Ooqoo Uk

First Ooqoo Meeting in London

2009-05-25T08:00:00.003+01:00

The First Ooqoo Meeting of the Viadeo Africa hub is scheduled for Saturday15 August 2009 from 1PM to 4PM in an afro caribbean restaurant inLondon.

Aims: to maximize the Ooqoo network by going from virtual to reality inorder to identify possible synergies between participants.

We are looking for people / companies / NGOs wishing to present their activities/projects in an exposé.

The program of this meeting is as follows:
- Greetings - Round Table - Presentation (0.5 H)
- Speed Networking(1H)
- 4 exposes and debates (1H)
- Presentation of Viadeo Africa's projects (0.5 H)
- End of meeting

To register as a regular participant, or an exhibitor, please contact Francis (francis@ooqoo.org)

Hurryup because the number of exhibitors is limited to a maximum of 4. Theconfiguration is the following: 2/5 NGOs and 3/5 Business

Phila Thikazi [2/2]

2009-04-23T08:00:00.005+01:00

Image via Wikipedia

REJECTIONS

But the 49-year-old had a burning desire to succeed and persevered despite the constant rejections. Phila continued to knock on doors and word quickly spread about his car valeting service. Eventually, he landed a money making contract at Luton Airport.

“One day when I was knocking I came across a certain gentleman who I never knew, and he asked me if I was a big company. I said I was, and he said that he was looking for a huge valeting company so that they can give them a contract to wash people’s cars whilst they were on holiday,” he said.

Success came at a rapid rate. Phila now employs 10 people and valets 1,500 cars each month around the UK. Last year, his business turned over a profit of £120,000. “I am excited and very proud of what I have achieved,” he said. With a successful business and a six-figure salary, Phila decided to write a book, You live in Great Britain: why are you broke?, telling others how they too can be successful.

“There are so many other people out there who are struggling like I was. I am interested in personal development and it made me realise that I don’t need to work for anyone in life,” he explained.

POSITIVE

Phila believes that people who are poor in Britain choose to be, and he hopes the book will inspire people to take control of their future through positive thinking. “I want people to know that it doesn’t matter where you come from. Your background has nothing to do with what you want to achieve in life. After this recession, the brilliant thinkers will be so rich that it would seem that they weren’t affected by this recession, but poor thinkers will come out worse off,” he said. Despite running a successful business, motivational speaking is Phila’s real passion. He has set up a mentoring company called Positive

Impressions Coaching Academy. Phila believes he can help participants make £100,000 in a year. “You can make a fortune, and in my academy I tell people that you can make £100,000 in 12 months instead of settling for £20,000, because I have done that.

“The coaching is about upgrading your mind and not listening to the voices that are coming from outside. Just listen to the positive voice within,” he said.

Phila shares the fruits of his success with his proud family. Both of his sisters died of Aids – in 2007 and 2008 – and he helps to financially support their children.

EDUCATION

“My sisters left behind a total of six kids and in African culture we look after one another, so my sisters’ kids become my kids. The money goes towards their education and I have ended up helping 25 children go to school,” he explained. Despite the economic downturn, Phila is determined to achieve his goal of becoming a millionaire by his 50th birthday next year. “I want to concentrate on my coaching academy, where people can learn a lot and move on with their lives, because that is my passion,” he said. For more information visit Whyareyoubroke.com and www.thesuccesscoach.ws

Phila Thikazi [1/2]

2009-04-22T11:52:00.005+01:00

A dream for Phila

BY Maxine Myers

How a South African migrant to the

went from car washer to six-figure money making mentor

SEVEN YEARS ago Phila Thikazi left his native

South Africa

with dreams of a better life in

England

With a strong economy and currency, he believed the streets of

Britain

were paved with gold. However, he was soon disappointed. Phila found himself working menial jobs making less than £11,000 a year.

“I came over here to better myself financially because I thought the

represented one of the richest nations in the world. So in my mind I thought if I could get there I can have a better life,” he explained. But working long hours at two jobs and taking home just £350 a week, Phila soon became frustrated, especially as he had made a promise to his mother when she died that he would make something of himself.

TEMPTATION

“I cried when it dawned on me that I was not only behind with my bills but also behind on the many promises I had made to my immediate and extended family. The reality was that I was deep in poverty and people couldn’t understand it,” he said. At times Phila was tempted to return home after realising his dream of making a fortune was slipping away from him.

But he decided to stay and change his situation.

“I said to myself ‘now that I’m here I think I am making a mistake. Like everyone else I am looking for jobs instead of looking for opportunities,’” he said.

It was while he was reading billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson’s book about how he became rich that Phila realised he could be as successful.

“There was one statement from that book when a reporter asked him [Richard Branson] ‘How do I become a millionaire?’ and he said, ‘It’s easy to be a millionaire these days, stop everyone and ask them for £5,’” Phila said. He believed that if he offered a service instead of asking people for money, he could be on his way to riches.

However, with no start-up capital he found himself struggling to come up with a business he could launch. Then, while at his local supermarket in Luton, a man who wanted to wash his car approached him. Phila realised that car washing could be a successful business and asked the man to teach him the ropes.

Once equipped with the relevant skills, Phila had £1.50 available to him and bought himself a bucket, sponges and washing up liquid. But he faced difficulty.

“I got so many ‘No’s on that first day I ended up washing only one car, after knocking on 50 doors. There was so much discouragement I was unwilling to go back to knocking the next day. I hated being rejected by so many people,” he said.

Saoti Finance on line

2009-03-27T14:18:00.000Z

Saoti Finance is a consulting firm dedicated to serving the needs of the markets of sub-Sahara Africa, especially West and Central Africa.

We are energized by the belief that, for Africa's businesses and entrepreneurs, the winds have hardly ever been more favorable than today. This is the time to dare, go for growth and productivity gains and compete in regional or global markets.

We are confident that, in Africa as elsewhere in the world, the tools and disciplines of finance -appropriately used- bring a fundamental contribution to the controlled growth of economic activities. We command a thorough understanding of these tools and disciplines, just as we do of the markets we operate in.

Saoti Finance puts its financial skills to work for industrial companies, financial institutions and private equity investors active on the continent.

In doing so, we expand the scope of possibilities in Africa.

Contact :

Saoti Finance
17, Square Edouard VII
75009 Paris (France)
Phone : (+33)1 53 43 50 61
Fax : (+33)1 53 43 92 92
E-mail : isabelle.imbert(at)saotifinance.com

Sebastien Negy | Insurance Broker, Tanzania

2009-03-23T08:00:00.001Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

SEBASTIEN NEGY, INSURANCE BROKER, TANZANIA

Set goals and go after them.

Value your customers - deliver what youpromise.

Have confidence and believe in yourself. Ialways go for what people think is not possible.

Courtesy ByBBC NEWS

Dinah Binah | Florist, Tanzania

2009-03-20T18:23:00.003Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

DINAH BINAH, FLORIST, TANZANIA

You have to network, network, network.

Families, friends, classmates, schoolmates, thepeople you met in church neighbours - they are all your prospective customers.

Stani Muke | Graphic Designer & Animator, Dr Congo

2009-03-19T18:22:00.002Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

STANI MUKE, GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ANIMATOR, DRCONGO

Stani Muke, Graphic Designer, DR Congo

Stani Muke set up a successful graphicanimations company in DR Congo

You need lots of patience and nerves of steel.

When you’re setting up a business in virgin territory,you are on your own.

Six years ago I set up a small company,producing TV, radio and graphic design for the local market.

We needed the help of the government andprivate sector.

It hasn’t happened yet. There are no structuresin place to support local productions.

I feel discouraged. But at the same time Iunderstand the country is in transition. Maybe soon we will reach that point.

Gaulphine Nyirenda | Bookseller, Malawi

2009-03-18T18:21:00.001Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

GAULPHINE NYIRENDA, BOOKSELLER, MALAWI

My secret is hard work.

Being honest with my customers, telling themthe truth, honouring my bills, and knowing what is the customer’s need in thearea.

Now, I not only run a book shop, I also supplywomen’s book clubs, and I’m an agent for major UK academic publishing houses.

Elise Bates-Williams, Hair stylist, Nigeria

2009-03-17T18:20:00.001Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

ELISE BATES-WILLIAMS, HAIR STYLIST, NIGERIA

You don’t need to save a huge amount before youstart your business.

You can begin working from your house, or evenunder a tree.

We started with a small amount - buying two orthree dryers, chairs and other equipment a customer might need.

Anybody who came, we gave them good hair.

Then, by managing well, we have grown bigger.

Sylvie Banda | Restauranteur, Zambia

2009-03-16T18:19:00.001Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

SYLVIA BANDA, RESTAURANTEUR,ZAMBIA

Sylvia Banda, Zambia

Sylvia Banda’s first restaurant had no tables. Shenow owns 16 eateries.

My advice - persevere.

I remember very well the first day I opened myrestaurant.

I did not have any chairs. I did not have anytables.

My customers had to eat in a standing position.I told them - you’re going to have a “standing buffet”.

They laughed and continued eating, and that’show my catering business was born.

Today, we have 16 eating places in Lusaka and we have openeda college training students in hospitality.

It is important to say to yourself - I am asgood as the other person. If that person can do it, then so can I.

Francis Oghuma | Entertainment Promoter, nigeria

2009-03-13T18:18:00.001Z

What is the secret of success in business? DuringAfrica Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to giveus their “top tips”. (Source IT News)

FRANCIS OGHUMA, ENTERTAINMENT PROMOTER, NIGERIA

Nigeria

is driven by nepotism. But you have to hang in there.

When you have the right product and you waitlong enough, the rainy day will come.

Also, putting in the street style works wellfor me. Formal training can help. But businesses aredriven by passion and innovation. Even if I’d been to the best business schools,my business would still be driven by my goals.

James Caan | Ethnic Minorities Business Task Force

2009-02-24T08:00:00.001Z

By Maxine Myers (Source: The Voice)

ENTREPRENEUR AND star of TV show Dragons' Den, James Caan, has been appointed co-chair of the Government's Ethnic Minorities Business Task Force.

The task force will form strategy to assist ethnic minority-owned businesses across the

, and is the country's most influential team working on behalf of ethnic minorities in the business arena. Caan, who made his name and fortune in the recruitment industry, before moving into private equity, says ethnic minority businesses of all sizes can contribute a whooping £30-£40 billion to the

economy each year.

In these credit crunch times- it is one of the key areas of the economy that's actually growing. "There could be as many as 100,000 new BME [black and minority ethnic] businesses created over the next 12 months alone, and part of the task force's job will be to make' sure Government support is communicated to the right people in the right way, encouraging these entrepreneurs as well as signposting very practical Government packages that are in' place to help them," he explained.

DELIGHTED

Caan, who has first-hand experience of ethnic minority businesses, says he is delighted to take the role and feels he is the right person for the job. "This particular task force is focused on BME businesses, and that's where I'll be offering my insight and experience. It's an area I have a close knowledge of and one that's close to my heart," he said.

The entrepreneur will be reporting his findings to business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson, who says he hopes the appointment of Caan will help remove barriers for ethnic minority business owners. "It's more important than ever that we create an environment where anyone with ambition, passion and a good idea, no matter what their background, can succeed," he said.

Laban Roomes | Goldgenie

2009-02-23T17:16:00.001Z

From Dragons’ Den to glittering success

Entrepreneur Laban Roomes tells how going for gold paid off

By Janelle Oswald (Source: The Voice Feb 2009)

North LONDON-based entrepreneur Laban Roomes is celebrating after winning a contract to design exclusive iPods for superstar Sir Elton John.

