The Business journey
Businesses are all around us. We witness it on a daily basis. We get inspired. And we support.Starting with our own business, on the other hand, is a more daunting path to choose. It is a whole new world opening. You come across things you never would’ve thought forms part of such a journey. Because through witnessing other people building their business, you just get a sneak peak of what it is actually about. You have a passenger’s seat, now and again also wanting to throw in come comments and “helpful tips” to the driver, being the business owner. You learn from them, you spot a few things you will do differently, and for sure admire their journey of long hours and investing into their business.What about starting my own business?
Have you ever considered going in that direction?
A business idea is not something that forms overnight. It can start with a hobby that you’ve been practicing for a while, perhaps something you are passionate about or even from a conversation you had.
It is also then something that starts small and grows over time. Going full-time into a startup business is not always possible or advisable as it takes time to establish your business and generate enough income to cover necessary expenses. Consider starting a business on the side, partnering with someone that shares your vision or get more exposure in a certain field before starting a business within it.There is definitely no right or wrong way of going about it.
But yes, there is a lot of mistakes to be made and growth to occur.But it starts with the business idea.
Perhaps consider establishing a business plan. An opportunity to gather a lot of thoughts, research, goals and business descriptions within one document. A Business Plan is the best tool to get some guidance for yourself (https://www.bplans.com/downloads/business-plan-template/).
It requires from you to get to know your industry in which you will be providing a product or service. You would need to have a clear description of your product or service. Analyzing your competition, setting long- and short-term goals, establishing team roles as well as setting your expectations in place around finances, is some of the things you already set out within a Business Plan.
Yes, it can get time consuming. And frustrating. Even ‘langdradig’.But the one thing it definitely is – NEEDED.What will be other good starting points for a business?
A Business has a variety of facets.
Especially if it is only yourself from the beginning, you will be required to attend to a lot of different tasks – finances, admin, providing products & services, website designs and marketing.
So be equipped for this but if a certain task is not a strength of yours and it can take you up to 5 hours to complete where an expert can do it in 5 minutes, rather reconsider: Is this really a necessary task or project for now? How can I grow in improving in this? Or is there someone else that can do this for me? #outsource.
For me this was a lot of things! Designing and drafting my website, doing marketing and delivering the services. But I knew from the start that I am good with organizing my time, doing admin, finances, networking and building relationships with clients. I also new which services of the business I’m more equipped to render, such as Career Coaching and Accounting classes (the two I am definitely most passionate about!). I am fortunate to have a Mastering It Team to help with other services.Two very important (and user-friendly!) apps I can advise young business owners to use:
1. Wave Accounting (https://www.waveapps.com/) – great for Invoicing and doing your finances.
2. Timetree App (https://timetreeapp.com/intl/en/) – keep track of your meetings and events! There is also the opportunity to share your calendar with someone else – perhaps your team members, friends or family members.How can I grow in becoming a better Business owner?
My number one advise – read, read, read.
I got so much equipping done through free articles and resources on the Internet.3 great articles that helped me:
1. http://www.marketingchannel.co.za/how-to-start-a-business-in-south-africa/
2. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4686-how-to-start-a-business.html
3. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/252811Off course doing a few online courses will help as well!
Have you tried searching on Udemy.com?
At the end you most definitely determine what will work best for you.
No business is operated in the same manner as another.
So perhaps get some mentors onboard. Don’t be afraid of asking for help. And don’t be to hard on yourself 😉
And embrace the journey!Want to know more about my Business, Mastering It?
Feel free to visit my website – www.masteringit.co.za
I am really enjoying this journey and its been stretching me a lot!
The article I posted was thoughts, learning curves and stories from my own experience as a Start-up Business owner. We especially grow through other people and learning from them.
Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin
It is hard to imagine going on an adventure at this time. Partly because it is freezing cold, partly because of the pesky lockdown rules. However, that did not stop Honda from delivering their ultimate adventure bike to me: the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. With limited possibilities available, I still decided to work out a short route to kick up some dust.
The all-new Honda Africa Twin is hardly distinguishable from its predecessor and only a keen eye will be able to tell them apart if I parked the two bikes next to each other. It seems that Honda did not want to meddle too much with a winning recipe. The capable Africa Twin has sold around 87 000 units worldwide already so they must be doing something right.
