Leads 2 Business Blog

10 May 2022

A Day in the Life of the IT Department

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: General | 18

IT is the backbone of most offices and day-to-day operations. IT individuals often have an obsession with all things tech-related but that works to everyone’s advantage as keeping up with the latest tech keeps things relevant.

Ever wondered what we get up to in IT?
Let’s dive into A Typical Day in the Life of a Company IT (Admin) Person:

7:20 – Arrive at the office
7:25 – Coffee & Water is the first priority
7:30 – Start Morning checks – confirm daily email generation, notifications, errors, backups, emails and prioritizing and responses and tasks.

Some emails may include the following: “My computer is frozen. Please can you help? Do you have a spare laptop I can use in the meantime?” “The internet isn’t working.” “My computer won’t turn on.” “I can’t print.” “My signature is missing.” “My email to x recipient keeps failing.” “I keep getting this error and I don’t know what it means.” “I locked myself out of my computer/account.” “I did an update and now isn’t working?”

8:30 – Update tickets, go through daily scheduled tasks and send necessary reminders to staff
9:05 – Remote to a PC out-of-office to assist with some technical queries off-site. Check back-ups and software updates.
9:25 – Investigate the dead PC, and set up a spare until the drive can be wiped and restored.
9:50 – Order some IT inventory, schedule deliveries/pickups for purchases or returns
10:00 – Check the internet connection in another department – replaces a faulty cable.
10: 15 – In-between most tasks telephonic queries are also handled according to priority
10:30 – Check a PC that “won’t turn on.” Pushes start on the tower which works as required.
10:35 – Restarts a PC after some updates, clears cache, cookies and history and the PC checks out.
10: 45 – Liaise with Dev Team on priority projects and current daily issues, testing and reviewing new developments
11:30 – Respond to more email queries such as, “I clicked on a suspicious link. I think it was a virus. Oops.”
12:00 – Source, edit, create and schedule content for social and blogs. Respond to any queries on social.
1:00 – Solve hunger problems with lunch and a much needed mental refresh. Catch up on news, socials and possibly a podcast.
2:00 – Set up and test equipment for scheduled demo in the conference room. Give a run-down on how to handle the equipment.
2:30 – Compile requested reports for Meetings.
2:50 – Assist with PABX and user mail setting queries.
3:00 – Bob, asks “So what exactly have you been doing all day? I was looking for you at lunchtime and you weren’t at your desk.”
3:10 – Virtual Meeting with a client to explain website functionality and answer any additional queries
3:30 – Time for the new employee on-boarding; computer station, phone extension setup, new profiles on various systems.
4:15 – Failed emails are checked and sent to relevant departments
4:20 – Mail server settings are checked, requested logs are pulled, whitelisting and liaising with external IT.
4:25 – Scheduling Meetings for developers where there are API queries
4:30 – Colleague calls to say the company website is down. Check and determines an outage due to ISP issues and report to the ISP. Issue a company-wide notification advising of the outage.
4:40 – Eskom announces load shedding for the week. Pull some hair out while preparing to leave the office.

Although the above paints a picture of what happens in IT there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes and we could be here for a month if I had to list each task each member of the IT team does throughout the day. While it’s difficult to pin down, there are some very clear skills that individuals in this field possess. Some of these include but are not limited to the ability to work independently and unsupervised but collaborative when required, logical, methodical, direct, strong-willed, responsible, flexible, practical, dependable, stable and often introverted.

Although we may not always have all the answers to your questions on the spot, in IT we make it our mission to find the answers (in detail). Our biggest wins are usually centred around any sort of automation as it’s directly linked to efficiency and progress and one of our biggest challenges is the ‘Because I’ve always done it that way, and, ‘It’s not my job,’ mentality.