The 39-year-old founder of gold-plating company Goldgenie has signed a deal with Sir Elton to design 900 Swarovski encrusted iPod Nanos, each with the star's signature laser engraved on the back. The special iPods will be sold, exclusively at Selfridges or directly from goldgenie.com.

"I'm completely over the moon. At last all my hard work and commitment to my business is paying off," Roomes told The Voice. Roomes' company applies genuine 24-carat gold, silver, platinum, nickel and chrome to metallic items.

MACHINE

The company developed a unique portable gold-plating machine, which quickly allowed Roomes to establish a successful niche market in the automobile industry gold plating car emblems for Lexus, Honda, and Toyota dealerships across the UK.' Roomes then moved on to gold-plating items like jewellery, golf clubs, and Nokia mobile phones, along with a variety of household objects, including bath taps and fittings.

However, it was not until he was invited to Hollywood to distribute over 50 gold-plated mobile phones at the Emmy Awards to top stars that Roomes realised he needed a cash injection to help develop his business further.

BACKING

After appearing on the BBCs Dragons' Den in 2007, Roomes managed to secure financial backing from entrepreneur James Caan. He was given £60,000 to take his business to the next level. "I'd had the chance to go into the Den twice before, but had lost my nerve both times at the last minute. It's an incredibly daunting experience, and watching the programme on TV just can't prepare you for how intense the pressure is in there.

NERVOUS

"Although I was completely, nervous and messed up a few times, I managed to pull through.”I was attracting interest, but within" no time at all, the 'Dragons' declared themselves out one-by-one until only James Caan remained.“ To my amazement, he said that he would give me the investment I needed to take my business to the next level. "

"Since appearing on Dragon's Den, my business has catapulted and I now have exclusive deals with Harrods, Selfridges and HMV; where I designed gold-plated iPods," Roomes said. He has .been working on the iPod deal with Elton John for the past six months. "Originally, I designed 12 iPods for him to auction at his famous White Tie and Tiara (PWW), which wept down a storm.

"Denzel Washington and Will Smith got word and placed an order, which I sold for £30,000 each, so l decided to strike a long-term deal with Elton because of the growing demand, "the entrepreneur said.

LAUGHING

Roomes, a father who has been married for seven years, is laughing now, but he didn't always have the. Midas touch. Before hitting the jackpot, he would often travel by foot to promote his business.

"Determination is vital if you want success. You must keep focus. It's easy for others to look at me now and say 'wow', but back in the days when I first started promoting Goldgenie, nobody wanted to know. I used to walk to each shop one-by-one because I did not have a car. It was extremely difficult, especially when I had to carry the Goldgenie machine on my back.'

"But God is good because look at me know. I'm making deal with Sir Elton John.” Money from each iPod sold will go to Elton John’s Aids Foundation (EJAF), which was set up in 1993 to help those living with, affected by, or at risk from HIV/Aids.

"I am also extremely happy and proud that the iPods will raise money for those suffering from HIV and Aids. Knowing that Aids is one of the world's biggest killers, I am happy to be a part of the fighting solution," said Roomes.

The iPod Nanos will come in a variety of colours - black, blue, green, orange, pink, purpIe, red, silver and yellow - and will have over 250 colour-coordinated Swarovski crystals. "If you are buying for yourself or a loved one, we are certain that you will be absolutely delighted with these fabulous Starburst iPods," said Roomes.

Libya's wireless web access leap

2009-01-26T08:00:00.000Z

Libya's wireless web access leap (Source: BBC News)

WiMax does not rely on sometimes poor conventional wire infrastructure

Libya

's only internet service provider is launching its first commercial wireless network which it says is one of the most advanced in the world. The state-owned firm said only a handful of countries have rolled out the advanced internet connection known as WiMax on such a wide scale.

Libya Telecom and Technology aims to start with WiMax coverage, including a mobile feature, in 18 cities. Africa is seen as a potentially huge market for WiMax technology.

The network is meant to be cost effective in the long run and does not depend on often poor conventional wire infrastructure. Anyone with a simple USB device which can be plugged into a laptop can connect to the internet within 50km (30 miles) of any WiMax tower.

The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says six years ago most Libyans depended on internet cafes to connect to the web, but technology has moved a long way since then. The new WiMax network, which has a capacity for 300,000 subscribers, will begin taking on business clients from next week and individual customers the week after.

Massive pressure

Our correspondent adds that other African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and

Nigeria

also have WiMax networks, but their coverage is more fixed and limited. There are an estimated 51,000 broadband subscribers in

Libya

and some 170,000 still depend on the much slower dial-up internet.

Both of these connections need a fixed phone-line, a service that has come under massive pressure in recent years because the available infrastructure is outdated and limited in coverage. As well as rural areas cut off from modern technology, new housing - even in the capital Tripoli - is being built in areas with poor land-line infrastructure, says our correspondent.

The WiMax network is meant to do away with all these hurdles and bridge the digital divide, making the internet available to people across the country. Libya Telecom and Technology said the new service would cost $30 (£21) per month - twice the existing cost of broadband - although prices are expected to drop in the long-run.

But our correspondent says it will be difficult for the average Libyan to afford the initial cost of the new WiMax service. It requires a one-year advance payment of around $400 (£290), including the cost of a USB device.

Black highflyers are still hitting glass ceiling

2009-01-23T08:00:00.001Z

Black highflyers are still hitting glass ceiling

By Maxine Myers (Source: The Voice)

THE GLASS ceiling is still preventing black managers from.stepping up into executive jobs despite a range of Government diversity initiatives over the last few.years, new research says.

Boardrooms across the public and private sectors remain white, says a report, Race to the Top, by the charity Business in the Community (BITC).

The organisation analysed data between 2000 and 2007 and concluded that management prospects are disproportionately bleak for black people, nd likely to worsen over the ext decade unless action is taken.

Sandra Kerr, National Director for the BITC’s Race for Opportunity campaign, called the findings "devastating': "There is definitely a need to put this at the heart of the agenda for Government and business," she said.

The report also states that since 2000 a number of Government-led legal measures and race quality initiatives designed to increase top-level opportunities for black managers have had minimal impact. Kerr said that now was a time for solutions.

“Chief executives need to walk into their boardroom, take a look around and ask themselves 'does this represent in anyway, shape or form what I see around me when I walk around street every day?”

They need to do something about it"

A beginner’s Guide to Wealth Creation [2/2]

2009-01-20T08:00:00.003Z

A beginner’s Guide to Wealth Creation,How to invest and keep your money

Source: The Voice

What has the response been like to your book so far?

We've had people sayingthat they wish they had got this book sooner. There are so many books of thiskind in the market, I'm sure you are aware, but they are filled with a lot ofjargon, but our book talks directly to the reader in a language that they canunderstand.

What would your advice be to people who are worried about the economicdownturn right now?

In relation to the economic downturnthere's a chapter in our book called, The Economic Cycle. Yes there is a creditcrunch at the present time and yes there is a looming recession, however thisis the best time to buy as prices are falling so you'll get the best possibleprice. Shares have trebled and properties have tumbled - it's a buyers market.It's not good to sell right now, but if you can afford to invest this is definitelythe time to do it.

What are the common mistakes that people make when It comes to money?

People get carried away with money.For example, a lot of people think that money, is free and they run up tabs Withouta thought of how they will pay it back and then try and invest in get richquick schemes. We are not advocating any get rich quick schemes because anythingthat comes easily can be lost easily. Take time to build your wealth becausethen you will have the mindset and the skills to retain your wealth. Get richquick schemes arc: great in. the short term, but within two years that personwill find themselves in the red again. For those who are closely monitoringtheir wealth as they: go along, you find that they have the technical skills,the financial know-how and are able to reinvest the money they have made alongthe way.

Taiwo and Kehinde Adesina are alsoauthors of A Simple Guide To UK Immigration and Becoming All You CanBe. For more Information contact Miriam Amony on 0845 003 7729.

A beginner’s Guide to Wealth Creation [1/2]

2009-01-19T07:00:00.007Z

A beginner’s Guide to Wealth Creation, How to invest and keep your money

Source: The Voice

ACCORDING TO sisters Taiwo and Kehinde Adesina, authors of the book, A Beginners Guide To Wealth Creation, attaining financial freedom is all about changing your mindset. As London-based lawyers, writers and property investors, the Adesina's know all too well about the mistakes that can be made when you enter the financial world prematurely and have used their know-how to compose their self-help book. This week they tell Your Money (The Voice) readers, about how to invest and safeguard your money.

Why did you decide to write A Beginners Guide To Wealth Creation?

We wrote the book together because as property investors we have made a lot of mistakes along the way and wanted to make sure that our readers didn't make the same mistakes. We hope that by using our experiences people will thrive in finance. The Beginners Guide To Wealth Creation is not a quick-fix scheme; that's not something that we advocate. It outlines step-by-step procedures to creating wealth.

What are the common mistakes people make when investing in property?

Buying property in the wrong location or giving money to middle men who claim they are working on behalf of the property companies, only to find out that this is not the case. It could also be investing in the wrong stock. This is why we decided to write a book to tell the rest of the world.

Can anyone read this book or is It specifically for those interested in property investment only?

Anyone can read this book. It has been simplified and is a step-by-step guide for anyone who is interested in making and retaining wealth to pick it up and follow it. We've sold a number of

books and people have come to us and said that they like the way the book is laid out with clearly labelled sections that is specific for your needs and questions. The way you feel about yourself will determine how far you go in life. Once you overcome the challenges you can then start on the Journey of wealth creation.

Taiwo and Kehinde Adesina are also authors of A Simple Guide To UK Immigration and Becoming All You Can Be. For more Information contact Miriam Amony on 0845 003 7729.

Small Business Suffering? The Solution Is Patience!

2008-12-18T16:18:00.003Z

(New Nation Newspaprer, www.newnation.com)

December 2008
WITH THE onslaught of business programmes like Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice claiming to be the voice of UK enterprise, one really has to wonder if these images are helpful or damaging to real-time business situations.

Reports show many small business owners believe not enough is being done to help them to survive, let alone succeed in business, andthis has been made worse by the credit crunch.

The government seems powerless to enforce any measurable conditions or policies on the banks to help small businesses, even though they have been bailed out by the public purse during their time of crisis.

With an all party cry of ‘foul play’ towards the banks, it will be interesting to see how they respond to these new demands for fairer and moretransparent practices to increased lending over the next few months.Ampod Business Consulting and Training Services MD Yvonne Witter, who delivers training, networking events, business growth seminars and consultation to pre-start, micro and the SME business community on behalf of local authority regeneration departments, believes that the ‘small business owner does not get the respect as a major contributor to the economy that they deserve, especially from the banking system.’

‘The first problem is that banks define a successful business as one with potentially a two million pound plus turnover, with a large work force and will therefore, marginalise smaller, local enterprises,’ Yvonne says.

‘Secondly, while businesses remain categorised by the criteria set by the financial institutions, no one wants to talk to you and no one understands your business, so you are never in a position to have your demands met.’

It has been consistently more difficult for small business owners to raise capital because there is no connection between the small business owner and the banking sector.There remains a perception that if the bank is presented with a business plan that has the potential to make quick profits, they will be seen more favourably than a smaller business looking for funding of up to £10,000 to import a product, demand for which is unknown in the UK by the faceless banking sector.These businesses are met with scepticism and sidelined because of a lack of understanding about the cultural market conditions.

