We hear and talk about the importance of having a business mentor when considering expanding a business. Sometimes the perspective of an external consultant can help guide you on a stronger path. As an SMME grows, so do the requirements for extra skill sets and managers to help support you.
SME Advice is a virtual, on-demand consulting platform where you can connect with experts, ask their business advice and they will tell you the actions you need to take.
Here are a few questions to help assess whether it’s time for you to gain some expert advice. Our business consultants or mentors can guide you on how to expand your SMME in the current climate.
Marketing & Sales
Increasing digital marketing efforts and knowing how to balance your sales team’s growth versus expenses is critical. Without promoting your service or product correctly, customers won’t find you online and leads or sales won’t be generated.
- What kind of budget should I allocate to marketing?
- Do I need to have a target audience?
- Do I need a website or a blog?
- How do I market my company?
- Is my pricing model working?
- Is there sufficient demand for my product to expand?
- How do I get more sales?
To Find a Mentor, navigate your way to the “Digital Marketing” category and select any expert or mentor you would like to chat to.
HR & Payroll
HR manages your employees’ well-being, develops the culture in your business and often is the bridge between payroll and your employees. They are also responsible for managing your employee contracts and often your NDCs and agreements with suppliers too.
- My employee wants to go to the CCMA, what do I do?
- I need employment contracts, can you help?
- I have to retrench staff, how?
- How many employees do I need to start my business?
- How do I know if I need to hire more people?
- What is the best payroll system for my business?
- How do I load my payroll?
If you have any questions like these… Navigate your way to the “HR” category on the SME Advice platform and chat with one of our experts.
Business consulting/mentor
It may seem like a broad category where you aren’t sure what you are supposed to gain or ask from a business mentor or consultant. They can offer guidance and often be a sounding board for your strategic decisions. They can assist with topics like trends, expansion, strategy, business focuses and plans or perhaps even help you develop a business skill.
- Do I need a business plan?
- How can I approach this expansion strategically?
- How can I grow my business?
- Where can I apply for funding?
- How do I decrease my churn rate?
- Is my business profitable?
Join the SME Advice platform, navigate to the “Business Consulting” category and start chatting to a mentor of your choice.
Commercial law
Our advisors can assist your company on business-related issues, drafting of or reviewing legal documents or resolving legal disputes.
- What legal documents do I need to register my company?
- Do I need supplier contracts?
- Can I get an NDA template?
- How long should my building lease be for?
- What are my potential risks and liabilities?
- Do I have a right to bring a claim?
It doesn’t have to be complex, simply sign up online, navigate your way to the “Commercial law” category and let an expert answer your legal question.
Skills & Management
We alluded to it earlier, as a startup, you run the show. You are across all divisions of your business and more often than not, you don’t necessarily have the support of a full management team. As your business becomes more established, your mindset should shift to upskilling yourself and building a bigger team.
- How many employees do I need to start my business?
- How can I be more effective as a leader?
- How can I better manage my time?
- Am I focusing on the wrong aspects?
- Am I too involved in the daily running?
- Who should train my teams?
E-Commerce
A great way to expand your business is to take your offering online. Build an e-commerce site or use the shop functions that social media channels offer to businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rate of consumers shifting to an online and digital space. Your business could be making more sales by ensuring your products and services are available to purchase online.
- What platforms should I use?
- How do I set up my website for e-commerce?
- Can I use social media as an e-commerce platform?
- What payment gateway should I use?
- What courier company should I use?
- How do I integrate and automate my orders?
If you are still unsure how to navigate your way through the SME Advice categories or connect with our business consultants, contact our support team on support@smesouthafrica.co.za.
