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By Aggreneth Tintswalo H., Creative designer and business developer at Butter & Grace®
As a small business owner, one can get overwhelmed by the number of business development services that are offered in South Africa alone. I lose my breath just reflecting on all those programmes, the many orientations and the many masterclasses I have attended in 2023 all in the aim of acquiring skills to build a successful business.
Even after all the classes, I felt and I could see that I was not where I needed to be. Fast forward to November 2023, where, by grace, I applied for one small business development programme for women called the Basali Business Development Programme by Giving Wings and powered by Standard Bank. I decided that I would give myself completely to the programme and that I would participate in every aspect that came with it, and that this would be the last programme that I do of this kind.
What a year! In order to graduate, every business had to submit documentation based on topics learnt throughout the year and a three-minute pitch video with the aim of bagging up to R100 000. I did not win the pitch competition, but I did make it onto the Top 10 list and scored some grant funding. Yeah!
It was not an easy journey, however I picked up some powerful nuggets along the way.
Firstly, it is important to decide. As a business owner, be decisive about what it is you’re doing, how you’re doing it and whom you’re doing it for. By doing so, you will easily cut off anything that does not align to your values, you will limit self doubt and you will be more confident about your offering.
Secondly, not every development programme out there is meant for you or your business. It is your duty to find the right one that will help you grow based on your short and long term goals. Whatever you do for your business, do it fully. Through this last programme, I learnt how to do my own financial statements and to interpret statements, not just my own, but others too, isn’t that cool? I refined my business’ unique selling proposition and walked out of there with enough confidence to sing it in song.
Thirdly, you deserve success and success requires solid negotiation skills (I mean it!) and documented policies and procedures; no matter how small the business is. Write it down! Keep a record!
Lastly, compliance. Compliance will be the reason you move ahead or not all. Comply with the bodies that be, within your industry and you will always be ready for whatever is thrown your way. Running a successful business is not for everyone, you are the chosen one – keep at it, work on it and don’t give up.
Aggreneth Tintswalo H. is the creative designer and business developer at Creative Designer. Business Developer at Butter & Grace® a skincare range that uses natural ingredients.
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