‘That is not to say that we should not be concerned with financial outputs but we have to look at the social and cultural, not just the financial drivers and motivators, for starting and running a business’ Yvonne continues. ‘Many small businesses do not fit into a mainstream model of enterprise, but combined, they contribute hugely to the GDP through tax payments and employment creat ion and community sustainability.’

Insurance firm RSA reported 470,000 small businesses have already ceased trading since the credit crunch began, but this has not dampened the desire for many to start and run a business. The current government intervention fuelled by the current global economic crisis sees multi-nationals falling by the wayside, which means there is hope and more opportunities for the small businessman to succeedas banks are now being forced to look at other areas of the small business sector to save the day.

‘There are many barriers which affect many different types of businesses, especially around micro finance opportunities and the high taxation of small businesses,’ Yvonne concludes.

‘But focus on what you are good at and never stop improving your product or service and reinvest into your business especially in the early years. Be patient!’

"Reputation and credibilty for your business" by J. Germain [2/2]

2008-12-17T08:00:00.003Z

Reputation and credibilty for your business.

In the current climate reputaion is everything by Judith Germain / Developping Leadership

(Source: Start Your Business, December 2008)

****
Can social networking help you build reputation and credibility in your business?

It's important that businesses establish their networking/marketing strategy so that they can decide which social networking sites they should use or maintain a presence on.

Build your credibility by whatever means and keep open minded

Social networking sites like Ecademy can enable businesses to build reputation and credibility for their business quickly. This is particularly true of Ecademy's Life Membership Community, where building advocacy is made easier due to the nature of its composition. Ecademy encourages its members to network on and offline. Sites like Linkedln can enable businesses to build visibility and connections quickly.

There are hundreds of sites to choose from, so finding a cost and time effective way to utilise them is imperative. Your networking strategy needs to be defined to ensure consistency of your message. The use of sites such as Ecademy can help businesses establish themselves as an expert in their area of expertise. To establish yourself (or your business) as an expert using social networking sites, you are required to be visible to their membership.

It is recommended that you blog and write articles frequently, in your area of expertise, (run and join clubs structured around your them and your personal interests (thus developing an individual reputation). How you communicate and articulate your thoughts on the public and private areas of the networking sites - will guide potential clients and advocates well. Inconsistencies or extreme views contrary to your 'public persona' will do you ill and could even prohibit your ability to gain business.

Freely providing advice to others without expectation of a return helps to build your reputation as an expert and provides an informative view on your character. (This is not the same as providing free consultancy!) Participating in one-to-ones to learn how you can help those in your network can be a positive enhancement to both your reputation and credibility. The return on this activity can be immense.

With the credit crunch still impacting most industries, you need to ensure that you focus your energies on delivering a consistent and compelling reason for clients to work with you; a well defined networking strategy will help you to achieve this for very little cash outlay.

It is a solid, credible reputation (not just increased visibility) that will carry you and your business out of the crunch and beyond. So, look at the way your brand is seen by others and ask yourself...based on the information available to me, would I hire me? If the answer is no, you still need to work at something. Judith Germain is managing director of Dynamic Transitions, a leadership company, which enables their clients to develop, nurture and maintain their reputation in their chosen niche.

Judith provides strategic mentoring for senior executives and business leaders, develops networking strategy and delivers innovative leadership programmes, leadership consultancy, training, coaching and mentoring to corporate clients.

To find out more information on how to bring your business forward in matters concerning HR, management or brand building.

"Reputation and credibilty for your business" by J. Germain [1/2]

2008-12-16T08:00:00.001Z

Reputation and credibilty for your business.

In the current climate reputaion is everything by Judith Germain / Developping Leadership

(Source: Start Your Business, December 2008)

In this day and age it is becoming increasingly important to be able to distinguish yourself from your competition so that you become the 'no brainer' choice in your chosen market.

Whilst there are many factors that can distinguish you from everyone else, the deciding factor seems to be the strength of your reputation and credibility in relation to your competition. This is especially true for smaller businesses and 'one man bands' in over-populated niches.

It is essential that you are consistent with what you say and do, especially on the internet where everything that is recorded there is of a permanent nature.

Brand reputation is becoming the ultimate decision maker and to ignore this trend will put your business and earning capacity in peril.

If we agree with the premise that potential clients will only buy high ticket value services from those that they trust, it becomes imperative that businesses consider how to develop, nurture and maintain that trust. The next consideration is to decide how to do this in the most cost-effective way for their business.

This may mean foregoing expensive marketing activity that only increases the business' visibility, but does nothing to lessen the risk of hiring the company.

This 'risk' perceived or otherwise, is continuously assessed by potential clients prior to them making the decision to hire you. The oft quoted maxim of 'the client needs to be 'touched' by you 7 times before they buy', is derived from this premise.

Credibility equals less risk

Lessening the risk of a client hiring you is especially important if the business has decided to use 'pull' rather than 'push' marketing as a strategy for their business. For example, 'push' marketing is where the business advertises its services to its target audience, unsure of whether they are looking for their expertise.

'Pull' marketing is where the potential client 'pulls' your services when he needs it - without specific advertisement. He might decide to use your service based on a referral from an advocate of yours. This means advertising spend has not been made to secure this client.

Those that rely on referrals or social networking to secure work will realise that the most cost-effective way to gain new clients is to use 'pull' marketing techniques to gain business.

First things first

Before building your reputation in your chosen niche you need to first understand your current position. An audit of your situation should reveal (amongst other things); your standing in relation to your competitors, whether your reputation is earning you enough referrals and if your business message is coherent across all your markets.

It’s important to ensure that your current business strategy (including networking strategy) is consistent with the reputation that you have and are building.

Reputation is personal in its nature, concerning itself with the character of the business (or person) and the intention of its (their) actions. It is essential that you are consistent with what you say and do, especially on the internet, where everything that is recorded there is of a permanent nature.

Inconsistency can be the biggest killer of reputation as it undermines the trust that is being established between the two parties. Credibility needs to be demonstrated and is based on your track record and competency. One of the ways to establish credibility is to ensure that your expertise and integrity is demonstrated regularly and effectively.

This can be done by providing expert opinion, a positive and strong personal brand, social proofing and having a strong trust account. This allows potential clients to sample your expertise enabling them to advocate your services or hire your business. If your business (and/or yourself) has a good reputation and credibility, it is more likely to be trusted by your potential clients, therefore increasing your revenue and sustainability. A trust account balance reflects the amount of trust in the relationship at any given time.

“It is a solid, credible reputation (not juts increased visibility), that will carry you and your business out of the crunch and beyond”

In anyone relationship there are two accounts. How we perceive a trusted relationship say one with a client; may not be the same as they see it. It would be wise to try and understand the balance that is held in each account.

Entrepreneur: Nadine Harding / Curl Harmony

2008-12-01T08:00:00.002Z

Hair care harmony: How to keep your curls in harmony

Olivia Benson (Manchester Evening News)

AFTER years of `going straight' with her hairstyle, Nadine Harding decided it was time to stop damaging her locks. However, following a fruitless search for products to keep her curls in top condition, she decided to launch her own hair care range.

Nadine, a former chemist who studied at the University of Manchester, has set up Curl Harmony, which sells products that are handmade from natural ingredients and are designed specifically for Afro-Caribbean hair.

Twenty-seven-year-old Nadine established her Manchester-based business after being made redundant from her job at a scientific instrument manufacturer. She says: "I thought of the idea after looking for natural products to use on my hair. I'd been straightening it for many years using relaxing treatments which contain a number of chemicals and, as a result, my hair had become very dry and brittle.

"When I failed to find suitable products for Afro- Caribbean hair, I decided to have a go myself." With a £5,000 bank loan, Nadine set up a laboratory in her spare room and set to work sourcing the ingredients and making the hair care products.

Natural

The Curl Harmony range includes conditioners, shampoos, oils, clays and styling products which contain ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil and shea butter. They retail from £7.50 to £14 and are sold through Nadine's website (curl harmony.co.uk), wholesalers and other internet outlets that sell natural beauty products.

Nadine says that Curl Harmony products are the only ones that contain natural ingredients, are handmade in the UK and are aimed at the Afro- Caribbean market. She says: "There are a number of specialist stores that sell chemical-free products but these are predominately imported from America, where they are very popular.

"There are also many products in the UK market that are aimed at Afro-Caribbean hair, but these contain chemicals. I believe that Curl Harmony products fill a gap in the UK market."

Nadine says the business is set to generate turnover around £16,000 in its first year, and already she is making a profit. She hopes her products will one day grace the shelves of mainstream retailers.

Sheila Elliott’s Tips for success

2008-11-25T08:00:00.001Z

Sheila’s Tips for success

(Source: The Voice)

BE CLEAR

The very first thing you need to do before you set up a business is to be clear about your vision, because all too often people go into business without having a clear vision about what it is that they really want to do.

BE PASSIONATE

You need to be passionate about what it is that you’re doing because business has its peaks and through and when you start your business it’s passion that will enable you to drive it forward

GET TRAINED

You have to make sure that you have adequate training. It’s nice to have free training, but very often they are not adequate, they are incomplete, and if that’s all people are relying on, then they are already on the road to disappointment.

INVESTMENT

You have to be willing to invest the time and effort in understanding what your market will actually need and not thinking that you know it all. You need to talk to people and find out what it is that they need and look at ways that you can deliver that service.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

Within the black community everyone is trying to do things singularly, they don't want to partner with other people. But if you look at the businesses that are actually thriving and you look at the history of black success, it started off with two people. There has to be a culture of partnership, a culture of trust, and that's a tip I would give to people.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

I can't ignore the element of personal development. Very often people want to go into business but they don't want to develop themselves, and we need to get that culture right. People will buy your service, but it's not just your service that they're buying, they're buying you and your product. If you don't develop yourself, you will not be able to develop your product.

FINANCIAL KNOW-HOW

You need to understand about the financial language. Borrowing money I from the bank will involve you speaking the Language that you're not used to. You need an understanding of how the financial market works. You don't have to be an accountant to do that, you just need to understand basic financial statements.

Sheila Elliott Is the Managing Director of BSS Management Consultancy and the author of My Business Is My Business.

www.businessservicessupport. com

www.sheilaelliott.com

www.mybusinessismybuslness.com

How to build a great business / Sheila Elliott

2008-11-24T08:00:00.001Z

How to build a great business

Edited by Dionne Grant (Source: The Voice)

BLACK ASIAN and other ethnic minority businesses make up nearly 20 percent of London's small business community.

Up to 60 percent of small businesses cease trading within the first five years, and this rate of failure can be partly attributed to a general lack of business expertise and understanding. Former accountant turned successful business advisor and author of book, My Business is My Business – Learn How To Earn a Fortune, Sheila Elliot shares her tips far success.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WRITE MY BUSINESS IS MY BUSINESS?

The reasons for doing this book was because in the

United Kingdom

, despite there being a lot of growth in black and ethnic minority businesses, this did not always equal success. The London Development Agency (LDA) recently did some research that showed despite there being a lot of growth in the market among ethnic minorities, there has also been a lot of failures too. The Asian market is growing significantly within the ethnic minority market but the Afro-Caribbean and the African communities are not doing as much as they can do. The book also,

highlights a number of weaknesses and soft skills in this group.

WHY DO YOU THINK BLACK BUSINISSE AREN’T AS SUSTAINABLE AS WHIT BUSINESSES?

