Life as we know it

Do yourself the favour and Google the meaning of this saying. Wikipedia has it as: “ Turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to  cement  the  status quo .” There is even a song from Bon Jovi about it, with the same name: “The more things change the more they stay the same The more things change the more they stay the same Ah, is it just me or does anybody see The new improved tomorrow isn't what it used to be Yesterday keeps coming around, it's just reality It's the same damn song with a different melody The market keeps on crashing Tattered jeans are back in fashion Instead of records, now it's mp3s I tell you one more time with feeling Even though this world is reeling You're still you and I'm still me I didn't mean to cause a scene But I guess it's time to roll up our sleeves The more things change the more they stay the same The same sunrise, it's just another day If you hang in long

I have the fortune to work with some very intelligent people. I also have the fortune of working with some very experienced individuals. In certain cases, these are the same people. I a casual conversation I realised again that we are never to old, intelligent, experienced, or wise to learn something new. The only limiting factor to learning is ourselves. At Spesres we train students in entrepreneurship. We train students in theory of business, and how to set it up. We also endeavour to get students to start thinking about how they can start something where they are, with what they have and with the current skillset they possess. What we might lack, is the knowledge I gained from a casual conversation, so here goes For you to really be an entrepreneur you need 3 basic things: 1.        Believe in what you do You might be on to something great. It might be something that does not yet exist. Or it might exist, but not in your area. It might exist, and be in your a

During the lockdown there are a million things on the internet, social media and WhatsApp doing the rounds to get people motivated and working. There are so many things getting us down: Potential financial impact of the lockdown, job losses, lack of exercise, loneliness, etc, etc, etc. No matter what we do and the plans we are trying to make, there are so many pitfalls and roadblocks around, that normal is no longer normal. We have to either compromise, adjust or get left behind. It's a harsh reality. During the past week I attended a Zoom briefing of Doxa Deo Brooklyn for small businesses, with an economic outlook of what is currently taking place as well as some practical advise to ensure you keep the boat afloat. The image below was relevant, especially the 3 points on the bottom right: To make it practical: Support people and businesses affected by lockdowns Proverbs 10 verse 9 reads: Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will

Reality, that's what is next! The reality is that the lockdown period is in all probability going to be extended. The government thus far overachieved in their efforts to contain COVID-19 in South Africa, showing what could be done if we unite and start driving strategy in one, unified direction. This is something that was only previously seen during the 1994 elections, the Rugby World Cup triumphs of the Springboks, en the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It is halfway through this 21 day lockdown today. We are getting there. The exponential growth has diminished and we are able to focus on getting back a portion of what a our previous reality was. Spesres , and our sister companies, would be able to help with that. During the week that lies ahead of us, we intend launching our New Venture Creation course online. This would assist our current students to continue their studies even during lockdown. One of the large mobile network providers is engineering reverse billi

Oh, how things have changed. With many of our social interactions limited, restricted or over a data line, our world is suddenly much smaller. Modern technology in airplanes, the internet, mobile phones etc made the world a very small, fast moving space. BUT, in a flash, that all changed. Some tips from the ever popular Craig Groeschel on how to stay sane and lead from home: Go to bed at the same time as normal - Keep a routine Set your alarm and get out of bed - Don't keep hitting snooze Shower, shave and get dressed - I promise you'll feel better Set 3 work goals - So you could feel like you got something done If you can't do much, do something that helps you grow - Don't waste your time watching too much Netflix Create a workspace - Get yourself in a mindset to work Take breaks - Like taking a walk Exercise - Sit ups, pull ups. lunges, anything Eat healthy - Stay on a normal rhythm Some very sound advice from a man that spews leadership. And somethi

People are living in fear. People are scared. The fear of losing their lives, their loved ones, their work, their possessions. People fear the fact that things will change. As the saying goes, there is nothing to fear about change, but change itself. Remote working is at the order of the day. All companies that could continue with business in some shape or form is currently trying to establish ways and mechanisms to continue remotely. A Harvard Business Review highlights the following: Challenges of remote work: Lack of face-to-face supervision Lack of access to information Social isolation Distractions at home How managers can support remote employees: Establish structured daily check-ins Provide several different communication technology options establish rules of engagement provide opportunities for remote social interaction Offer encouragement and emotional support What is clear from the above it that no one actually can prepare you fully for remote work

