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1 Apr 2015

The Game of Risk

by Carmen Barends | posted in: Business Risk, General | 0

It is said that you cannot escape two things in life. Death and taxes. But there is one other factor that people do not perhaps think of. Risk. It is inherent to living. To climb into a vehicle and drive anywhere has the potential of an accident taking place. To not exercise and expect your health to be tip top in the long term is a risky affair. To climb on a skateboard and head down a hill of steep gradient increases the risk of doing physical damage to yourself (although some may argue that psychological damage may have already occurred if you are partaking in such activities).

As it is in our daily living, so it is in business. Just to start a business comes with some pretty big risk. According to Bloomberg 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs fail within the first 18 months. That’s some pretty risky business. Calculated risk is defined as “a chance of failure, the probability of which is estimated before some action is taken”. From this statistic we can see that calculated risk is not necessarily a science. But with the percentage of businesses that do succeed and thrive, it is clear that the risk can be worth the reward. As Louis Pasteur said “Chance favours the prepared mind”. With that in mind, what kind of business risks can you potentially face?

According to Wikipedia, Business risk can be classified in the following groups :

Strategic risk: the risk associated with the operations in the particular industry arising from the Business Environment, Transactions and Investor relations.
Financial risk: The risk associated with the financial structure and transactions of the particular industry.
Operational risk: risk associated with the operational and administrative procedures in a particular industry.
Compliance (Legal) risk: The risk associated with the need to comply to rules and regulations of the government.
Other risks : There would be risks like natural disaster and others that depend upon the nature and scale of the industry.

So why would anyone in their right mind want to take this kind of risk? I guess for the same reason you would want to ride downhill on a skateboard. You love it and it drives you (excuse the pun). In my (limited) experience it seems that when successful people are questioned about their success there are some factors that are mentioned frequently.

Have good people close to you who will be honest and keep you grounded
Have the right tools to work with
Be patient
Be persistent

Benjamin Franklin once said “Energy and persistence conquer all things”. I think there is something in that. Like a friend mentioned “You only see an opportunity if you look up”. Yes, risk is inherent. Yes, the chance you may fail is present. But then – look up – so is the chance that you may be a wild success if you are willing to take a calculated risk.

Now wouldn’t that be a rush. So, I am off to hop on a skateboard …. What are you going to be doing?

About Carmen Barends

Social Media adventurer exploring new frontiers and learning how to survive. Tongue in cheek and mischief are the order of any good day topped with a sprinkling of laughter.

25 Mar 2015

Significant strikes in RSA history

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: General | 0

In recent years it seems there has been a growth in the amount and frequency of strikes in SA causing much debate and uncertainty. In order to understand the culture of strikes in recent years and the strikes which are sure to come in the future perhaps we could look into the History surrounding strikes in SA and the significance they still have today.

Some early strikes in South Africa’s labour movement:

12 August 1946 – African Mine Workers Strike

Demand for higher wages

Duration: 1 week

Participants: 70 000

9 deceased, 1248 wounded

1 May 1950 – Stay at home campaign

Protest against Suppression of Communism Act

Duration: 1 Day

18 deceased

9 January 1973 – Durban Strikes

Protest against low wages, mounting unemployment and poverty

Participants: 60 000 to 100 000

Duration: 3 months

9 August 1987 – National Union of Mineworkers Strike

Protest over wage and working conditions

Participants: 360 000

Duration: 3 weeks

11 deceased, 500 injured

Some recent strikes in South Africa’s labour movement:

16 September 2004 – Public Services Workers Strike

Demanded wage increase

Participants: 800 000

Duration: 1 Day

4 December 2007 – Mining Industry Strike

Unsafe working conditions

Participants: 250 000

Duration 1 Day

17 August 2010 – Public Servants & Teachers Strike

Demand for wage increase

Participants: 1.3 million

Duration: 2 weeks

10 August 2012 – Marikana Miners’ strike

Demand for higher wages

Participants: 3 000

Duration: 6 weeks

34 deceased, 78 injured

23 January 2014 – Platinum Mine Workers Strike

Demand for wage increase

Participants: 70 000

Duration: 5 months

1 July 2014 – NUMSA Strike

Demand for wage increase

Participants: 220 000

Duration: 1 month

A strike by definition is ‘a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer’. Looking at some of the stats listed above one can see that the main reason for striking is a demand for higher wages and unsafe working conditions. But what can we learn from history?

