Buzz Hour's for the Month of May
Mtunzini Buzz Hour
26 May 2009
Mtunzini Country Club
The ladies present at the BWA Buzz Hour in Mtunzini were excited at sharing their businesses ventures with everyone else present. From exciting parties, to serious matters such as development in the local area, no topic went unspoken.
Marlene Goodman (Events by Design), Barbara Chedzey (BLC financial Planning), Bernadine Sweetman (Mtunzini Mica), Lisa Ridley (Whimsical Party Shop) and Tanea Lombard (Nu Skin)
Eshowe Buzz Hour: Women in Health
21 May 2009
Memory Lane Coffee Shop
What could be more important than one’s health? Health is definitely an important topic for us women, and something that plays on many people’s minds.
Our demonstrator for the morning, Tanea Lombard, showed the ladies a nifty little gadget that can make one look and feel much healthier in a matter of seconds! And the most exciting thing of all, is that it comes with great business opportunities as well!
Brigette Van Tooren and demonstrator Tanea Lombard
Zelda Heistermann, Brigette Van Tooren, Michelle Kruger, Livia Isabelle, Sharon Curry and Tanea Lombard
Mtubatuba Buzz Hour: Women in Travel and Tourism
19 May 2009
Wendy’s B&B
Encouragement and words of inspiration flew around the table at the BWA Buzz Hour in Mtubatuba as women in the travel and tourism industry discussed their experiences in the current economic situation. With marketing being the key tip for the day, ladies shared ideas and thoughts on what each person could try. Specials, discounts and opportunities were plentiful.
The winners of the lucky draw, sponsored by Grindrod Travel were Denise Howard and Sherry Bevan. Thank you to Wendy of Wendy’s B&B for the delicious tea and snacks that were sponsored!
The ladies all had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses.
Richards Bay Buzz Hour : Just Between Us and Women in Law
5 May 2009
Elephant and I
Sherry Bevan
The BWA Buzz Hour was alive with energy and support. Women in law took the opportunity to share their challenges and experiences of life in the legal field with the ladies. Our guest speakers, Janine Van Loggerenberg (dezray Naidoo and Associates), Dezray Naidoo (Dezray Naidoo and Associates), Antha Serfontein (Serfontein and Richards) and Barbara Van Rooyen (Shepstone and Wylie) were open and honest with the guests.
From being retrenched along with a colleague, Serfontein went on to own and run one of the most successful women law firms in Zululand. From struggling through obtaining overdrafts to sheer determination and force to sit on some of the banks conveyencing boards Serfontein went on to inspire the women present. It is felt by Serfontein that no one is successful if their home life is suffering.
Whilst working for a large firm, Van Rooyen shared the different experiences of someone not working for themselves. Not working for oneself brings with it its own set of challenges, such as meeting targets set by someone else. Van Rooyen also added that women tend to bring a softer side to legal situations. Whilst a man may seem it fitting in these trying economic times to start retrenching staff, a women would be more inclined to see how else to solve the problem of costs.
Whilst no one opinion is right, all the ladies felt it was important to stay true to oneself, remain honest to their clients and offer the best service possible, as well as to remain positively feminine. ‘If you cant do the job properly don’t take it on’ – the legal field is a tough one and people in this sector need to ensure they are always offering their clients the best!
Denise Howard (Hoonoze.com) and Sonia Baumann (ERA Real Estate)
Antha Serfontein, Janine van Loggerenberg, Dezray Naidoo and Barbara Van Rooyen
Liza Gresse along with the guest speakers
Henriette Loock, Madelaine Higgs and Brenda Delport (Express Personnel)
Julie Chetty (Psychologist), Hester Loock (Honours student), Adell Du Toit (Drain Surgeon) and Annemarie Landsberg (One Stop Batteries)
Minoshini Naicker (Protea Waterfront), Havisha Ramsern (Old Mutual), Junety Sebothoma (Mafure Projects), Nolene (Tips and toes) and Beverly Masemula (Mafure Projects)
Zelda Heistermann (MemoryLane Coffee Shop), Brigitte Van Tooren (Perfect Cover UP), Tania Lombard (Nu Skin), Anita van Tonder (D&D Industrial) and Pamela Govendar (Reaching Out)
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Buzz Hour's for the Month of April
Mtunzini Buzz Hour
23 April 2009
Mtunzini Country Club
The BWA held a successful Buzz Hour in Mtunzini this week. The ladies were excited at the opportunity to network and to market themselves. It was a great opportunity for those to clear the air, promote their businesses, motivate each other and to share a good laugh! New business ventures were discussed, struggles and triumphs shared and marketing opportunities presented. The BWA looks forward to meeting with these dynamic and phenomenal woman.
Marlene Goodman (Events by Design), Liese Husband (Hippo Printing) and Bernadine Sweetman (Mtunzini Mica)
Cheryl Southgate and Antoinette Nel (Southgate Properties)
Monica Marneweck (Invitations 4 U) and Faye Heathfield (Security Works)
Standing: Lara Pearse (LP Designs) Seated: Janine Hill (The Crooked Fork), Debbie Hill (Recruitment Consulting), Julia Fensham (ERA estate Agents) and Barbara Chedzey (BLC financial Planning)
Launch of Mtubatuba Buzz Hour
21 April 2009
Wendy’s B&B
The Business Women’s Association made another visit out to Mtubatuba for a Buzz Hour.
BWA Coordinator, Sherry Bevan, explained what we at the BWA do to support women in business and encouraged ladies to join and work together to empower and motivate each other. It was discussed how important it is for us all to stick together during this economic situation we find ourselves in. We should all encourage and bring together our peers and colleagues to network and advertise themselves. By simply attending a BWA Buzz Hour – one is able to meet new faces, introduce oneself and market their business for free! Spread the word of our Buzz Hours across Zululand and help people you know!
The ladies all had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses.
Eshowe Buzz Hour
16 April 2009
Memory Lane Coffee Shop
Be wise with money, be wise with business opportunities and be wise with your health. These were all key thoughts as the ladies shared stories at the Buzz Hour. Inspiring each other, and encouraging each other led to a feeling of excitement to get back to ones office and really make things work!
Join us for the next Eshowe Buzz Hour on Thursday, 21 May 2009 at Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 9:30am.
Zelda Heistermann, Michelle Kruger, Brigitte van Tooren, Tanea Lombard and Melinda Louw
Empangeni Buzz Hour
15 April 2009
African Essence Spa
Have you got unwanted fat, hair, black and puffy eyes, ‘expression lines’, scaring, skin imperfections or pigmentation problems? Do you want to look like Madonna? Then African Essence Spa is definitely the place to go.
The machines use natural methods of enhancing and beautifying ones self. No contra-indications are reported with the use of the carboxy machine. The machine uses gas to stimulate ones own collagen and with the articulate work of the beauticians there is no risk of infection. Demonstrations were performed for the ladies to see the natural and pain free way of loosing weight! If you missed out on this Buzz Hour – you missed out on some special secrets!
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Mags Vandayar, Chantal McNally, Nivashni Chinnappen, Yvette Roux, Cheryl Reed, Karen Sclanders and Lilian Volschenk. Kneeling: Chernay Vermaak, Bo Khuzwayo and Andile Ntanzi
Women in Property
7 April 2009
Elephant and I Coffee Shop
‘Most transactions regarding property are involved with men! Women need to start being more involved’, said Derick Moor of Nedbank. People should invest their money in property. This doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate, one can build up from a flat and later move onto houses. Being wise was the main tip for the day.
Both lawyers and estate agents discussed the importance of documentation and dealing with professionals when buying and selling. From owning houses, to renting and even having ones house repossessed where topics up for discussion. Rather seek advice from people that can help you before it is to late and you end up in severe financial or legal difficulties. We were talked through the process of buying a house, the process of renting out a house as well as all that takes place in repossessions and auctioning off of houses.
Antha Serfontein, Barbara Van Rooyen, Chantelle Cronje and Julia Rensham
Sonia Baumann, Daphne Haworth, Tanea Lombard
The Nedbank Team: Derick Moor, Sientjies Koekemoer and Ruby Pillay
Tracy Meyer, Kathy Van Tilburg, Sheena Harvey, Brenda Delport and Seonaid Beningfield
Jean Liebenberg, Melinda Louw, Nellie Nel and Karen Nel
Buzz Hour's for the Month of March
Time Management - Eshowe Buzz
Venue:Â Memory Lane Coffee Shop
‘Time can’t be saved it can only be spent, therefore, you need to spend it wisely’, were the words of guest speaker Zelda Heistermann at this mornings buzz hour. Zelda spoke of how, by working hard and learning harder, she was able to grow from someone who had a difficult up bringing, to the fantastic entrepreneur and owner of Memory Lane Coffee Shop that she is today.