The importance of IT in general increases as information technology becomes a more integral part of today’s business landscape. IT can have a direct impact on growth, continuity and success. IT Admins specifically have arguably the most diverse job in a company plus throw in the need to regularly communicate with clients and staff in a variety of departments while dealing with unenviable challenges. Specific tasks may vary on a day to day basis and adaptability is the name of the game. At the end of the day, a solid IT team goes the distance and together contributes to the consistent, progressive and high standard of culture and excellence already existing in a company like Leads 2 Business.

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About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Reach out if you want to talk: L2B, social media, construction, technology, marriage, parenting, popular culture and travel. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

5 May 2022

Africa Month: Why You Should Invest in Africa

by Minnie Zondi | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

In 2020 the COVID-19 Pandemic slashed all aspects of foreign investment in Africa. Foreign Direct Investment in East Africa and Southern Africa, declined by 16%. Africa’s commodity-dependent countries were more severely affected than non-resource based economies. This should tell us something; natural resources are good but are only worth anything if we are able to extract them.

The reality is that the state of the continent’s overall economy took damaging knocks due to the pandemic, and the state worsened due to – for instance, the hostile conflicts that affected entire global supply chains between the Ukraine and Russia. Within South Africa, the looting and recent floods in Kwa-Zulu Natal have not helped this region’s case either. Recovering has not been an easy feat. A few years ago, I could have banked on the construction industry being the top sector to invest in, however, profitability in this industry has been at staggering lows. So Why Should anyone invest in Africa?

I say invest in Africa because of the people, invest in the men, women and children. Tidjane Thiam said it so beautifully, he said, “ The challenges in Africa are many and real. What we Africans have in the face of these challenges is our intelligence, our capacities, our emotions, our determination and our convictions. This is what we realistically have to work with.” If this is what we have to work with as the people of this land, then surely investors should partner with us based on those terms and not elaborately designed strategies that were designed for first world countries. It is imperative that they make the link with the importance of the human factor, the answers, the niches, and the opportunities belong and can only belong within Africans themselves. Moreover, I strongly believe the 2 reasons I present below, are good enough reasons for potential investors to consider putting their money in Africa, despite the very real reality of weak markets.

1. Customers are changing:

With the growth of Africa’s middle class, there is the development of new expectations. We are educated, we are young urban professionals, and we are brand-aware and sophisticated in terms of our consumption. In agricultural terms we are good soil to put your seed into, investors would want to take advantage of this.

2. Africa is diversifying:

Africa is seeing a returning diaspora that recognizes the potential and opportunities in their own countries. This population supports local economic growth with their skills and talent, by acting as “first movers”, investing back in their communities. To me, it would seem more logical and cost-effective to invest in someone that is favoured by local trade policies. This not only helps the locals but it is also quite beneficial to investors because we have moved towards a world where it is the intangibles that hold the most value on balance sheets; it is no longer just the properties and the equipment that makes up the bulk of any company’s value – what matters more and more is goodwill. As a result, there is now a benefit in capitalizing on what is in people’s minds as it guides our consumer behaviour. Investors could project yielding good Returns of Investment in our continent because of this trend.

Concluding, Africa has real intellectual and human capabilities, we already have goals specific to each individual region, and we are not idly waiting for someone to spoon-feed us. However, with that being said, we are open to anyone willing to listen to us and see how they can help us achieve these goals. Africans have an eternal commitment to hustle, when we are faced with tough situations, by nature we are designed with the ability to rise, be creative and act.

Bank on the people!!

Sources:
UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2021
The World Bank
AFDB African Economic Outlook 2021
World Economic Forum

About Minnie Zondi

I am an insanely optimistic ambivert that does everything from the heart instead of the mind. Deeply interested in people and matters that pertain to mankind.

4 May 2022

5 Key Roles of a Construction Project Manager

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: General | 0

When we think about construction, it usually comes to mind complex endeavors that require a series of planned and careful actions, after all, it’s necessary to stay faithful to the clients and stakeholders’ expectations and, just as important, make sure that the projects are executed and delivered safely. This complexity is why construction project management has many layers and needs someone who can gather different roles to ensure all relevant aspects of the project are considered. A construction project manager must have distinct qualities that assure their great performance as a leader. If you’re curious about some of the most important roles in this field, we prepared this infographic to show you!