I rode both the standard and Adventure Sports derivatives of the bike at the launch in December 2019 and I must say I came away very impressed. The off-road section was extremely technical and the road section was very fast. My task now was to determine how the Africa Twin would perform as an everyday bike.
The engine is now a 1100cc unit and produces 7% more power and 6% more torque. The entire sub-frame is made of aluminium and to aide shorter riders, the seat is narrower where it meets the tank. The electronics have also been updated and there are more sensors to measure every angle of the bike and assist the rider. The biggest single improvement though is in the new TFT dash. It is a large 6.5” TFT touchscreen that controls most of the settings on the bike. To operate in on the go, your opposing thumbs need the dexterity of a teenager. There are 16 buttons, just on the left handlebar! Even the heated grips are hidden somewhere in the menus, so for once, I advise you to actually read the instruction manual.
What is does do exceptionally well is the riding experience. Honda knows just how to package a motorcycle, especially one made to traverse the roughest of terrain. Whether you are carving through a mountain pass or roughing it in the dirt, the Africa Twin delivers! The Adventure Sports gets cruise control as standard and in DCT guise it makes an effortless tour bike. When I left the tarmac, the Africa Twin just felt at home. I took the long way home, but longed for a long open stretch of road somewhere in the Karoo. The Africa Twin passed my everyday test with flying colours and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is looking for an adventure!
Article & photos: Brian Cheyne (Ultimate Drive)
Successful High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Treatment
Premier Alan Winde published this on hies Facebook page about a very successful treatment at Groote Schuur.Successful High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital sees five patients discharged from ICU on one day.Monday (6 July) was a joyous occasion for Groote Schuur Hospital staff working a high care Covid-19 ward as they were able to successfully discharge five patients from critical care and ICU wards to normal wards after they were treated on the high – flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) machines.
By being able to take five patients off HFNO machines on one day is extraordinary, and a truly remarkable achievement for the dedicated staff working in the unit.Ventilators were used as one of the main treatments for critical care COVID-19 patients during the initial phases of the global pandemic, but the Western Cape Government implemented HFNO treatment at its tertiary hospitals. The HFNO machine is a device which can deliver concentrated oxygen to a patient’s lungs, via long tubes which sit just below the patient’s nostrils. This decreases the work of breathing and makes sure that the body gets enough oxygen even though there is lung inflammation.Dr Shrikant Peters, Medical Manager: ICU and Dr Laurene Booyens, Medical Manager: Medicine had the following to say on the success of the HFNO at Groote Schuur Hospital. “Over a period of three months around a third of patients recover without requiring intubation, which is a significantly positive outcome compared to settings where no high-flow nasal oxygen treatment is offered obviously not all patients require this modality. Most do not require such high volumes and concentrations of oxygen. The results are continuously reassessed as time progresses and our insight into Covid-19 management grows further.”Mr Ivan Cummings (56) from Grassy Park, and Mr Shahied Fischer (56) from Hanover Park, were two of the five patients who came off the HFNO machine on Monday. Mr Shahied Fischer who is a taxi driver is very thankful to be alive after having been on the HFNO machine for eight days. When I came into Groote Schuur Hospital on Monday 29 June 2020 I could not breathe, I thought this was the end [and that] I was not going to make it. But this hospital is awesome, the staff have helped me to fight this battle and live again. Covid-19 has helped me appreciate essential workers and the difference they are making to help us patients survive.”Nurses in the ward were celebrating their success on the day. Sister Tofile and Sister Ndinga are two of the heroes who work in this ward. “We are ecstatic that we had five patients able to come off the machines in one day. It is not easy seeing all the suffering that our patients have to go through. Days like today make us feel happy because it shows that our hard work is showing results.”Covid-19 numbers are still increasing and it is important that we continue to stay safe. The message from Mr Shahied Fischer stresses the importance of adopting safety habits. “I was one of the people who did not take Covid-19 serious, I was not adhering to the guidelines that was given to us. I almost died but thanks to Groote Schuur Hospital, I was able to survive. You might not be as lucky as I am, so please adhere to the guidelines.”https://www.facebook.com/windealan/posts/
Are you in grade 9, 11 or 12 or the Parent of a student that is? Then this article is for you.
