Entrepreneurship

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.’

‘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.’

Tag: Entrepreneurship

Import from China confidently, every time, with Stanbic Bank

Built different: the power of belief in your small business