SimplyBiz® helping you get connected after lockdown
There is much gloom and doom out there, but we want to focus on the can-do’s, not the can’t-do’s.
∙ Suddenly in need of a spare laptop or collaborative software?
∙ Share what your business is doing to survive Covid-19 and “distance hustling”.
∙ Share your ideas and positive experiences and stand a chance to WIN!
Covid-19 is a game-changer and going forward, digitisation and connectivity will become a necessity, not a luxury. That’s why we are giving you a chance to work remotely and stay in touch with your customers with these incredible prizes:
Enter now to be in a weekly draw for one of 20 X R5 000 Incredible Connection Vouchers.
∙ First Draw - 27 March 2020 (Closed)
∙ Second Draw - 6 April 2020
HOW TO ENTER
✅ Share your tips and positive experiences in the comments below
✅ Register on SimplyBiz® https://www.simplybiz.co.za/register
✅ (If you’re already registered, you’re an entrepreneur destined to overcome!)
T's & C's Apply
127 comments
At LLK Labour Consultant (Pty)Ltd we have started to assist employers and employees in need of funding due to Covid-19. We assist them with applications regarding Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme as well as Covid-19 Driver Fund Process applications and how to make use of the National Disaster Benefit. All our Covid-19 related services are free of charge as we understand that these times are trying in nature and calls upon us as South Africans to go through extraordinary lengths to ensure both survival and that of many generations to come.
My name is Andile Siwahla, I am the founder of AAS IT Support and Enlighteners, a small company in Cape Town, Nyanga township. operating from a RDP house/office. We are an Outsourced IT Support service Provider focused in schools, small and medium sized businesses. from high schools i saw a business gap i thought we could fill. We founded the business in 2015 with the aim to assist schools, in access control as well as IT Solutions. We Currently install CCTV, school intercom system, alarm system, desktop and laptop service & repairs in schools and homes as well as churches, hopefully the business can be lucky enough to get something from this SimplyBiz competition, to find out more about us you can go to this site http://aasit.business.site or https://www.facebook.com/AASITSupport/
AAS IT Support and Enlighteners during this lockdown is currently assisting clients through whatsapp messanger as we as teamviewer, to find out more about us check this site http://aasit.business.site or https://www.facebook.com/AASITSupport/
At Modisha Holdings we have decided to use this lock down period to do courtesy calls to all our clients not reminding them about our services but letting them know how important they are to us and this has been successful because people are so relaxed and have time to really converse. The conversations has been so fruitful that we already know what products we can next offer our clients, the staff is being empowered through online trainings that are tailored to their weaknesses and skills their want to acquire or enhance.
Where do we start?
This is a time whereas a business we had to fast leap more than we ever did before on anything.
As this is most difficult time for everyone and lot of uncertainty exists, we found ourselves in different situation as business for past few days since being in lock down.
On Monday 30 March 2020 we have received a quite comforting messages from our clients who said that regardless of what is happening they are there with us as a small business and will continue to support us and we should stay positive.
One thing we are doing right as a business is building people centred business where it’s about the people and their safety. Also, our clients are there for us and they have being of stellar support by sharing with us any information that could be helpful to keep our business going like relief measures announced by government for small businesses and also announced by private sector.
Though we are classified as non-essential we are implementing new technologies that could assist us simplify and digitise our business further, these technologies include tap and go payment system which reduces physical contact with payment device also Whats App ordering where client would order item via our Whats App account and pay online and reduce the time they spend on the queue waiting to pay and collect item. We believe we can weave through this storm if we stick together as people.
RA Electrical Projects wishing all South African
citizens to stay safe during this lockdown
period
Please be wise sanitize
RA Electrical Projects
Firstly thanks to all customers for there loyal support and understanding.
I would like to use this opportunity to wish all our customers and all South African citizens the very best and to stay safe during this difficult times.
As we all know that COVID19 caught us as small businesses/customers off guard totally therefore we need to work together as a team to minimize spreading of the virus.