I don’t believe that the support out there is the right one for that particular community. There are a lot of courses that focus on the technical skills as opposed to focusing on nurturing the developmental aspects of people's lives, A lot' of people from our community know what they want to do, but they need a little bit more support and hand-holding, and that’s not necessary available through the likes of business links or the agencies, There is a little bit of coaching, but not predominant.

WHAT ONE THING PEOPLE CAN PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?

The importance of attitude and technical skills as a success formula; 85 percent of our success is to do with our attitude and our relationship with one another - not necessarily how much academic qualifications you have. I would like to encourage BME (Black Minority Ethnic) communities to become entrepreneurial. They need to recognize that there is a formula to succeed in business, and they need to be willing to invest their time and thoughts into learning that formula and applying it. They need to avoid going for that short cut methodology that many people have fallen victim to, only to find themselves very disappointed the day after.

Be the Inspiration

2008-11-21T08:00:00.000Z

Successful men use YouTube to reach youths

by Cecelia Layo Fadehan (Source: The Voice)

REGGAE REGGAE sauce entrepreneur Levi Roots is among 19, successful black men who are using the internet to inspire black youths.

The men have teamed up with youth mentoring scheme Reach to launch Be the Inspiration, a YouTube-based project aimed at encouraging youngsters to succeed by talking about their experiences.

"We are working towards a society where every black boy and young black man can fulfil his potential," said Reach chairman Clive Lewis.

Other men telling their stories include Colourful Radio co-founder, Henry Bonsu, actor and playwright, Kwame Kwei-Armah, and Kush Films director Marlon Palmer.

The 'Reach programme is a government-funded organisation created in response to the growing epidemic of violence among black boys.

It is the first ever national role model scheme. As part of the scheme, 20 men have been nominated by the black community to serve as role models. Their names will be announced in December. .

To. see some of the videos, go to: The Voice

Black women now outstrip whites on pay

2008-11-20T08:00:00.004Z

Black women now outstrip whites on pay

David Leppard and Holly Watt (Source: Sunday Times)

The average earnings of black women in Britain are now higher than their white counterparts,
according to government statistics.

In a landmark social development that suggests the erosion of a
long-standing racial barrier, the figures show “black Caribbean” women earned on average £462 a week – 6% more
than white women – in the three months to October this year.

That is a reversal of the previous year’s figures, when white women
earned more than 7% above their black counterparts. The figures show that black
women’s earnings overtook those of white women in the first three months of
2008 and the pay gap has increased gradually since then.

The data were gathered for The Sunday Times by the Office for National
Statistics. They are based on the labour force survey, the most authoritative
and up-to-date study of pay and conditions.

Yana Johnson, a cosmetics entrepreneur [Yana Cosmetics] whose parents moved to Birmingham from Jamaica in the first wave of immigration after the
second world war, said she was pleased by the findings. “[My parents were] part
of the Windrush generation,” she said. “When that generation came over they had
to work really, really hard and they sometimes felt they missed out on
opportunities, so they were determined their daughters wouldn’t miss out.”

Colleen Harris, the first black press officer at Downing Street and founder of Dignity Management Consultancy,
which advises on equality, said she was “ cynical about the figures”. But she
added: “Black women do work very hard, and often they are the single earner in
a household and have the whole weight of a family on their shoulders.”

The Equality and Human Rights Commission said the figures may be
explained by the fact that half of all black women live in London, where average pay is higher than elsewhere in
the country.

It also said black women tended to take less time off work when having
children, meaning they suffered less of a pay penalty when returning to work. Many
work in health or social services where pay has been rising.

Black women have made other strides in recent years. There have been two
black women in the cabinet in the past decade, including Baroness Scotland, the
attorney general.

Last year 49.1% of black Caribbean
pupils achieved five GCSEs from A* to C, compared with 44.4% the previous year.
Girls do particularly well, with 56.2% gaining five good GCSEs. The
underperformance of black boys, however, is still a concern, with just 41.5%
achieving the best grades.

One Laptop per Child : Zimi's Story FULL

2008-11-19T08:28:00.002Z

One Laptop per Child : Zimi's Story FULL
Uploaded by olpcfoundation

Get your message heard

2008-11-18T08:00:00.000Z

Get your message heard

Making your business stand out in the crowd is the key to effective marketing on a budget" writes JAYNE ATHERTON (Source: Metro.co.uk)

Finding money to market your business can be painful in an economic downturn. Advertising budgets are among the first to feel a financial squeeze but losing touch with your customers can be an even bigger threat.

Yet small businesses are often in a better position to sell them selves effectively in a recession because they are less likely to be tied down by tradition and bureaucracy. And hard times can mean there are fewer competitors in the marketplace, which makes the job easier.

“The nervous [businesses] will be getting out of your way so there is less competition from start-ups and smaller businesses,” says entrepreneur and business, coach Jonathan Jay. “Excellent sales and marketing always wins and if you really focus on this area of your business and don't allow your attention to be diverted by other areas of your business, then you can come out of the recession stronger as a result.”

Jay, who made millions by selling a life-coaching business he set up with just £150, believes finding something in your business which makes it stand out from the crowd is key to marketing on a budget. And if you can't find something different then simply invent it.

Unique selling point

“Devising a unique selling point (USP) will help, says Jay. “ Most business will tell me they offer great service but if it’s not unique then you are needlessly setting yourself up against others on a level playing field. If your business doesn't seem to have something uniquely special then you have to be creative.”

“You could introduce, for example, a fabulous discount or an unbeatable money back offer for customers who are unsatisfied. Such an offer will get people talking and your business noticed. It shows you have confidence - although you have to be sure that the majority of your customers will be completely happy.”

Surviving a recession also involves a high degree of analysis. It’s the time for business to dust off their existing marketing plans and look at what potential customers are learning.

“It's the job of every business owner to be brutally honest about what's working and what’s not – even more so in a recession,” Jay adds.

“Sometimes the result can, mean taking a radical step and doing things differently. Business owners have to be pragmatic and speak to their customers in a language they understand”

Know your customers

Word of mouth is one of the best marketing tools but often people don't tell anyone if they are happy with a product or service, so it can't always be relied upon. “Marketing isn't just about building a brand, people have to buy stuff, too, and getting to grips with who is doing that involves tracking orders more carefully, so you get to really know your core customer, because their needs and demands can change very rapidly,” says Jay. In my experience, most business plans have been written to appeal to the bank and are hardly ever looked at again. But to market effectively in a downturn, you have to sharpen up the basics and your company needs to be able to define itself with clarity and precision, and haye that message backed up with testimonials from satisfied customers.

“This message can. then be used in every communication you have with the customer, whether it's on the phone or through a website. Check that your staff know it, too. When you get the basics right, you will start to get noticed.”

101CityDel / Oliver Parker

2008-11-17T08:00:00.001Z

v Errand service for city workers

Olivia Benson (Source: Manchester Evening News)

A FORMER architectural technician has launched an errand service for time-strapped city worker. Oliver Parker, who is from Paris and came to Britain 10 years ago, believes his business, 101CityDel.com, will prove a hit from office workers and executives alike.

101CityDel.com offers a range of services, from delivering a sandwich to your desk or a meal at home to dog walking, going to the post office, buying a gift and wrapping it, organising dry cleaning, dropping off cars and even the weekly shop.

Oliver started with two employees and has received orders from hungry workers who can also shop on his website for goods such as jewellery and electrical items. He has also secured a number of deals with restaurants to supply meals to people at work and at home.

Charges for delivering sandwiches start at £2.50, while shopping and other errands start at £9.50. 101CityDel.com will also deliver out of the city centre. Oliver says he got the idea while working at an architect's practice in Manchester city centre.

"Often, when there was a deadline to meet, I sat at my desk going hungry and regularly thought it would be great to email or call for a sandwich to be delivered." Despite the looming recession, Oliver, who has been busy delivering leaflets to companies and homes across Manchester, is confident that demand for his services will be strong.

He says: "A recession will not affect people's appetites and there will always be people who are hungry and tied to their desks, or have forgotten to buy a present for someone's birthday.

"101CityDel.com plugs a gap in the market for a quick and professional errand service to meet the needs of busy people.

Mads Kjaer, Founder and CEO of MyC4

2008-11-14T08:00:00.001Z

Marcia Hutchinson / Primary Colours

2008-11-11T08:00:00.001Z

Top businesswoman proves that diversity is a winner

By Maxine Myers (Source The Voice)

A BUSINESSESWOMAN whose publishing and learning development company helped thousands of children learn about and embrace cultural diversity, has been honoured for her work.

Marcia Hutchinson, founder of Primary Colours, was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the recently Held Yorkshire Black Enterprise Convention. “I am thrilled to have received this award,” said Hutchinson, who set up her company in 1997.

OPPORTUNITIES

Through learning resources such as books and CD ROMs, the company helps schools with diversity consultancy, training and engagement opportunities for staff and pupils. "Last year our in-school work reached over 22,000 children and 2,000 teachers, while nearly 40,000 people read our books. This award is testament to how far we have come so far," Hutchinson said.

More than 400 business representatives came out to the Leeds United Conference .centre to celebrate the achievements of the black community in Yorkshire. Andy Kemp, a member of the judging panel at this year's award ceremony, said black businesses in Yorkshire are thriving.

MARKETS

This year's entries graphically demonstrate the impressive rise of the region's black entrepreneurs, and that black business no longer exists in just a few niche markets. The black business community is playing an increasingly important role in providing jobs and contributing to the local economy,” he stated.

To Be an Entrepreneur

2008-11-10T08:00:00.000Z

So you want to be an entrepreneur? How to decide if starting a business is really for you. Jon Gillespie-Brown - Source: Start Your Business Magazine

It may just prove to be the most cost-effective tool for the self-evaluation of budding entrepreneurs. Engagingly written and organised, the author seems to escort the reader along a rite of passage, a somewhat more light-hearted version of the Herculean tasks. "Together we will break down your lifestyle, traits and attributes," Gillespie-Brown writes, "and, just as importantly, your potential to develop these things". The approach adopted in this book consists of a series of Mentor Lessons which cover advantageous traits of entrepreneurs and how these can be developed. However, all of this is done in a way which is neither irrelevant to the reader nor in a condescending manner.

The personal questionnaires and lessons throughout do in fact feel more like an informative seminar, rather than a mundane account of entrepreneurial endeavours. The result of this combination between being both informative and highly personal, is that the reader takes in all the essential points, the excuses that hold people back from being entrepreneurs and also emphasises the need for maintaining close circles.

The Real Deal - James Caan (From Dragon's Den)

2008-11-03T13:54:00.004Z

For someone whose business ethos is to go against the crowd My story from Brick Lane to Dragon's Den is written very much in the vein of inspirational stories. Source: Start Your Business Magazine

Not to tarnish James Caan's golden touch in business, but his rags to riches story doesn't break the mould in innovative stories. However, like most things in life it is in the detail where the interest lies. After all didn't Shakespeare begin his plays with the outcome divulged in the prologue? Yet his audience would stay and watch for the plot details to unravel as the how's and why's of the outcome came to light.

Now Caan is no Shakespeare, but the details that pepper his life are unusual. Beginning with Caan's colourful background, this chronological account commences with his childhood in London's Brick Lane as a Pakistani immigrant. Armed solely with his fathers advice Caan recounts his rapid rise through the 'rules of business'. Leading us to his current work for charities in Lahore, Kashmir and Kosovo and his new found value of money.

