As of December 2021, the number of LinkedIn users reached 9.46 million in South Africa. Most people have heard of the on-line networking platform, used by businesses and professionals, called LinkedIn. I know this because there are now over 9.5million personal profiles in South Africa alone and over 800 million globally!!! LinkedIn has been around since 2003 and yet has exploded to these numbers in just the last few years. There has also been a massive explosion of usage since Covid. People have a profile because they think they should but the vast majority of people don’t know how to use it effectively to gain business. That’s because what LinkedIn was created to do and what it can do now are poles apart. From my understanding, LinkedIn was originally set up by a few guys who decided to share their personal and business networks with each other. They then invited their connections to do the same and so it has grown virally. You have probably heard of the general principle of “The Six Degrees of Separation” that says we are no more than six people away from anybody in the world and there have been a number of studies to prove this. It is now recognised that, with LinkedIn, it is nearer three steps away from anyone. Your ability to find and connect with whoever you want in the world is now greater than it has ever been! You know that people source contacts through word of mouth referral – how many times have you recommended your lawyer or web designer? How many times have you had business referred to you through people you know? People are now using LinkedIn to find and connect with their ideal business contacts. They are also checking you out on LinkedIn before contacting you. Your LinkedIn profile even gets found by Google so if you are not on it or utilising it effectively then you are missing MASSIVE opportunities to grow your sales and your businesses! As a Business Coach I started to use LinkedIn to gain business for myself in 2010. It quickly became my main marketing, communication and networking tool. I have had a profile on LinkedIn since 2003 but only ever really used it to connect with colleagues and often only when they had asked to connect with me. I had never proactively used it to gain business. It is the most powerful way to find, connect (in the right way) and engage with your ideal contact. All this from the comfort of your laptop or smart phone anywhere in the world!!! There are really two parts to LinkedIn: 1. Creating a powerful personal profile that gets found, gives value to the reader (a point that is missed by so many people!) and proves your credibility. There is no point going out to try and network if, when people see your profile, it is weak, unprofessional and of no interest to them. I have, in the files section of my free Facebook group, my “9 Points to Creating a Powerful Personal Profile” document (+ a heap of other resources) which we will delve into more, in future articles. You can join the group here: www.facebook.com/groups/linkedinmasterywithandy 2. Your strategy. What you are going to do on a weekly or daily basis to find, connect with (in the right way – have I already mentioned this? ) and engage with your ideal connections. Connect with Andy on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygwynn/ ), start utilising it more effectively and set yourself apart from your competition!!!

The South African Tourism Board stated, “Hiking trails are the best way to experience South Africa’s scenery, sunny climate and outdoor culture – it’s one of the world’s most popular hiking destinations. Whether you like to hike up mountains, along rivers or through valleys, you’re certain to find a perfect route.” The development of tourism routes in the hinterland is a key role of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), bringing unique experiences to visitors while creating valuable job opportunities for local communities. The launch of the Umzumbe River Trail at the Durban ICC on Wednesday, 4 May is the latest hinterland initiative that takes visitors into the heart of the KZN South Coast for an authentic Zulu experience. “There are more than 1 000 registered hiking trails across South Africa’s nine provinces offering visitors an incredibly immersive experience,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of USCT. “Drawing on this popularity, we considered a dedicated KZN South Coast hiking trail the perfect way to provide visitors with an unmatched hinterland excursion that brings in natural and cultural enlightenment along the way. In this way, we’re creating a sustainable rural tourism product that further entrenches the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom as a prime holiday destination.” Those embarking on the Umzumbe River Trail will be given a traditional welcome at the start at Mhlabatshane Dam in Phugashe before a week-long hiking adventure that winds along 70km of spectacular natural landscape. Knowledgeable local trail guides will lead guests, either hiking and biking, while sharing information on the unique geology, flora and fauna of the region as well as the many medicinal uses of plants that have formed part of Zulu culture for centuries. This trail winds across a landscape that is home to six Zulu clans; the eNhlangwini, eMabheleni, KwaCele, KwaNdelu, KwaQwabe and KwaMadlala. Guides will take hikers on detours along the trail to places of interest and privately owned refreshment stops. Every night, visitors will be welcomed into authentic homestays where they get to experience the traditional culture of each of these clans. Drumming, song, dance and storytelling will give insights into a history stretching back to the days of iNkosi uShaka and beyond. Guests will also enjoy the opportunity to venture out and experience the taverns, sights and sounds of nearby villages. The world-renowned skill of local artisans will be showcased through handmade arts and crafts on display. There is so much to ‘sea and do’ on the KZN South Coast! To find out more about the Umzumbe River Trail and other KZN South Coast experiences, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, check out ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, or ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags: #seaanddo #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #subtropicalparadise #kznsouthcoast. (Image: Supplied by USCT) Visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za for more information on tourism offerings