Source: Nutcache

About Sasha Anderson

29 Apr 2022

L2B Opportunities created in the last 30 Days – April 2022

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Our comprehensive, online, resource platform delivers daily leads to help you make informed business decisions. Find construction Tenders and Projects within the building, infrastructure, mining, and industrial sectors. Opportunities are researched throughout South Africa and Africa. We put new business prospect leads within your reach.

Leads 2 Business Opportunities we have created in the last 30 Days: for more information check out our Pricing Page.

About Sasha Anderson

26 Apr 2022

A Day in the Life of the L2B Sales Office

by Karen Garner-Savory | posted in: General | 0

I enjoy reaching the office early and starting my day with the most urgent things, first I need to establish if any of the sales staff are not in for the day and if so I need to ensure that all appointments are cancelled or moved to another sales executive to ensure customers and potential customers are taken care of.

Thereafter I look at the office cell and ensure that all clients that have sent messages have been assisted by notifying the relevant sales executive if their clients are asking for the rescheduling of an appointment. Next are my emails, I print and sign off subscription forms and send these to our Registration Department and deal with any queries, leads and reports that have been sent to me.

When 8:00am hits the office comes alive with chatting and perfectly manicured nails hitting keyboards. The sales ladies are high-spirited and bubbly but before long the office falls silent again as they head out on the road to see clients for the day. This is when the Telesales Department jumps into action and starts phoning potential clients to set appointments for the sales team, the office is once again a bustle of noise.

I then start working through my staff’s previous day’s work, compiling reports, checking appointments for quality and ensuring cancellations are reported and that these appointments are being rescheduled. I manage all aspects of the Telesales Department and all Administration for the Johannesburg Branch.

At 16:25 we start finishing off for the day and leave the office satisfied with a job well done!

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

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20 Apr 2022

What is Intellectual Property?

by Nadine Vermeulen | posted in: General | 0

The definition of Intellectual Property (IP) is the ownership of ideas, such as your trade secrets, your creations; it could be a new invention, a new design, or even a new brand. There are various types of IP available and is an important asset in the knowledge of today’s economy. Some of the IP rights require a process of application, examination and registration.

Registering and managing your IP rights ensures that you receive the best protection and get the most out of your idea, creation or invention. It is also important when establishing your product or service as this will reduce the chance of your products or services being replicated and passed off as those of a rival trader.

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) administer the following IP domains in South Africa:

Trademarks – which identifies the particular goods/services of a trader as distinct from those of other traders. This includes a company’s name, logo, catchphrases etc. The owner of a trademark has the exclusive rights to use, sell or licence the trademark.

Patent – This protects how an invention functions or works such as new and useful inventions whether it may be a new construction method, building material formulation, power tool component, or renovation technique. Patents allow the owner to stop other traders from manufacturing, using, copying or selling the device or process. The owner has the exclusive right to use, sell or license the invention

Designs – the visual appearance of a product is protected but not the way it works, such as kitchen appliances, fashion items, etc. The owner has the exclusive right to use, sell or license the registered design

Copyright – this protects certain types of works such as Literary works; Musical Works; Artistic works; Cinematographic films; Sound Recordings; Broadcasts; Programme-carrying signals; Published editions and Computer programs. This can also range from designs, layouts, blueprints, and other aspects of the manufacturing process which can often be copyrightable. The owner has the exclusive right to use, sell or license the copyrighted work.

Most IP rights are extremely territorial, which have to be dealt with in each territory where you intend to trade. If you have a patent, trademark or design granted in South Africa, it will only be valid in South Africa.