We are living in a rebel state Not since the transition from the apartheid government to the ANC governed democratic dispensation have we seen such a state of fear. The majority of residents understand that this would alter the course of the world significantly, while it seems other regard this situation as a holiday. See some videos below: I am not a person who lives in fear. I am not a person who easily critises either. I would love to think that I keep a clear perspective in most situations and that I am able to discern with great caution what causes human behavior. I love to think about what motivates others. In the our locked down state, who have a number of extremes: The ones who fear. People who panic shopped and intend staying not even in their year only, but ONLY inside their homes. Fortunate, some say, as they can afford to do so, negative, others say, as they see dooms day already. For most, quite a bit selfish. The middle man. People who obey the rules an

We all have a lot to say about COVID 19 and the current state of "lockdown". Some of it is personal, some of it conspiracy, portions opinions, lots of statistics and various different voices that have never before been heard. Social media is a spread of memes, jokes, heartache, news and people publishing how the situation affects their current reality. In a company that specializes in niche offerings of skills development, mostly in rural and township areas, operations as we knew it was suddenly grounded. Through innovative thinking and fast reaction we were able to salvage portions of this, which places us in a good position going forward. B-BBEE has, for year's, been a thorn in many a South Africans side. The intention of B-BBEE is sound, but the cumbersome regulations and application thereof negates most of the gains it is supposed to create.  The economic landscape will change considerably, we should adjust to it early.  Personally, I have a

Courage? Power trip? Fear? I don't know, but I do know that I am glad I am me and not the President! On Monday, 23 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa closed the country. He called on all non-essential business, all residents, churches, communities, the entire country, to close up shop and go into a "lockdown" never seen before. A sort of military state, governed by fear, the fear of a biological virus that can spread faster than it can be contained. For 3 days all of society went mad. Bought all they can, prepared to work from home, tried to get back home, and ensured that they great everyone until they see them again on 17 April 2020. It was a decision that no person can imagine to take. Normally we close a business as it has failed. Or a school when there is no interest. A sporting event due to non-interest. But to close all of it must have been something that take courage, as well as an insight into data and information that we can only hope to one-day u

These are unprecedented times. It has been ages since I last spent 3 consecutive days at home, not once exiting my yard. It has also been quite some time (if ever) that my entire household does this. We have been locked down, locked in, cut off from normal life. Reality is that this is necessary and that we should afford ourselves the time to reflect on what is happening. Two points that I would like to focus on, both from 702 Talk Radio: Firstly : The physical, emotional and resulting social impact that the lockdown would have on individuals, but also the economy and the world as a whole. A few pointers: 1 - have a listen to the raw emotion in the voice of the Edcon CEO. He is a grown man who leads at least 10000 people. IF he feels this amount of pressure, imagine that small business owner. 2 - the knock-on effect that the host experiences tells me 80% of what he is thinking. This is an award-winning broadcaster, who cannot deal with the fact that life will change fore

It’s been a while (years actually) since I last wrote something. No excuses, it’s all me... The events of the past few months forces all of us into a bit of a rethink. The world is upside down and at the same time busy with a full reset. COVID19 is here, and it is real. In South Africa we are on day 2 of a 21 day “lockdown”. The intention is to stop us from spreading the virus amongst each other by isolating in our homes. A few new terms were also coined recently: self-isolate, lockdown, social distancing, corona, etc, while a number of campaigns are active: #nohands, #stay, #stayhome, etc. This time at home gives us a lot of opportunity. Time to build our meaningful relationships, time to think about the important things in life, time to perform those admin tasks we never get time for. Reality is that we can do with this “added time” what we wish. Waste it, or use it wisely. Plan your days. Structure your time. Give some of yourself to others. Pray if you do. Start if you