Probably the biggest reality in South Africa now is the air of expectation and energy with the prospect of the World Cup in four months time.  Another reality is that no one knows how this will affect business positively or negatively.  The hospitality industry in all centers except Cape Town and Johannesburg are becoming frustrated by the hesitation FIFA has in paying the required deposits for beds booked by them for visitors.  It seems that the lack of ticket sales to date has put the brakes on FIFA’s contingency plans for accommodation.  So where does this leave business?

My opinion is that all of us in business, especially entrepreneurs, need to focus even more carefully on fundamental basic marketing plans.  We all need to have our ears to the ground for every opportunity remotely related to the business we’re in.  I suggest attention be given to the following areas:-

1.    We all need to ‘double’ our Unique Selling Points  -  the aspects of our businesses that differentiate us from  competitors.  We need to ensure that first impressions and the total business experience within our organizations is vitalized, energetic and nothing less than WOW!   If you don’t have Unique Selling Points, create them.

2.     Secondly, we need to double our Prospecting.  Identify where your product/s can really make a difference, and double the number of prospective clients you contacted last year.

3.    Thirdly, double the number of Proposals you make.  Just keep working at it. Be like a postage stamp  -  stick to one thing until it gets there.

To quote from the Awakening which is read at the beginning of most of Excelebrate’s programs, “anything worth achieving is worth working for, and wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.  In order to achieve success, you need direction, discipline and perseverance.”

The World Cup is a marvelous opportunity for South Africa and it is going to be a time of excitement and fun with huge focus on the games and an invigorised energy everywhere, but there is no guarantee that business is simply going to increase for everyone.  In fact, the cost and difficulties of travel in June and July plus the distraction of the games, may make increased business difficult.  So we all need to ensure that we gain momentum in our businesses before June and after July.  Those industries that already have contracts for the World Cup are probably pumping now. Well done to you and we are excited for you! All related industries will do all they can to get a share of the band-wagon and work towards maximizing every opportunity. 

But let us remember that there is lots of life both before and after the World Cup. My suggestion is that we keep our heads about us, increase our focus on our industry and our service, double our input as outlined above, and then go forward into each day with a sense of expectation, fun and enjoyment.

Here’s to a good one for all of us!

Margie Stone