Focussing on thought leaders and start-up’s – BizNews.com Entrepreneur is the place to find ideas, solutions and new ways of creating business and wealth
The market is a moving target in which timing is everything. Too early or too late is fatal, says Mario Pretorius. The timing of your decisions influences the price – so get in touch with the rhythms of your industry, he advises in this weekly Tip. GK Timing is everything. Timing the Buy is exponentially … Read more
Corporate management specialist Mario Pretorius uses a thought-provoking agricultural metaphor to press home the importance of ‘grading’ both your customers and your offering in order to achieve the right mix for success. “Take time to understand your flora and your diet,” he counsels in this tip. GK Plant seeds; trees; and vegetables. In farming terms, … Read more
In a business world where the weak are exploited mercilessly by the strong, Cash is your ally – not assets. Get attached to it…and stay that way, says Mario Pretorius. A satisfactory level of operating and risk funds “will greatly enhance the sleeping pattern of owners and management,” he avers. GK Never get attached to … Read more
Sale is a transaction of value and trust – not a one-night stand of price! That’s the nub of this tip by Mario Pretorius, who says price is secondary to “the tender ministrations of forming relationships” with clients. Rather than aiming to make a client happy, find how you can improve his world, says Mario. … Read more
Quality, quantity and price are not synonymous. The essence of this Mario Pretorius tip is that it is only by clearly defining – and gaining acceptance of – your product quality that you unlock the route to quantity and price. GK Choose between quality and quantity output as a goal. It is a slow but … Read more
Pitch your New! Improved! version of the business to the customers…and to as many staff as possible, so that the spectre of doom reaches the opposition clearly enough to keep them awake at night, says Mario Pretorius. GK Half of your efforts to the outside world should enamour your target market. The other half should … Read more
Instead of taking for granted what is possible with minimal effort, and setting the outcomes based on it…recalibrate expectations, says Mario Pretorius. Find out what will stun the enterprise, and the competition. Then make the blood rise, stiffen the sinews…and do it! What are the parameters of acceptable measured outcomes? Why? What would STUN if … Read more
When choosing between product and process innovation…choose both, says Mario Pretorius. It’s not an either or. Getting the process innovation right (by doing it in parallel rather than in series) will create time for the magic of product innovation. There are 2 directions of innovation: Product innovation (Expensive and difficult) Process innovation (Cheaper and easier) … Read more
Mario Pretorius quotes a Viking creed – “Do what is right and fear no-one” – to drive home his “principles of governing staff actions towards glory”. This philosophy is built into his 10 commandments for an unconventional, but workable, approach to business. GK What are the 10 or less PRINICPLES governing your staff actions towards … Read more
When selling your business concept, keep your thoughts succinct and your delivery brief – like a six-word speech in a one-floor elevator ride, says Mario Pretorius.GK Can you sell your Firm’s reason for existence, goal, advantage in 6 words or less? This may sound difficult, but it’s a fair challenge. It’s the elevator speech … Read more