10 questions to O. Couturier / African Secure Invest Ltd

2008-10-06T08:00:00.001+01:00

Your name: Olivier Couturier
Your company name: African Secure Invest Ltd
Where are you based: London/Brussels
Your line of business/services provided: Investment Promotion
What/who would be your ideal contact in business: Hedge funds
Your hobbies/interest: African Development
Which person do you admire the most and why: Mandela, he struggled for his ideas, won and did not betrayed his spirit once being President.
Describe your ideal day out: Meet as many people as I can, and sign as many contract as possible
Your most embarrassing moment: Well... it's too embarrassing to talk about it on the net;
Your epitaph: He was hell of a good man.

Partnership To Support Entrepreneurs in Africa

2008-10-04T09:00:00.002+01:00

Wake Up and Change Your Life - Duncan Bannatyne

2008-10-01T08:00:00.004+01:00

Duncan Bannatyne’s wake up and change your life, Duncan Bannatyne

Source: Start Your Business Magazine

From the bestselling author of "Anyone Can Do If', comes “Wake Up and Change your Life". "Dragon's Den" investor, Duncan Bannatyne's ferocious approach to business has secured his astronomical rise within the business world. Starting his career with a measly £450 ice cream van, Bannantyne has propelled his personal worth to £310 million, clearly possessing tour de force entrepreneurial skills. Proving himself as an invaluable source of business knowledge within his list he years, he was already a millionaire.

The appeal of Bannatyne's book is he aims dispel the tumultuous business world with all its jargon and pitfalls into a clear approach. By getting the reader to be honest about their limitations and strengths, he outlines essential entrepreneurial attributes through case studies, exhibiting his invaluable personal experiences and knowledge. From his cool beginnings at ice cream to his fiery “Dragon’s Den" knowledge, Bannatyne shows you how to sIart your own business minus the fire and brimstone.

PRIORITY AFRICA - Gender Equality

2008-09-29T09:00:00.000+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Gender Equality - Awesome video clips here

Internet Marketing – Nigel T. Packer

2008-09-24T08:00:00.003+01:00

Internet Marketing – How to get a website that work for your business, Nigel T. Packer

Source: Start Your Business Magazine

Nigel T. Packer's book has been described by many in the business industry as no less than a bible; in not only building a website, but building a business. By following these principals and teachings about marketing, technology and business as a whole, Packer provides the means for improving your business prospects and prosperity.

Packer purposely does not overcomplicate his book as is commonly done in such business manuals. On the contrary, he provides a description of the basic marketing principles, highlighting how fundamental they still are to all businesses. Thus, he shows the execution of these principles as being of the utmost importance to beat competition and control an extremely technical, advanced marketplace.

Packer asks the reader various questions from defining exactly what type of website a
particular business needs, to challenging the reader's understanding of what their customers will want and need from a website. These all contribute to bringing about a successful site but also a better business person.

For further informations: Business for Business

PRIORITY AFRICA - Climate Change

2008-09-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Climate Change - More amazing videos are a click away

Kanya King / MOBO

2008-09-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Kanya: I did cleaning jobs – MOBO chief on her struggle to make it

THE MOBO Awards might be a global brand now, but 13 years ago' it began life in a messy bedroom in Kilburn, north London – Source: Lester Holloway - NewNation

Kanya King, the youngest of nine children, came up with the idea of an award ceremony that would take black music to the masses.
She had just persuaded Carlton TV to screen her event, but the broadcaster put very little money into it. It was now up to this young single mum to raise the money and make it happen. And so the glamorous annual event was born. King's telephone manner gave the impression she had smart corporate offices, but the reality was very different. Often she was sitting in her bedroom in her PJ's.

But operating the business was nothing compared to the challenge of raising enough money to bring her vision to reality. King began by re-mortgaging her house. But that was not enough; she needed to find a lot more money, fast. 'It was a massive struggle at first: she said. 'I took on many jobs. I worked night and day; cleaning, promotional work, anything. I've done everything:

Those who have met King know a friendly, approachable, very normal and attractive woman. But when the opportunity came along to make her dream happen in the mid-1990s, King displayed a steely determination to grab her dream. In an era before MTV Base, 1Xtra or Channel U, her bank manager didn't know her house was being staked on an event aimed at honouring black music. For a young woman who had left school at 16 without any qualifications, she was gambling on her vision working.

There had been black music awards before but they were targeted specifically at the community and were bedeviled by bad organisation. King believed in the music she loved and was confident that high production values and professionalism would take the whole genre forward. She said: “I was surrounded by musicians that didn't have anywhere to perform. I didn't intend to go into the music business. I was talking about the need for someone else to promote it, but in the end I had to do it myself”.

The MOBO Awards grew rapidly and soon moved from the Connaught Rooms to the Royal Albert Hall, and' then to the Dome. Last year the event I was broadcast in 57 countries to a 250 million audience. On 15 October this year MOBO will move to Wembley Arena and once again promises to be one of the most star-studded glitzy events of the year. MOBO remains hugely popular because It keeps reinventing itself to remain relevant and continues to spread its' wings in many directions, not least Africa.

But the big project this year is to boost the Be-MOBO award, which celebrates heroes who work selflessly to improve their community. The award was won last year by Decima Francis of the Boyhood II Manhood Foundation. King has been keen to promote this, as well as moving MOBO in the direction of supporting arid offering practical advice to aspiring artists in areas like marketing themselves and royalty rights to get paid.

It has also become more democratic, with a new black music panel deciding the categories. King is also aware of the new age of the internet, where artists can blow up without the support of big record companies. King describes the awards as her “calling” and predicts there are more exciting times ahead. If that wasn't enough, the MOBO's will begin with a children's talent show this year. King, who was awarded an MBE, also credits her Irish mother Mary, who died earlier this year, as a key source of inspiration. So to was her father; Christian, a Ghanaian from a poor village who died when she was 13. “He came here with huge ideals and ambitions and wasn't able to achieve them. In many ways I feel I'm carrying that mantle; I'm carrying the torch for him?”

No doubt their spirits still swell with pride as they look from above at what their daughter has created out of nothing. Just a dream and good helpings of passion, energy, chutzpah and good humour.

Christine Brewster / Delpeche Events

2008-09-16T08:00:00.002+01:00

An eventful life: Christine makes a success of event management

Source: Sonia Brown - NewNation

Whilst working in corporate IT, Christine Brewster always knew she was going to start her own business but couldn't quite figure out what it would be.

By combining her project management skills with her love for meeting people and a varied work day, she launched Delpeche Events, an event management company which provides creative and innovative solutions for its clients.

“I realised that events management would offer me the fast paced environment that would utilise my skills and keep me at the top of my game”; Brewster explains.

“My first contract was with the Ethiopian World Federation where I organized a two-day community event. Even out of the adversity that followed, I was able to secure further contracts with other companies. Ambrose Mendy recently asked me to organise the Mike Tyson dinner and auction for 500 people in four days. It was very stressful, but a huge success?”

“There are a lot of people getting into event management but it's important that people do their research and understand what their niche area is because you can't do it all' she adds.”

“I now feel that I am able to put the customer first and, bring out the unspoken to manifest the best in each event and see the event dream come to life?”

Christine attributes her success to attention to detail, persistence and her mother. “I have inherited her self motivation and independence,” she explains.

“She is incredibly proud that I have used these traits to take control of my life, run my own business and not lay victim to .the whim of someone else to define my passion.”

"Setting up my business was a challenge I was prepared to take on because I strongly believed it could work,” she concludes.” I just want to be the best that I can be?

Top 3 tips for event managers

Be passionate about the event and put the customer's needs first.
Add the extra touch to bring that 'buzz' to take the event a step further.
Have a wide supplier base in order to ensure that your client's individual needs are met no matter how complex.

PRIORITY AFRICA - Higher Education

2008-09-15T09:00:00.000+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Higher Education - Click here for this week’s top video clips

2008 business ranking: Four African countries rated high

2008-09-12T08:00:00.002+01:00

2008 business ranking: Four African countries rated high

Three African countries, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, are among the world’s top 10 reformers of business regulations this year, according to a World Bank report. The report, released on Wednesday in Abuja, ranked Nigeria 118 among the 181 countries surveyed on the ease of doing business and 91 on the ease of starting a business.

According to the report, it takes 31 days to start a business in Nigeria. The “Doing Business 2009 Report’’ said Africa had a record year for regulatory reforms with 28 countries completing 58 reforms which focused on easing business transactions.

The report identified the top 10 as Azerbaijan, Albania, the Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Egypt.

The report, the sixth in the annual series, said post conflict countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Rwanda were among Africa’s most active reformers in 2008.

According to the report, Senegal made it easier to start a business, register property, and trade across borders.

Burkina Faso, it said, introduced a new labour code and reforms for registering property, dealing with construction permits and paying taxes.

“Botswana cut the time to start a business, facilitated trade, and strengthened investor protections, ‘’ the report added.

“With more reforms of business regulations in Africa than in any previous year, we are seeing many countries get inspiration from their neighbours about how to reform.

“Increasingly, countries in the region are committing to reform agendas that make it easier to do business,’’ Sabine Hertveldt, a co-author of the report, said.

“Among regions, Eastern Europe and Central Asia led in reforms of business regulations for a fifth consecutive year, with more than 90 per cent of its countries making improvements,’’ it said.

Mauritius, the report noted, ranked highest in Africa on the ease of doing business.

“Mauritius moved up to 24 in the global rankings on the regulatory ease of doing business and continues to provide inspiration for reform and good practices to other economies across Africa,’’ the report said.

South Africa at 32, was the runner-up in the overall rankings followed by Botswana at 38.

Singapore led the global rankings on the overall regulatory ease of doing business for a third consecutive year, followed by New Zealand with the U.S. placing third.

PRIORITY AFRICA - Africa and Japan

2008-09-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Africa and Japan - Click here for the most popular videos

Alex Amosu / Nigerian Dragon’s Den

2008-09-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

Alex Amosu enters the Nigerian Dragon’s Den. London entrepreneur sits on panel of top African TV show

By Joel Campbell

SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR Alexander Amosu has predicted Dragon’s Den Nigeria will be a huge success when the show is aired next month.

Currently filming the first series of five, Amosu told The Voice that the interest being shown by budding entrepreneurs is overwhelming.

The businessman, who first came to prominence after launching Urban Ringtones, said he was glad to be involved in taking the popular programme to Africa and insisted he was chomping at the bit to support any business proposal which could go on to be a success.

He enthused: "Not in a negative way, but to some degree I am a bit worried about the exposure I will probably get. Everything so far has been great and I have made two investments which I'll speak more about when the show airs. Some of the presentations have been really good but I must say that some of them have been really bad as well."

The show is set to be shown across Africa at the end of August and it has been rumoured that BEN TV will be airing the show in the

Amosu was originally approached to participate in the

version of Dragon's Den but the timing of the show meant he was unable to take part. Having been impressed by his CV, when the concept of taking Dragon's Den to Africa arose, the show's producers approached Amosu to be a dragon on the show.

It was an opportunity Amosu says was too good to miss. He said: "Dragon's Den is owned by Sony and when they decided to do it in

Nigeria

they called me and said they wanted me to be involved and I agreed. It was a fantastic opportunity."

Amosu recently picked up an award for the London borough of Haringey's best entrepreneur of the year. The 29-year-old says he was shocked to win the accolade but his business exploits obviously impressed the judges.