I wish and believe that we all see each other on the other side off all.
RA Electrical Projects see forward and will continue to provide a honest and great service to their clients
All the best
Co-ops Time-Co-ops Era-Co-ops Decade
Mfanyedwa Ntshalintshali
We are a Co-operatives development institute with a great passion on co-operatives economy and entrepreneurs. We champion the Township Economy Market and Black Industrialist. The period we in has a huge impact on co-operatives and their entrepreneurs as they are working hard to penetrate the market and build sustainability.
We acknowledge that COVID 19 brought a huge challenge for our economy. We are at a helm of every co-operative to sustain and remain on business during this period during this moment. we assist them to apply and access their relief compensation as to meet their day to day administrative challenges. Help them to manage the present financial constrain. Keep their MOU's and all agreement intact. Those who are classified to supply essential services to continue procure such services without facing further constrains. Well informed with the importance of their services within their choice of industry while building trust and credibility towards their suppliers.
Every cooperator is well informed and educated on prerequisite of ensuring that they act responsibly for them not to contain the COVID 19 virus during their essential services procurement period. Our obligation is to ensure that co-operatives are sustainable, they are always stay ahead on innovation when doing business while contributing towards the country GDP's and building responsive working class employees.
We are the game changers in this decade. The situation and this period did not just bring challenges to us as co-operatives but also a strength and resilient to continue seeing the need to build sustainable co-operatives that are able to go through economic developments. We are proud to focus on our theme for this decade as it says "THIS IS CO-OPS TIME- THIS IS CO-OPS ERA- THIS IS CO-OPS DECADE". Ahead of us is a decade that we will see co-operatives becomes the major source of economic drive and a home for the unemployment to have their opportunities to contribute into their own families.
We remain positive and encourage productivity to all those co-operatives that serve on essential services and those who are closed down we are in communication of every daily developments on COVID 19 through our communication majors. Those who are in fear of loosing their jobs during this period we distress them through the programme initiated towards relief on their financial burden.
We encourage every co-operatives and cooperators to adhere to the directives, stay at home enjoy your family during this lock down period be safe. There is a race ahead of us once we pass through the COVID 19 period. We will need more energy and strength to continue building what we started as co-operative.
This has been a very hard time for me as a small business owner because everything is at a stand still, my suppliers are closed and this has caused my business to come to a stand still. I manufacturer handbags and this are indeed difficult times. Now more than ever I choose to show the world what it means to be truly South African. By rallying together with our government I have been complying with the lockdown and sharing as much as i can with my clients in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
As much as it’s not easy, I believe we will get through this together as a nation.
As a non-essential service provider I will be following all government directives to temporarily stop selling but this has given me the drive to take the time to set new goals and improve as a business owner.
My safety, the safety of my clients, and the health of our country continues to be my top priority. So I am hard at work from home doing my research and looking forward to coming back stronger.
We are a Multichoice Accredited Satellite Installer and have been identified as secondary essential service provider by the President. We have been advised to close store fronts but have been granted permits to continue helping customers. In the misdt of the pandemic, we use the Multi choice field services app to clear error messages for our clients, as well as social media and telephonical support to clients with minor problems. When the need arises to be at a client's home then precautionary measures are applied to a maximum:masks and gloves worn, only one installer is allowed in our vehicles at a time, installers carry sanitisers to sanitise, sanitise and sanitise all equipment surfaces for the safety of our staff and clients.
As a farmer, what I've done is finish my the small dam on the farm and I've come to an agreement with the contractors to continue when the Corona Virus has settled. That keeps people in the industry safe and it gives them opportunity to finish the great work they've done so far.
It’s the middle management and junior resources on the ground that contribute to the bigger picture and is client facing. It’s your middle or 4-7 LSM that is not in management buts it’s critical to the business and has no tools of trade to enable them to do their work remotely . No data or telecom access no personal laptop and insurance to ensure that it’s covered from theft /robbery while it’s commuting on public transport. It’s crucial level that has a voice but not heard because of level in the value chain.
