Author: wealthbotswana

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Instantly differentiate your business in the minds of your customers

‘Standing out is easier said than done. It’s about delivering a level of service that goes way beyond what your customers are expecting,’ says Sprint Couriers MD, Michelle Gebrial.

‘We work in a highly competitive industry, against internationally recognised brands and a host of new start-ups who emerge all the time,’ she begins.

The danger, in an environment like this, is falling into the commodity trap.

You may see your business as unique. And to you, it is. 

But if your customers do not perceive (or value) these points of difference, you can easily find yourself in a position where price becomes the only differentiator between you and the rest of the market.

You’ll become embroiled in:

  • Never-ending price wars
  • Constantly worrying about losing your most important clients.

Gebrial and her team have combatted this problem very effectively, allowing them to become the country’s largest privately-owned courier and logistics business in the process.

‘It’s essential that our customers get a level of service from us that they cannot find anywhere else,’ she emphasises.

‘It comes from a deep, three-dimensional understanding of their businesses. This applies especially to our corporate clients, who need a courier and logistics solution which is designed around their needs, goals and pain points.’

She expands.

‘Our job is to make your business run smoother and better. To add resilience to your operations in challenging times. To provide the logistical backbone that allows you to fully explore and execute the vision you have for your business.’

‘We work side-by-side with our clients in a way that improves their businesses as a whole. This is how we transcend the conventional relationship that many service providers have with their clients,’ concludes Gebrial.

Beating the commodity trap is essential for SMEs in Botswana today. 

To effectively differentiate your brand, show your clients that you are designing your company around their needs, even to the point of obsession. 

The pay-offs are immense: immediately positioning your brand as a leader, avoiding price wars, enjoying smoother sales, building loyal relationships – and growing sustainably.

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Import from China confidently, every time, with Stanbic Bank

Africa-China Trade Solutions (ACTS) from Stanbic Bank promises local entrepreneurs a better way to do business with the world’s biggest manufacturer.

All over the globe, businesses of every shape and size rely on Chinese suppliers.

They do this for a good reason: anything that bears the ‘Made in China’ tag arrives, finished on your doorstep, cheaper than you could ever dream of producing on your own.

Chinese suppliers are also incredibly hard-working and flexible. They often meet the most demanding delivery timelines, accepting both high and low-volume orders.

However, successfully tapping these opportunities and finding the right Chinese manufacturer can be daunting for newcomers.

‘We help entrepreneurs through every stage of this process,’ says Stanbic Bank Head of Trade & Africa-China Banking, Akofang Kebonye. 

He says that Stanbic Bank has built a database of over 10,000 reputable factories in China, dramatically reducing the search costs associated with finding the right manufacturing partner for your business.  

‘We help our clients to build long-term relationships with suppliers who will adhere to the terms of agreement, delivering the quality of goods you expect. No surprises,’ he explains.

‘The beauty of doing business in China is that price negotiation is almost always on the table. We can assist in this area. When there is room for better terms, it means a healthier profit margin for you.’

‘Shipping, logistics and customs clearance can be an unexpected source of stress and expense. With ACTS, you can focus on running your business, knowing that all your paperwork is in order.’

‘There is no need to travel to China,’ he smiles. ‘We got this.’

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Stanbic Bank Trade Club is re-invigorating SMEs worldwide

Re-imagine your company’s next chapter by connecting to this platform of 17,000 pre-vetted buyers and sellers in 50 new international markets.

The Stanbic Bank Trade Club gives you the ability to reposition your Botswana-based business as a regional or even intercontinental exporter.


The economic fallout caused by COVID-19 is most likely the single biggest event of our
lifetime.

From a healthcare perspective, we are all relieved to see faint glimmers of a return to normal.

But for business owners in Botswana, the story is different: the private sector is still fighting for its life.

‘We are a purpose-driven organisation,’ says Stanbic Bank CEO, Chose Modise.

‘We feel a responsibility to help our customers make their dreams come true. And for the majority of our Business Banking clients, this dream comes in the form of re-invention. Now is the time to completely re-evaluate the way our local companies work, create value – and interact with the rest of the world.’

Enter: the Stanbic Bank Trade Club. It’s a gateway to the world for Stanbic Business
Banking clients. An opportunity to completely redefine what success means to your company. And set your sights on a whole new horizon.

It’s time to imagine a new future for your business. The Stanbic Bank Trade Club gives you the ability to reposition your Botswana-based business as a regional or even intercontinental exporter.

In the wake of the pandemic, entrepreneurs in all corners of the economy are waiting for the local market to bounce back. But the truth is, there is no timeline, nor guarantee, on
recovery.

Here is an open door into nearly 50 new markets, increasing your client-base exponentially, diversifying your possible income streams and eliminating your dependence on the local market.

Pick a dark blue point on the map to go global. Mastermind your international expansion plan and chart a bold new future for your business as a fully-fledged exporter. With the Stanbic Bank Trade Club, it all starts with one choice: maintain the status-quo, or reinvent yourself?

