Rich Dad, Poor Dad Author Bets on South Africa

Many of us know him as the entrepreneur and author behind the well known and widely read Rich Dad, Poor Dad series. Well, the good news for those of you who are followers of his how to get and stay rich gospel is that Robert Kiyosaki is supporting South Africa to become an economical powerhouse and a good investment. In a recent interview with radio 702, Robert Kiyosaki said:

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=223

South African Small Business: Help is Missing Where It Matters

The SA government has realized and confirmed what we as entrepreneurs have been saying for a few years now. It seems that plenty of money and support is provided by the government but its not reaching ground root levels. How many small business owners that you know have benefited from the governments many initiatives? Its time to provide more money and other resources to entrepreneurs at the sharp end and less on the many levels of bureaucracy that's been soaking up most of the money provided thus far.

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=201

Talented South African Entrepreneurs, Wired for Business

The word is getting out that innovation and entrepreneurship is thriving in South Africa and not necessarily where you might think. You may be as successful looking for it on the street corners townships as you will be in business incubators and innovation centres.

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=218

South Africa needs more devoted entrepreneurs!

Despite the thousands of small business that starts out every year, for our economy to grow and become world force to be reckoned with, it is imperative for South Africa to generate and produce devoted and committed entrepreneurs. For this to happen a radical cultural change is needed. What is our perception of entrepreneurs? Do entrepreneurs in this country really get the acknowledgement and support it deserves? Have you ever heard a parent say to their child that their dream is for them to become and entrepreneur. I'm guessing not, as our view of who entrepreneurs are is still very far removed from the benchmark set by strong economies such as the US. This needs to start at grass roots level. How many schools teach entrepreneurship? We as entrepreneurs should be the first to start shifting perceptions and what better way to do so than with a unified voice.

Cape Town Small Business Week

This August sees the return of the annual Small Business week coming to Cape Town in South Africa. This popular event, organised by The City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, sees thousands of entrepreneurs, small business owners and companies serving small business gather in the beautiful surroundings of Cape Town and Table mountain.

One organisation that exhibits at Small Business Week, South African Business Hub, http://www.sabusinesshub.co.za,/ says that it is the ideal event for entrepreneurs to meet. Said Ben Botes, head of e-commerce at SA Business Hub, “with the small business industry really booming in South Africa and entrepreneurs from all industries and walks of life being at these type of events, it’s the ideal place for us to find out more about our customers and for them to find out more about how we can support them.”

Small Business Week serves as a high profile one-stop business extravaganza, and provides a platform for showcasing developmental initiatives, providing direct contact with the small business community and networking opportunities with influential personalities. Some of the other things to see at the event includes, business opportunities, including access to finance (financial institutions), market access and business development opportunities. Entrance to the event is FREE and open to the public upon registration in the Small Business Week database.

Small Business Week 2006 will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 10-12 August 2006. Don’t forget to register at http://www.smallbusinessweek.co.za/ or contact Small Business Week at: Tel: (021) 488-3406 Fax: (021) 422-1883

Humor: What (Some) Men Really Think

What (Some) Men Really Think
One of our readers send me this and although perhaps not everyone will agree with this, I found it so amusing that I just have to share it with you. So for those who don't see the funny side in it, I'll try harder next week :)

Some of the things that (at least a few) men really think:

We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. These are our rules! Please note...these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like a full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we're never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it. please!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That is what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.

1. Men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really!

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.

1. I am in shape. Round is a shape, isn't it?

Resilience and Entrepreneurship in South African Townships

A brilliant case of determination, resilience and entrepreneurship that's helping South Africans in the townships to help themselves. Please let us know if you know of any similar cases and businesses. Ben

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=208

End is in sight for South Africa's rip-off banks

With the recent launch of Virgin Money bank in SA, entrepreneurs and consumers alike will be looking at this move to end the rip of culture that South African banks have made accepted every day practice. Few of us have not experienced the frustration helplessness of your bank telling that this is how it is and their are no alternatives. These shameful practices that can only be compared to the big Telkom rip-off that cost small business dearly on a daily basis. Lets hope that the end of poor and expensive banking services will become extinct sooner rater then later.

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=206

Cheap internet for SA Business owners around the corner

In a move that will be welcomed by business owners around the country, Microsoft and MTN has created a partnership to finally do something about the terrible disadvantage SA Business owners face due to the current lack of a low cost internet infrastructure in South Africa. Your views welcome - Ben

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=205

SA small businesses attracted by tax amnesty

This certainly seems like an attractive offer from the government especially if you as a small business owner have neglected your tax duties for a few years. Is the anyone amongst us who is going for this and can tell us a bit more of your experience? Ben

http://www.sabusinesshub.com/webforum/viewtopic.php?t=162