A global leader on the subject of Mind Power, Robin Banks, was the guest speaker at the final Hirsch’s Entrepreneurs virtual workshop of the year. The room was packed (virtually) with people attending the Zoom session and many more on Margaret’s Facebook page. Held on a weekly basis (every Friday between 11 and 12) and hosted by the dynamic duo, award winning business women Margaret Hirsch and Business Coach Marlene Powell (ActionCOACH), the workshops have been a great draw card to fledgling and established businesses in South Africa. Margaret and Marlene both hold the firm belief that entrepreneurs will keep South Africa buoyant and they are determined to help them to succeed.
Robin congratulated Margaret and Marlene for setting up the Entrepreneurs Workshop platform and explained that right now what entrepreneurs need is not so much motivation but advice on transformation and that is what they were getting at these workshops.
Attesting to this, at a previous workshop regular attendees came forward to attest the value of the workshops and the impact that they have had on their companies:
Speakers included Mary Jean Thomas-Johnson who is a former information Officer with the Cape Chamber of Commerce and now runs a network for service providers to unemployed and under employed from under resourced communities in the Western Cape. She has attended the workshops regularly and says that they have not only helped with business advice but have been vital to her peace of mind.
Co-founder of the start-up company Clever Cloud, Zo Kunene said that as a networking platform, the Entrepreneurs Workshops have been invaluable to his company. Zo and his ZUDOMANZI partners are revolutionizing the technology space with automated cloud storage and have developed a software platform that creates folders for you, and saves everything you’re working on to the Cloud. “I cannot speak highly enough about the encouragement and advice given by our hosts and the speakers. As a start up, this advice is life changing!” He said.
Image consultant, Zanele Kamwendo found the business advice from Margaret and Marlene invaluable and has been “hugely encouraged” by the sessions. She has found new clients on the platform and her business has thrived in the last two years.
Attorney, Jennifer Govender who deals with conveyancing, lease agreements, sales agreements and estate matters said that she was always motivated every time she attended a workshop. “I took a chance by registering my business at the height of the Pandemic, and it’s thanks to platforms like this that have helped with business growth.” She said.
Ndumiso Sikhakhane runs his own digital marketing business – Infinity Growth Digital Marketing, and also registered the business at the height of the Pandemic.He said that the platform has helped him to build relationships, and the coaching from Marlene and the sound down to earth advice from Margaret has helped his business go from strength to strength.
Finally, Monique Labat who founded Monique Labat Consulting, a company that offers professional consulting skills to English and French speaking clients in South Africa and Mauritius, said that it was thanks to the tips and advice from these workshops, she had started her own Webinars and they have gone from strength to strength.
On the subject of the changes that have take place on the business front in the last two years, Robin explained change is not a force to be feared but an “opportunity to be seized” (Sam Weiss). “We are going through change but we need to embrace it. If you want to make a lot of money, work a lot harder. Reduce your overheads and your business will profit more. Hire a business coach to keep your business fit and on track. Listen to talks; Study online; Manage your emotional state. Mentorship is crucial. Make sure that your thoughts, words and actions are in alignment. Make a commitment – and stick to it” were some pearls of wisdom from Robin.
These workshops are a proud initiative from the Get U Noticed team. We’ll be back in February with a brand new look! Watch this space.
ENDS.