Compliance is one of the first steps for any new exporter. Your free membership to the Trade Club will give you all the regulatory information you need to harmonise your operations with international trade laws and manage your shipments. Step out with
confidence.

Say hello to your new, in-house business development manager. Membership to the Stanbic Bank Trade Club makes it easy to identify the most viable markets for your goods and services.

Post and respond to new business opportunities. Connect directly with suppliers who could be a game-changer for your value chain. Or clients who may have an appetite for your brand.

Register yourself to participate in the Trade Club’s periodic online events – always presented by the experts. This vibrant community awaits, just a few clicks away.

A growing business lives or dies on the quality of its relationships. If you can’t trust essential strategic partners like overseas suppliers and clients, what chance do you have?

The Stanbic Bank Trade Club is populated with pre-vetted companies with impeccable payment and governance records. Nurture your business and gear yourself for long-term success, side-by-side with the right players.

Your re-invention awaits:
👉🏾 Click here to join the Stanbic Bank Trade Club

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Built different: the power of belief in your small business

‘Belief is contagious,’ says Sprint Couriers MD, Michelle Gebrial. ‘When you have it, your customers will soon catch the bug.’

In channeling their belief, Gebrial and co-founder Pinkie Setlalekgosi found a secret weapon. 


‘We always had unshakable belief in ourselves,’ Gebrial says, recalling the early days, when the tiny new company was born.

Surrounded by well-funded, fiercely-competitive, long-established operators with internationally recognised brands, small courier outfits often struggle to compete in Botswana. Many have tried and failed. 

But in channeling their belief, Gebrial and co-founder Pinkie Setlalekgosi found a secret weapon. 

‘We knew exactly what a world-class, citizen-owned courier and logistics operation could – and should – look like. We also knew how to make that vision come to life.’ 

A small group of people acting with complete certainty of belief can have a transformative effect on the viability of a business.

‘Customers can sense when you are the real deal. Ours could tell that we were building something special and different. That we would never give up. That we would do whatever it takes.’ 

‘It was something about the way we carried ourselves. We had the right posture.’

Too many entrepreneurs go out into the world with the wrong mentality: hoping for success, instead of expecting it. Trying to convince, instead of demonstrating belief that inspires others into action.

‘Belief is contagious,’ she emphasises.  

‘When you believe in your vision, your skills, your team and your ability to solve problems, then you’ll find that customers often respond in a favourable way.’

‘This is something I keep reminding our team here at Sprint Couriers: first we must believe in ourselves. Then act accordingly.’

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Registering with ERB is the perfect networking opportunity

ERB offers engineers in Botswana an ideal platform to make high value connections in the industry.

When the perfect opportunity arrives, getting to the next level is about
what you know and who you know.

Engineering professionals earn their qualifications through years of study, precise technical application – and very long hours.

However, to climb the ladder in your workplace (or in your own engineering firm) requires an additional skill: networking.

‘The value of professional networking is rarely discussed by engineers, but having access to the right people is crucial for your growth,’ says Engineers Registration Board CEO, Dennis Olaotse.

At ERB, your registration can open doors. This is a community of experts dedicated to the advancement of the engineering profession in Botswana. Building your reputation as an active engineering professional is an astute career move.

‘Completing your registration (and maintaining it) makes it easier for you to collaborate with your peers, establish your personal leadership brand and build relationships with real decision-makers,’ he explains. 

‘By tapping into this network, you can stay ahead of emerging news, trends, best practices, technologies – and of course, get closer to all the movers and shakers in this industry.’

‘Because when the perfect opportunity arrives, getting to the next level is about what you know and who you know,’ Olaotse concludes. 

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‘Here for good’ means banking on renewable energy

You love to see it: Gaborone’s first solar-powered bank is lighting up Main Mall, thanks to Standard Chartered.

Putting words into action can be a rare quality.

When companies keep their word consistently, they create transformational change —
not just for their customers, but for the community as a whole.

Following the launch of their solar-powered Express Banking Centre in Lobatse last
year, Standard Chartered has brought their solar agenda to Main Mall, successfully
equipping the city’s first fully-fledged, solar-powered branch.

The investment is significant, but so are the returns.

The system is projected to generate over 170,000 kWh a year — enough energy to
power 100 average-sized homes.

And in 2022 alone, it will offset over P160,000 of electricity previously imported from the
national grid, displacing 10.4 tones of carbon dioxide.

Speaking at the launch which coincided with World Sustainable Energy Day, Minister of
Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security Hon. Lefhoko Moagi
congratulated Standard Chartered for the initiative.

‘As Botswana’s first bank, your responsibility is not small. And you continue to show
yourself in line with your brand promise of being here for good,’ he said.

The move, of course, is just one of many steps that the Bank has in place to future-proof its businesses energy needs, demonstrate responsible consumption and make a
valuable contribution to reducing climate-damaging greenhouse gasses.

Also speaking at the event was Standard Chartered Bank CEO Mpho Masupe.

‘At Standard Chartered, we embed our values into the daily operations of the business.
We also feel the need to walk this journey with our clients to ensure that we are all
playing our part in the fight against climate change.’

