Morne Patterson

The rise of e-commerce has revolutionised the way businesses operate and reach customers. With the emergence of online marketplaces from online retailers such as Takealot and Amazon, small businesses now can get access to a wider customer base. In this blog, I will explore how small businesses can leverage marketing and distribution from marketplaces like Takealot and Amazon to establish a platform and reach more customers.   Marketplace Advantages for Small Businesses   One of the primary benefits of using online marketplaces such as Takealot and Amazon is the instant access to a large, established customer base. These marketplaces have millions of active customers, who are already looking for products to buy. By listing products on these marketplaces, small businesses can tap into these existing customers, increase their visibility, and gain instant exposure to a wider audience.   Another advantage of using online marketplaces is the ability to leverage their marketing and

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with most people in the world engaging with it every day. From Facebook and Instagram to Twitter and LinkedIn, these platforms have revolutionised the way we connect with each other and consume content. However, despite the immense popularity of social media, websites continue to play a crucial role in the digital landscape. In this blog post, I will explore why social media does not result in websites becoming obsolete, and the benefits of websites, including credibility, professionalism, and more.   Credibility   One of the biggest advantages of having a website is that it can increase your credibility. A website serves as a central hub for your online presence, providing users with a one-stop-shop for all the information they need about your business. By having a website, you can showcase your products or services, share customer testimonials, and provide detailed information about your company. This can help to bu

Introduction Running a small business can be a difficult and sometimes overwhelming task. Many small businesses lack the resources and budget to compete with larger companies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still make your business look professional with big credibility.   With the rise of the internet and e-commerce, there are many cost-effective options available to small businesses. By professionalising your small business, you can stand out from the competition and make your business look more credible and trustworthy. This can help you attract more customers and increase your sales.   Why Professionalise Your Small Business? There are a number of reasons why you should professionalise your small business. Here are a few of the main benefits: ·          Builds trust with customers - When customers see that your business is professional and credible, they’ll be more likely to trust you and do business with you. ·          Increases brand awareness - Professionalising your small bus

Introduction The digital world has completely transformed the way that people do business. No matter what industry you operate in, having a presence online has become almost essential for success. If your business doesn’t have an online presence, it’s time to start building one. The days of operating strictly offline are long gone - you need to be able to connect with your potential clients whenever they want or need you. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to start establishing your online presence for your small business. Best of all, as you’ll see in this article, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. With a little planning and effort, you can quickly build an online presence that will help you grow your small business.   Step 1 - Register Your Domain This is done before you start building your website. A domain name is the address for your website. If someone types “www.yourdomain.com” into their browser, they will be directed to your website. If you don’t own this a

Starting a business involves deciding on a legal structure for the venture. Two common choices are a company and a partnership. Both types of legal structures have advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the key differences between these two is essential for entrepreneurs.   The Differences   The primary difference between a company and a partnership is that a company has limited liability, while a partnership does not. This means that if the company goes bankrupt, the shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of money they have invested in the company. However, the partners in a partnership are personally responsible for any of the partnership debts and their personally owned assets may be forfeited should the business default.   Tax treatment of a company and a partnership also vary. With a company, the corporate tax rate applies, and any after tax profits which are distributed to shareholders are taxed as dividends. With a partnership, the profits of the p

A shareholders agreement is an agreement between the shareholders of a company that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of each investor. This agreement is essential to ensure that shareholders are protected and that the company is managed in accordance with their mandate. In this blog I will highlight the key clauses that every shareholders agreement should include.   Company and Shareholders   The agreement should begin by outlining the company and the shareholders involved. This section should include the name of the company, the date the company was formed, the purpose of the company, and the name of each shareholder.   Capital Contributions   This section sets out the terms and conditions for each shareholder to contribute capital to the company. Contribution does not necessarily need to be in the form of cash and regularly includes intellectual property such as software.   Voting Rights   The shareholders agreement outlines the voting ri

A shareholders agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the shareholders of a company. It sets out the terms and conditions under which the shareholders will operate and govern the company, and is usually entered into by the shareholders at the time of incorporation or shortly thereafter. A shareholders agreement is only required when a company has 2 or more shareholders. One of the main purposes of a shareholders agreement is to protect the interests of the shareholders. It lays out how the company will be managed, who will be responsible for making decisions, and how disputes will be resolved. It also establishes the rights of the shareholders to participate in the management of the company, including the right to vote on important matters such as the appointment of directors and the approval of financial statements. Another important aspect of a shareholders agreement is the provision of exit rights. It sets out the rights of t