My business is trading in all aspects and specializing in financial management , business consulting and skill development and training .
We are an emerging SMME looking for opportunities in the economy to uplift the disadvantaged economies in the rural KwaNdebele community.
We are a cooperative business with strong social listening skills and agility to the social needs of our people
My team & I have had countless, yet appropriately distanced, meetings in trying to come up with ways to beat coronavirus. And beat here, we refer to abstain from contracting it and maintaing such a status quo. We've adopted a, " Prepare and Prevent, instead of Repair and Repent" strategy. Hand washing intervals have increased to every 30 minutes, and this is done under minisupervision. Every team member carries at least 2 miniature hand sanitizers in his/her pockets. Water is always on standby. If any one of us suspects having surrounded a person who showed symptoms, a drink of water ensures if the "virus" is there, then it gets a merry trip down to the stomach for an acid bath.
I run a small Graphic Design, Illustration and mural business www.resoborg.com
There is a lot of talk about "social media" and how important it is during this time. Skype, Facebook, Instagram etc are all great tools but for business's that are service based such as a design, web etc I found the following methods bring in some work as work slowed down or put on hold.
1. Reach out to past and existing clients to see how they doing with genuine interest to see how they are doing during this time. A courtesy, heartfelt call will go a long way in either landing work or work in the future - it is important to know that you really do care. After all business is about relationships and often these are built by emotional connections. Emotional connections are very hard to develop digitally but digital development can act as reminders once this connection has been made.
2. Everyone is having to take a back foot during this time. If you have some products or services that can be given away that is of no cost to you I would donate it to someone who is in serious need. For example as an artist I have sent out my older art works as a colouring in book that can be downloaded from a pdf. If you have the time and you see someone has bad branding, surprise them with a new logo. Yes you might not making money now but doing something heartfelt and genuine goes a long way when things get back to normal. See your goodwill as an investment for the future of your business.
At On Point Resources (Pty) Ltd We Deal With Saving Energy Costs & Contribute To Environmental Preservation. But We Think It's Time To Save Lives By Sharing Right Information Through Social Media ( WhatsApp, Facebook) And Emails.
Things We Are Sharing With Our Customers And Odinary People Via WhatsApp, Facebook And Emails.
Information We Sharing With Other Businesses.
Are Your COVID-19 Business Losses Covered By Insurance?
1. Request a complete copy of your insurance policy. (The one you have on hand is likely a partial policy). You’ll need to make the request in writing to your insurance broker or insurance company. Make sure you ask for a certified copy of your policy including all endorsements, which will include every single clause, provision, exception, inclusion, and the like.
2. Once you’ve received the complete policy, look for this key phrase: “cause of loss to trigger coverage.” Those six little words will be your guide to determining your COVID-19-related claims.
3. Check if you have the following coverages—and for how long:
• Business interruption
• Ordinary payroll
• Extended period of indemnity
• Civil authority (note, local government enforcing a “safe at home” policy counts)
• Contingent business interruption
• Contingent extra expense (this reimburses lost profits and expenses resulting from an interruption of business at the premises of a customer or supplier)
• Ingress/Egress (this pays for the loss of income triggered by physical loss or damage caused by a covered peril to third-party property that prevents or hinders ingress to or egress from the insured's business).
UIF Benefit To Assist Employers And Workers During Coronavirus (COVID 19) Lock down.
Caring and responsible employers that are unable to pay the full salaries of the workers they send home for their health and safety due to the lock down are encouraged to apply for the Covid-19 TERS Benefit from the UIF by sending an email to covid19ters@labour.gov.za from midnight tonight when the lock down starts. Upon sending the email, applicants will receive an automated reply which outlines all the steps and details, including the requirements to claim benefits. During the lock-down period, manual claims will not be accepted to reduce contact between people to curtail the spread of the pandemic.
