vision was so large it included the idea "what if" the market opens up and we are faced with the arrival of multiple competitors? This also stretches to other scenarios where anticipation of any outcome can give you stability in an environment like ours.

Create a team of planners or innovators to keep your head above the water. So often people work for the same company but present a disjointed front when it comes to getting the job done, you get middle management resisting new ideas! Plenty of books have been written on resistance to change when the solution is simple! involve them in planning get them to be part of the goal setting team hence you have a solid offensive originating from all aspects of your organisation nomatter its size.  Attain the precision of a diamond cutter!    

Google Africa's Ory Okolloh talks Innovation in Zimbabwe

L-R: Rudo Nyangulu and  Ory Okolloh

Google Africa's Policy Manager, Ory Okolloh was in Harare this week meeting with business people and government officials to share what Google Africa is doing in the arena of innovation and to find out more about Zimbabwe. Rudo Nyangulu, founder of Stimulus Entrepreneurial Business Network caught up with Okolloh to discuss the possibilities of Google Africa working with entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe.

Okolloh was in Harare speaking at the AMH Conversations event on Friday 27th July 2012. Hear the audio discussion on Zimbabwe's leading online technology magazine, TechZim's website here: Okolloh on Inonvation at Google.

L - R: Nelson Chamisa, Ory Okolloh and Trevor Ncube

Motivation: Think Different, See Different, Be Different

Please Note

Dear valued members and visitors.


We would like to advise that over the next eight weeks we will be reviewing the Stimulus Network with a view to improve it to ensure we are supporting entrepreneurs the way they need to be supported. 



In that time we will be contacting  as many of you as possible to gain feedback and suggestions of how we can improve the Stimulus experience and products we offer to ensure we meet our objective in being a 'hub where SME businesses are nurtured and developed'.


We will not be holding events during this period as you are used to them but we will be giving you as much support and information online as possible during the review. 


Thank you for your ongoing support and allowing us to Grow Together with you.


Stimulus Management Team

Event Update:SOS Business Surgery - The first 90 days (19-01-12)

Hello, my name is Donna-Ray Campbell and I write the 'Event Update' column on behalf of Stimulus for the

 Entrepreneurial Report.                                                            

SOS Business Surgeries are events that we

Hold monthly that give an opportunity for 

Entrepreneurs to learn life skills, share experiences

And gain information that will allow them to take

practical steps towards development.

 At these events one2one sessions can be booked in advance

 For a closer and private review of you particular situation.         

 Our SOS Business surgery for January took place on the 19^th
at The Zimbo Jam Offices. Our topic for the event
was the first 90 days. During this session
 Miss Rudo Nyangulu [Stimulus Group CEO]
delivered a workshop on business goal setting and how these goals can be realized through careful planning and implementation. .

The session began with a recap exercise to bring up to speed those that had not attended our last SOS Business Surgery, on business planning for 2012. The core of the workshop was to start the group on a course that promotes strategic and creative thinking about their businesses and the potential they have. The exercise included a four page handout that allows the individual to set a 5year position for their business then drill down from year five to the ‘first 90 Days of 2012. Miss Nyangulu began by asking the group to list up to 10 key goals that will need to be realized within the next five years to determine where their businesses would be at the end of that period. This was done to encourage the entrepreneurs to keep the ‘bigger picture’ in mind and have a strategy (detailed plan) to show you how you will achieve it. The desired outcome was to enable the group to not only think big but to also know how they will get there as they carry out their day to day business.

The following step was to focus on year one objectives. This exercise challenged the group to divide all the objectives of year one into the four quarters of the year. This required one to prioritize their business needs in the immediate whilst staying on course to achieve their long term vision. For example; if an entrepreneur was starting a business in 2012, quarter one goals would include company registration, developing a brand and creating an online footprint. When setting goals to be achieved at start up, one needs to consider if their goals are realistic and based on their current circumstances. Then one needs to consider if their goals are achievable, specific (tangible not abstract wishes) and measurable. It is also advisable that your goals are timely; they need to be done within a specific period of time in order for you to track your progress effectively.

From the quarterly breakdown we then went a step further as Miss Nyangulu asked us to break down our quarterly goals into months, weeks and days so we  had to set target activities with due dates for completion, for example,  register the company by the 31^st of January 2012. When your goals have due dates you are more likely to work towards achieving them. Therefore you become more proactive in implementing your business goals. Those who do not have a business as yet were encouraged to use their first quarter to begin their business proposals and then set targets to help them get their businesses underway.

Finally we had a group exercise where each group was tasked to create a business or use one of their own and create a 5 year business plan for their model business. This was done to encourage discussion and allow for the sharing of ideas as the workshop had been an individual development process up to that point. This activity was also designed to help individuals new to business who are not confident in making these decisions alone. Through discussion and debate different approaches to goal setting were explored which provided an excellent training ground for new entrepreneurs and a good refresher for veterans.   

The exercise was very interesting as the different levels of experience and the different types of experiences of the individuals in the groups led to heated debates as well as multiple requests of clarification of how things should be done if one wants to carry out an ethical business.  The session raised vital lesson on the right way to do business, ‘the ideal approach’ to business and the reality of doing business in Zimbabwe today. This challenged individuals with different mindsets and approaches as well as brought valuable insight for those thinking about starting a business as well as veteran entrepreneurs It is often the case that start up entrepreneurial business fail due to founders cocooning themselves in their own knowledge and reasoning instead of looking at things from a much broader perspective, discussing their ideas and seeking specialist assistance and advice. The session was very well received and there was much discussion long after the event ended. Everyone left the session with a renewed knowledge and understanding or new knowledge as well as a different perspective when approaching business planning and implementation in practice. 