History by definition is ‘the study of past events, particularly in human affairs.’ Does the past provide lessons for the present, guidance for the future? In addition to telling us who we are, does history help us know what to do? I suspect that not many of us still share in the confidence that through history we can make a better future.

However sceptical we may be about learning from the past, there is no doubt that we try to do it all the time. We constantly tell stories about the past to our friends, children and to ourselves that are supposed to convey moral and practical lessons. Physicians compile histories of their patients’ diseases in order to make diagnoses and determine treatments. Historical lessons are part of every political discussion and debate, our political leaders use the past to warn and inspire the public; to criticize opponents; and to justify policies. Historical analogies, comparisons and metaphors are all around us; they are a source of collective wisdom. It is unlikely that we could live without them even if we wanted to.

The idea of learning from the past so that mistakes are not repeated is one of the basic foundations for studying the past. But it should be remembered that each situation is different. The trick is to pick the correct lessons of the past and apply them to the correct situation, thus minding the wisdom of past lessons learned. So when confronting the significance of strikes in RSA history we should address their cause and work towards finding solutions in the future, not only due to the effect they have on our economy but also for a better quality of life for all.

I think this quote by Maya Angelou perfectly sums up what we can learn not only from the history of strikes in RSA but history in general, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

11 Mar 2015

How to Negotiate a Raise….

by Sherina Shawe | posted in: General, How To | 0

So is there a right or wrong way to ask for a raise?

Well to be perfectly honest, I’m not the most rational thinker when it comes to this very delicate situation, and have never personally gone forth and requested a raise let alone negotiated one, but I’m pretty sure my method of blurting everything out in an email to my CEO, closing my eyes while I press send and then cringing until I receive a response is not the best way to go, for one it reeks havoc on your nerves and in some cases provokes sleepless nights and comfort eating.

The one thing I am positive about is this has to be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable situations you can find yourself in at the work place, so I started by finding some useful don’ts to get you on to the fast track to negotiating a salary increase.

Timing
Now get this right!
If your company is meeting targets, profit margin is looking good, expansion is viable, then by all means go and

“Risk it for the Biscuit”!

But…..If the talk around the water cooler is retrenchment letters have just gone out and there has been a mail sent out about saving on water and toilet paper then maybe, now is not a good time.

Finances
So you’ve decided to buy a house or a new car, or you are now unexpectedly expecting twins….
while this is all very exciting news and I’m sure your boss will be happy you are experiencing any one of these fun filled events… ultimately they have no bearing on whether or not you deserve an increase!

No Guilt Trips
So while trips are fun and we all like going on them, Guilt is not a trip anyone enjoys, so trying to send your boss on one is never a good idea!
And yes I understand divorces are expensive, your spouse losing his or her job is tough and having your 10yr old cat named Whiskers in and out of the vet is heart breaking…..
Once again this is not your bosses troubles, hardship doesn’t warrant an increase, that would be saying that your colleague who’s in a stable relationship, who’s partner is a top earner and who has no pets and who is ultimately a better employee doesn’t deserve an increase as much as you.

Increases are earned and are not handouts!

I’m sure most can agree that the above mentioned circumstances are generally the reason we start scrambling for more cash, so if you can now eliminate these reasons and you actually deserve an increase then go for it.

I suggest speaking to your HR manager first, find out if the timing is right, if it is then be professional with your approach, send an email requesting a meeting to discuss a revision of your salary.

In the meeting, look presentable, speak confidently and directly, have your ducks in a row, have a list of what you are putting into your current position, this would be great if it’s over and above what you were originally being paid for, whether it’s a case of targets being reached and blown out of the water, or overtime you constantly putting in without request or complaint.

If you feel you are truly not paid for your full worth, then sell it!

However, If your company is one that is good at recognizing your achievements and who compensates reasonably in the form of an increase on a yearly basis, then my personal advice would be to sit tight and have faith that once again you will receive the increase you so deserve!

But whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the luck ….. And let’s hope hard work is the winner in the end and you get what you are worth 🙂

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.