Each of our Careers takes different paths. We have different strengths, things we get passionate about and ambitions. Making a choice about our Careers is more difficult than not. There are so many things to consider and because the decision is so big and the outcome feels so final, it makes us hesitant to actually just decide!In this article we want to specifically reach out to High School students. And go into a more in-depth discussion around Aptitude testing. Your career has to be part of your wiring as a person. Each person is uniquely wired according to God’s plan for your life. If you line up your career according to your God given talents and personal wiring you will be content and fulfilled as an adult.A deep-rooted component that we seldom take in account is our values. Which values do you have in your work place and which values do you have as a person. This determines the course your future will take.Now you ask:
- How do I know what my unique wiring is?
- Why are the usual aptitude tests not an accurate reflection of my true self?
- Where do I start to make the most important choices of my life?
- Do your assessment on your own terms and in your own time.
- Don’t let a bad teacher put you off.
- Focus on self-awareness.
- Talk to a professional consultant that is really interested in you as a person.
- The assessment can be completed in about an hour
- There are about 30 000 jobs currently available
- We narrow it down to 5 areas that will fit you as a unique person
- Career Direct is available in 18 different languages
- Career Direct Consultants have been expertly trained to assist people through a full 3-day training program
- Career Direct has been psychometrically developed and is statistically verifiable and reliable; a seventy page research and development manual is available to the public for review
- Career Direct is priced according to each nation’s economy
- Career Direct has active consultants in 47 nations, including South Africa, Namibia, Brazil, Poland, The United States, and Malawi
YOUR PUBLIC TESTING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Western Cape Government Health has seen an increase in people accessing testing sites in the George sub-district. Please see below for feedback to the frequently asked questions.I think I have Covid-19, what should I do?
If you have flu symptoms, such as fever, body ache, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, or a loss of taste or smell, you might have Coronavirus. You must be screened by answering specific questions about your health before you can go for testing. You can use the self-screening tool on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.westerncape.gov.za%2Fcoronavirus&data=02%7C01%7CNadia.Ferreira%40westerncape.gov.za%7Cf2026903e45d4ad3c1a008d8217bf0a8%7Cae74bf7fcfc34760a1fe0731afaa5502%7C0%7C0%7C637296163491550038&sdata=gQbuqCPBBshTinL0rH7v5PkidX9WcXvvYuz9O6hHC0s%3D&reserved=0>, call our provincial hotline on 021 928 4102, or call your local facility. After completing the screening, you will be referred for testing if necessary.Which are the public testing sites in George?
Who can visit the testing site at George Hospital?
George Hospital has a Triage and Testing Site which is open to all members of the public who would like to be screened and tested if needed. The unit is on the hospital grounds and clearly indicated with signage. We would like to remind you that George Hospital’s Emergency Unit is for emergencies only and not for Covid-19 screening and testing. Only persons with medical emergencies should visit the emergency unit.How long will I have to wait for my test results?
Tests results take between 3 – 5 days. In some cases it may take longer. You must isolate while you wait for your test results.How will my test results be communicated to me?
You will receive a SMS from NHLS (National Health Laboratory Service) with your test result (positive or negative) to the contact number you provided.Should I visit a health facility for my test results?
You should not visit any health facility to ask for test results. If you are positive, going to a facility for your test result will endanger the lives of other people. NHLS will communicate your test result to you.Can I get a printed copy of my results from the clinic?
No, printed results will not be supplied by health facilities.I have received my positive test result, now what?
Should you have received your positive result, you will be contacted by the contact tracing team for further instructions.Do I need to retest after 14 days?
No follow-up testing is required or done at any of our facilities.When you have been diagnosed with Covid -19, has had mild symptoms only, and has been in isolation for 14 days, you are considered recovered and may return to work. (This also applies to a person who self-isolates for 14 days after the onset of Covid-19 symptoms without testing). Public health facilities will not re-test anyone after 14 days of isolation. We have received numerous requests from private companies to retest their staff or to issue them with a letter to confirm that they don’t have Covid-19 anymore. The re-test will not be done, but Western Cape Government Health can issue a letter to confirm that a person is fit for work after this above period of isolation. Contact your nearest clinic for this. Testing in the public sector is free of charge. However, you will only be tested if you have been screened and meet the criteria for testing.How can I protect myself from getting Covid-19?
Always remember the 5 golden rules of hygiene: Social distancing (keep 1.5 m away from others) and always wear a mask when in public, cough or sneeze in your elbow or a tissue, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and do not touch your face.Where can I get more information?