Explaining how he came to be a successful enough to warrant a place on the Dragon's Den

Nigeria

panel, he said: "I was a bit surprised. I won the award .but it was nice to do so. I have been in business since I was twelve, doing different things but I think most people will know me for launching the first Urban Ringtones company at the age of 24. That company turned over £1.6m in the first year and in the four years of me having it, we turned over £6.3m. Then I sold it 2004 for a lot of money and I think people know me best for that. I have been labeled 'lord of the ringtones' and even the American press call me the Motown of ring tones because I was one of the first people to start that type of business”.

Amosu has strong views on what it takes to be a success and points to desire and a hard work ethic as key ingredients for anyone to possess if they want to achieve the best they can. One area of particular concern for Amosu is the lack of black businessmen and women who are doing well. The paucity of top performers is an area he feels his community must address.

He said: "We all can't be leaders and we all can't be followers but I do think there aren't enough black entrepreneurs in terms of people coming out and being very successful. In

America

you can reel names off the top of your head but over here you're struggling. Who is the Alan Sugar of the black community? There isn't one and that is what is frustrating and that is what I think we should create. There is one or two of us in the rich list but not enough of us doing anything that is dominant. So for me I am hoping some of the things I am doing will encourage more people to get involved in business, and hopefully we will get those names up there."

PRIORITY AFRICA - Science and Technology

2008-09-01T09:00:00.002+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Science and Technology - Watch a funny movie here

Nathalie Hall / Salute Skincare

2008-08-27T08:00:00.001+01:00

Leap of faith saved my skin. Source Sonia Brown/Let's talk Business - New Nation 11.08.2008

AS CONSUMERS demand more healthy and ethical natural hair and skin care products, the sector is becoming an increasingly popular option for business start-ups.

Natalie Hall is one such entrepreneur who is making her venture a success. You cannot miss Natalie Hall when she walks into a room. This formidable woman means business! One look at her and it all makes sense. This is skin to die for!

The surprising thing about her business is that it was not something she had set her heart on doing.

She was going through a difficult time personally with a broken relationship, children to raise on her own, and a house to move out of.

It was in the midst of these trials that she decided she needed a holiday to sort herself out.

During her holfday, Natalie kept getting compliments about the condition of her skin and people just kept asking for advice.

Her mother suggested that Natalie produce her home made products on a commercial basis to raise some much needed income until she decided what she wanted to do with her life.

'That is how Salute Skincare was born' explains Natalie. 'I knew my mother was right so I had to create a range that was high quality, professional and affordable’.

Natalie partnered with a

laboratory. 'They that came up with the ingredients and helped with the manufacturing side of things to ensure that we adhered to the strict regulatory standards and my mother proyided the much needed finance.’

'It is very important that you become financially independent as a woman and mother' she continued. 'It's about giving yourself permission to dream and then doing the work to makes it happen. It also helps that my mother is my biggest cheerleader’.

'There are always opportunities to set up a business based on something you do everyday' she concludes.

'I am now living a fulfilled life that not only supports my famify but gives back to society without damaging it. This is a family affair. My youngest daughter now wants me to launch a coconut range for children. Taking the leap of faith is definitely worth it:

For further information visit, www.saluteskincare.co.uk

Xina Broderick / Nature's Parlour

2008-08-26T09:00:00.002+01:00

Come into my parlour - Source Sonai Brown/New Nation 11.08.2008

Stranded in

Spain

with no husband, Xina Broderick needed to make money fast!

Selling Mary Kay products was not going to cut it so, tapping into her entrepreneurial reserves, she realised her villa was the perfect setting to provide pampering sessions to local women. Herbal treatments, healthy meals, yoga by the pool - total bliss!

But she knew she had to come back to the

to sort out her life, finances and growing young son. With a love of all things natural, Xina decided that she wanted natural products for her 'locs' but found it very difficult to find products or information in the

. Her research bought her to the attention of a consultant in the

who wrote articles on natural hair care and more importantly, sold organic products.

Xina quickly realised there was a gap in the

market for these products. As fate would have it, she was unable to sell her friends products but, through her extensive research, she was able to buy products in bulk and sell them on to friends and family. As demand grew for these products she realised that she had.

found her business niche and formally set up Nature's Parlour, the only website in the world which sells natural and organic personal care products for all races.

'Self employment' offers me the flexibility to combine motherhood and entrepreneurship' says Xina. 'I raised every single penny for the business then set up the web site, distribution channels and marketing campaign’.

It's obvious that everything in her life has led her to this moment. Xina says she always had her fingers in the entrepreneurial pie whilst studying for her business degree.

Whether it was her ironing service or CV service, she now knows that Nature's Padour has provided her with something that she is passionate about.

'I feel a great sense of achievement when people tell me that they like the look of Nature's Parlour and they love the products we sell. It means that my hard work really has paid off and it’s no longer just something that's personal to me but it's also a business that others enjoy too’.

'I do work long hours but I am setting myself up for the future. My son and new husband are very understanding and supportive', concludes Xina. 'I want to move into manufacturing my own range of products in the near future’.

For further information visit www.naturesparlour.co.uk

PRIORITY AFRICA - Misconceptions and Challenges

2008-08-25T09:00:00.002+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Misconceptions and Challenges - The best video clips are here

The SAT-3/WASC cable

2008-08-22T13:55:00.005+01:00

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable

By Abiodun Jagun (APC)
Glasgow, May 2008

Submarine cables serving Africa in 2007 (APC)

This study examining the impact the SAT-3 fibre optic submarine cable has had on telecommunications in four African countries has found that the potential of the cable has not been properly exploited. Instead, ownership of the cable by telecoms incumbents in the countries researched has reinforced their market positions.

The study analyses the effect ownership of the South Atlantic 3/West Africa Submarine Cable (SAT-3/WASC) has had on the communications markets in Angola, Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal. It focuses on the ‘Africa section’ of the submarine cable –running along the west coast of Africa down to southern Africa– with a specific emphasis on access and cost.

It recommends fresh measures to liberalise the telecommunications markets in the four countries, with the specific aim of opening up access to SAT-3 to more operators, so that its real potential can be realised in Africa.

The study consists of a briefing and four country case studies:

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable – a briefing by Abiodun Jagun

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable – Angola case study by Russell Southwood

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable – Senegal case study by Ben Akoh

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable – Cameroon case study by Peter Lange

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable – Ghana case study by Eric Osiakwan

APC study
African submarine cable SAT-3 sustains monopolies

PRIORITY AFRICA - Information Communications Technology

2008-08-22T09:00:00.003+01:00

PRIORITY AFRICA - Information Communications Technology - Watch today’s top amazing videos here

Rwanda Paul Kigali (Pt. 2) - Entrepreneur President

2008-08-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

UK Meet on Africa and Business

2008-07-17T22:47:00.003+01:00

UK MEET ON AFRICA AND BUSINESS - The best bloopers are a click away

How to write a killer business plan (2/2)

2008-07-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

SELL YOURSELF

Not all business plans are written to attract investors, but those that are really need to reel in the money men and make you sound like the next Richard Branson. "You need to excite the reader," says Jones. "Give them something real and viable to believe and invest in. Think maximum impact and minimum fluff." McCausland concurs. "They want to know about your track record," he says, "Even if you've worked in corporate and you've done this project and that project, it all helps give you credibility, because, ultimately, your backers are investing in you:'

KEEP IT BRIEF

"I personally believe a good business plan can be written in three pages," says Jones. "Reveal your passion, drive and determination, plus a clear snapshot of the business." Kaday agrees: "When people hear the term 'business plan' they think of a huge, thumping document, but it doesn't have to be." Kaday believes a key highlight should be your 'elevator speech', your one-line sell about what it is that you do. "Mine is that I help people make their first million," he adds. "That's pretty clear:'

"GIVE YOUR POTENTIAL INVESTORS SOMETHING REAL AND VIABLE TO BELIEVE AND INVEST IN"

KEEP IT PRACTICAL

If your business plan is intended for your own use only, it will work best if it clearly sets out your goals for the next 12 months. "Include things like how you plan on marketing your product," says Kaday, who sold his own marketing company to a

firm in 2001. "That's extremely important; you need to know how much time and money you're going to spend on making people aware of what it is you're selling:' You also need an action plan, a month-by-month breakdown of what it is you're going to do. "It should be possible to write a plan that actually looks like your business is up and running before you've even started," he says.

How to write a killer business plan (1/2)

2008-07-04T08:00:00.003+01:00

Read on Shortlist.com

Whether you're selling Mr Whippy to day-trippers or private jets to sheikhs, a clear set of goals can help your new venture from nosediving six minutes in.

WHY BOTHER?

Would you start building a house without plans? Or dismantle your carburetor without some book-based back-up from Mr. Haynes? No, and yet, according to business mentor Chris Kaday, around 90 per cent of business start-ups 'forget' to get anything down on paper. "For some reason, people find it hard to do," says Kaday, "but you've got to have one, and it's got to be in writing."

Dragons' Den mainstay - and multimillionaire, of course - Peter Jones agrees: "A business plan is crucial. You need it to make sure that you have a direction, prioritise tasks, manage goals and attract investment"

And remember to ensure that everybody is clear on who owns what - goodwill isn't enough if a partnership runs into trouble. 02 and the Law Society have drawn up a checklist for a partnership agreement (like a pre-nup). The 'SME-nup' can be downloaded at 02blueroom.co.uk.

WRITE A MISSION STATEMENT

There is no hard-and-fast rule about how to create a business plan, but many people, including property millionaire Gary McCausland, author of How To Make A Million From Property, prefer to begin with a bold statement of intent. "I like to think big in my mission statements," says McCausland, founder of the Richland Group, "as if I have plans for it to be the biggest corporation in the world." And remember, some of the biggest companies on the planet started out in bedrooms and garages. "Steve Jobs' mission statement from day one was, 'I want to be the biggest computer company in the world'," he adds, "and that's pretty much what he's done with Apple."

KNOW YOUR PLACE IN THE MARKET

"You have to know what your proposition is," says Kaday. "What exactly are you offering? And be specific - maybe you're going to supply kitchens to upper-class people. Write down why people would buy this product or service, why they would buy it from you, and how what you're doing is different to everyone else." Kaday says that "everyone and his wife" now has a back-room enterprise flogging printer ink to eBay customers and turning over a few hundred quid, but wonders why anyone would take on the likes of PC World, "You have to have a unique selling point," he says. "What's your niche? Maybe you're a niche within a niche."

The O2 X Awards for Entrepreneurs

2008-07-03T11:03:00.002+01:00

WIN £10,000 IN THE O2 X AWARDS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

02 has begun its nationwide search for the finest small businesses in the

. The ultimate winner will take away £10.000 and be promoted within the national media. Entry is quick and simple and could lead to an extraordinary profile boost for your small enterprise.

The 02 X Awards are set up to reward inspiring, small enterprises and help take them to another level. We are looking for companies with a technology or innovation basis - inspiring enterprises that change the way we live. Time is running out for entries (closing date is 1 September), so enter your business now for a chance to have your achievements recognised at the 02 X Awards at The 02 in London in October 2008, where you could potentially walk away with the £10,000 prize money.

How to enter: Fancy your chances? Visit O2 X Awards 2008 and download entry details, forms and judging criteria. Terms and conditions apply.

2008 African Business Awards Nominees’ shortlist

2008-07-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

The Awards ceremony is sponsored by Zenith Bank.