Zelda shared with the ladies the scary statistics of how often people are interrupted at work, and how preventing staff from receiving or making personal calls can save hours in the work day. If you missed this buzz hour you missed out an some seriously valuable information!
Join us for the next Eshowe Buzz Hour on Thursday, 16 April 2009 at Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 9:30am.
Take a coffee break away from your desk... Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.
Susan Rautenbach, Zelda Heistermann, Melinda Louw, Zamadonda Xulu, Peggy Strachan and Bronwyn Oscroft
Climbing the Corporate Ladder in Heels - University of Zululand Buzz Hour
Venue:Â University of Zululand, Arts Auditorium
Climbing the corporate ladder is no easy task especially not as a woman, yet guest speaker, Zama Luthuli, inspired the guests and made it seem as though it is a walk in the park! Whilst Zama shared her triumphs and success she also shared with us the struggles she has faced. Zama gave the guests a few tips on the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of climbing the corporate ladder and encouraged the guests to do what their heart tells them. Self confidence and believing in ones self are two of the points Zama made sure everyone was aware of. But the biggest tip of all: ‘respect people as you climb up the ladder, because you will need them if you fall down!’
Sherry Bevan, Slindile Mtolo, SP Tshabalala, Thabo Leshoro, Nelisile Hadebe and Sebabatso Ntlamelle
Guests at the buzz hour
Small Business Enterpises - Empangeni Buzz Hour
Venue:Â Empangeni Country Club
Whilst tax and SARS are often very scary words, the ladies were put at ease this morning with a fantastic talk by guest speaker, Karen Sclanders of Karen Sclanders and Associates.
Karen pointed out a section of the Budget Talk whish hasn’t yet been pointed out or explained to the public at any of the talks or presentations to her knowledge. A new offer from SARS aimed at small businesses and tax was explained to the ladies. Whilst it appears that people are being encouraged to not keep intensive records, Karen warned of the implications this may have. Karen also encouraged the ladies to keep their debtors up to date, without money you don’t have a business. If you missed this Buzz Hour, be sure your business isn’t suffering!
Sonia Baumann of ERA Real Estate, Nellie Nel of Sugar Crafts by Nellie, Karen Nel of Pastel, Dhana Goodenough of Dhana Pillay Insurance Brokers
Seated are: Karen Sclanders and Sam Blaylock of Ferry Fine Wine’s
Women in health - Richards Bay Buzz Hour
Venue:Â Elephant and I
What could be more important than one’s health? Judging by the large attendance, health is definitely an important topic for us women.
Our guest speakers shared with the ladies their struggles and triumphs of working in the health sector. From it ‘being a calling’ to the rewarding feeling of touching a life and helping someone in need, the ladies were able to hear the positive side to working in this often very trying sector. It is important for those in the management positions to ensure the morale is kept up, even though in pressing times, one still needs to wait for authorisations.
Staying healthy is vitally important, the ladies felt that it is often too late to prevent damage when the patients arrive. Therefore, it’s important to create awareness and to teach others about being healthy and active. Currently, the South African rate of obesity is passing America’s. Our children are the future – and we therefore need to look after them.
If you missed this exciting topic be sure not to miss WOMEN IN PROPERTY – the next Richards Bay Buzz Hour.
Marthie Combrink, Simphiwe Zwane, Zodwa Zikalala, Tertia Van Niekerk, Sue Birkenstock, Tanya Girvin, Christine Samuels, Zama Luthuli and Sherry Bevan
Christine Samuels and Princess Mchunu
Guests sat in rows to listen to the exciting talks and discussion for the morning
A large turn out at the Women in health – Buzz Hour
Launch of Mtubatuba Buzz Hour
Date: 26 February 2009
Venue: Wendy's B&B, Mtubatuba
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
The Business Women’s Association launched another successful Buzz Hour, this time it was up in Mtubatuba.
