Tag: Botswana

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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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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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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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As agribusiness grows, remember your membership to Botswana Trade Portal

As farmers in Botswana awake to a new dawn, Botswana Trade Portal is here to help you make bigger moves in agriculture.

As local farmers adapt to an all-new level of pressure and expectation, the big-picture benefits for the nation at large are clear.


In December last year, the Ministry of Agriculture announced an immediate ban on the importation of 16 different product categories.

Closing the border to a wide range of fresh produce has created some shortages — and indeed some tension. Consumers in Botswana are not accustomed to going without their favourite produce.

However, experts on the ground at the ministry of Agriculture believe that these are short-term effects. As local farmers adapt to an all-new level of pressure and expectation, the big-picture benefits for the nation at large are clear.

The new import bans (which will be reviewed in two years) give farmers the chance to prove themselves on a national stage — and confidence to bet on the future. To upscale their operations in an environment which is conducive to growth. 

Both rural and urban youth now have another avenue for wealth creation: pursuing lucrative ideas in specialised farming suddenly becomes a genuine career option.

Restricting certain imports also creates a sustainable boost to businesses which participate all throughout the agricultural value chain. These include fertilizers, seeds, tools, heavy equipment, irrigation, logistics, packaging — even banking and finance.

‘We encourage anyone who is a farmer, or indeed working in a farming-adjacent sector, to register on our platform,’ says Botswana Trade Portal Manager, Boipelo Baakanyang.

‘We will help you stay abreast of all the latest trade regulations, procedures, stakeholder announcements — and more,’ she says.

She emphasises that the Trade Portal is a free online service which is easy to navigate, and an essential resource for entrepreneurs, especially in agribusiness, who want to carve out a place in the market and make quick, confident decisions.

‘The Botswana Trade Portal will help you take advantage of this important window of opportunity,’ she says confidently.

To access the Botswana Trade Portal and become a member, simply click here. 

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Start your business stronger with Botswana Trade Portal

Take your first steps with confidence: the Botswana Trade Portal gives new entrepreneurs like you the support you need.

In Botswana, new entrepreneurs come into the ecosystem every day.


Special people like you, who have fresh ideas, endless passion and drive – and a clear vision for how you can add value to the marketplace. 

Sound familiar?

However, what you may lack is a partner who can help you bridge the gap between your dreams and reality.

‘The Botswana Trade Portal is designed to provide this essential companionship,’ says Botswana Trade Portal Manager, Boipelo Baakanyang. 

‘Here, you can download all your application forms, licences and permits necessary for cross-border trade. You can read up on all the latest laws, regulations, technical standards and procedures. You’ll find it all easily searchable, available at the click of a button,’ says Baakanyang.

‘And it’s all completely free,’ she emphasises. 

This centralised online resource brings together a wide variety of key stakeholders and Government authorities who will have a role to play in the long term development story of your business. 

‘Armed with the right knowledge, you can bring new goods to the local market, find the niche that’s perfect for you – and exploit emerging trends faster,’ she continues. 

‘If you plan to embark on an export-led growth strategy, the Botswana Trade Portal will help you lay out a step-by-step action plan that is designed to succeed in the real world,’ Baaknyang says.

Too many entrepreneurs die an early death because they simply don’t have access to the same information that their established rivals do. That ends now. The Botswana Trade Portal levels the playing field for early-stage companies. 

Many, well-established businesses of all shapes, sizes and industries are already taking advantage. If you are taking your first steps in business, it’s time for you to take your opportunity and sign up now.

It’s free. It always will be.

And you can activate your free membership today by clicking here.

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Win customer loyalty by managing their expectations

‘Under-promise, over-deliver’: a case study in growth and retention from Sprint Couriers.

There is a line between a bold promise… and over-promising.

‘In 2022, customer expectations are higher than ever before,’ begins Sprint Couriers co-Founder, Michelle Gebrial.

‘In our industry, it seems like new competitors enter the market every day. For us, this underlines the importance of retaining every customer who comes our way,’ she continues. 

In 2006, Gebrial founded the business with close friend Pinkie Setlalekgosi and a core team of 16 employees. Today, they oversee a countrywide operation and over 350 full time staff, the country’s largest citizen-owned delivery and logistics provider. 

Read more about their growth story here. 

‘When it comes to long-term customer retention, we are open about sharing our strategy,’ she smiles.

‘We under-promise, and then we over-deliver.’ 

Gebrial proceeds to lay out a perfect example of how this works.

‘Our Budget service offers what we believe to be the best balance between speed and value. Anything the customer brings to us by 7pm will arrive at its destination before 5pm the next business day. We offer this service within a 500km radius of the drop-off point, and in any direction.’ 

‘The 5pm deadline is one we know we can meet comfortably, given the size of our fleet and the experience of our team,’ she explains.

‘Because we give ourselves a deadline that is within our capacity, we often wow the customer. They’re expecting a 5pm delivery, but often find their packages arriving in the morning, or just after lunch.’

This is what Gebrial calls ‘under-promising’.

Managing the customer’s expectations in this way then sets the stage to shine – and win lifetime customer loyalty.

‘If you hand out bold promises and then fall short, you will experience increased complaints, a reduction in repeat business and even social media fallout,’ she explains.

‘That is why we go the opposite way: we only make guarantees that we know we can sustainably keep. This is a key driver of our retention strategy and overall growth,’ concludes Gebrial.

There is a line between a bold promise… and over-promising.
Train your team not to cross that line.