EI launches Lunch ‘n Learn
EI launches Lunch ‘n Learn
Business people and other interested stakeholders showed massive interest as they tucked into the EI’s newly-launched Lunch ‘n Learn programme.
The EI’s Lunch ‘n Learn programme, which kicked off with a bang on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, would see weekly one hour sessions dedicated for business people or any interested person to spend their lunch hour learning, networking and sharing business ideas.
Each week there will be a speaker sharing ideas on different topics that are aimed at empowering and instilling knowledge that would help in improving the attendees’ businesses.
During the maiden session of Lunch ‘n Learn, the EI’s Bruce Wade shared on Time Management for Entrepreneurs, which provided valuable lessons not only for entrepreneurs but for professionals in general.
In his presentation, Bruce touched on the “Time Wasters”, which are the little things that become ‘time thieves’. He explained that in order to manage time properly, people needed to be aware of those things.
Some of the “Time Wasters” could be the internet, social media, e-mails and bad habits. He said it was important for one to identify, schedule or eliminate them.
He further elaborated as follows on some of the techniques one can use in order to improve on time management as an entrepreneur, which he termed the 4Ds:
Do it now – If you do not do tasks immediately, you may forget to them later;
Delegate to someone else – We always have people around us who can help us. Give the tasks that you cannot do to them;
Diarise it for later – If it is not urgent, put it in the diary for later and focus on the urgent tasks first; and
Dump it in the bin – If it is not important or urgent, do not waste time on it, and dump it.
The first-ever Lunch ‘n Learn session set the bar quite high and if it is to be used as a yardstick, then upcoming events are expected to be even more insightful.
Lunch n Learn
This week we launch our latest initiative to empower entrepreneurs and business owners.
Lunch ‘n Learn kicks off this Wednesday at 12:30 at our office in Woodstock. Directions here. This weekly, one hour session is dedicated to spending your lunch hour learning, networking and sharing your business ideas. Each week we will have a guest speaker to deliver a mini-master class on a topic that will enhance both yourself and your business. This is followed by networking and general discussions.
We will be very strict about time: start at 12:30 and finish at 13:30 sharp. Those who want to hang around for a second cup of coffee are welcome to linger and chat. This week – 6th May, Bruce will share some interesting issues around Time Management for Entrepreneurs. Those special rules for people who do not keep normal hours in a day.
If you are in the area on any Wednesday, bring your lunch, R20 and pop in for some edu-time with like minded people. more details and RSVP HERE
Our new venture: EI Productions
After a number of years dabbling in the video business we have decided that with all the lessons we have learnt, why not make it into a business. So as from 01 May, EI Productions will be launched to the market as a “Business Video solutions” company.
We have a fully equipped video and sound studio that boasts a green screen, two cameras, lights, live monitors and wireless sound. We are able to shoot most business related videos for use on websites, YouTube channels, presentations, e-learning platforms or promotions. Our skills set includes whiteboard animation, script writing, presenter coaching and full editing functions.
Our staff compliment include Joyce (script writer and editor), Esther (videographer and editor) and Jeanne (Video director and editor) with Bruce looking over their shoulder to ensure all clients remain super happy.
So if you are looking for a video to take your business or brand to the next level in marketing, then EI Productions could be your cost effective solution you have been looking for. Check out the new website with a number of our already produced videos and give us a call or click to chat about your next video. www.eiproductions.co.za
Graduate and can’t find a job? Well, there is another way.
South Africa’s youth population is not only growing rapidly – it is also getting more and more educated.
A recent report by the Institute of Race Relations revealed that the proportion of South African youth aged 20 and above with post school education has almost doubled from 3.7% to 6.9%, while the headcount figures for those enrolled in higher education has almost doubled since 1995.
Most young people have qualifications in different fields of study, yet most companies cannot hire them because of the inevitable barrier of lack of experience.
The youth have every prerequisite for success in the job market and are yearning for opportunities to not only earn a living but to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
But the corporate world still does not trust them enough to give them a chance to succeed and prove themselves merely because they do not have experience.
While the statistics for education and skills development as far as youth are concerned have improved, this seems to have no effect on the employment rate.
A better-equipped youth in terms of education is not necessarily guaranteed a job.
Well, it looks like the solution might well be entrepreneurship.
With times having evolved from the time when a young graduate’s next logical route was only to become a job seeker (and hopefully a job finder) to now being a potential job creator by becoming an entrepreneur, it is time for business owners and government to invest greatly in entrepreneurship programs and start-up incubators for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The future looks slightly brighter for those who want to create and help others create new jobs.
However, the level of success that one can attain as an entrepreneur is dependent on the measure of support they get. Entrepreneurs who get as much support as possible tend to become more successful.
We, the Entrepreneur Incubator and Academy offer such support. We offer business training and mentorship to budding and established entrepreneurs alike. Click here for more information.
We are focused on developing entrepreneurs and businesses by providing top quality services and tools to enable sustainable growth in business communities.
As Rod Conway says, “Any time is a good time to start a company”. Just know that whenever you are ready to embark on a journey to entrepreneurship, we will be there for you, holding your hand until you are ready to stand on your own.
Isnt Sport just a Game
After the defeat of the SA cricket team yesterday by New Zealand in a match that will go down in history as one of the most exciting ODIs ever, we as a nation have had time to reflect.
The emotions attached to sport in our country have always been high, our economy, family relationships, markets and personal well being seems to hang in the balance each time our national team take to a field. I too used to be tied up into this emotional game. Whenever the Springboks lost, I fell into the traditional 3 days of depression that affected my family work and personal mood.
But why do we side with any team and then base our emotions on the results of people we have very little influence over? What makes us choose one team over another and then give our heart and soul to their brand?
Is not sport a form of entertainment for our enjoyment? Do we not pay to watch it and attend games? Surely they then play for our entertainment and not for our loyalty?
See, I do not get this sport thing, where two teams take to the field and one has to lose in order for the other to win. If it is for our, the spectator’s entertainment, why not find a way to better enhance this and allow all of the players and fans to walk away thrilled by the skill and spectacle of the game? To pay to attend a game, only to leave feeling frustrated and sad, just seems wrong. Or am I getting this whole thing upside down?
Colin Hall in his course on personal energy shares about his experience when he observed a couple playing beach bats. Colin explains that this sport is one of only two games where both sides can only win if the other player also wins. Think about that for a moment.
Could this formula be implemented into the game of all sports? What about the game of life? Could we strive to only engage in dealings where we all won and no one would ever lose, but be encouraged and uplifted by the other in order to conclude a game or business deal?
Food for thought I think.
By the way, we wish the remaining team sin the Cricket World cup all the success in the last few games. May we all win together.