Cox Yeats Attorneys is delighted to announce that the firm has been recognised by The Legal 500 in two categories in 2022, namely Shipping and Transport, and Construction. Through an annual comprehensive research programme, The Legal 500 analyses and ranks the capabilities of law firms across the world. The rankings are based on a series of criteria, but the overall goal is to highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. Its focus is on the bench strength of the team (including partners and associates), and the consistency of quality of the individuals within the team. The research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market. A law firm can only get into the ranking tables and commentary on merit. Cox Yeats is known for its boldness and, over the years, has set industry benchmarks by changing perceptions and giving fresh and innovative counsel. The firm aims to provide practical and imaginative solutions to clients’ problems, and to present what can often be complex topics in clear and non-technical ways. Cox Yeats has developed an excellent reputation in the fields of maritime, international trade and insurance law and deals with all aspects of wet and dry shipping. This includes handling ship arrests and litigation as well as general advisory work. Cox Yeats, managing partner, Andrew Clark heads the maritime, international trade and insurance law team and he is supported by partners Laura Kelly and Tamryn Simpson. All three partners were recognised as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ by The Legal 500. The team is further assisted by associates Slindokuhle Ngwenya and Aideen Ross. The Cox Yeats’ Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure law team has experience in representing professionals in the built environment and large construction companies in South Africa and Africa. The team has developed expertise in a variety of matters affecting the building and construction industries. Cox Yeats has particular expertise in advising on construction collapses for which it has been recognised by The Legal 500. Members of the team are listed experts in their fields and are recognised for the contribution that they make to the construction industry. The team consists of partners: Peter Barnard, Alistair Hay, Richard Hoal, Chantal Mitchell, Claudelle Pretorius, Gary Pritchard and David Vlcek, and associates Rona Evans and Mohamed Mota. Richard Hoal also received the Lawyer of the Year 2021 accolade (Construction Law) in the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers® in South Africa. Clark commented, “We’re very proud of the growing recognition received, both nationally and internationally, for the range of expertise offered by our legal teams. Part of the Cox Yeats legacy is our unique approach to service delivery, which is deeply embedded within the culture of the firm and is something we holds in high esteem. We look forward to the firm’s future as a law firm of choice.” www.coxyeats.co.za

KZN has experienced the worst flood in its history and has been declared a national state of disaster. This catastrophic event has impacted the lives of many people, and the leadership of Standard Bank empathise with each and every one who has experienced the devastation. Lives were lost, homes and businesses were destroyed and roads and infrastructure damaged. As a consequence of the impact and devastation of the floods in KZN, Standard Bank has decided to postpone the annual KZN Top Business Awards event to 27 July 2022. The Top Business Awards are a highlight of the annual business calendar and are open to businesses and organisations of any size based in KwaZulu-Natal. All entrants are required to send in a written submission explaining what their company has achieved against a set of key criteria as appropriate e.g., benefits for the company, employees, or community. “We would like to convey our deepest condolences as Standard Bank KZN, to all the families that have lost loved ones due to floods and rains. Our sincere sympathy goes to all business communities and households that lost property or suffered destruction. We are aware that many businesses and households are busy trying to rebuild their businesses, infrastructure, and properties,” said Reggie Gambushe – Standard Bank KZN Head: Local Market Consumer Clients. “At Standard Bank we remain committed to assisting our clients and communities to rebuild what has been lost, by supporting humanitarian relief initiatives. As a community we have displayed immense resilience through the Covid 19 pandemic as well as the July unrest last year, and we remain confident that together we will bounce back from the recent floods and rebuild our beautiful province to what it once was,” added Gambushe. “Standard Bank and KZN Top Business are cognisant of the fact that there are many businesses who have performed phenomenally well, under extremely challenging conditions, and these businesses deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the economy and society.” Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business encourages all qualifying businesses to enter the awards. He said, “The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards are undoubtedly a fantastic way to share your story and showcase the calibre of the work you’re undertaking in the province. The emphasis is on what makes your business standout in the category selected.” The 2022 categories are: · Business Innovation · Entrepreneur Resilience · Digital/System Implementation · Employee Wellbeing · Small Business Start-up · Community and Social Responsibility · Family Business · KZN Top Brand · Business Personality of the Year You may enter your own organisation for an award or nominate a third party. Entries close on 1 July for written submissions. The Top Brand award is based on public SMS vote only and voting for this category closes on 24 July 2022 at 8pm. To vote SMS the letters KZN to 33808 and follow the prompts. The award proceedings on the 27 July at the Radisson Blu Oceans Umhlanga Hotel will be live streamed to ensure greater opportunity for participation by all stakeholders. For more information on entering visit www.kzntopbusiness.com . If you have any questions about the awards, entry process or event, please email gayle@mweb.co.za For more information: Gayle Adlam T: +27 (0)83 653 0465 E: gayle@mweb.co.za

Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex came through with flying colours when it hosted the 2022 Africa’s Travel Indaba over four days during May 2022 and proved it has not lost the touch as a world-class business meeting venue. Africa’s Travel Indaba signalled the resurgence of large-scale business meetings at the award-winning Durban ICC since the pandemic brought the MICE industry to a near standstill at the beginning of 2020. Durban ICC CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe said she and her impressive team were over the moon when no major hitches were reported as the final curtain came down on Africa’s Travel Indaba. “The return of Africa’s Travel Indaba to the Durban ICC after a two-year absence was the strongest indication that the African continent’s tourism sector is well on the road to recovery. “We had prepared long and hard to be ready to again host major events. During the lockdown lull in bookings, ageing infrastructure at the Durban ICC was refurbished and revamped, staff were upskilled and trained in new areas of operations, and prudent expenditure principles were put in place. “When the green light was given for Africa’s Travel Indaba to go ahead, we were all set to do what we know best: putting together a world-class event that meets and even exceeds all performance targets,” said Rakharebe. While the Durban ICC was a bustling hub of activity for Africa’s Travel Indaba, with delegates attending meetings or visiting the various exhibitions, only 50% of the convention centre’s capacity was allowed to be filled and social distancing was maintained. The wearing of masks was made compulsory inside all venues. Testing stations and a vaccination site were available at designated areas and delegates needed to complete an electronic screening form, prior to arrival at the venue. The Durban ICC has perfected the hosting of large events while the microscopic coronavirus bug still lurks. It has embraced the new norm occasioned by restrictions, by reinventing the business. Innovation came to the fore with the introduction of hybrid meetings which saw person/face-to-face attendees connecting virtually with other meeting attendees. Rakharebe said there were 18 African countries present at the Africa’s Travel Indaba, 655 exhibitors, 965 buyers and 377 media were hosted. Also, 14 000 meetings between delegates took place. Projections are that there were 3 700 visitors, a direct spend of R29 million, R72.5 million contribution to the City’s GDP and 145 jobs were created. “The new ways of working will ensure that the Durban ICC continues to provide the highest levels of infrastructure and service standards, in keeping with the multitude of service excellence awards we have achieved over the years. “The enterprising spirit of our people, our resilience and tenacity, and our determination to never give up despite the impossible odds – this is what will shape a brighter future for the Durban ICC and the tourism sector it supports. “This is what will make us better than we have ever been before,” said Rakharebe. W: www.icc.co.za

The Association for The Aged (Tafta) recently honoured three elders turning 90 and over in the year 2022 with a combined birthday bash held at the Anna Conradie Service Centre at Tafta Lodge. The organisation approached Chateau Gateaux to sponsor a birthday cake for the celebration and were met with extreme generosity when Durban’s favourite cake brand agreed to sponsor three beautifully garnished cakes suited to each elder’s preference, as well as buffet slices for all guests. Darren Maule, a long-time friend of Tafta agreed to be the master of ceremonies at the event. To honour Mr Dorasamy (turning 92), Mrs Naidoo (turning 90) and Mrs Barr (turning 91), Tafta arranged a carnival-themed party for elders to flaunt their flair with bright colours and elaborate outfits. The main decor for the event celebrated the lives of each elder with decorated wall pieces sharing photos of their most cherished moments. The event was brought to life with dancing, witty jokes and anecdotes shared by MC, Darren Maule, who mingled with guests after the formalities and serving of cake by the Chateau Gateaux team were complete. “It has been such a great experience to come through and spend time with such a special group of people. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the first event that we have been a part of and it has been an honour to partner with Tafta once again and enrich the lives of the elderly,” said Anna Kelly, marketing manager at Chateau Gateaux. Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam, shared her gratitude to the generous sponsors saying, “Thank you Darren and Anna for making yourselves available to share in this celebration of our elders reaching the milestone of spending nine decades on this earth, and living through some of the major transformations our country has seen. We are truly blessed that our elders call Tafta home, and that we have the opportunity to interact with, and relive history through the diverse groups of elders who find a home at Tafta. We wish you a happy birthday and hope that the years you continue to spend at Tafta will be blessed and filled with joy.” If you would like to join Tafta on their mission to care for and enrich the lives of the elderly, please visit www.tafta.org.za or call Tafta’s Kemmy-Leigh Moodley on +27 31 332 3721