 Photography provided by InonziMemory by Fungai Tichawangana

Miss Rudo Nyangulu explaining business plan implementation

Everyone quickly got to work on their 2012 implementation plan

 

Miss Rudo Nyangulu giving instructions for our group activity

The group discussions were very interesting and eye opening for all

Some groups experienced many deadlocks as idea's differed in planing

The presentations after the group discussions revealed lots of new knowledge for all!

Event Update:Speed Networking Event - Stimulus and You in 2012(12/01/12)

Hello my name is Donna-Ray Campbell and I write the “Event Update” column on behalf of Stimulus for The Entrepreneurial Report, Firstly I Would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year and I look forward to us growing together through Stimulus in 2012.          

Ordinarily Stimulus Speed Networking Events occur on the first Monday of every month. These sessions have two main aims;

1. To introduce the theme for the month to come and to allow us as a group to plan ahead
 2. To provide an opportunity where we can develop networking skills in a ‘safe’ place, actively network, share ideas and find opportunities to do business together.
These sessions typically have one speaker who gives the group a taste of what we can expect to learn as we continue to participate in networking events with Stimulus.

We kick started the year last night with a ‘Back to Basics’ Speed Networking event.  The session was facilitated by our founder Miss Rudo Nyangulu who challenged the group to network effectively. We had a Speed Networking exercise; this is when two people have a minute to introduce themselves and their businesses or ‘pitch’ their ‘elevator speech’ with the aim of making a last impression. The group initially did the exercise with no direction then Miss Nyangulu gave us pointers on the key elements of effective networking in any environment ‘without coming across as a sales person’.

Points to remember when networking are; you must have good posture and remember that 80% of communication is non-verbal so we need to be “body aware’.  Maintain eye contact; always have something tangible to give the person be it a business card or a flyer. Be clear and do not beat about the bush, introduce yourself and your business, practice ‘active listening’ so that you will be able to find something that will aid you in making a personal connection that will leave a ‘lasting impression’. This can be done by commenting on their appearance or asking a question about their family, hobbies or picking something about their business that they share with you. This was a great exercise and everyone welcomed it with open arms.

A few of our ‘regular network attendees were then called upon to give testimonials about the impact Stimulus has had in their business development and personal development so far s. I had an opportunity to share my ‘Stimulus journey’ too as well as explain the function of Stimulus and the way we plan to help all entrepreneurs.   Miss Nyangulu explained how Stimulus was founded and what prompted her to begin the organisation the motivation and vision behind it.

Finally we were shown the benefits of becoming a Stimulus member and the opportunities of becoming a ‘Stimulator’. We also had the Stimulus website revealed to us, www.stimulusonline.org which was launched last night and we welcome as much feedback as you are willing to give so that it can continually improve. We were given a brief out lay of Stimulus membership requirements and why it’s in the best interests of an entrepreneur to become a member and all the exclusive benefits you will enjoy by being a part of an organisation that is actively and successfully inspiring and developing entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. If you need more information regarding Stimulus membership and any other questions visit our website or email us; membership@stimulusonline.org and we will gladly assist you.

Photography provided by E:thos Photography

Miss Nyangulu our facilitator for the meeting last night.

Everyone in attendace listened attentively to the valuable information given out by Miss Nyangulu

Mr James Goto giving his testimonial on the changes in his business since discovering Stimulus

Mr Tinashe Hwindingwi giving his testimonial on how Stimulus impacted his business.

Mr Itai Manyere sharing how he was drawn to Stimulus on the internet and hasn't looked back!

 

Stimulus Events in January

 Firstly we would like to wish you all a very productive 2012 whether you are ground breaking growing to new heights of success. We look forward to Working with you all, networking with you all ad most importantly, 'Growing Together!'

Many of you over the last few months have been asking about Stimulus Membership and how you go about becoming a member. We have good news! In 2012 we are starting our membership program which will be launched along with our website at our first event of the year. 

In 2012 we will also be introducing two new events, a business breakfast event monthly and 'An audience with...' more on these events will be coming soon.

Current events:

Speed Networking 

Stimulus and you in 2012

Date: Thursday 12th January 2012

Time: 5pm for 5.30pm start - 7.30pm

Venue: Freshly Ground Coffee Shop, Avondale (Upstairs across from 7Arts)

Join us for our first event in 2012 where you can find out all you need to know about Stimulus and how you can become a part of the group.

We will look at:

Introduction to Stimulus Membership
Stimulus Online
2012 Calendar

We will also have a speed networking session whereby you are invited to pitch your business to everyone in attendance and give out literature about your business and your business card.

SOS Business surgery

The first 90 Days

Date: Thursday 19th January 2012

Time: 5pm for 5.30pm start - 8pm

Venue:

Join us for our first workshop of the year building on our last workshop on planning for 2012 and setting up short medium and long term goals for your business. The first 90 Days will be about adopting good habits, practises and systems that will allow you to be highly effective and achieve your goals this year

We will look at:

Your five year plan's year one; 2012

How you have set your goals for the year,quarterly, monthly then weekly.

We will look at some key habits to help you stay on course.

We Will look at the value of : 

1. Goal Setting
2. Monitoring progress in your business (when and how)
3. Evaluating that progress against your goals / annual objectives
4. Review and reforesting at the end of each quarter

Developing the right 'Business Habits' in the first 90 Days requires us to have a plan for 2012 [We advise that if you do not already have a plan then you should start developing one today ahead of this event]