On Our Side
We Busy Strategizing On How To Grow Our Business After Lock down And Also Urge Everyone To Use Electricity Sparingly As We Know That Load-Shedding Is Not Over Yet. Our Electricity Is From Coal The More Demand On Power Supply Means More Pollution. Saving Our Environment Is Everyone Responsibility.
Hi Guys,
We at iStratgo are providing clients with tools to help them manage the productivity of their employees working from how. Below are the detailed tools we have provided.
Video - https://youtu.be/Az5aUQrYplA
Minimum technology requirements.
Each employee working from home will require the following;
Step 1 – If you are not a client - Sign up for the iStratgo 30 Day Free Trial tool on - https://scorecard.istratgo.com/ui/registration.aspx and a consultant will take you through the setup process.
Now that you are signed on, which tools will you need for you to support remote working?
Important Company Broadcast/Notice
During this time it is critical for organisations to be constantly communicating with their employees. iStratgo provides a company broadcast facility which enables organisations to broadcast important notices via the system. These notices will be on the homepage of iStratgo and will also be sent via e-mail. Employees will be required to indicate that they have read the notice via the system.
Remote clock-in
To replace your fingerprint or access controlled clock in system, iStratgo enables you to clock in from the online system. This clock in will record the time that you start working and your location (if the location services is enabled). The benefit of this feature is that you maintain starting times especially for employees who deal with clients. The location helps in case of an emergency since the employee is on company time. If an employee takes a break for lunch or coffee they simply need to clock out and clock back in when they are back on their laptop or desktop working.
Who is online and who is offline page
The clock in above will be used to determine who is online and who is offline. A page on the system displays who is online and who is offline. This helps if you need to call a colleague for some help (we recommend using Microsoft Teams for video calls or meetings and Slack for messaging).
Tasks and activity tracking - Timesheets
Due to the fact that people a now working from home just like guys in the gig economy organisations need to ensure that employees submit timesheets to maintain productivity. Timesheets will help managers view tasks and activities being worked on and the overall weekly productivity for the team.
Submit Expenses Claims Online
Remote workers like technicians and sales people who have to go to sites are also affected with working from home issue. These workers normally come into the office on Fridays to submit expense claims. iStratgo enables these remote workers to submit and approve expense claims online and on the mobile phone.
Apply Leave Online
Even though employees will need to work from home, they will still need to apply for leave or time-off. iStratgo enables these remote workers to submit and approve leave online and on the mobile phone.
As a so-called ‘grown up’, it’s a rare thing (or a never thing?) to have the opportunity to stop, rest, spend time with my family, and refocus how my business and home life can be better friends. Amidst the chaos, we suddenly have permission to move through time differently, instead of at the fast pace the world has been demanding from us.
I think it’s thrilling. Tough, and challenging, but heck, what personal growth journey is easy and comfortable? And after all of this, I wonder what the world will look like? Imagine if we practiced compassion in this time of real need, making it a habit to help who we can. Imagine if we made that our new norm instead of going back to the way it was before, where we rushed through life, stressed out behind a computer or phone screen, with not a moment to look up and see how we can work together.
Imagine.
I am managing a small construction company Engineering Pipe Services which specialises in gas and utility piping. We had to go into lockdown and with no income coming in, it has been hard on the staff. I personally took one of the staff members who was willing to assist me with some of my home projects. I had two old wendy houses that had rotted from the bottom. So we recovered the balance of the good wood and re-built one shed. No cost, just labour. I am sure my wife will think of a hundred other jobs but fortunately with the lockdown, I can only do what does not involve any cost because all the hardware shops are closed. I am actually finding this quite therapeutic. Maybe those who cannot work could think of constructive things without cost !!!!
At Jere & Co, we have always embraced technology and have seen it as a tool to assist SME's with their legal risk management. Due to the fact that our business is relies on SME's who have been greatly effected during this period, we took it upon ourselves to offer some of our clients whose businesses have been greatly affected by the effects of the Corona Virus payment holidays on their invoices.
