Sometimes your strategy can be as simple as doing the math. For example: If you have calculated lifetime value of your customer as R200, then you can afford to spend R50 acquiring that customer, even if you only recover that R50 after 12 months. If your math is correct, you can close your eyes and…

As an entrepreneur, you will encounter obstacles. It’s part of the game. There’s no avoiding it. There’s no point complaining. You need to overcome the obstacle. The only question is timing. When is the best time to overcome an obstacle? Now.

You’re waiting for feedback on a deal, or on a payment, or on a sale. You’re chewing your fingertips, checking your phone every 30 seconds. You’re tempted to call, and call, and call.  Don’t do it. Endless nagging doesn’t change the outcome. In fact it can sometimes have a negative impact because the other person…

The reason patience a super-power is because it’s hard. Especially for entrepreneur-like folk, who’s DNA demands immediate action on everything. Work hard, leave nothing to chance, but then practice patience. Wait. Be quiet. Chill. Patience is a super-power.

There are so many variables in business that the odds of winning are an unknown. Success can’t be predicted. There’s only one way to win: Get on the pitch, swing the bat. Swing, miss, swing, miss. Don’t stop swinging.  You never know when you’re gonna hit it out the park.

Business is not so much about knowing what you want. It’s about knowing what you don’t want. It’s about knowing when to say no. It’s about focus. That’s why you need to know what your mission is. What’s the mountain top you’re chasing? Never deviate from that goal. And make sure you stick to your…

Do you speak your mind? Or do you hide your thoughts? Do you choose sides?  Or are you a diplomat? Do you leave something on the table? Or do you never let the other guy win? Whatever your choice, it’s cool. Just know that your reputation attracts like-minded people. It’s one thing being that kind…

No matter how smart and hard-working you are, lying is a zero-sum game. Lies always catch up with you. And when they do, its game-over.  People will forgive incompetence, but not dishonesty. Stop telling yourself you’re smarter than everyone and that you’ll get away with it. Never lie. Lies catch up with you.

You’ve plunged in, pulled the trigger. The adventure is underway. It’s turning out to be less fun that you expected. Pretty damn uncomfortable in fact. The glory of other entrepreneur’s stories fail to communicate the vertiginous risks.  Tough luck. You gotta keep going. There’s no chickening out.

You are told from the age you can talk that you must keep your promises. Which means you must only make promises you can keep. A golden rule which will serve you well in life. But sometimes it’s not appropriate. There will be times when you have to make promises that you’re not sure you…

It’s easy to forget on the way up that the way down is a long drop. There’s no getting away from that risk, but if you forget then you’ll be much worse off if you do fall. Try keep it at the back your mind. You’ll be more careful before making enemies. You’ll be more…

Things will go wrong. Sometimes it’s your fault, sometimes someone else’s. You have to fix it, no matter what. Throwing your toys out the cot won’t change that. Losing your cool will simply lose you respect. So be cool. Handle the speed-bumps with dignity.