Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The nine signposts of the work you were born to do
Question: What do you know in your heart you are here to do and be, even if this presently exists only as an idea or thought?
So what are the characteristics of a renaissance soul?
Other characteristics of renaissance souls include the following:
A renaissance soul enjoys variety and likes to focus on different interests consecutively and sequentially.
A renaissance soul is inspired by possibilities, by learning and growing. He or she likes branching out, evolving and opening up options rather than closing them down..
A renaissance soul frequently wants to move onto something new once she gets good at something, rather than stick with the same old thing.
But you don’t have to be a genius to be a renaissance soul!
In pursuing a variety of passions, you may become good enough at them to generate income from one or all of them; or you may simply express your many interests through a range of activities, volunteering your time and talents in various ways that are meaningful to you.
However, being a renaissance soul is not just about pursuing a diverse set of activities; it is also about recognising and acknowledging the many facets of your identity.
Modern work can often demand a lot of a little of us – we use few of our skills and express the same aspects of ourselves over and over again, while the rest of our potential and ability goes unutilised. A renaissance soul enjoys finding ways of expressing all aspects of themselves.
For example, I know that within me there are many aspects of myself I enjoy expressing. In me, there is an artist, an entrepreneur, a deal maker, a mystic, a poet, a friend and a teacher. I like bringing all those aspects – and more – to my work.
A renaissance soul doesn’t want to leave any aspect of themselves out of their life!
... Now it's time to turn our attention to the nine signposts of the work you were born to do.
content from http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/
Are you a Renaissance Soul? Life as a 'portfolio' of work and interests
Here are some examples of this way of thinking that you can affirm for yourself:
- I want to be more creatively engaged and fulfilled.
- I want to feel more appreciated.
- I want more excitement and to feel that my own talents are more fully utilised.
- I want to keep learning and growing and developing my skills and talents.
- I want to feel free to set my own goals and to be in charge of my own time.
The characteristics of the work you were born to do
Here are the main characteristics that will help you to recognise the potential of the work you were born to do:
It doesn’t feel like work in any traditional sense.
You work for love AND money: you generate income in a joyful way.
You contribute what you uniquely have to share
You experience a deep sense of fulfilment.
You develop an equality of head and heart.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
SA business upbeat on 2010
Seventy-five percent of South African companies believe that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will benefit them financially, and are taking steps to capitalise on the country's hosting of the event, according to the latest International Business Report by consultants Grant Thornton.
Releasing the 2007 International Business Report - previously known as the International Business Owners Survey - on Wednesday, Grant Thornton said in a statement that the build-up to the World Cup would boost business sentiment in South Africa.
Three-quarters of the medium to large privately held businesses surveyed in SA were looking forward to "some level of financial benefit" from the World Cup, Grant Thornton said.
"The majority of these respondents (47%) believe that the greatest benefit will be gained in the build-up to the event, while only 14% expect to benefit during the event itself."
According to the survey, 60% of SA companies are considering diversifying their product or service in order to maximise their returns from the tournament, 53% are increasing their workforce, and 46% are making additional capital investments in their businesses.
A third (33%) of the businesses surveyed said they were increasing their geographic spread in preparation for the event and its build-up, while a quarter (25%) said they would be importing more goods from abroad.
Grant Thornton chairman Leonard Brehm commented: "If our country is to meet the growth targets that have been set, all those working in South African business must be able to operate in a safe environment.
"This can only be achieved through strong and sustained action by government security agencies at all levels, supported by a culture of community participation in assisting with the detection and control of crime."
Grant Thornton's 2007 International Business Report is based on research conducted among medium to large privately held businesses in 32 countries, covering more than 7 200 respondents. In South Africa, research was conducted by Research Surveys among 200 privately held businesses employing between 100 and 400 staff.
South Africa.info reporter
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sales
Sales – Sales – Sales
This is what you need to focus on it the beginning, without sales you don’t have a business. You will need to spend most of the day and your energy getting sales.
The best Ideas come from imagination and creativity. Think out the box, open you mind and come up with ways that will suits your market,
We have added a few thoughts to get you going
1. Right after the first sale, make sure you follow-up with your client. 2. You could try upselling to your clients. 3. Inform your clients of new product and services.4. Give your new customers the option to join an affiliate program. 5. Offer the customer the rights to your product. Within the package you offer, you could include information on other products you have for sale. 6. You could create a package deal where you cross promote your products with another businesses' product.
Monday, April 20, 2009
What Are Ideas?
But how do we turn the idea into money? Who do we tell? What do we need to do first? Were do we start?
These are the exciting questions that keeps the Blue Label team up late at night and gets them out of bed early. Answering these questions makes the work we do so rewarding.