We are also taking this time to re-evaluate our business and come up with new ideas for our business.
#Weareinthistogether.
I run a small Graphic Design, Illustration and mural business www.resoborg.com
There is a lot of talk about "social media" and how important it is during this time. Skype, Facebook, Instagram etc are all great tools but for business's that are service based such as a design, web etc I found the following methods bring in some work as work slowed down or put on hold.
1. Reach out to past and existing clients to see how they doing with genuine interest to see how they are doing during this time. A courtesy, heartfelt call will go a long way in either landing work or work in the future - it is important to know that you really do care. After all business is about relationships and often these are built by emotional connections. Emotional connections are very hard to develop digitally but digital development can act as reminders once this connection has been made.
2. Everyone is having to take a back foot during this time. If you have some products or services that can be given away that is of no cost to you I would donate it to someone who is in serious need. For example as an artist I have sent out my older art works as a colouring in book that can be downloaded from a pdf. If you have the time and you see someone has bad branding, surprise them with a new logo. Yes you might not making money now but doing something heartfelt and genuine goes a long way when things get back to normal. See your goodwill as an investment for the future of your business.
Serati Ltd is a Textile and Fashion design company so at the wake of the virus we joined a network of vibrant designers who were sewing surgical masks for local communities https://www.10millionmasks.africa , we will be donating some of the masks we are making to our loyal clients who are be greatly supportive throughout this period.
The surface design aspect of our business has picked up! We have opted to keep our social media pages running with inspirational imagery and new concepts for our up coming collections & engaging our clients with sample previews where we ask them for their input into the new items, we believe by focusing our attention on the prospect of a better future after the crisis our business has a better chance to adapting to the new normal.
McSpitality Services Pty Ltd. We are a new company we provide catering and events planning also travel and tourism both inbound and outbound. It's 100% owned by black young woman. We are highly hit by this COVID-19 but we won't let it take over, I still keep contact with my suppliers, network and keeping in touch with the few clients that we managed to have so far as well as my staff to give them strength and hope.
Business wise I still do follow ups on the qoutation requests, the lockdown is giving us a chance to revise on our vision and mission also values re connect as a team with our baby (McSpitality Services) revise product and service on what to improve implement and change also review financials and getting a chance to know our clients better 😊. As much as we now have a challenge on getting our website up and running due to financial issues caused by this virus. "Forward we go"
Inhlonipho Trading Enterprise is an IT company that design website and IT specialist our website is www.hloniphopty.co.za., our strategy to survive during Covid-19 We created WhatApp group for our clients so that we can easily communicate with them. We also encourage our client to pay us via online bank and Bitcoins during the lockdown, We still help our client to fix their computers through team viewer.TeamViewer is a proprietary software application for remote control, desktop sharing, online meetings, web conferencing and file transfer between computers. our positive experiences our team has to join my NPO called Senzakahle youth development http://www.senzakahleyouth.org.za to unite with public and private sectors to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the country by promoting social distancing, encouraging people to stay in their homes, sharing the correct information about Corona Virus and fighting with people who sharing incorrect information on social media about the Coronavirus.
STORM G20 is combating COVID-19 by meeting people’s needs on the following aspects:
Essential products – our household and personal care products are concentrated so these essential items can be ticked off the list as there is no need to stockpile or buy extra as they are designed to last more than a month or more. Perfect during the lockdown.
Supplements – As we also face flu season, our supplements are 100% certified organic to boost and enhance the immune system to keep you at optimum health. Our brand is over 80 years old in the market and has the best of science and nature.
Financial hope – as we offer a franchise to people, we offer hope in a daunting financial space that we find ourselves in. Everyone has the opportunity to turn their everyday spending into an asset. All products are available at wholesale price which already leaves money in your pocket.
Digital platform – you can access over 2000 products online as well as join us on webinar business conferences to view how you can capitalize from our business and create an additional stream of income to get back on track.
Together we can conquer Corona and create options empowering ourselves and others. South Africa WE CAN!