4 Mar 2015

Barriers to Business

by Claire Donaldson | posted in: Business Risk, General, Life Lessons | 2

I barely notice loadshedding now. It’s generally two hours over the weekend. We’ve adapted. Food is prepared before, just in case. Every electronic device is fully charged in anticipation. We have books. Never underestimate the rejuvenating powers of a two hour nap. We have a Yorkie. We have outside. I have my camera. I barely notice any more. Consistency allows for adaptation and planning. For the inconsistent times; well, we carry on regardless. People complain about the loss to business and the inconvenience to individuals. True. On both counts. But neither is universal. If I see a business with its doors closed due to loadshedding, I also see businesses with their doors open. Usually, to the gentle hum of a generator. If you are in the generator business, good for you. I doubt you’re complaining about loadshedding, too much. People have taken on hybrid appliances, and gas and solar power. Businesses that supply those products; they can’t be complaining about loadshedding either. Anyone who preaches the evils of reliance on coal, and the saving graces of green technology. No complaining from them. Their point is made. You read articles of entire families having taken themselves off the grid. Individuals who haven’t taken on gas or solar power, tend to frequent those businesses that have. There’s still money being spent and money being made. So where’s the barrier?

I remember my first day at Daily Tenders. The power went out. The boss simply loaded us into his car, and drove to his house. Us newbies were trained up in the lounge, while Leighann, perched at the kitchen counter, typed out tenders on a monolithic laptop and whatever passed for the internet 10 years ago. Yes, the power being out was an inconvenience but us allowing that inconvenience to interrupt our responsibilities to our subscribers was our choice. Not a bad lesson learnt on my first day.

Barriers to business tend to come in two forms: External and internal. We have little or no control over the external barriers. The unforeseen problems. The disasters. The failures. The disappointments. The deaths. These manifest out of nowhere. Or they could’ve been brewing for awhile (Eskom, I’m looking at you). They are the things that happen, that make situations just a little bit harder. But we have all the control over the internal barriers: Our attitudes and perceptions of the problem. When the power goes out, do you close up shop or find a way to keep hussling? Problems are not to be adopted and taken home and raised like one of your own. So you can haul it out and have everyone coo “Ooo look how big it’s gotten!”. You solve it or you let it go. Barriers, impediments and disappointments are not unique. We all have them. Businesses all have them. Generally, they’re all the same. But like that damn DRESS (you know the one) our individual perception affects how we handle the situation. (That was a fascinating social experiment, if ever I saw one). Everyone looked at the same single dress, and said something different. And reacted differently.

A river sees a blockage, as interrupting its flow. But that’s how a dam is made. There are opportunities at every turn, if you choose to see them. Momentary inconveniences can lead to long term benefits. The barriers are not suddenly going to stop or go away. But they will be insurmountable, if we choose to see them as such.

About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

25 Feb 2015

Where do you find value?

by Cecile Van Deventer | posted in: General, Life Lessons | 0

This is a very tricky question. Where you find value is going to depend on what you value. Different people value different things.

Those who value saving, will find value in all sales. They will scour the newspapers, internet, shops etc., for any discount. This might not mean that they are actually buying an item they need, it might just be that because they will be saving, they will buy it now instead of waiting until they actually need it.

Everyone wants value for their money. If it’s an item you have purchased or a service. And because you have paid, you want the most out of it. Sometimes, you are amazed by the value you receive for your money, but a few times you are so very disappointed and this is when comments and reviews are published on websites like Hello Peter.

Others value family and friends. They understand that each minute you spend with someone you love is to be valued, as you don’t know if you will have the next minute.

I recently found a quote from Mother Theresa: “In the West we have a tendency to be profit-oriented, where everything is measured according to the results and we get caught up in being more and more active to generate results. In the East – especially in India – I find that people are more content to just be, to just sit around under a banyan tree for half a day chatting to each other. We Westerners would probably call that wasting time. But there is value to it. Being with someone, listening without a clock and without anticipation of results, teaches us about love. The success of love is in the loving – it is not in the result of loving.”

At the end of the day, we are all different, will value different things and therefore, we will all find value in different places. I think the best would be a balance between everything we value and how / where we find that value. Remember to find value in the smaller things in life. It is oft times, the smile you give a stranger, that uplifts them on a bad day, the small kindnesses you do for others, without expecting anything in return. These small things leave a lasting legacy and give value to others’ lives.

About Cecile Van Deventer

I joined the L2Q Team in 2006, as a L2Q Support Assistant and have been the HOD since 2010. I supervise L2Q Bills, Daily Tender Bills, Control Lists and Directory.

18 Feb 2015

Creating Value!

by Debbie Wessels | posted in: Business Risk, General, Life Lessons | 0

The Business Dictionary says “The performance of actions that increase the worth of goods, services or even a business. Many business operators now focus on value creation both in the context of creating better value for customers purchasing its products and services, as well as for shareholders in the business who want to see their stake appreciate in value”.