BWA co-ordinator, Sherry Bevan explained what we at the BWA do to support women in business and encouraged ladies to join and work together to empower and motivate each other. Sherry also explained the Regional Achievers Awards to the ladies and asked them to put forward nominations of the phenomenal women we all know are hidden away.Â
The ladies all had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses. The topic of banking and the economy were a highlight for the morning with both Nedbank and Absa ladies present. It was encouraged that people stick to using cards as a safer means of banking. The ladies were encouraged to be smart with their banking, to get advice, take the safe route when banking and to always ensure that they are managing their money. Tips on safety features and aspects were discussed and shared with the ladies.Â
Eshowe Buzz Hour
Date: 19 February 2009
Venue: Memory Lane Coffee Shop
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
The Business Women’s Association held another successful Eshowe Buzz Hour with guest speaker for the morning, Shirley Stanley. Members and guests listened carefully to the warning from Shirley regarding tax and one’s business. Shirley briefly explained the changes that had occurred since the budget talk early this month. It was pointed out that there was in fact little relief for businesses.
The difficulties people incur when paying one’s tax was discussed and stories over SARS were shared. Applying for a vat number is no longer as simple as it was in the past, and Shirley’s advise to the ladies was ‘seek help and advice before you apply’.
The ladies continued to network and discuss their business ideas following on from the talk.
Join us for the next Eshowe Buzz Hour on 19 March 2009 at Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 9:30am.
Launch of the Esikhaleni Buzz Hour
Date: 17 February 2009
Venue: Nembula's Place
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
The launch of the Esikhaleni Buzz Hour was met with much enthusiasm by all, both men and women. The ladies and gentleman present were able to present themselves and their businesses in a relaxed and peaceful environment. We would like to thank Dr Lungile Masuku for helping us arrange this session. Our wonderful host for the morning, Sipho owner of Nembula’s Place ensured that everyone was relaxed and comfortable with refreshments on the house!
Dr Masuku, our Regional Business Achiever 2007 winner, encouraged the ladies to remain part of this dynamic organisation which allows one to network with people of all walks of life, even influential people one may not have had the chance to meet. Dr Masuku spoke of the desperate need for Esikhaleni to be taken notice of. The large number of business women in this area, seem to go unnoticed. It is time for Zululand to step up, and unite with these women to make Zululand an even greater business hub!
Deals were signed, relationships formed and mentorship projects planned. If you missed this exciting Buzz Hour, be sure to be at the next one.Â
Mentorship and Development Empangeni Buzz Hour
Date: 11 February 2009
Venue: Wyett's Meat and Deli
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
Mentoring, helping, guiding and supporting! This is what BWA is all about, and was certainly evident at the Buzz Hour held this morning. Hostess for the morning Vassie Moodley of Bambisani Projects, who also heads the mentorship and development portfolio on the BWA committee, spoke to the ladies on the challenges she has faced in her business. Moodley stressed the importance of having support systems in place and being able to rely on others to help her through the good and the bad times. Moodley managed to make a success of her business within the first year of operation, and has recently expanded her business to include a factory producing school furniture.
Guest for the morning Nimo Naidoo, head of marketing for Business Partners, drove up from Durban to be with us. Naidoo forms part of the Mentorship and Development portfolio on the Durban BWA committee. Naidoo spoke of the support business people had offered to others. Naidoo stressed the importance for giving back to the community, not only on a business level but also on a personal level.
The ladies shared stories of successes, failures, plans of expansions and new starts as they made their way around the table. It is important to remember to have the attitude ‘I can’ in order to succeed. Surround yourself with successful people and always look for improvements, don’t focus on problems, rather look for solutions. Work on relationships with consumers and possible consumers and network. It is important to not only network in one area, they may be people looking for your line of work in other areas. Putting off travelling is putting off opportunities!
Just between us - women in corporates
Date: 3 February 2009
Venue: Elephant and I
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
The BWA Buzz Hour was alive with energy and support. CSI manager, Natasha Singh of Tata Steel, and Jeanette Small currently partner of Bees Ink, shared their challenges and experiences of corporate life with the ladies. It is important for small business women to know that they are not alone, and these ladies were all for helping and supporting others.
Having come from working for an NPO to heading communications in a corporate world, Singh has come far herself. Singh did share with the ladies, that her personal thoughts are that young women in corporates are often overlooked. They may be given responsibility but that responsibility seldom comes with authority. It is important for businesses to work together as a team, good leaders and supportive managers can often make or break a team’s morale.
Jeanette Small, partner in Bees Ink, shared her stories of working previously in the corporate world. Small felt that although in corporates one is part of a team, often the whole team wants to be involved which is not always practical and the individual is often never given the chance to excel on their own. Small felt that in corporates one is never given the chance to brainstorm and run ideas through a whole team – often one is only supported by a few people within the organisation. Working for a small business, has the advantage of being a close knit group that works together and supports each other.
