Tags |
|
|
Links |
|
|
Will You Add? - Internet Marketing In South Africa
We see lots of companies that skip reference checking at the last stage of their recruiting process, before they hire sales candidates. As a result, they make mis-hires. We also have witnessed companies that realize their reference checking is inadequate, because they didn’t get to the right types of references as they made their final hiring decision.Here’s a couple of suggestions to follow when it comes to checking references on sales candidates, before you actually make a job offer:First, make sure that the candidate’s references are all direct supervisors whom he/she worked for in previous sales positions. Why is this important? Well, a lot of sales people, particularly those who haven't produced very well, give you references from colleagues and other friends of theirs without giving you the people they actually worked for. If a person can't produce references from their previous sales manager or supervisor, it’s probably a good indicator they’re not hirable. Those kinds of candidates usually should be rejected outright.Second, make sure that you dig deeply to get the references that are missing from a candidate’s list. If you have a sales candidate tha
Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge pot
While on the road delivering seminars, I stopped at a large restaurant chain for breakfast. Some of their employees were on break eating the competitor’s food at a very centrally located table. EVERY guest that was entering, leaving, refilling a soda, or placing an order saw an employee of this restaurant eating out of a bag adorned with a competitor’s logo. What kind of message does that send?Having worked 18 years for a chain restaurant, I understand how people can grow tired of their company’s food and need a change of pace—no argument there. The startling revelation was the fact that the manager was oblivious to the message his employees were sending to the arriving guests—nothing like advertising for the competitor within your own restaurant! At the very least, the employees should have eaten their meals in the back of the restaurant after discarding the competitor’s bags.Marketing is focused on brand impressions—how many people see your message. While restaurants work long and hard creating a brand, all that work can easily be undone by the actions of employees. Imagine how many brand impressions are created by thousands of guests interacting with your p
South Africa is a part of Africa and is considered as a third world country, with the perception that the second largest continent is nothing more than a waste of time, in the field of internet marketing. I beg to differ.
Yes, Africa has not progressed as much as the so called first world countries, but it is taking giant strides towards that. The advent of internet is only just beginning and the vast majority of the population still have no access at all, but it is coming and it is coming fast.
South Africa is the most technologically advanced country in Africa and not far behind the standards of the other technology rich countries, but we are seriously lacking in internet technology. Internet is new to South Africa and has only just begun to catch on. It is experiencing phenomenal growth and more and more businesses and individuals are hooking up. All of the major cities are able to offer various means of connection such as ADSL, bluetooth, wireless and people are getting connected on their pcs, laptops and cell phones. A largely rural populace are battling to get connected and the only option available to them at this stage is the old antiquated dial up system using a telephone line or satellite. Promises have been made by government, that in a few years, everyone will be able to get a telephone and therefore, will have internet access available to them. Unfortunately dial up is not a very satisfactory method as service is erratic, expensive and very slow. Satellite is extremely expensive, but offers greater speed and reliability.
Recent political changes, have reversed the fortunes of the South African population, in that the previously disadvantaged black community, now have money and the fine things in life, including access to the internet. Whereas before they wouldn't have been considered a viable market, they are now able to access the internet and dabble in small business. The whites on the other hand now find themselves out of work and desperately seeking alternative means of income. Both groups make good target markets. The internet is the biggest employer in the world and does not recognize age, color, education, physical disabilities, wealth etc. Everyone has equal opportunity, well, almost everyone. Not South Africa.
Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge pot
Hiring a board of directors for your business is not an easy task. You have to select the most responsible people who think clearly and can come to a decision quickly in times of crisis. The success of your business rests on them largely, and they should be able to take the best possible decisions without any personal bias creeping into it. Many businesses do not give adequate attention to the board of directors at the hiring stage, which results in loss.Here are some things to consider when hiring a board of directors.Your Needs:Many small businesses do not actually need a board of directors. You need to think about areas where you may need a board of directors. If you need someone with specialized skills to oversee aspects like management, you may consider hiring a board of directors.Functions:Exactly what will the role of the board of directors be? How will they function? How will tasks be executed, and who takes the final decision? These are the questions you need to ponder before you select a board of directors.Accountability: In order to avoid losses in business or fraud, your board of directors needs to be accountable. They have to imp
South Africa is a part of Africa and is considered as a third world country, with the perception that the second largest continent is nothing more than a waste of time, in the field of internet marketing. I beg to differ.
