SYDWELL KHOZA’s journey to where he is now makes you want to ask, “So what are the secrets behind your success?’.
Now the MD of Global, a franchise of financial services provider The Unlimited, Khoza employs more than 100 people. But he had to be extraordinarily resourceful to achieve this.
Khosa says: “Life was not easy growing up. As a boy I worked on a farm and as soon as I was old enough, I moved to Soweto to work for my father in his construction company.
“It was honest work but by the age of 21 I knew that I wanted to be more than a bricklayer.”
Describing himself as “the happiest man in the world”, Khoza suggests these tips to would-be entrepreneurs with their eyes on success.
1. It’s important for an entrepreneur to look at things differently. For example, a person who sells bananas but looks at that job as a serious business will initially buy bananas in large quantities until he learns what it takes to plant his own. From here, he will continue exploring what businesses he can supply to and then what countries he can export his bananas to. If you think like this, no matter how long it may take, success is inevitable.
2. Be humble and have an open mind. This is probably the one thing that will ensure you last long in business, remain able to identify opportunities and build amazing relationships. It shouldn’t matter who is saying it, where they come from or what they do for a living – you can learn from anybody.
Don’t let a little bit of extra income inflate your pride – it will slow you down if it doesn’t destroy you.
3. Invest in yourself. Read motivational books, listen to motivational clips and watch motivational videos – there are plenty of them on the internet and they are free. I read somewhere that reading 300 self-development books is equivalent to an MBA. Investing in yourself will take you to heights you once thought were impossible.
4. Find partners in your industry who understand your vision, people who get you and prioritise what you prioritise. For example, if you run a panelbeaters, there are many companies supplying parts, but you need to find the one that will supply what you need at the price you need it when you need it.
Work on these relationships, grow them and treasure them. You will grow together.
5. Don’t go into unnecessary debt because you are focused on what you want and not on what you need. I’ve seen people who made some money out of their business and then rushed to get the latest snazzy car. Avoid wasting your money and incurring unnecessary debt. There will be time for fancy stuff – be patient.