2008 African Business Awards Nominees’ shortlist

Business Leader of the Year

Aliko Dangote (Dangote Group)

Arnold Ekpe (Ecobank)

Tony Elumulu, (UBA Bank)

Patrice Motsepe (African Rainbow Minerals)

Issad Rebrab (Cevital)

Nassef Sawiris (Sawiris Group / Orascom Group)

Recognition of Leading Contribution From Business woman

Sylvia Banda (Sylva Food Solutions)

Cecilia Ibru (Oceanic Bank)

Wendy Luhabu, (IDC)

Nku Nyembezi-Hweita (CEO ArcelorMittal SA)

Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke (

Nigeria

Stock Exchange)

Evelyn Oputu (Bank of industry)

African Business of the Year

Celtel (Zain) (Pan-African)

Ecobank (

Togo

)

MTN (

South Africa

)

Orascom Construction Industries (

Egypt

)

Poulina Group (

Tunisia

)

Safaricom (

Kenya

)

Best Global Business in Africa

Anglo-American Coca Cola

Diageo

Dubai World

Renaissance Capital

Tata

Best SME

Africa Invest (

Malawi

) Afsat (

Kenya

)

Good African Coffee Company (

Uganda

)

Innoson (

Nigeria

)

Jem Afrik creations (

Uganda

)

Telecoms Company

Celtel (Zain) Gateway

Glo

MTN

Orascom Telecom

Safaricom

Airline of the Year

Afriqiyah Ethiopian Airways

Kenyan Airways

Royal Air Maroc

South Africa

Airways

Virgin

Nigeria

Brand of the Year

Celtel (Zain)

Ecobank

MTN

Zenith Bank

Best Corporate Citizenship/Social Responsibility

Bamburi Cement Debswana

Diageo

Standard Chartered

Fidelity Bank

Leader in Contributing to Achieving MDG

Anglo-American Diageo

IDC

MyC4

Leader in social innovation

Al Nafeza -

Egypt

Association of Women in Development Experts –

Ghana

COBATI (Community Based Tourism Initiative) –

Uganda

Small Enterprise Foundation –

South Africa

Award for Gender Sensitivity

Access Bank Anglo-American

Banque Populaire pour la Promotion de la femme

Goldman Sachs

Standard Chartered Bank

Leader in Reducing Digital Divide

Afsat Regenersis

Submarine Cable

Unido & Microsoft

Award for Technological Innovation

Ecobank

CMC

Malaria Engage

Microsoft

My C4

Ecobank’s Arnold Ekpe for top African business award

2008-07-02T10:42:00.000+01:00

Ecobank’s Arnold Ekpe for top African business award

By Daily Express

On the day hundreds of personalities will be decorated with the now seemingly controversial National Honours, Africa’s topmost business leaders and other company representatives will also gather at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London for the African Business Awards 2008.

Designed to celebrate the great strides the continent has made in the world of business, the African Business Awards according to the organisers is also an opportunity “to contribute to the acceleration of the rapidly transforming business landscape in Africa by celebrating entrepreneurial excellence, promoting world-class best practices in business.”

Organised by the African Business Magazine under the patronage of the Commonwealth Business Council and supported by the African Development Bank, the awards ceremony is expected to create global visibility for Africa’s business brands.

Among the potential honours list would be the Group Chief Executive of the Ecobank Group, Arnold Ekpe who has been nominated together with five other equally deserving business leaders for the African Business Leader category.

As Chief Executive of Africa’s foremost and largest regional banking group, Mr. Ekpe is in the reckoning for the topmost award. The Ecobank is not only operating in 22 African countries now, but has also under Mr. Ekpe’s leadership grown into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and brands.

Also nominated for the 2008 African Business Leader Award are Aliko Dangote of the Dangote Group, Tony Elumulu (UBA Bank), Patrice Motsepe (African Rainbow Minerals), Issad Rebrab (Cevital) and Nassef Sawiris (Sawiris Group/Orascom Group).

The African Business Leader Award is intended for a business leader who has shown particular skill in taking their business forward. He or she may be from a large organisation which has required guidance and leadership during a period of expansion or hardship or an entrepreneur who has managed to turn an idea into a dream, overcoming tough hurdles on the way.

The criteria also includes the “development of new markets, especially where these meet the needs of ordinary citizens and poorer consumers at the bottom of the pyramid, addressing new challenges and opportunities in market conditions, and ensuring high standards of good corporate citizenship in the companies which he/she has led through personal leadership and example.

The CBC-African Business Awards 2008 will be graced by Heads of government, Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Corporate Directors, Policy Makers, Legislators, Government Officials, Diplomats and many more.

The only Ghanaian entity nominated for an award is the Association of Women in Development Experts –

Ghana

. They have been nominated in the Leader in Social innovation category, which recognises an individual/organisation which is making lasting change to the community through business initiatives.

Afriac Invest 7min [ENG]

2008-07-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

Africa Invest 7min [ENG]
Vidéo envoyée par Ooqoo_Afrique

Looking for a new administrator to join the OOQOO team

2008-07-01T11:00:00.002+01:00

Dear members of the Ooqoo UK Business Network.

We are looking at the moment for members who would be interested in joining in the management of this Hub.

Our goal is double:

Keep our members of any news, opportunities, information related to African business, and business with Africa.
Moreover, in a very near future is to organise quarterly meetings that would be the occasion for us to exchange business experiences, make great contacts and grow.

The person who would be interested in joining the management team would:

be prepared to publish at least 2 posts/article or videos a month,
and endeavour to keep the group informed of any news, or piece of information that could be of any interest to the members, tthrough the Viadeo Africa - Ooqoo Uk Forum and the Ooqoo Uk Blog.

This role, on a voluntary basis is very rewarding because your Viadeo profile will be well known by more than thousand people in the world.

If you are interested, please contact Francis.

Many thanks

Sabrina

African Diaspora Business Ventures

2008-07-01T08:00:00.002+01:00

WB, Devt Partners Support African Diaspora Business Ventures

The first Development Marketplace for the African Diaspora in Europe (D-MADE) ended in Brussels last Thursday with a total jury award of close to a million dollars for sixteen investment projects in Africa, with support from the World Bank and other development partners.

The winning projects will be implemented in 11 African countries, including

Mali

(4),

Cote d'Ivoire

(2)

Benin

(2) and one each for

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

, Democratic Republic of Congo,

Ethiopia

Madagascar

Malawi

Sierra Leone

, and

Togo

The winners were selected from a group of 68 finalists who presented projects that a 24-person jury deemed innovative, sustainable, replicable and based on sound business principles. The sixteen winners currently live in seven European countries:

Belgium

France

Ireland

Italy

, the

Netherlands

Switzerland

and the

United Kingdom

The D-MADE initiative was launched in 2007 to allow entrepreneurs from the African diaspora in Europe to participate in the development of their countries. Over 500 business proposals were submitted for consideration, with sixty-eight of them shortlisted for the second round of assessment.

A knowledge exchange forum which preceded the awards event provided a platform for D-MADE promoters, financial institutions and business development service providers to explore partnerships and business opportunities for the D-MADE finalists.

The projects ranged from the processing of raw cashew nuts for export in

Ghana

to introducing new technologies to remote rural areas for use in medical situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Eleni Gabre-Madhin: Building a commodities market in Ethiopia

2008-06-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: How to help Africa? Do business there

2008-06-27T08:00:00.001+01:00

Business teacher creates, sells ethnic trivia game

2008-06-26T08:00:00.000+01:00

Glen Burnie man saw a need for a family-oriented contest on African-American facts
Daryl Penn

Daryl Penn has created the African-American Edition interactive DVD game Are You Sure? and sold more than 300 copies. (Sun photo by AndrÃ© F. Chung / June 19, 2008)

By Susan Gvozdas | The Baltimore Sun

Like many people, Daryl Penn liked to bring out games such as Scene It? or Family Feud during weekend get-togethers. But the fun started to fizzle as the 38-year-old business teacher at Old Mill High School realized that few of the questions tapped into the history or culture of African-Americans.

After one family get-together last year, Penn went shopping for a game that featured African-American trivia.

He couldn't find any on store shelves.

So Penn, an entrepreneur from a family of educators in Anne Arundel County, decided to create one.

He invested $25,000 to produce 1,000 copies of Are You Sure? Since its release April 28, he has sold more than 300 copies of the game, which costs $34.99. He figures he needs to sell about 800 copies to break even, so now that school is out, he plans to market it as aggressively as possible.

Penn, of Glen Burnie, has approached black fraternities and sororities in several states and is recommending the game as a fundraiser to a church in Pennsylvania. He plans to run commercials locally on cable. Eventually, he would like to see the game sold nationally in a large retail store.

"For me, the game is really for families, for the bonding," Penn said.

The DVD game is modeled on popular ones such as the movie trivia game Scene It?, which shows a question on a television screen and allows players to select an answer using a remote control.

Sometimes after an answer is selected, players see a clip of one of Penn's family members asking, "Are you sure?" Players then get a second chance to change their answer before the game shows them the correct one. The "Are You Sure?" clip plays regardless of whether the player selected the right answer - one of Penn's classroom techniques to challenge students to stand behind their position.

The game keeps score for two teams of players and features three rounds. Penn and his sister, Shayne Allen, came up with 200 questions. During the past school year, Penn hired 10 students to develop and research the rest of the 600 multiple-choice questions and answers. He also used students as focus groups to test the fun factor.

"They wanted it to be longer," Penn said.

His mother, Hattie Penn, who is featured in the game along with his sister and daughter, said the student collaboration gives the game a modern twist. It doesn't focus just on famous inventors or figures from early American history, but also on entertainers and politicians from the more recent past, with such questions as "Who was the first African-American Formula One driver?" (Lewis Hamilton) to "Who was the voice of Darth Vader?" ( James Earl Jones).

"This is a great tool for young people," said Hattie Penn, who lives in Millersville after 32 years of teaching in Anne Arundel County schools.

Penn's father, Larry Penn, also is a former educator. He currently works as a human resources specialist for the school system. Shayne Allen is a guidance counselor at Magothy Middle School.

Penn served in the Army Reserve for four years after he graduated with a business degree from Bowie State University in 1993. He later became a mortgage broker before becoming a teacher in 1998. He earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction online last year through the University of Phoenix.

Penn formed his own company, Jornic DVD Games. The name is an amalgam of his children's names, Jordan and Darian Nicole. Penn plans to release single-subject spinoffs of the game - entertainment and sports - over the next few years.

The county public school system has approved use of the game as a supplemental learning tool to classroom instruction, said Maneka Wade, a school system spokeswoman. An African-American studies class at Old Mill High School will be using the game during class.

The game has struck a chord with members of his target audience. Teresa Johnson, a black owner of T-Van Mortgage Solutions in Ellicott City, bought 48 copies of the game to send to customers who regularly entertain. She said her family enjoyed playing the game so much on Mother's Day and Father's Day that three relatives bought their own copies.

"I think different ethnicities love to see things geared to them," Johnson said. "This is just for us."

Andrew Mwenda (2007)

2008-06-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

Andrew Mwenda (2007)
Vidéo envoyée par tedtalks

In this provocative talk, journalist Andrew Mwenda asks us to reframe the "African question" -- to look beyond the media's stories of poverty, civil war and helplessness and see the opportunities for creating wealth and happiness throughout the continent. Most important, he says, the solution to Africa's problems is not more aid.