Valuable information regarding Covid-19 is available at https://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwesterncape.gov.za%2Fcoronavirus&data=02%7C01%7CNadia.Ferreira%40westerncape.gov.za%7Cf2026903e45d4ad3c1a008d8217bf0a8%7Cae74bf7fcfc34760a1fe0731afaa5502%7C0%7C0%7C637296163491689437&sdata=3DJ3Yb3KTWjeQb5ph%2BjrjHPSqRf6nJg2QEZcAJbVoz4%3D&reserved=0>
| Testing Site | Operating hours | Tel nr |
| George Triage and Testing site | 07:00 – 17:00 Monday to Sunday | 044 802 4420 |
| Themablethu Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday | 044 814 1501 |
| Conville Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday | 044 875 8070 / 044 814 1050 |
| Touwsranten Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday | 044 850 1366 |
| Blanco Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday | 044 814 1190 |
| Pacaltsdorp Clinic | 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday | 044 814 1200 |
WELLINGTON STREET UPGRADES: ROAD CLOSURE AND SERVICE DISRUPTIONS
The upgrade of Wellington Street, between Courtenay and Aspeling Streets, have commenced and the relocation of services will take place from today (6 July 2020).
During relocation of services, there may be sporadic interruption of water and/or electricity services, and some traffic flow implications.
Road surface excavation is expected to commence on Monday 13 July, starting with the easterly/downward lane from the Aspeling/Wellington intersection towards Courtenay Street. The remaining lane will allow for one-way traffic towards Denneoord while downward traffic will be redirected at the Aspeling intersection towards Mitchell Street (east) or Church Street (west). Detour signage will be placed to assist with traffic direction and flow.
Road users who can make use of the alternative routes via Mitchell or Church, instead of the upward one-way, are requested to do so, to assist with traffic flow.
Drivers using the upwards one-way section are advised to take extreme caution as sections of the adjacent road will be ‘box cut’ and therefore significantly lower than the road surface.
The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade.
The Wellington Street upgrades form part of ongoing improvements to the GIPTN road network and comprises the rebuilding of the existing road layer and placing of a premix wearing course over both lanes.
The project is expected to be completed towards the end of August 2020, weather and circumstances depending.
Guide the young person
The young man and woman is our responsibility. Without us guiding and teaching them they reach out to the next best thing, the internet. Doctor Google has all sorts of answers. Some good and some bad. Without the guidance of an experienced individual the wrong information is gathered and implemented by our youngsters. Blowing off a young person seeking guidance changes our world for the worst. Imagine for a second you are observing a young person and can clearly see that they are going to bump their head. You choose to do nothing. The young person did not get any help or guidance from you and turned to the internet as the next best thing. What is the worst that could happen?It starts with a false sense of reality being formulated by the glamorous sky castle lifestyles of the rich and famous. Communication terms and references are made from a different world perspective. This leads to the formulation of an obscured perception of reality. This young person does not gain anything. They are bombarded by information telling them to want everything and want it now. The message is clear. If you cannot get what you want then you are not good enough. This young person then deals with the anxiety of not living up to the internet’s standards. Yet we have failed to equip them with the practical application knowledge that our experience can give. Now apply this problem to the below mentioned examples.There is the youngster that comes from an uneducated home. This youngsters education starts with the belief that life needs to be a day to day struggle. Education is not important and is seen as a waste of money because food on the table is more important. You need to fend for yourself and even though your social bonds are good, no one can really be trusted. Because of this youngsters lack of education asking for advice does not come across as relevant. This youngster will also be easily manipulated by people that do not necessarily have the youngsters best interest at heart. In many cases this youngster will be in a position where they are not taken seriously by others. Where do they turn for advice? Some famous musician or actor gloating about the corner hustle, a secret society or outlaw gang in order to get what you want in life.Secondly there is a youngster that is gifted in translating information and applying it to the real world situation. This person seeks guidance that leads them to a clear goal or dream they have. This is still something that would have been influenced by a teacher, guide or traumatic event earlier during his/her life. This person might have had a tough upbringing and promised themselves that they will never know the struggle again. They are so strongly swayed by their convictions that they actively search for the best advice and application method of this advice. This young person would normally be identified by a “go getter” attitude and strong confident personality. In reality these people become famous and wealthy. Sounds great, right? All these traits are present in serial killers, master criminals and famous people alike. What’s the difference? Guidance.Thirdly there is the youngster that comes from an educated home. This home has a well balanced family environment. This youngster has every possible opportunity to achieve greatness. There is ample love, a solid school education and strong social structure. This youngster has the opportunity of getting a higher level education or travel abroad. This youngster is seen as an average person in society and will probably contribute on some level. The problem here is that all comforts have always been there. Since birth this youngster has not needed to concern themselves with food or a roof over their heads. Out of their perspective things just work. These young people need to learn perseverance and application of the information they have. Young people can very easily follow the wrong path without ever knowing. There is an old saying that applies here. “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Without an active and deliberate effort to guide the young person we will surely have a society of people that cannot sustain anything except their own image. As a productive and educated member of society, sit back for a second and ask yourself what you have done lately in order to help a youngster with good advice and guidance. I am not talking about the advice you gave some youngsters to help your own agenda by not giving them the real truth. This is something that I am really passionate about. I am annoyed when I hear someone giving negative comments on the progress and development of a young person without attempting to help them with a word or two. Do not be the person that makes fun of the lack of knowledge and turns their back on the young person. Look, not everyone was meant to be a rocket scientist but everyone has a role to play. Before passing judgement ask yourself what you have done to help or guide the youngster in question. Be part of the solution to change the world we live in by improving another’s understanding of it.