The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, iThala Bank and the KZN Gaming & Betting Board, kindly invites all media personnel to the Mother of All Golf Days, the Durban Edition. The Mother of All Golf Days (established in 2018) is a charity golf day event that fundraises for different and numerous activities that have the aim of uplifting the Durban, JHB and South African community at large. Our mission is to ensure access to education, skills work and equality in all facts of life. This year, we have decided to launch the first Durban Edition of the Mother of All Golf Days. For the past 2 months, we have witness the KZN community trying to recover from the KZN Floods; in the mist of this recovery, CMMI would love to assist and contribute towards the victims that have been affected by the KZN Floods. Through the identification process, the KZN Department of Social Development has identified 2 organisations that we will assist: 1. KZN Society for the Blind (Sherwood Branch) 2. eKwenameni Day Care Centre (KwaNdengezi Branch) Since Mother of All Golf Days is one of our annual fundraising events, we envisage the Durban Edition to infiltrate the Durban Community in parallel with the Durban July Week. As CMMI, we believe there is more in collaboration and we believe if we all participate in this golf day, we will maximize our assistance capabilities for the disadvantaged South African communities. Moreover, our charity golf days provide an opportunity for the business communities to engage, network and brainstorm potential business synergies. Mother of All Golf Days (Durban Edition) Finer Details Golf Day Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2022 Time: 9h30am Venue: Mount Edgecombe Country Club Golf Course Prize Giving Gala Dinner Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2022 Time: 18h00 Venue: Mount Edgecombe Country Club Golf Course Special Guests that will be present: 1. Ms Portia Modise – CEO of KZN Gaming and Betting Board 2. Dr Musa Gumede – eThekwini Municipality Representative 3. Ms Pearl Bengu – Group CEO of iThala Bank Development Finance Corporation 4. His Worship, The Mayor Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda – eThekwini Municipality 5. Guest of Honour, Mr Sihle Zikalala, Honourable KZN Premier For more info, contact CMMI on 081 302 0016 or lungilewithmaxeke@gmail.com . Our website is www. cmmi.org.za

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after tap water with over six billion kilogrammes of tea consumed annually! With a growing variety of teas on offer, many shoppers don’t know which tea is best suited to their needs. Specialist dietitian and Laager Rooibos partner, Mbali Mapholi, sat down to answer South Africans’ tea-related questions. “Tea is more than just a delicious beverage, it’s a culturally significant addition to many daily customs that bring people closer together,” said Mapholi. “Because of its cultural richness and the fact that there are so many wonderful teas available today. I want to ensure everyone has the right information when choosing which tea is best for them, which is why I’ve answered these frequently asked questions.” I struggle with insomnia, will drinking tea help? If you struggle to sleep, a herbal tea may be the answer for you! Herbal teas like Rooibos, Honeybush and Chamomile are caffeine free. Chamomile in particular is often associated with promoting sleep. Researchers believe that its effect on sleep is due to the fact that it contains Apigenin - a flavonoid that binds to certain receptors in the brain, which can promote sleepiness. Can I give tea to my kids? Rooibos tea is the perfect choice for kids because it is naturally caffeine-free and naturally sweet. Young kids should ideally not consume caffeine on a regular basis. All teas, except herbal teas like Rooibos and Honeybush, contain caffeine. Rooibos also has other benefits for growing bodies – it is hydrating, low in tannins, high in antioxidants, and can help soothe tummy ache and allergies. I’m trying to lose weight – can Green tea help me? Although Green tea is packed with antioxidants which are important for good health, Green tea on its own is not a magic cure for weight loss. Weight loss is achieved through lifestyle changes such as adopting a nourishing and varied diet and keeping active. This being said, Green tea is a healthy drink which can certainly form part of your weight loss programme. In addition, Green tea may improve your workouts as it has the ability to increase your blood flow, which then results in improved oxygenation to your bodily organs. I have diabetes, which tea is best for me? Rooibos may help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control as part of a healthy lifestyle and therefore reduce the risk of complications. Rooibos is also naturally sweet meaning it can be enjoyed without sugar or other sweeteners. Can I drink tea when I’m pregnant? Herbal teas like Rooibos and Honeybush are the perfect choice during pregnancy. They’re naturally caffeine-free and can also help soothe an irritated stomach. They can also be enjoyed hot or cold to keep you hydrated and feeling