He said, ‘This year, we commemorate our 125th Anniversary in Botswana. This speaks
to our resilience, our relevance, our ability to continue re-inventing ourselves — and
most importantly, to follow our words with bold, transformative action.’

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Botswana Trade Portal: “Come one, come all,” says BITC CEO

Launched in 2016 and spearheaded by Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), the Botswana Trade Portal is gaining traction in the local business community.

The Trade Portal, which currently serves about 27 000 active users, has been built
according to the most exacting of standards in partnership with the World Trade
Organisation.

‘However, there’s plenty of room for more users,’ assures BITC Chief Executive Officer,
Keletsositse Olebile.

‘The Botswana Trade Portal is designed to help entrepreneurs at all stages of their
development to make faster, more informed trade decisions.’

‘We bring a wide spectrum of public sector stakeholders together, giving them an open
platform to post all their latest trade announcements, regulations, application forms and
procedures.’

‘The Botswana Trade Portal should be your first port of call on the day you decide to act
on your idea to become an importer or exporter.’

‘We are here to make research quicker, help you comply with a wide variety of laws, and
grow your business faster in an increasingly competitive world,’ emphasises Olebile.

‘I personally encourage anyone with an active business, or even just an idea, to set up a
free account with us. We want you to have every possible advantage, and are standing
by to assist you in any way we can to make your cross border enterprise a success,’ he
concludes.

At the Botswana Trade Portal, no query is too big or too small.

Set up your free account by clicking here.

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Woman in business? Don’t overlook your superpowers

In entrepreneurship and corporate life, working women must play to their strengths according to Sprint Couriers MD, Michelle Gebrial.

‘A woman’s touch brings powerful advantages to the workplace,’ says Michelle Gebrial. 

‘The only problem is that women often discount and suppress these inherent strengths, believing they should adopt a more masculine approach in their dealings.’

‘This is a mistake. I encourage women to play to their strengths and reap the rewards,’ she emphasizes.

Let’s take a closer look at how these superpowers can be a source of additional value.

Collaboration over competition

Women have a more collaborative leadership style than men. When negotiating, the feminine touch brings parties together around shared interests, as opposed to pitting people against each other.

‘My experience is that women are more driven than men to achieve common goals. We place great emphasis on working together, which means that important strategic relationships are nurtured,’ says Gebrial. 

‘This applies to customers, suppliers and employees.’

Willingness to help and be helped

Supporting less experienced workmates fosters a culture of growth and learning. In this department, women are miles ahead.

‘I believe that women are more likely to ask for help when they need it. Opening up in this way is not a sign of weakness. It is key to accelerating your skills development and career growth,’ she explains.

‘As a result, women are also more willing to pass on that knowledge, instead of hoarding it to themselves. At Sprint Couriers, this is a central aspect of our culture and high-growth mindset.’ 

Adapting to change

In the face of rapid changes in the market and all-new customer expectations, being able to pivot, adapt and re-imagine your business is essential. Women excel in this area too.

Gebrial says: ‘I’ve observed that women are excellent problem solvers. It’s a skill that they bring from the home environment, where making a plan is often the order of the day.’ 

‘In the midst of this pandemic, being agile and creative in the face of the unexpected has enabled us to maintain our growth and solidify the business,’ Gebrial explains. 

‘From what I’ve observed here at Sprint Couriers, women are more flexible and open to change when times are tough.’

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When moving goods cross-border, manage your risks with the Botswana Trade Portal

For companies in Botswana, the last two years have been a formidable test of operational resilience and risk management. 


Firms all throughout the country are still grappling with the immense difficulties ushered in by the pandemic, while at the same time balancing their need to deliver consistently good customer outcomes. 

‘If you are either importing or exporting, these pressures are particularly challenging,’ says Botswana Trade Portal Manager, Boipelo Baakanyang. 

‘The Trade Portal is here to help you navigate the risks of doing business in a continually shifting regulatory environment,’ she says. 

Baakanyang and her team, along with a long list of important stakeholders, are tasked with regularly updating the Trade Portal with all the relevant application forms, licences and permits necessary for cross-border trade. 

‘You can read up on all the latest laws, regulations, technical standards and procedures in one place. You’ll find it all easily searchable, available at the click of a button,’ says Baakanyang.

Quite simply, the Trade Portal helps you stay up to date with every letter of the law. 

She emphasises that staying up to date with new developments is the best insurance against regulatory infractions.

‘Robust compliance policies help you avoid penalties, control costs — and create a reliable supply chain for you and your clients,’ she says. 

‘What we have noticed is that many companies, especially the smaller ones, lack the personnel and expertise to monitor trade compliance. The Trade Portal eliminates any grey areas,’ explains Baakanyang.

While the rewards of global operations are substantial, so are the risks. 

‘Compliance failures delay shipments, disrupt operations, and negatively impact your bottom line. Having access to a single online resource mitigates risk is crucial when seeking long-term success in global markets,’ she concludes.

Your free membership to Botswana Trade Portal awaits you right here.

This is a free platform — and always will be.