There are some people born with the drive and guts to just jump into the deep end and try swim. For the rest of us we need to look to a mentor for guidance and assurance that we can do it. The most important thing that we have learned and teach is ACTION, ACTION, ACTION!! Make your Idea happen, get on with it.
1. Get you idea onto paper,
2. the next thing is what you need to sell your product of service.
3. Then do it.
Don’t get bogged down with too many details in the beginning, your aim is to see if your idea will sell, once you have sales work on the details.
Blue Label are positioned to lead you in the right direction. Let us help you make it happen.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Great Partners
You sign your first lease and you are on top of the world as with securing sites and tenants for building wraps. Putting offers in on buildings is by far the most adrenalin pumping thing any one could do. All these give you a tremendous high and a sense of achievement. They also allow your creative ideas to get carried away as to how you can execute the agreement with better accuracy than before and how to provide a smarter service or how to better use an existing space in a building. These emotions are great and I believe you could run forever on them alone. You will wake up bursting to get on with it and get things done and that's what it is all about.
But there is the other side as well. You do get frustrated when properties don't come through or when the person you believed was the seller turns out to be a hijacker. When you have to work long hours on a proposal or a deal and find out you have "waisted" you time (truth is its never really waisted). There are many times when you think you could just let it all go and then you remember the fun you had in the paragraph above and it all becomes worth it.
A solid business partner is vital in achieving success, you need someone to make you focus on the silver lining when the clouds roll in. You need some one to put you in your place when you start to stray from your ideals. You need someone who is as focused and determined as you are and someone who has the street smarts to get the job done.
Take your time in selecting the right partner, its make or break. I cant tell you how many partners I have had on previous ventures who have fallen apart once the honeymoon is over and its time to work. There are plenty of people who like the idea of owning and running a business but the truth is that it is a messy, dirty fight that is not to be taken lightly but once you sink your teeth into it you will never want to let go. Its the best feeling in the world.
get on and do it
Don’t pick a time or day
“Just doing it” shouldn’t be precise; it should come to you out of the blue. There’s no need to pick a day or plan ahead.
Get pissed, get frustrated
I’ll be honest; I’m pissed and frustrated as I write this article right now. But it’s giving me an unbelievable amount of motivation, and even a little adrenaline to go for it.
Instead of fighting, crying, or complaining when you’re frustrated, funnel that energy into focus and action.
Remember that time’s a wastin’
Every month, week, day, hour, and minute you get closer to your end. Nothing will motivate you more to live than death.
Think less, act more
It might be risky, it might get you in trouble, but you must act more than you think. Forget the “what if’s.” F**K all the naysayers and whatever they tell you! Don’t worry if you fail. Don’t think about the money you’ll lose or gain. Be a little stupid and take a lot of action.
Lose these words and phrases
These aren’t real excuses.
“I can’t.”
“I don’t have enough money.”
You don’t need money to take the plunge.
“I don’t have enough time.”
Yes you do! I don’t care how busy you are. You don’t have enough time to wait.
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I don’t know how.”
Start learning. Get your feet wet and you’ll learn along the way.
“Later.”
No, now!
Stop acting like you’re busy
There are a lot of people out there who push papers around and act like they have so many places to go and so much to do. In reality, they’re just avoiding the actions that will get them what they really desire. May be it is because they’re scared or doubtful.
I don’t care who you are; you have time to “just do it” and chase something you want or need. You’ll just have to get less sleep, lose free time, and make lots of other sacrifices.
Know when you’re reaching your tipping point
One of the biggest obstacles keeping people from “just doing it” is not recognizing when they’re about to hit their tipping point.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “is this all there is to life?”, then you are closely approaching your tipping point. The same goes if you feel like you’re about to have a nervous breakdown.
You can either succumb to your emotions; or you can stand up, fight, and just go for whatever will make you happy. Once you cross the threshold towards your tipping point, your mind will never be the same and nothing can ever stop you; except yourself.
List what you don’t like about your life
Perhaps it is focusing on negativity a little too much; but grab a piece of paper and write down what you don’t like about your life. May be you don’t have enough money or worse you aren’t happy enough. For those who really want change, it’s enough for them to take the plunge.
Keep in mind:
“Just do it” is much easier said than done. And it should be that way. It separates the people who deserve it from those who don’t.
So what are you waiting for? Get to it! Close your browser window, turn off the tv, put down the book or magazine and get going!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Where to start
by Janet Attard
What does it take to start and succeed in business? That's a question I get asked a lot by startups. Although there is no one answer that fits all businesses, there are a number of practices followed by successful, happy business owners.
1. Be true to yourself.
No matter how much money someone else makes, if you don't enjoy the business, wouldn't be proud to show your relatives what you are doing and how you are doing it, then don't do it.
2. Find a need and fill it.
Yes, you've heard that a million times. But it still works.
3. Choose products or services that you can sell for more than it costs you.
If the difference between your cost and selling prices is too low, you will have difficulty growing the business. When profit margins are too low, you won't have enough money to hire employees, pay for rent, advertise more, and do other things needed to expand.
4. Make realistic estimates of your expenses... then double them.
Most new businesses either forget about marketing, fulfillment, overhead costs, income taxes and self-employment or greatly underestimate them.
5. Be true to your customers and prospects.
Don't promise what you can't deliver. Don't lie or exaggerate the benefits of what you sell and always deliver a quality product or service.
6. Understand the importance of marketing and learn how to do it effectively.
The world won't beat a path to your door just because you build a better mousetrap or write a great ebook about how to grow tomatoes or teach a child to read. To get customers you will have to market your products or services effectively and continually.
7. Treat your manufacturers and service providers with respect and let them know you appreciate them.
They are an important part of your team and your success.
8. Embrace the web.
No matter what you sell or to whom, there's a good chance your customers will turn to the web in one way or another to make their purchase.
9. Don't expect miracles.
Yes, people do make money in their sleep or while they're away on vacation -- the Internet makes that possible. But only after they've invested a lot of time , effort, and money in building the business and building the team that keeps it going and growing.
10. Remind yourself that one is the loneliest number in business. One product, one service, one main client, and all your records stored on one computer hard drive without regular off-site backups is a recipe for failure.
Video http://sta.rtup.biz/video/2084667:Video:230
Monday, April 13, 2009
Networking

The statement simply means that business is about people. It
does not matter whether someone runs a large corporation or
runs the corner shop where you buy bread. People give each
other ideas about business and job opportunities. The world of
business runs on networks of people – talking to each other,
learning from each other and doing business together. How
can you get the most out of the people around you?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wealth Creation
If you wanted to get rich, how would you do it?
We think your best bet would be to start deciding that you want to make money. Once you have the desire the motivation and ideas will follow.
Africa loves the entrepreneur or startup. Startups usually involve work! That’s right WORK, lots of people want to start a business so that they don’t have to work for someone any more. This is a nice idea but once you start your own company you will learn what hard work is, you will also know what it feel like to LOVE your work. Owning your own company has to be on the most exciting and challenging quest you will ever embark on. Lots of people get rich knowing nothing more than that. Blue Label see the drive in Africa and are here to help everyone ride this wave.
Click on the link to get an overview from Robert Kiyosaki
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=951448792763095841
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Narrow Minded "Experts"
A couple weeks back I had the opportunity to have an afternoon with who could easily be argued as one of South Africa's biggest residential property investors, someone I have been following for many years and to my absolute surprise I couldn't believe how narrow minded he was.
We got talking about various ideas one of which was the investment opportunity in the JHB CBD and he was absolutely shocked, "never really thought about it" were his comments. We then went through our actual figures, not research figures, real hard numbers from properties we own in the CBD and again, complete amazement.
The conversation continued and we eventually got back into talking CBD when he proposed a partnership where by he would invest cash as an injection and we would leverage this into bigger properties. We eventually agreed on a proposal and structure for the investment and over a few meetings agreed to get going.
We are now entering into a period were the first project is in sight and the investment is required and he is not sure if he wants to risk investing in this frightening territory of JHB CBD.
Now this is a man with many many millions of rands, many hundreds of properties and about a dozen businesses. How has he done it?
My point is this, as an entrepreneur you need to move quickly and be ready to investigate new ideas and take new opportunities, particularly when they are right in your "circle of competence" as Buffet puts it. You need to be honest with the people you deal with and above all have integrity when making commitments.
However there is a phrase for those who deliberate to long, its called "analysis paralysis" and its a killer of dreams and ideas. Do the research, make a decission to go for it and then put your head down and GO.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Opportunity in South Africa
Blue Label is positioning its self to assist the entrepreneur achieve their dreams, over the past decade the mission of Blue Label has been to develop an entrepreneurial culture and mindset in youth and adults, and to assist in the creation of entrepreneurs.
Does my company have to be established? -No, we enter into projects at every stage of development – from basic ideas to start-up and established companies. Even if your project is still an idea, it could still be of interest to our investors. They might even have the relevant know how and expertise to get the ball rolling.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Bluelabel Blog Update 1 - 5 April 09
Blue Label Holdings is a progressive collection of entrepreneurs who have found themselves questioning service delivery and market opportunity.
We have decided to take a stand and rectify these market defects and have to date found success in Property Investment through investigations of investment structures, market movements, intelligent financing and leverage.
Further success has been found in the Property Management through the creation of Blue Label Real Estate Solutions which currently manages private investors property investments with astonishing success and increasing market share.
The future will bring investments in Public Transportation, Construction, Marketing and Insurance among others currently being researched.
Welcome to the commentary of what will be a very exciting ride over the time to come.
Regards
Geoff Jardine
Blue Label Property Holdings