at your best. Which is the best tea to drink and when? If you don’t have any specific health conditions, it’s best to choose your tea according to your mood, the time of the day, and your particular need at that time. Tea is a versatile beverage boasting a range of health benefits offered by the group of natural plant compounds found in tea. Here are some examples of which tea to drink when. · Feeling bloated or constipated? – Drink Green tea · Suffering from high cholesterol or high blood pressure? – Drink Rooibos tea daily · Feeling that afternoon slump? – Drink some Black or Green tea · In the mood for a delicious, caffeine-free tea for any time of day? – Drink Rooibos tea · Time for tea and scones? – Drink Earl Grey tea · Down with colds and flu? – Drink Rooibos tea “There are so many reasons to drink tea” commented Mapholi in closing “Firstly, we drink tea for pure enjoyment! Secondly, tea is an affordable and a versatile drink that can be consumed either hot or cold. And finally, tea is packed with antioxidants which have numerous health benefits such as boosting your immune system, supporting heart health, and fighting off inflammation.” Visit www.joekels.co.za and@LaagerRooibosTea or @urbandietitian (@mbalimapholiinc. on Facebook) on social media for more health tips and advice from Mbali Mapholi, as well as healthy recipes and ideas for the whole family.

According to the old KZN South Coast folklore, if the aloes are in bloom, it’s two weeks until the sardines arrive – and there’s no better place to witness this winter spectacle than Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh! Boasting completely indigenous garden, created by South African landscaper Elsa Pooley, the mature lifestyle village is in full bloom with ocean views providing visitors with sightings of the passing Sardine Run and whale migration. “Residents have been having an incredible time watching the arrival of the first migrating humpback whales, as well as the first few shoals of sardines with netting already taking place,” explained Phil Barker of Renishaw Property Developments. “The gorgeous aloes are always the first indicator that the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ is about to descend upon the South Coast, and it’s wonderful to be able to experience both these natural phenomena from the beautiful Renishaw Hills.” Renishaw Hills is a quality coastal estate with extensive nature trails, high-end facilities, and welcoming communities. Renishaw Hills offers retirees numerous opportunities to discover their purpose. Start a new adventure by booking an in-person or virtual tour of phase 6 and other Renishaw Hills offerings. Email info@renishawhills.co.za or visit www.renishawhills.co.za

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Entries for the annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, which is one of the highlights of the province’s business calendar, are currently flowing in. Nominations of the various participants have been made through Chambers of Business, CEOs, employees and clients of companies and organisations around KwaZulu-Natal. Being nominated as a top business is an important achievement, because it means that the organisation is worthy of recognition. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing the nominees in the categories that they have entered. Nominee: SLG Category: Community and Social Responsibility Founded in 2002, SLG is a leading, award winning supplier of premium quality natural gas to industrial and commercial companies situated in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, South Africa. SLG addresses the growing need for efficient energy solutions and makes sure these are adequately served to meet business energy needs. SLG is committed to acting in an ethical and responsible way, and to contributing to South Africa’s economic development, whilst simultaneously improving the communities in which they operate. SLG is an active and important economic role player, contributing to good corporate citizenship and CSI initiatives, and engaging with independent power producers and other stakeholders that play a vital role in supporting the South African energy and manufacturing economy. Sustainability supports their strategic vision of becoming the country’s leading natural gas trader by 2025. SLG and SLCNG have also undertaken numerous Socio-Economic Development (SED) initiatives with the aim of uplifting local communities based on the following key objectives: • Fostering collaboration and partnering opportunities with the company’s stakeholders •Enhancing the social and economic wellbeing of local communities by supporting local education and skills enhancement programmes, small-business development, and job creation projects, and through investing in education development • Leading by example in establishing SED best practices in the energy industry. www.slgas.co.za for more information on the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards visit www.kzntopbusiness.com

