The Alternative Board Western Cape

To properly prepare for seasonality or other anticipated fluctuations in your business, it is essential to plan. This means not only strategizing the ways in which you ride out the lows but also how you leverage the highs.   A workable game-plan for seasonality isn’t all that different than any strong business plan. It starts with:   1) Resolving any business issues getting in the way of long-range growth. 2) Considering ways to get a step ahead of the competition. 3) Setting achievable long-term and short-term goals.   But there is a little more nuance to managing a fluctuating but thriving seasonal business. And it all starts with forecasting.   If yours is a business that experiences seasonality, it is essential to track sales data and note trends throughout the year. Then leverage this information to forecast future trends and create winning strategies. Forecasting will help you better manage all kinds of things like cash flow, human resources, and maintenance decisions.     Seasonality doesn’t have to be a business liability. But it does take smart planning Contact The Alternative Board Western Cape today for a no-obligation coffee meeting and let us see how we can assist you with strategic seasonality planning.   📩 elana@thealternativeboard.za.com l 📞 +27 (0) 82 804 6426

Many businesses experience significant seasonality at certain times of the year. Even companies that seem immune to seasonality, like manufacturers, often experience predictable slow times due to factors like product cycles, holidays, weather changes, and other regular events. There are three levels of seasonality: moderate seasonality (characterized by a 10-20% change in sales), significant seasonality (characterized by a 21-30% change in sales), and rigid seasonality (characterized by a 31-40%, or even higher, fluctuation in sales). The level of seasonality your business experiences will help dictate the actions you should take to ensure the best outcomes throughout the year. To learn more about how much your business may be affected by seasonality and what you can do to enhance the ups and negate the downs, read “Seasonal Peaks and Valleys: Adjusting Strategic Goals for Optimal Success” at The Alternative Board. https://lnkd.in/ggYCsSDx Contact The Alternative Board Western Cape today for a no-obligation coffee meeting.    📩 elana@thealternativeboard.za.com l 📞 +27 (0) 82 804 6426 #businesscoaching #successionplanning #business #innovation #leadership #businessowners #businessadvice #TABBoards The Alternative Board - South Africa The Alternative Board (Worldwide)

During a one-on-one accountability session, a member of TAB Western Cape confided in me about his struggles. He was at an all-time low—sleepless nights, debilitating headaches, and staff issues had left him feeling overwhelmed. However, just one week later, his situation took a dramatic turn for the better. In a stunning reversal, he walked into our TAB Board meeting with a beaming smile. Out of the blue, he secured a major contract, had three employees step up to resolve a critical issue, and connected with a marketer who perfectly understood his needs. It was a complete turnaround. This story perfectly embodies the values of strength and perseverance. The important thing is to stay the course. Even when facing challenges, it’s crucial to keep pushing forward. Success often comes to those who persevere through tough times, and unexpected opportunities can arise when we least expect them. #TABBoards #Leadership #Resilience

🌟 Exciting times for our country! This week, Tatjana Smith clinched a gold medal, reminding us all of the power of determination and excellence. This victory brought to mind a discussion we had at a recent TAB board meeting about ‘Unlocking Competitive Advantage’. During our meeting, one member shared his remarkable journey of developing a unique skill set on a project worth over R1 billion, which took more than seven years to complete. Despite his expertise, he found it challenging to position his business as an industry leader. Here are some key insights the board offered: 1. Clearly Define Your Offering: Articulate what makes your offering unique. Ensure potential clients understand the distinct value you bring to the table. Remember, competitive advantage is temporary—make the most of it while it’s relevant! 2. Expand Beyond Local Markets: Don’t limit yourself to your immediate surroundings. The world is full of opportunities—embrace them! 3. Targeted Communication: Identify your ideal audience and develop a strategic communication plan to reach them effectively. 4. Proactive Outreach: Success doesn’t come to those who wait. Get out there, knock on doors, and present your value proposition confidently. These insights remind us that achieving a competitive advantage requires clarity, strategic outreach, and a relentless pursuit of opportunities. Are you ready to unlock your business’s potential? #TatjanaSmith