Driving Licence offices in Pacaltsdorp are currently closed
The Driving Licence offices in Pacaltsdorp are currently closed due to Covid-related measures. Expected reopening Wednesday 8 July. Persons whose driving tests have been affected by this closure, will be contacted to make a new appointment date. The municipality apologises for the inconvenience and remains committed to deliver services in the face of ongoing Covid-19 challenges.
GEORGE MUNICIPALITY WATER UPDATE
GEORGE MUNICIPALITY WATER UPDATE: 1 JULY 2020
Dam level: 90.99% (down from 92,3%) Rainfall since 25 June 2020: 21.7mm Demand/usage: 27,913 megalitresSECTION 2B WATER RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY APPLY IN GEORGE AND SURROUNDS:- Handheld watering of gardens using a hose using municipal water: even-numbered households Mondays and Thursdays, 7pm-9pm(summer) and 3pm-5pm (winter)AND uneven-numbered households Tuesdays and Fridays, 7pm-9pm (summer) and 3pm-5pm (winter).
- Mechanical irrigation of gardens (sprayers) using municipal water is prohibited.
- Watering sports fields using municipal water is prohibited, except for golf course greens, bowling greens and cricket pitches, daily 7pm-9pm(summer) and 3pm-5pm (winter).
- Filling up of swimming pools using municipal water is prohibited.
- Washing cars with a hose using municipal water is prohibited (buckets allowed, rainwater encouraged), except for commercial car washes.
- Cleaning of outside surfaces using a hosepipe with municipal water is prohibited (buckets allowed, rainwater encouraged).
- “OWN WATER” signage must be displayed where applicable and must be proven on request by municipal officials.
- Applications for exemption of some restrictions may be considered on merit.
ONE HOME ONE GARDEN CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES HOUSEHOLDS TO START FOOD PRODUCTION UNITS
MEDIA RELEASE BY DR IVAN MEYER
WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
DATE: 30 JUNE 2020In support of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s (WCDoA) One Home One Garden Campaign Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer recently visited food gardens in Witzenberg.According to Minister Meyer, every household needs to have a food garden as it will contribute towards the family’s food security.Minister Meyer: “As part of our Covid-19 response, the One Home One Garden Campaign encourages households to start their own food production units.”Food production units come in the form of a vegetable garden or a chicken house.Meyer: “A garden size of 20m² can provide salads, cabbage, onion, beetroot and beans during Autumn and broccoli, spinach, carrots, turnip, and peas during Spring.
Similarly, a chicken house consisting of ten chickens provides the household with an average of eight eggs per day.”The WCDoA has contributed to the establishment of over eighty household food gardens through the distribution of starter packs consisting of 150 vegetable seedlings, fertiliser and advice on production practices such as planting, tending and harvesting of vegetables.“The aim is to assist households to be able to produce enough food to meet basic household food security needs throughout the year. Home gardening is also relaxing and stimulating during this difficult period. During my visits to these home gardens I have witnessed team work, joy and fun in the families. Through these food gardens we are seeing #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture in action on the ground in various communities“ concluded Meyer.Click on http://www.elsenburg.com/sites/default/files/contact-us-FSD-EXT-OFF.pdf to contact the nearest district office for further information.
