Message from a struggling entrepreneur

I don’t know if you are aware that this week is International Entrepreneurship Week. Over the past few weeks, I have been involved in many entrepreneurially-related activities, from judging competitions to launching new entrepreneurial products. I have been blessed to be exposed to entrepreneurs of every ilk and size; from startups to multi-billion rand businesses. Exposure is truly a blessing for any entrepreneur.

2009 has been a tough year for most. Ironically, many of the people, I have met, have had a record year. The so called “toughness” has not come from tougher trading conditions, but more from the lack of certainty and the wild fluctuations in market sentiment and fluidity. One month is great; the next is disastrous. The lack of consistency and predictability in the market takes a toll on ones nerves and energy.

Despite a financially blessed year, I have come to some thunderous conclusions about the life of an entrepreneur. When Raizcorp was a two-man band I thought that, by the time we reached a ten-man operation, all the issues would be over. Cash would flow, business would walk in through the door, and everyone would be as happy and as passionate about the mission as I am. And what a struggle it was to get to ten. Then I thought that, when we get to twenty people in the business, delivery would happen, systems would kick in and the millions would flow. Wrong again. Then I thought that, when we are at thirty people in the business, no more cashflow issues, no more marketing issues. Most things would be bedded down and taken care of by those in charge. Wrong again.

As we tend towards forty people in the business, I no longer expect it to get easier, I expect it to be different.

I met with my mentor recently to ask him for some sage advice for the next phase. “People, people, people,” he said. “When a business grows slowly there is little pressure on people. They have time to settle in, to find their groove and box themselves in. When a business grows fast, you generally hire with less precision, manage with less finesse, and only tend to keep those who are able to self- manage and grow at the same pace. This causes instability and anxiety and more stress. It’s just a struggle of a different sort,” he observed.

Despite the fact that we have been blessed with wonderful growth over the past year, despite the fact that we have more than doubled in size, I can truly say to you that, as I traverse this awesome entrepreneurial path, I get a sense that the more I learn, the more I realise how little I know. The more we grow, the more I realise that the struggle does not end, it simply morphs into new challenges placed in your path to teach you your new set of lessons.

The past year has seen many people leaving, some thankfully, and some with great pain. I struggle with my weakness in keeping all happy; I struggle with my weakness as a manager. This is my struggle today. Despite the net increase in my team over the past 12 months I often spend hours trying to work out what I can or could have done better to keep those that I miss. This is my struggle, what is yours?

News at Raizcorp

It has been quite a while since my last mail. In line with the message above, we have exits, entrances, and other movements at Raizcorp. Wayne Levitas, in true Raizcorp tradition, has left us to start his own business. Nell van der Loo has joined us as Prosperator Manager and Finance Guide. She has settled in and is already making a noticeable impact on the Kramerville Prosperator, as well as on Raizcorp processes. Leanne Whelan, who was Accounts Executive for a short while, has left us to pursue her dream of working with children. Bronwyn Echardt has replaced her. In Richards Bay, which has seen phenomenal growth and success, in its first year of operation, Nothile Mpisi joins us as Finance and Strategy Guide. We also welcome Diana Mohaswa as the new hospitality hostess in Kramerville.

Gary Wilson, who has been with Raizcorp for 4 years, will be leaving us at the end of the year. We wish him much luck and thank him for the impact he has had on the entrepreneurs’ sales abilities! Gary’s passion for sales, and his ability to encourage others to make the calls will be sorely missed. We have quite a few new guides in the hiring pipeline and will let you know as soon as their appointments are finalised. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we kick off 2010 with a full complement of experienced guides able to assist all our entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Internally, a few promotions and switch-arounds have occurred. Dorothy has moved from Learning to Marketing, as Direct Marketing Assistant. Jumi has moved from reception to Learning, as Learning Coordinator. Faith is back at reception in Kramerville and Lorraine has been promoted to receptionist, Marshall Street.

On the domestic front, Colin and Kim Kapelushnik, as well as Dean and Adele Jensen have both had babies. Mazaltov and congratulations respectively!

Finally, you will have received invitations to the  Raizcorp Year End Function, which will be held on Wednesday, 2 December. Please let Julie know as soon as possible if you will be attending – julie@raizcorp.co.za

Challenge for the week

Identify your struggle. Take concrete steps to push through it.