Today’s business office looks so different than it did just five years ago, with a substantial number of employees working remotely some or all the time. Offering remote or hybrid work opportunities can have many positive effects on a business, both from a financial and an employee satisfaction and retention standpoint. But managing a remote workforce also comes with some substantial challenges. Most notably, how do you build connections in a team of employees who only meet online?   Team bonding for a remote team might look different than it does for onsite employees, but the impact can be just as impactful – and is well worth the effort.   For some helpful tips on how to enhance connection in your WFH employees, read “Team-Building and Your Remote Workforce” at The Alternative Board.   https://lnkd.in/eb3yimrB   Contact The Alternative Board Western Cape today for a no-obligation coffee meeting.    📩 elana@thealternativeboard.za.com l 📞 +27 (0) 82 804 6426

"The best season for strategy is all year round." — Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO Contact The Alternative Board Western Cape today for a no-obligation coffee meeting.    📩 elana@thealternativeboard.za.com l 📞 +27 (0) 82 804 6426 Alternatively visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eJpk5TN  #peeradvisory #southafrica #businessowners #innovation #businesstips #businesshelp #businessadvice #businesscoaching #tabboards #businesstrends

At a recent TAB Board meeting, one of our members sought advice on an exit plan, particularly regarding selling a minority equity stake to a qualified buyer. The discussion yielded some invaluable insights: 1) Do Your Homework: Understand the value at which you are prepared to sell. Knowledge is power. 2) Buyer Commitment: Ensure that potential buyers are committed to the business and will work towards its growth. 3) Expert Engagement: Consult with an expert to structure the transaction in the most advantageous way. 4) Future Call Option: Link the sale to a future call option, allowing for the potential sale of the remaining shares at an agreed price/formula. Selling a minority equity stake can be a strategic move for business growth and personal exit planning. However, it requires careful consideration and strategic planning. If you’re considering an exit strategy and need guidance, feel free to contact me at esteynberg@thealternativeboard.za.com. #ExitStrategy #BusinessGrowth #EquitySale #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPlanning #TABBoard

Effective networking is more of an art than a science. But there are actions and approaches that work better than others, particularly in this new world of industry and connection. Find out what you might be doing wrong and how you can improve the effectiveness of your efforts to connect in this article titled “Networking Mistakes You Should Avoid”. https://lnkd.in/g2QRgzFW Contact The Alternative Board Western Cape today for a no-obligation coffee meeting.    📩 elana@thealternativeboard.za.com l 📞 +27 (0) 82 804 6426 Alternatively visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eJpk5TN     #businesscoaching #successionplanning #future #business #innovation #leadership #businessowners #businessadvice #TABboards The Alternative Board - South Africa The Alternative Board (Worldwide)

"In seasons of change, your creativity is your biggest advantage."— Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO   Do you leverage off-seasons or slow times to strategize for the coming year? Contact The Alternative Board Western Cape today for a no-obligation coffee meeting.    📩 elana@thealternativeboard.za.com l 📞 +27 (0) 82 804 6426 Alternatively visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eJpk5TN  #buildingtrust #businesscoaching #successionplanning #lifelonglearning #future #business #innovation #leadership #businessowners #businessadvice #strategy

Use the power of your client database to unlock new revenue streams and strengthen client relationships. Here are key strategies discussed at our recent TAB Board meeting: 1️⃣ Compliance First: Ensure all actions comply with relevant legislation to protect client data and maintain trust. 2️⃣ Evaluate Profitability and Benefit: Assess new services/products for profitability and client benefit, aiming for a win-win scenario. 3️⃣ Start Small: Begin with a newsletter to share valuable content and gauge client interest effectively. 4️⃣ Inform, Don’t Sell: Educate clients about new offerings through informative articles, focusing on building trust. 5️⃣ Protect Your Core Business: Maintain the integrity of your main products/services to preserve client loyalty. Using your client database wisely and drive growth and create strong client connections! #ClientRelationships #BusinessStrategy #BusinessOwners