Our advice to entrepreneurs and business owners in bouncing back post Covid is to encourage them to take an objective view of their organisations, looking at each critical aspect of their business to ensure its ongoing success and sustainability. The effects of Covid have taught us the importance of having sustainable businesses to ensure our livelihood and well-being, and that of our staff members and stakeholders. The actions to result in this desired outcome being what we refer to as ‘business mindedness’, an essential component in the success of any organisation. Objective Analysis The objective view taken should look at and discover aspects of the organisation that will direct and guide activities towards the business meeting its desired outcomes, and to ensure the organisation has highly engaged team members who are committed to its intentions and values. Our Blueprints model looks at four critical areas in a business and helps us as mentors and coaches to better understand the organisation’s strengths, potential, and to identify where we can add value and support its development and growth. Blueprints looks at: the entrepreneur or business leader’s vision and confidence; each functional area and its ability to provide administrative, quality assurance, market penetration, and meet reporting and compliance responsibilities; the reason for the business’s existence, its measurements; support and value to stakeholders and to ensure adequate leader and staff energy levels. High energy environments are essential for healthy and successful organisations. Energy in business is created through circumstances and people. Blueprints sees the process of engagement as a science, a learned and applied skill, rather than something that business leaders and teams create by chance. There is good reason for increasing energy in a work environment, especially when it is unified and goal directed, and involves team members moving forward together to meet customer and stakeholder standards and expectations. Blueprints creates a framework for us as mentors and coaches to ensure we consider each business’s perspective in detail. But it is also easy for business leaders themselves to apply the processes to their own thinking and corrective action. It is necessary for business leaders in their self-assessments to give each focus area sufficient depth of thought and consideration, and to ensure they see how all the themes in each of the four focus areas combine to form highly engaged and well defined and directed work environment. 1. Vision and Confidence The objective analysis, the Blueprints model first focus area, starts with a leader who knows where they are going, and the value created for consumers and the economy. A leader must be clear in terms of the value the organisation’s products and services will bring to customers and must have an underlying knowing of how the vision will be realised and taken to the market. A leader needs to be sure of the operational process, resources and capacity requirements needed to achieve the intended goals. 2. The Business Foundation The second focus area, the business foundation, needs to ensure it provides compliant business functional areas that combine the structural needs of the organisation ensuring that aspects such as financial administration, operational quality assurance, market communications and consumer awareness, staffing roles, structure and pay equity, systems, licencing, and service agreements are well planned, supported and integrated into the business. 3. Purpose and Commitment The third focus area is clarity in defining the purpose for the organisation and detailing its resultant measurements. The business needs to clearly define outcome intentions, and to provide meaningful measurements that will result in its success as well as goal orientated sustainability drive. Stakeholder measures are critical in this regard, and include customers, employees, suppliers, the environment, communities, funders, and the government. Stakeholder contributions are measured by the impact the business has when it meets expectations. Customers want value and consistency, suppliers want to be appreciated and receive their fees timeously, Staff want to feel their contribution is valued, that they belong, and that they are fairly rewarded, funders want to receive dividends, government wants to receive taxes and levies, and confirmation of national agendas such as employment equity and skills development plans and records. Each stakeholder measurement needs to be clearly defined and structured for all staff members in the organisation to support and work towards meeting expectations – as we know “what we measure we manage”. 4. Employee Engagement The fourth area of focus is employee engagement, where the energy of the organisation either propels the organisation forward or retards its progress. People generate energy in their moment to moment interactions with each other. Businesses are all about working with and serving people, and highly engaged teams have many common people interaction traits. Staff in these organisations know and believe in the values, ethics and purpose of the organisation, are competent in the work they are responsible for preforming, are committed to the mission and its structural and reporting requirements. They understand and strive to meet the organisation’s outcome and key performance indicators, and know and are committed to their individual and team “zones of influence”. These are key ingredients to attract and retain the right people in the business and to ensure it remains energised and focused on meeting success and sustainability indicators. Know your Blueprint Business leaders know that they cannot do all the work and activities themselves, and know that they need other people and teams in the organisation to support the business’s vision and meet desired outcomes. To attract the right people into the organisation business leaders must know the Blueprints of their own organisation, which includes knowing where the business is heading, how it will reach the defined goals and milestones, ensure a solid business foundation, and an outcome-focused and engaged work environment that will encourage success and sustainability. Leaving out, or not clearly defining or articulating any of the organisation’s Blueprint model considerations creates risk for the business, thus hampering its opportunity for success. Should you wish to learn more about the BusinessFit Blueprints model, or to receive a summary of our more detailed explanation of this process, please contact Youshi Naidoo ( youshi@businessfit.co.za ) who will be pleased to respond to your request.