Phila Thikazi [2/2]

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]

A dream for Phila

 

BY Maxine Myers

How a South African migrant to the UK 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 UK 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

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.

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Sebastien Negy | Insurance Broker, Tanzania

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

SEBASTIEN NEGY, INSURANCE BROKER, TANZANIA

Set goals and go after them.

Value your customers - deliver what you promise.

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

Courtesy By BBC NEWS

Dinah Binah | Florist, Tanzania

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

DINAH BINAH, FLORIST, TANZANIA

You have to network, network, network.

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

Stani Muke | Graphic Designer & Animator, Dr Congo

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

STANI MUKE, GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ANIMATOR, DR CONGO

 

Stani Muke, Graphic Designer, DR Congo

Stani Muke set up a successful graphic animations 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 and private sector.

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

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

Gaulphine Nyirenda | Bookseller, Malawi

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

GAULPHINE NYIRENDA, BOOKSELLER, MALAWI

My secret is hard work.

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

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

Elise Bates-Williams, Hair stylist, Nigeria

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

ELISE BATES-WILLIAMS, HAIR STYLIST, NIGERIA

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

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

We started with a small amount - buying two or three 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

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

SYLVIA BANDA, RESTAURANTEUR, ZAMBIA

 

Sylvia Banda, Zambia

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

My advice - persevere.

I remember very well the first day I opened my restaurant.

I did not have any chairs. I did not have any tables.

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’s how my catering business was born.

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

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

Francis Oghuma | Entertainment Promoter, nigeria

What is the secret of success in business? During Africa Economy week, BBC News asked entrepreneurs across the continent to give us 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 wait long enough, the rainy day will come.

Also, putting in the street style works well for me. Formal training can help. But businesses are driven 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

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 UK, 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 UK 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

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

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

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]

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 saying that they wish they had got this book sooner. There are so many books of this kind in the market, I'm sure you are aware, but they are filled with a lot of jargon, but our book talks directly to the reader in a language that they can understand.

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

In relation to the economic downturn there's a chapter in our book called, The Economic Cycle. Yes there is a credit crunch at the present time and yes there is a looming recession, however this is the best time to buy as prices are falling so you'll get the best possible price. 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 definitely the 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 Without a thought of how they will pay it back and then try and invest in get rich quick schemes. We are not advocating any get rich quick schemes because anything that comes easily can be lost easily. Take time to build your wealth because then you will have the mindset and the skills to retain your wealth. Get rich quick schemes arc: great in. the short term, but within two years that person will find themselves in the red again. For those who are closely monitoring their 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 along the way.

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.

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

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.

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

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]

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

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.