STORM G20 is combating COVID-19 by meeting people’s needs on the following aspects:
Essential products – our household and personal care products are concentrated so these essential items can be ticked off the list as there is no need to stockpile or buy extra as they are designed to last more than a month or more. Perfect during the lockdown.
Supplements – As we also face flu season, our supplements are 100% certified organic to boost and enhance the immune system to keep you at optimum health. Our brand is over 80 years old in the market and has the best of science and nature.
Financial hope – as we offer a franchise to people, we offer hope in a daunting financial space that we find ourselves in. Everyone has the opportunity to turn their everyday spending into an asset. All products are available at wholesale price which already leaves money in your pocket.
Digital platform – you can access over 2000 products online as well as join us on webinar business conferences to view how you can capitalize from our business and create an additional stream of income to get back on track.
Together we can conquer Corona and create options empowering ourselves and others.
When your peer becomes your boss:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/news/when-your-peer-becomes-your-boss-4513411/
Our main goal at the moment is to help people stay indoors by delivering groceries! We are currently recruiting drivers and coming up with ways for them not to contract Covid-19 or possibly, spread it. Thankfully, within a few days, should all go according to plan, we will be launching with our first partner in Fourways. Our team is also brainstorming new ways to promote social distancing while stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system. We all know that entrepreneurship alone is not easy and the strain Covid-19 has put on Small Businesses and Startups has set us back in a way we have not predicted, therefore, we believe in working in together as a community to slow down the spread of this virus. Good luck to everyone and Take care!
Where do we start?
This is a time whereas a business we had to fast leap more than we ever did before on anything.
As this is most difficult time for everyone and lot of uncertainty exists, we found ourselves in different situation as business for past few days since being in lock down.
On Monday 30 March 2020 we have received a quite comforting messages from our clients who said that regardless of what is happening they are there with us as a small business and will continue to support us and we should stay positive.
One thing we are doing right as a business is building people centred business where it’s about the people and their safety. Also, our clients are there for us and they have being of stellar support by sharing with us any information that could be helpful to keep our business going like relief measures announced by government for small businesses and also announced by private sector. EPHRAIM MOTORS
Reliable Move Pty ltd operates a transport business to safely move employees from home to their place of employment. Operating two vehicles, one owner driver and one operated by an employee, Evans. Unfortunately one vehicle does not transport essential workers and we had to operate only one vehicle. We made a choice that the owner driven vehicles will be on lockdown so that we continue paying Evans his salary during this difficult times. That is just to say thank you and allow him to be able to put bread at his home.
As a startup, my business partner and I found ourselves challenged by the thought of a lockdown, especially since we operate mainly a contact centre business and our staff do not have pc's and internet at home to perform their duties. As a team we brainstormed ideas on what we could possibly do to work our way around our call agents not being able to work from home and eventually found an app that they could download on their phones to make calls to clients from using, using data and VOIP . There are challenges in terms of record keeping and manual filing as they have to do everything on paper and send photos to me on Whatsapp to capture on the PC, but we are still grateful to be able to perform functions, albeit a bit slower, and keep the business running, unlike so many other businesses who have no choice. Another positive is I have granted my team members the ability to work flexible hours, so that they can spend some time during the day with their kids and spouses - although COVID-19 is a major concern and crisis, we must also look at the silver linings and the positives, of being able to appreciate time with loved ones, especially small kids growing up. Its a Blessing. We would of course really appreciate this voucher to get us another computer so that we can work a bit more efficiently and not have so much manual work and duplication. Although we do miss seeing each other everyday at the office, we have daily Whatsapp video calls and morning meetings to check in, and still continue our morning prayer and mediation, so we have learnt to appreciate technology even more! In terms of our clients, we send newsletters and mailers with tips on how to survive lockdown, as well as manage their finances responsibly during this time, not to over indulge in unnecessary spending as well as hygiene and practical tips on how to keep healthy. Likewise, we do the same on our social media platforms.