Value has different connotations for different people but fundamentally the process of creating value remains the same regardless of your walk in life. To create value means you need to generate something that someone else wants…..just how valuable they find that something depends on you! Value isn’t fixed or tangible; it is perceived benefit. In other words, value is in the mind of the beholder. Just how strong that perception of value is, depends on you.

There are three possible ways to create value –
New Items
More Items
Better Items

New items would most likely be the most difficult to achieve because you might need to think out of the box, find something you are not already marketing and pitch it to your client. This might mean you need to rethink the scope of what you offer your clients, a new item might mean a whole new scope added to your company but this would be twofold, creating value for your client as well as your company, I mean, you not going to add something that would be to the detriment of your own company now, would you? Change is the only constant in today’s business world. The ability to act quickly, that is, to adapt or respond, as customers make special requests, competitive requirements change, or the unexpected happens, keeps you on your toes, looking for additional ways to create value.

More items means expanding on what you already offer and the ability to deliver what you promise in that glowing brochure that you originally lured the client with. This can be done in a several ways, for example, you could have a feedback system from your clients asking them for ideas on how to improve and what they require to run their businesses more efficiently (this could also result in a new item as discussed earlier) or you could increase the number of items that you offer but not increase your subscription rate or you could give an incentive to subscribers that have been with you for a while, sort of a “loyalty” discount i.e. the longer you stay with us, the less you pay! Now isn’t that a nice way to create value….

Better items, I mean, who does not like to get more than their monies worth? In today’s world, you don’t have to stay with a company that is not performing for you, there are lots of choices out there. Creating better value with impact simply means you need to deliver a more powerful punch behind the value that you currently have. Pay attention to exactly what customers find compelling. Deliver your compelling offerings by finding new, more or better items to increase or create value in your business for your client.

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get” Warren Buffett

About Debbie Wessels

I started at Leads 2 Business in April 2008 in the tenders Department and transferred to the Projects Department during the same year. I was appointed Head of Department for Projects from February 2011 to March 2022. April 2022 I started a new adventure as Content Regulator.

11 Feb 2015

What does Value mean to You…..

by Sherina Shawe | posted in: General, Life Lessons | 0

I have been pondering this blog topic since it was assigned to me weeks ago and to be completely honest I wasn’t quite sure what approach I should take…. however this morning I woke up with ideas rushing through my head. Don’t you just love those moments! 🙂

Now believe me when I say not every idea I have should be written down…. but it’s my birthday today and I think its me turning 30…. (the end of that number is irrelevant!).
Anyway it was this, I think, that got me thinking about what value really means….

I’m sure you will agree that this changes with age. In your 20’s you generally find value in possibly your first car, furthering your education and for some perhaps simply their favourite high heels will bring value to their life! Please don’t get me wrong, this is just a very general synopsis, I know there are plenty of 20 odd year old’s who have started families and long life careers by their mid 20s 😉

But I assure you, your values, and what you value will change with age!

Now being in my 30’s (and I’m sure all of you that are alongside me in this age group can relate) I feel that value is measured differently. It comes in the form of a morning smile from your partner, or a hug from your child and the memories we hold safe, along with the careers that quite often make a lot of this all possible.

“Family over friends” now starts to make more sense and finding your happy place at home and work really means a lot, because by now the decision’s you have made are usually the ones you would like to stick with.

I’m sure most of us have somewhere along the line heard someone of the “older” generation talk about how they got to go to the “bioscope” with popcorn, a coke and a packet of what I envisioned looked like wine gums, all with a coin, few of us have ever laid our eyes on!

Now this is what value was. “More Bang 4 your Buck” is the term I remember being thrown around freely while I was growing up.

So….Is there still value in the commercial world?
Now I’m no business owner but I think value is often derived from value. When your employees are valued this brings on a sense of encouragement, fulfillment and an all round eagerness to please, which in turn, turns into creating or delivering a valued product or service.

Makes sense right….

Now I leave you with a quote from Chris Holmes US musician and member of the band W.A.S.P. (once again this is of no relevance, but I do like his quote!)

“ Kindness doesn’t cost a penny but its Value is beyond measure to the recipient”

So go out today and do something that will bring value to someone’s life, this will more than likely bring value to your own…. and if not….you will at least be left with a warm fuzzy feeling in your belly!

Until the next time, this is me signing off and wishing you a super day! 🙂

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.