Yes, Africa has not progressed as much as the so called first world countries, but it is taking giant strides towards that. The advent of internet is only just beginning and the vast majority of the population still have no access at all, but it is coming and it is coming fast.
South Africa is the most technologically advanced country in Africa and not far behind the standards of the other technology rich countries, but we are seriously lacking in internet technology. Internet is new to South Africa and has only just begun to catch on. It is experiencing phenomenal growth and more and more businesses and individuals are hooking up. All of the major cities are able to offer various means of connection such as ADSL, bluetooth, wireless and people are getting connected on their pcs, laptops and cell phones. A largely rural populace are battling to get connected and the only option available to them at this stage is the old antiquated dial up system using a telephone line or satellite. Promises have been made by government, that in a few years, everyone will be able to get a telephone and therefore, will have internet access available to them. Unfortunately dial up is not a very satisfactory method as service is erratic, expensive and very slow. Satellite is extremely expensive, but offers greater speed and reliability.
Recent political changes, have reversed the fortunes of the South African population, in that the previously disadvantaged black community, now have money and the fine things in life, including access to the internet. Whereas before they wouldn't have been considered a viable market, they are now able to access the internet and dabble in small business. The whites on the other hand now find themselves out of work and desperately seeking alternative means of income. Both groups make good target markets. The internet is the biggest employer in the world and does not recognize age, color, education, physical disabilities, wealth etc. Everyone has equal opportunity, well, almost everyone. Not South Africa.
Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge pot
OK, your small business wants to outshine the competition. Start by surprising your customers with some inexpensive but delightful surprises.Customer Respite means creating either a physical space for the customer to relax, or at a minimum making the environment inside your store less rushed so they can mentally relax.Surprise Upgrade is creating a pleasant and unexpected reward for your customer. Classic rewards-driven marketing tells us that the primary way to upgrade or reward customers is to tie the upgrade to a purchase. The simple but effective punch-card at the corner donut shop or coffee house is the most common means for small business to achieve this. This is an effective and cheap way to build some customer loyalty.But you can also upgrade customers randomly. If done consistently, a high percentage of your good customers will experience these upgrades. The overall impression of your business as a company that cares will increase both among the current customer base and the new customers who visit your shop.The first thing to do is brainstorm a mix of both Customer Respite Areas and Surprise Upgrades. Here are five exa
Recent political changes, have reversed the fortunes of the South African population, in that the previously disadvantaged black community, now have money and the fine things in life, including access to the internet. Whereas before they wouldn't have been considered a viable market, they are now able to access the internet and dabble in small business. The whites on the other hand now find themselves out of work and desperately seeking alternative means of income. Both groups make good target markets. The internet is the biggest employer in the world and does not recognize age, color, education, physical disabilities, wealth etc. Everyone has equal opportunity, well, almost everyone. Not South Africa.
Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge pot
As part of the presentation skills training services our company provides, we ask participants to send copies of recent PowerPoint files they have created for our review and editing. Hence, we see literally thousands of slides each year. Very few do an acceptable job of aiding Knowledge Transfer.In fact, in the 10 years we have been in business, we have seen a slow and steady degradation in the quality of on-screen visuals from all industries. No sector seems to be immune. As PowerPoint has grown to dominate the boardroom, ballroom, and even the classroom, its overall contribution to the persuasive arts has been continually diminished by its increasing misapplication.Now before you start thinking that this is just one more rant against another evil product from Microsoft, hear this: Our firm not only believes that PowerPoint is a wonderful piece of software, we claim that, overall, it can serve the purposes of true knowledge transfer better than any other visual presentation tool available. And we don’t blame the poor souls who create most of the incomprehensi we see – most businesspeople are simply issued a laptop and a copy of PowerPoint and ordered to go forth an
Recent political changes, have reversed the fortunes of the South African population, in that the previously disadvantaged black community, now have money and the fine things in life, including access to the internet. Whereas before they wouldn't have been considered a viable market, they are now able to access the internet and dabble in small business. The whites on the other hand now find themselves out of work and desperately seeking alternative means of income. Both groups make good target markets. The internet is the biggest employer in the world and does not recognize age, color, education, physical disabilities, wealth etc. Everyone has equal opportunity, well, almost everyone. Not South Africa.
Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge pot
Recently I organized a promotional photo contest. Among the selections an image was titled ‘Confidence'. Overwhelmingly that photograph was chosen and ultimately became the winner. This made me stop and think about how most of us are influenced by the air of confidence. Look around you; think about it. What is it that makes you want to emulate someone else? More than likely you are drawn to people who project confidence. Would you apply the principles gained at a conference or training session if the spokesperson didn't impress you? When you attend a function is it the individual that meekly offers their hand to you that you wish to befriend or do you seek out the recognized leaders in the group? Of course, you should introduce yourself to all types of people, but how do you draw them to you? Confidence is the key! How do you reach the point where you too possess the confidence that causes others to actively seek you out? There is a fine line between success and mediocrity and confidence can serve to bridge that gap. So how do you develop your confidence? Knowing everything about your product or service certainly helps, but waiting until you ‘know it a
Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge potential for marketers. So what is the problem?
For some reason, probably the old apartheid days, South Africa was boycotted by the wealthy first world countries and nobody has told them yet, that times have changed. South Africans suffer many discriminatory obstacles in the use of the internet and over the last few years, I have repeatedly been stumped by these. I have two messages of advice here. To the frustrated, aspirant South African marketers and those who will follow shortly, stop and listen. Do not waste more time and money trying all sorts of offers, you will not succeed. Rather use the time to brush up on your skills. Select a market niche and learn to use control panel, FTP, html, php, hyperlinks and all the other things, that will help you to run your business. Wait for the solution. I have enlisted the help of two of the world's top marketers to find a way around the problems, for you. To the marketers who are knowingly, or unknowingly discriminating against certain countries, you are leaving money on the table and missing out on a huge potential market. But, that's okay, I'll take it.
You are probably wondering what problems I'm talking about and how they are affecting our chances of success. If you have been involved for a while, you have probably encountered a few and if you are a newbie, you are likely to come across these problems soon.
As the internet is still relatively new to South Africa, we don't have many experts or experience in the field. Those calling themselves experts, have limited knowledge and are too expensive, when compared to overseas competitors. Simple things like service provision, web hosting, design and site building, software, tools, optimization and advertising, are grossly overpriced. In most cases, they are bought overseas and resold here. I was given a quote of R120 (17) per month, for basic, small web hosting, excluding the domain and excluding the ISP. That was only the hosting. I was quoted R6000 (857) for a designer, to look at one of my websites and to make a couple of small changes. It is crazy. We pay between R8 and R12 for an mp3 song, which costs from 10c to 90c in USA.
The state owned telecommunications company,Telkom, have the monopoly and squash all opposition. This has led to very highly priced access and an indifferent service. Nearly all packages offered by them, or sub contactor service providers, are restricted and capped.
Overseas companies, offering opportunities, services and resources require a fixed email address, at the time of joining. This is to prevent temporary accounts and others such as Hotmail, from being used, as it is very easy to cancel, or change, after joining and the marketer is left with a useless a
HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.atriclecheck.com/article/64093/atriclecheck-Internet-Marketing-In-South-Africa.html">Internet Marketing In South Africa</a>
BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.atriclecheck.com/article/64093/atriclecheck-Internet-Marketing-In-South-Africa.html]Internet Marketing In South Africa[/url]
Related Articles:
What You Tolerate Can Hurt Your Business
Bookmark it:
|