“If you want to jump off the porch and run with the big dogs, you better learn to move in the tall grass!” This is a fun expression that takes a poke at the rigours of climbing the corporate ladder. It is insinuating that, if you want to step up ‘there’, you better know how to play the […]
The more I use the LinkedIn social media platform, the more I’m understanding it’s awesome power. Conversely, by ignoring LinkedIn I’m also seeing CA(SA) falling out of the limelightand shrinking away. I often approach CAs(SA) asking them why they do not put their qualifications in their title like I have. Most are grateful and make the adjustment. But there are […]
How many business meeting do you attend every week? I’m sure at least a few. But are meetings largely a waste of time? Indeed, there are times when they might seem that way. But if you have to attend meetings, use them to your best advantage. In fact meetings are great places to get your ‘personal brand’ out there. And they […]
In the current tough economic climate everyone is looking to cut costs. But what about increasing sales? Take the following example and magic will unfold: Current sales assumed at_____________________________R100,000 Increase Prices by 10%_______________________________R10,000 Increase customers by 10%____________________________R10,000 Increase frequency of purchase by 10%__________________R10,000 TOTAL INCREASE____________________________________R30,000 = 30% I bet you thought you needed to increase […]
After 5 years post qualifying experience, you should be earning about R1m per annum. This might give you a shock. If you are earning less than this, then know that you are on the bottom end of the scales. You might want to feel very bad but, before you do that, it is important to qualify this statement […]
I often read with amusement the ideas of the proponents of work-life balance (WLB). My view is quite simple – if you want to build your career, chuck out WLB. This might sound a bit harsh, but unless the company you are working for has an open view on flexi-time, just know the WLB is a myth. And by […]
Whether we like it or not the general consensus is that the economic outlook for the rest of 2016 is looking bleak. And it seems that 2017 is not going to look any better. You can be sure that your staff are feeling edgy – retrenchments is the big buzz word at the moment and every Board is having to […]
I am taken aback at some of the people I work with – their insight and decision making skills are remarkable. How are they able to come to such wise conclusions at such a young age? Needless to say that this is reflected in the position they hold in the organisation as confirmed by the client in question. This is a discussion […]
Here is a simple model that smart corporate acquirers use in determining the value of a business. Note that this applies specifically to entities that are publicly listed (PLE). Here is the case: The PLE wants to acquire a company It asks for projected earnings over 5 years and does all the necessary due diligence that corporate […]
Finishing one’s CA(SA) qualification presents new unpleasant challenges. Whereas before one had a definite and clear goal, the final attainment of this supreme qualification is one big anti-climax. Where you think you’ve hit the top of the pile there is a big reality check – your career has only just begun. Step out of the profession and you find yourself […]