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]