Moipone Thandeka Mokhali Ndlovu also known as Thandeka Mooi is a successful businesswoman and an advocate for developing small business. She is the founder of Mooi’s Beauty Bar which is a franchise beauty business that has just recently partnered up with beauty powerhouse Tammy Taylor Nails.
Thandeka will be exceptionally busy over the next few months as she will be launching her first book at the same time she will be activating her franchise system into the South African market.
To celebrate her success we asked Thandeka for a few tips on how to support SMMEs in South Africa.
- Use social media
Social media is an effective tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) to market their business to a wide range of potential customers. It can be used to support their existing social media presence and reach out to new ones. Being on social media helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) connect with their customers and improve their service. It can also help them attract more potential customers. Share photos of your favorite meal with your local coffee shop and tag it with a message so others can find it.
- Word of mouth referrals
Sharing your experience with others is very important for small businesses as it will help them build strong relationships with their customers. According to a study, almost all millennials are not buying into advertisements. This is why word of mouth marketing is very important for small businesses as it allows them to grow.
- Buy local
Small and medium businesses are responsible for 60% of all jobs in South Africa. They are also the ones that receive the most support from consumers. Supporting small businesses is a vital part of economic development. They make up over 90% of all formal enterprises and contribute around 34% of the country’s GDP. Supporting local businesses also means getting the best possible products at a lower price. When you buy products from local businesses, you also get peace of mind that their products will be supported properly.
- Build a community
Instead of competing against each other, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) should work together to create unique experiences for their customers. According to Arnold February, the regional manager of Business Partners Limited, this can be done through the establishment of a community. It is important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) to work together to complement one another in order to provide their clients with the best possible service. This will allow them to improve their efficiency and show the country’s best of what it has to offer.