Business ladies round the table felt that knowing someone in a corporate does give you the advantage of getting into that organisation. It is important to know about the person you are going to meet with – read the newspapers, ask questions…people feel comfortable and relaxed when there is a common ground. The art of networking is of the utmost importance. Whether it be on the golf course or out and about, meet people, meet products and build relationships. One needs to stay ahead of the game, both in corporates and in small businesses. Know your product and know your competitors.
22 January – Eshowe Buzz
Memory Lane Coffee Shop
9:30am
The Businesswomen’s Association held another successful Eshowe Buzz Hour this week. Members and guests gathered over a coffee to share the plans for their businesses this year, and to motivate and encourage each other. From expanding their businesses to mentoring others – there really is no stopping this amazing bunch of enthusiastic and phenomenal group of ladies.�
There was no stopping the ladies, as the enthusiasm and motivations ran round the table. If you missed it, be sure to be at our next buzz hours:
Take a coffee break away from your desk...Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.
Livia Isabelle, Zelda Heistermann, Shirley Stanley, Michelle Kruger, Sherry Bevan and Brigitte Van Tooren
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21 January - Empangeni Buzz
Wyett’s Meat and Deli
9:00am
The Businesswomen’s Association held another successful Empangeni Buzz Hour this week. Members and guests were inspired by the truly motivational Juanita Woodhouse of McCarthy Inyanga Motors. Woodhouses’s enthusiasm and love of what she does, shone through. Woodhouses’s main tip for the morning was to be confident in ones self. It is important for people to sell themselves, and to be their own self-motivator. Happiness sells itself, and it is important to make a buyer feel happy.
Woodhouse told the ladies to know their product and to also make sure they know their competitors product! ‘If you do what you did yesterday – you are going stale’ said Woodhouse. Woodhouse shared tips with the ladies that she uses to sell her product.�
There was no stopping the ladies, as the enthusiasm and motivations ran round the table. If you missed it, be sure to be at our next buzz hours:
22 1 2009: Â Eshowe Buzz Hour, Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 09:30
3  2 2009:  Richards Bay Buzz Hour, Elephant and I, 09:00. Just between us.
11 2 2009:  Empangeni Buzz Hour, Wyett’s Restaurant, 09:00. Mentoring and Developing each other.
17 2 2009: Â Esikhaleni Buzz Hour, to be announced
19 2 2009:  Eshowe Buzz Hour, Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 09:30. Finance  and the Budget talk.
26 2 2009: Â Mtubatuba Buzz Hour, to be announced
Join us next week Thursday, 29 January 2009 at Piatto Mediterranean Kitchen for another inspiring talk on marketing and labelling that sells. BWA would like to extend their thanks to McCarthy Inyanga for sponsoring the travel expenses for guest speaker, Clara Priester.
Take a coffee break away from your desk...Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.
For more information, contact Zululand BWA coordinator, Sherry Bevan on 035 772 5518, 084 468 8252 or Zululand@bwasa.co.za.
Dhana Goodenough, Welma Naude and Dee Bevan
Amy Grant and Juanita Woodhouse
Dhana Goodenough, Karen Sclanders, Dezray Naidoo, Juanita Woodhouse, Welma Naude, Amy Grant, Sabrina Naidoo and Sonia Baumann
13 January - Richards Bay Buzz Hour
Elephant and I Coffee Shop and Restaurant
The BWA Buzz Hour started again this week with great enthusiasm. The ladies discussed how they had organised their offices, work and lives. It is important to start the year off with goals and plans in place.�
The year has started off with power, excitement and a great will to succeed – lets join hands and help each other to make 2009 a success! Join with us at the following times and places to network with other phenomenal ladies such as yourselves:
21 1 2009: Empangeni Buzz Hour, Wyett’s Restaurant, 09:00
22 1 2009: Eshowe Buzz Hour, Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 09:30
3 2 2009:Â Richards Bay Buzz Hour, Elephant and I, 09:00
11 2 2009: Empangeni Buzz Hour, Wyett’s Restaurant, 09:00
17 2 2009: Esikhaleni Buzz Hour, to be announced
19 2 2009: Eshowe Buzz Hour, Memory Lane Coffee Shop, 09:30
26 2 2009: Mtubatuba Buzz Hour, to be announced
Take a coffee break away from your desk...Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.