The rapid rise of technology has changed so much in such a short space of time that young aspiring entrepreneurs and established companies need to ensure that they keep up with these changes or face the challenge of becoming redundant with an ever-growing market of competitors all offering the same services with no differentiating factors. More so in the case of high unemployment, lack of financial support and a failing education system for some.
The concept of co-working is a growing industry as fast as Uber and Air BnB. Although many South Africans still haven’t heard of co-working, there is no doubt that it will become a critical part of the evolving workforce. Many small business owners will confirm that it is a massive and expensive leap from running your business from home or jumping around coffee shops. Running your own business can also be a very lonely experience at first. If you work from home, you will relate to the term “cabin fever”.
So what is a solution from a home office to an affordable rented space?
Meet the CEO of Impello, Ondina Pires, who offers a co-working space of the future. Based in Greenside, Impello provides the space for several micro and small businesses. I am thrilled to be presenting a workshop to these innovative group of young businesses, some of whom have grown from a one-man/ woman enterprise to a team of six. I will share my experiences from starting my own businesses and expanding it from just myself to having a national footprint of over 30 to 60 personnel at any given time depending on the projects on hand. In the coming years, businesses need to share resources, rent flexible spaces and share experience and expertise with their “co-workers” as a means of supporting their own business. The new office spaces need to be trendy, friendly and inspiring with flexible hours. Businesses need to keep up with technological changes and working in teams, especially since research has shown that working in flat structures creates more functional motivated teams. My talks will address innovation and systems thinking.
In addition to running workshops on the new ways of doing business, I also offer one on one business coaching to several of these enterprising and passionate start-ups. I am fortunate to be working with such inspiring minds.
If you have any queries about our small business development workshops or one on one business coaching write to us: