Nicolene Schoeman Louw

How love really does makes the business world go round

As much as business is about useful products or services or even, systems and processes, it is more about people. At the end of the day, business is all about relationships. Your ability to build and sustain relationships well is directly correlated to ultimate success.   Naturally, the most important relationships to build as a […]

Our two hats…

In small businesses it is often a reality that shareholders and directors are the same people. We are taught that the company is a separate entity, but that the people influence the culture. Ultimately the entity serves people, who thus have a vested interest in its success. This is all fine and well theoretically, but […]

Expectations…

In my view, expectations are where misalignment often happens.   Whether it be in a business transaction, with our children, a relationship (whether romantic or not) or even in a partnership.   In no small degree as humans, we are driven by expectations that are fuelled by projections. The funny thing is, no matter how […]

The link between board composition and financial performance

We have been hearing buzz words like board diversity and of course directors duties, but what is the true link between the board and ultimately the shareholders? Well, its all about performance. All about steering the ship in the right direction. The ability to steer is all about who you have at the wheel as […]

Corporate Governance and Legacy

Corporate governance is often associated with large businesses and is often viewed as something you do not need to pay much attention to, when running a small business. This could not be further from the truth.   Sound corporate governance has become a topic of discussion, especially in South Africa, where as a society we […]

An open letter to the Entrepreneur Mother

In the last few weeks I have been asking myself the key question – am I a good mother? I suppose it is a question we should all ask at some point. I am asking it now for two reasons, one it is Women’s Month and secondly, I just became a mother again and I […]

Why are having good ideas crucial in business?

Introduction Having great or innovative ideas is something most technology businesses thrive on and need to stay relevant. Perhaps even businesses traditionally associated with creative thinking. But should this concept be limited to only these businesses in today’s day and age? I say no – it should apply to all businesses! This is a question […]

Top legal aspects I wish SME’s would consider…

All of us as entrepreneurs had to start somewhere. It may be fresh in some of our memories but for others, merely a distant reminder.   I often say – I wish small businesses, or those starting out in business, would consider the importance of appointing an attorney and a financial expert right from the […]