10 Essential Tips for Growing Your Business in South Africa

Running a business isn’t like walking in a park. We all want to be our own bosses and be proud right? But, do we know what that entails? You have already successfully started a business and are ready to take the next step, you may be wondering what you can do to help your business grow. There are many ways to do this, 10 of which are outlined below…..

1. Stay Firm – Don’t be afraid of hearing “No”. Most times , we get paranoid and we cannot deal with disappointments. Sometimes things don’t work out exactly as they should.
2. Don’t Show Doubt – It’s normal sometimes to feel insecure but not when you are trying to run a very successful business. You need to be confident otherwise your business can take too much time to grow and this could be frustrating.
3. Increase customer service – Be there for your customers and show them that you care care about what they need or may want. This will help tremendously since they will be able to trust and refer you to other customers. The benefits are endless.

4. The Business Account is off limits – Growth requires resources. Every time you take from the business fund, you’re robbing your company of resources. Make sure you’re compensating yourself appropriately, but make reinvesting in your business a top priority. No matter what, even when you are tempted, stay disciplined.

5. Only do what’s within your reach- Know that what you cannot do is beyond your control and you need to accept that. It does not mean you give up easily but it means you know where to put all your energy into. Don’t be hard on yourself.

6. Open your Biz in another location – This should happen when you are at a stage where you feel confident that your current business location is under control,. Therefore consider expanding by opening a new location.
7. Expand to the Internet – Many business are now venturing into creating their presence online through new media. Customers discover a business through an online search engine. So make sure that your business has an online presence in order to maximize your exposure.

8. Collaborate – Collaboration is the best way to ensuring business growth. Having partners will help you discover your potential and who knows what great ideas you could come up with?

9. Expand globally – Don’t limit your business reach. Look for other opportunities for you outside South Africa.

10. Target other markets- You have now realized that your current market is serving you well. Are there others perhaps? Probably. Make a research and find out what other markets could use your product.