Contractors have a very intricate job that consists of a lot more than physical labour; the construction work that we see is the last step. In the early stages of a project, partnerships are formed with specialists, suppliers, subcontractors, and therefore proper protection is a must. Architectural copyrights is a perfect example as these copyrights can cover blueprints, technical design documents and more, these rights are usually attributed to the architect or engineer. From initial designs to all the calculations and specifications required, there are many forms of IP in any kind of construction project. IP protection is something that should concern anyone involved in the construction industry.

When it comes to the construction industry, you won’t just be protecting your designs and ideas, but also protecting methods of building, machinery used and materials. It is important to know how to protect your IP so that others won’t profit from your hard work.

Sources
CIPC
BDC Magazine

About Nadine Vermeulen

I started working at Leads 2 Business in October 2014 in the Leads 2 Quotes Department. I managed all the Daily Tender Bill Requests and followed up on BoQ's for our Daily Tender Subscribers. In 2017, I was promoted to L2Q Assistant and now work with Bill of Quantities for Contractors. 🙂

12 Apr 2022

A Day in the Life of the Accounts Department

by Sharika Raman | posted in: General | 0

First thing’s first when I get to the office, I make my morning cuppa and then it’s time to get cracking.

You have to be able to multitask in accounts and although most of the time I have a plan of action, sometimes that plan is very short-lived.

Firstly, I go through my emails excitedly looking for proof of payments, I flag the need to do’s and file away the necessary emails. I then go onto the Banking, and allocate payments, notify the Accounts executives should we receive any payments for new registrations and lift any suspensions that we have received payment from. After the banking, I send any statements that have a balance outstanding. Once I am done with that I move over to the queries that I need to tend to.

Reminders are my life: I have follow-ups upon follow-ups. After working through my reminders I start with my invoicing and update the invoicing schedule. From there I resend invoices and statements requesting outstanding payments. I process any cancellations or suspensions that are requested. Update my reports, doing this daily helps so come month end it is not so tedious.

In between doing all of the above I tend to any incoming queries and any Pro Forma invoice requests.

Before you know it the day has gone by in a flash. I really love what I do and accept every challenge thrown my way.

About Sharika Raman

I have worked for Leads 2 Business from January 2015. I started in the Leads 2 Quotes Department for Directory, in January 2020 I was promoted to the Deputy Head of Department for Leads 2 Quotes and in July 2021 I was promoted to the Accounts Department as a Debtors Administrator. I enjoy time with my family creating memories, I like to socialize but also enjoy time to myself so I try to keep a balance by indulging in some quiet time when I can. I see myself as a realist, amazing wife and awesome mom…I am sure my family would agree.

7 Apr 2022

Productivity or Efficiency?

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: General | 0

Productivity and efficiency are two prominent “buzz” words in the corporate world, and orienting your business around them is definitely a wise strategy. Both concepts are important driving forces for any project or endeavor: The lack of them can damage the development and the presence of them can increase success.

Despite the fact that the two words are often used, it’s very common for people to get them mixed up or associated with the same concept. If you’re also not sure about the differences between these two concepts, don’t worry, we prepared this infographic with a complete and simple explanation for you, check it out!

Source: Nutcache

About Sasha Anderson

29 Mar 2022

A Day in the Life of Private Projects

by Michelle Crosby | posted in: General | 0

Firstly, Coffee, always, no question about it. You’re going to need it.

We source Projects from the Conceptual Feasibility Stages right through the Project Life Cycle until Practical Completion also included are possible cancellations or postponements.

I have a system that starts with my diary (an extensively decorated one), a stats sheet and a writing pad. I plan the day before, yes, I’m “that” person. At the end of each day, I try to take 5 minutes to jot down the following day’s work plan in order of priority.

Each day is different; with many phone calls, emails and general queries. Queries can come through at any time, and I welcome the challenge to source what our clients need. At L2B, our goal is to provide the best customer service and always go the extra mile.

I spend most of my day on the phone so my headset comes in handy allowing me to type while on the phone.

I check my list of daily sources for new projects and updates on existing projects. When adding new projects to our site, I always ask for the full professional team and any information possible that will assist our subscribers with the most up to date and accurate and relevant information.