Africa Invest 2min [ENG]

2008-06-24T08:00:00.001+01:00

Africa Invest 2min [ENG]
Vidéo envoyée par Ooqoo_Afrique

Euvin Naidoo: Africa as an investment

2008-06-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

naomba.com - east african internet portal

2008-06-20T08:00:00.001+01:00

Africa Open for Business - Senegal

2008-06-18T08:00:00.001+01:00

Africa Open For Business DVD Trailer

2008-06-16T08:00:00.004+01:00

Microfinance in Morocco VA

2008-06-13T12:03:00.002+01:00

Microfinance in Morocco VA
Vidéo envoyée par PlanetFinance

Microfinance in Morocco 2005

English version

35 % of the 30 million inhabitants of Morocco still live below the absolute threshold of poverty. In Morocco, the microfinance sector has been developing at fast pace since the 1990s. Microcredit is now an essential instrument in the struggle against poverty and exclusion. As of June 30th 2005, 13 national microfinance institutions served more than 500 000 active customers, among whom 75 % of women, with a repayment rate of more than 98 %. PlaNet Finance Maroc supports the Moroccan microfinance sector. More information on: www.planetfinance.org.

The Richard Heinberg Interview - Part 2

2008-06-05T08:00:00.002+01:00

The Richard Heinberg Interview - Part 2
Vidéo envoyée par OneWorldTV

Richard Heinberg is an American journalist and educator who has written extensively on ecological issues, including Peak Oil. He is the author of numerous books on the subject.

In this interview he talks about why oil is such an important energy supply, our dependency on it and what will happen once supplies start to dwindle.

African Business Awards 2008

2008-06-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

To celebrate the great strides that the Continent has made in the world of business,

IC Publications, publishers since 1966 of African

Business and New African and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), are proud to announce the first

CBC-African Business Awards 2008, which will take place in London at a Gala Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on the 3rd July 2008.

The event will acknowledge the contribution of the African business sector which plays a crucial role in the realisation of the African century. It will provide an opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence and to promote world-class best practices in the accelerating business landscape in Africa. It will also aim to create global visibility for successful African brands, African Business leaders and companies.

The CBC-African Business Awards 2008 ceremony will be attended by Heads of government, Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Corporate Directors, Policy Makers, Legislators, Government Officials, Diplomats and Journalists.

An independent panel of judges will select the winners and runners-up from a list of nominees in each of the 16 categories including African Business of the Year and African Business Leader of the Year. The choices will reward those companies and individuals who have contributed to the economic development of Africa and raised its profile in the global business community.

Dr Mohan Kaul, CBC Director General, said “The Awards will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and encourage our business leaders to aspire to become world pace-setters”.

Omar Ben Yedder, Associate Group Publisher of IC Publications added “We believe that the African business sector plays a crucial role in the realisation of the African century and the awards will highlight the achievements of African businesses at home and worldwide.”

The awards ceremony forms part of the annual G8 Africa Business Forum 3-4 July which is organized by the CBC, Business Action for Africa and the United Nations Office for Partnerships. The Forum will be chaired by Paul Skinner, Chairman of Rio Tinto and the CBC. Confirmed speakers include African Heads of Government, British ministers and global business leaders.

IC Publications is the leading publisher for Africa and the Middle East. Founded in 1957, with its headquarters in London and offices in Paris and New York, we publish business and current affairs magazines, newsletters, supplements and special reports on Africa and the Middle East.

New African, African Business, The Middle East and New African, le magazine de l’Afrique (in French) have a reputation for editorial excellence, cutting edge reporting and integrity and are known for their independent, objective and balanced reporting. They cover government, business, social and cultural development in emerging markets. IC Publications also publishes African Banker, a year old magazine on banking and finance in Africa, and organises the two majors annual events to promote banking and business in Africa: African Banker Awards and African Business Awards.

The Richard Heinberg Interview - Part 1

2008-06-03T08:00:00.004+01:00

The Richard Heinberg Interview - Part 1
Vidéo envoyée par OneWorldTV

28-30 May Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV)

2008-05-26T17:00:00.000+01:00

TICAD stands for "Tokyo International Conference on African Development". But it is more than a conference.

TICAD has become a major global framework for Asia and Africa to collaborate in promoting Africa's development.

The first Tokyo Conference was held in 1993 and ushered in a continuing process of support for Africa and consensus-building around African development priorities. That process was bolstered with a second Tokyo conference in 1998.

06-08 May Agro-industry 2008, Dar es Salaam, Tanzanie

2008-05-04T17:00:00.000+01:00

Agro-Industry 2008 is a major sector partnership meeting (SPM) and a significant business-to-business (B2B) event, under the EU-SADC Investment Promotion Programme (ESIPP). Agro-Industry 2008 aims to develop sustainable and meaningful trade, business and investment partnerships between enterprises in Southern Africa (SADC) and the EU/3rd Countries. This is a once-off strategic opportunity and will not be repeated again for some time.

Africa calling (5/5) - Natasha Elva Wanyeki

2008-04-30T08:30:00.000+01:00

Centuries ago Africa was forced to dispel its children to what is no the Caribbean. But some daughters of the soil are returning to find welcoming arms and their place in the sun. Five Caribbean women talk to Lisa-Anne Julien about making Africa their home. "Really, Africa is not that far, just look across the Atlantic from the Caribbean. You can almost see it," urges one of the new arrivals. Source: New African, April 2008

Natasha Elva Wanyeki, a social researcher and consultant. From St Lucia to Kenya.

Natasha Elva Wanyeki's childhood in St Lucia was filled with all things innocent and all things Caribbean; the rolling hills above the meandering rivers which eventually emptied into the emerald waters of the Caribbean, were her playground. Little black girls were dark, fair, brown and all the colours in-between. They had nappy, kinky or wavy hair. No further stratification was necessary; they all belonged to the Caribbean family.

Then Natasha left St Lucia in 1994 for undergraduate study in the UK, and life (and the issue of identity) suddenly became very interesting, albeit a little more complex.

"My linkage to an African identity was developed away from the Caribbean while at university in England and France," Natasha says. "I explored theories of Negritude, Antillanité and Creolité and dived into writers such as Senghor, Rodney, Cesaire and Fanon and started to realise alternatives within my understanding of my identity as a black St Lucian woman."

Natasha, 34, met her Kenyan husband, Ian, while studying in Grenoble, France.

Natasha Elva Wanyeki's African Identity was I developed away from the caribbean while at university in England and France. They trotted the globe for a few years, taking in South America, England and Canada before deciding in 2002 to move to Kenya.

Although Kenya is many times the size of St Lucia and much more cosmopolitan, the mood, energy and spirit of the country reminds Natasha of home. "I had previously visited Kenya with Ian and I liked it very much," she says. "I love the rich, vibrant red of the soil, the beautiful landscapes, the breathtaking Rift Valley and Mombasa."

Natasha's Swahili is now good enough for her to confidently claim to be Kenyan, although this claim is never easily digested by locals, despite their warmth and welcoming gestures. A fact which doesn't bother Natasha too much, as her Caribbean identity is as fierce as it has ever been.

"The longer one stays away, the more important it becomes to link one's identity to the place left," she explains.” And the easier it becomes to forget the reasons for having left; my childhood and early adulthood are constants, reminding me that home is still essentially St Lucia."

When Natasha is not spending quality time with her husband and two young children, Muchemi and Wanjiku, picnicking, camping and exploring the great Kenyan outdoors, she works as a UN consultant principally in planning and conducting research and analysis on the impact of HIV/Aids. She focuses primarily on orphans and vulnerable children.

"This is a very crucial area of development programming for Eastern and southern Africa," Natasha explains. "It becomes increasingly important in the context of HIVIAids, given its deleterious effect on families." Consulting at this time is convenient for Natasha since she wants to focus on being a mother. "My most notable achievement has been my ability and willingness to suspend full-time work to take care of my two children," she says. "Especially since society judges women poorly if we choose to be employed in the home."

St Lucian, Kenyan, globetrotter, stay-at-home mother, consultant, wife - Natasha has proven that the world is her canvas where she paints her reality the way she likes.

Ooqoo Uk

First Ooqoo Meeting in London

Phila Thikazi [2/2]

Phila Thikazi [1/2]

Saoti Finance on line

Sebastien Negy | Insurance Broker, Tanzania

Dinah Binah | Florist, Tanzania

Stani Muke | Graphic Designer & Animator, Dr Congo

Gaulphine Nyirenda | Bookseller, Malawi

Elise Bates-Williams, Hair stylist, Nigeria

Sylvie Banda | Restauranteur, Zambia

Francis Oghuma | Entertainment Promoter, nigeria

James Caan | Ethnic Minorities Business Task Force

Laban Roomes | Goldgenie

Libya's wireless web access leap

Black high­flyers are still hitting glass ceiling

A beginner’s Guide to Wealth Creation [2/2]

A beginner’s Guide to Wealth Creation [1/2]

Small Business Suffering? The Solution Is Patience!

"Reputation and credibilty for your business" by J. Germain [2/2]

"Reputation and credibilty for your business" by J. Germain [1/2]

Entrepreneur: Nadine Harding / Curl Harmony

Sheila Elliott’s Tips for success

How to build a great business / Sheila Elliott

Be the Inspiration

Black women now outstrip whites on pay

One Laptop per Child : Zimi's Story FULL

Get your message heard

101CityDel / Oliver Parker

Mads Kjaer, Founder and CEO of MyC4

Marcia Hutchinson / Primary Colours

To Be an Entrepreneur

The Real Deal - James Caan (From Dragon's Den)

10 questions to O. Couturier / African Secure Invest Ltd

Partnership To Support Entrepreneurs in Africa

Wake Up and Change Your Life - Duncan Bannatyne

PRIORITY AFRICA - Gender Equality

Internet Marketing – Nigel T. Packer

PRIORITY AFRICA - Climate Change

Kanya King / MOBO

Christine Brewster / Delpeche Events

PRIORITY AFRICA - Higher Education

2008 business ranking: Four African countries rated high

PRIORITY AFRICA - Africa and Japan

Alex Amosu / Nigerian Dragon’s Den

PRIORITY AFRICA - Science and Technology

Nathalie Hall / Salute Skincare

Xina Broderick / Nature's Parlour

PRIORITY AFRICA - Misconceptions and Challenges

The SAT-3/WASC cable

The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable

PRIORITY AFRICA - Information Communications Technology

Rwanda Paul Kigali (Pt. 2) - Entrepreneur President

UK Meet on Africa and Business

How to write a killer business plan (2/2)

How to write a killer business plan (1/2)

The O2 X Awards for Entrepreneurs

2008 African Business Awards Nominees’ shortlist

Ecobank’s Arnold Ekpe for top African business award

Afriac Invest 7min [ENG]

Looking for a new administrator to join the OOQOO team

African Diaspora Business Ventures

Eleni Gabre-Madhin: Building a commodities market in Ethiopia

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: How to help Africa? Do business there

Business teacher creates, sells ethnic trivia game

Andrew Mwenda (2007)

Africa Invest 2min [ENG]

Euvin Naidoo: Africa as an investment

naomba.com - east african internet portal

Africa Open for Business - Senegal

Africa Open For Business DVD Trailer

Microfinance in Morocco VA

The Richard Heinberg Interview - Part 2

African Business Awards 2008

The Richard Heinberg Interview - Part 1

28-30 May Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV)

06-08 May Agro-industry 2008, Dar es Salaam, Tanzanie

Africa calling (5/5) - Natasha Elva Wanyeki

Black highflyers are still hitting glass ceiling