My duties involve sourcing new upcoming developments specific to Gauteng. I sift through a pile of sourced documents to locate viable projects; some include Background Information Documents, motivational memorandums and other assessments for the proposed development. Not only do we source and add documents, but we also add artist impressions and site progress images to each PPA. I engage with EIA consultants, Town Planners and various other Consultants to ensure I get Leads from the earliest possible stages. I have built relationships with clients, professionals and contractors over the years and call them for updates and information regularly.

We also have projects that we add from Tender Notices that we publish on our website.

We have added services where we endeavour to obtain site registers, bidders lists, bill of quantities and the list of subcontractors involved in each project. Whether it is a public or private project.

We have spreadsheets for everything which I love. It’s a very well organised system. Each spreadsheet is readily accessible by each staff member and needs to be updated constantly throughout the day. Timesheets, Queries sheet, Whatsapp Sheet, Sources, Subcontractors Pulse etc. In addition, we also have monthly, quarterly and annual targets.

We have an amazing CRM system whereby we can maintain relationships with our subscribers. We do courtesy calls and check up on our subscribers, offer assistance and training.

We’re online daily during working hours via our Live-Help chat and ready to assist anyone who comes through on the chat. Whatsapp queries. We have Whatsapp leads also that come through constantly throughout the day.

All of the above happens at my desk which contains all the goodies that I need such as stationery, a cellphone stand, water, a coffee cup etc. Most of it is painted blue – my favourite colour.

Lastly, all staff members are given the opportunity to write a blog during the year, which led to the creation of this blog.

Should you wish to view my recently added projects – please do so by visiting Leads 2 Business or Contact Me with any project related queries.

About Michelle Crosby

I started my journey at Leads 2 Business in the Directory Department in 2012. I was then promoted to the Private Projects Department in 2014 and was recently promoted to Projects HOD this year.

23 Mar 2022

The Role of the CIDB in the Construction Industry

by Sonet van Wygaard | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Whether you work within the construction industry or not, at some point in time you may have heard of the term CIDB.

If you are an existing subscriber of Leads 2 Business you may have also seen the CIDB tab on our website. The function of this tab is to enable our subscribers to find the perfect leads, relevant to their business quickly and efficiently. This functionality also allows our subscribers to cut their lead time when sourcing new opportunities.

However that still does not answer, what CIDB is and its role, and this is what I aim to do in this blog,

The Construction Industry Development Board is a national regulating framework database, where contractors and construction projects are graded according to financial capacity, for there to be a systematic way to regulate and monitor performance in the industry. The intention of the establishment of the CIDB was to create a fair and enabling environment for growth and development in the Construction Industry of the country.

How does the grading actually work?

There are various grading levels between two to nine and different classes of work, so for someone to qualify for grade 2, it means that their company needs to have completed at least one single large construction project between the values of R 150 000 to R650 000 within the immediate past 5 years. Projects completed more than 5 years ago do not qualify and as such, are not considered by the CIDB. In order to qualify for a higher grading, it means the project values a company deals with should also increase to meet the next value criteria.

The Impact of the Register of Contractors on its stakeholders:

• Helps contractors to make better decisions when tendering, and clients to make informed decisions when awarding contracts;

• Increases the rate of project success and thereby helps contractors to build their own track record;

• Creates a sustainable tendering and business environment for contractors; and

• Helps to level the playing field for contractors.

Where to register?

For grade 1 register online via the CIDB website portal www.cidb.org.za. It takes 48 working hours to process an application and activate a Grade 1 on the system.

For Grade 2 to 9 you can visit your nearest CIDB provincial Office to apply for registration. Grade 2 to 9 applications must be accompanied by the relevant supporting documents. The maximum period for processing Grade 2 – 9 applications is 21 working days.

About Sonet van Wygaard

I started working at Leads 2 Business in 2014. I was part of the Tenders Africa team and moved to Projects in 2019. I love every second of it!

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