28 Jan 2015

Trends in 2015

by Carmen Barends | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Anyone who is interested in keeping up with the times, or the Joneses, or is just vaguely curious, knows that keeping an eye on the trends will help you get a bigger picture. This is not to say that any predicted trend is a surefire thing. But sometimes it can be helpful to know where ‘those in the know’ think we are headed so that you can take advantage of any potential opportunity that may arise. Taken with at least a tablespoon of salt. But let’s not knock predictions entirely, you just never know if that one tip was ‘money in the bank’.

With this in mind, here are some predicted trends for 2015 to keep in mind:

Consumer Trends

Buying Convenience, products and services need to add to consumers skills
Malls and Shopping Centres in Community Mode
Privacy Matters
Consumption as a Route to Progress
Influencers: More Like Us
Let’s Share: The Rise and Rise of Lightweight Living
Millennials
Shopping the World and easier mobile payments
Virtual to Real and Back: A Smoother Convergence
Wired and Well: Connected Health

Top 5 Web Trends

Mobile Focus

According to a survey by Google, 48% of users said that if a site didn’t work well on their smart-phone, it made them feel like the Company didn’t care about their business

Interactive Scrolling

Parallax scrolling

Infinite scrolling

Flat Design

Flat design features clean design with open space, crisp edges, bright colour and 2 dimensional illustrations without 3D effects

Single Page

Condensing content works!

Clean, Simple layout

This considered, you will be able to forge forward into the year keeping an eye on what is happening. In addition to this there are some of our source articles below, as well as some interesting reads that may catch your eye, to add to your arsenal of information for the coming year. Be sure to also take a look at our Market Intelligence feature to draw up your comparative chart of what Projects and Tenders are being published throughout South Africa. You can find this at http://bit.ly/MarketInt

Happy 2015!

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/223/33/123427.html

http://trendwatching.com/trends/10-trends-for-2015/

http://content.ce.org/PDF/2014_5tech_web.pdf

http://www.slideshare.net/stackhands/companyculture-trends-to-watch-in-2015

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/12/08/trends-to-watch-in-2015-from-algorithmic-accountability-to-the-uber-of-x/?mod=e2gp

http://mashable.com/2015/01/02/mobile-trends-2015/

http://www.thesouthafrican.com/sas-top-10-young-entrepreneurs-to-watch/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/170081323403886318/

About Carmen Barends

Social Media adventurer exploring new frontiers and learning how to survive. Tongue in cheek and mischief are the order of any good day topped with a sprinkling of laughter.

19 Nov 2014

Keep Calm – 2015 Is On It’s Way

by Marlaine Andersen | posted in: General | 0

Christmas aka silly season is looming on the horizon and so is the end of the year. This time of the year is frenetic…. Frantic….. Work to finish….. Deadlines to meet….. Projects to complete!

Keep calm…………and know that at Leads 2 Business, in Private Projects we have plans in the pipeline making sure that there are new and exciting projects on our database for next year, including Africa and the Mining industry.

According to Ernst & Young’s website:

“Africa is on the rise. While Africa’s challenges are well documented, there is an increasing recognition that the continent is on an upward trajectory, economically, politically and socially.
The latest foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have increased strongly in the past decade, investor perceptions of Africa are ever improving and the outlook is positive, with capital inflows forecast to reach US$150b by 2015.
In terms of destinations, while South Africa maintained its position as the top FDI destination, emerging hotspots for investment in Africa are Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.
South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are considered the most attractive investment destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa, whereas Morocco is seen as the leading destination for doing business in North Africa, largely on account of its relatively stable political environment.”

On further investigation..… “In 2010 the African continent had 51 cities with more than a million inhabitants and only one city with more than 10 million inhabitants – Cairo, Egypt. By 2040, the continent is expected to have more than 100 cities of more than 1 million inhabitants and seven cities of more than 10 million. The largest city is projected to be Kinshasa in the DRC, Central Africa where the population is expected to reach 24 million by 2040”.

In various countries in Africa, in a bid to cope with this rising urbanisation, entirely new cities / mixed use developments are already under construction. Developments such as Tatu City, Kenya, The City of Light in Accra and King City in Takoradi, both in Ghana, Pearl Marina in Uganda, Roma Park in Zambia, Kigamboni in Tanzania and while in Nigeria there is the modern Eko Atlantic City which being built on reclaimed land from the sea. These ‘self-contained’ new cities which are based on the ‘work-play-live’ concept, are intended to relieve the highly congested cities and minimise the need for inhabitants to go into the ‘city centre’. The cities do not just comprise of residential units, they are fully self-contained, this means there are office blocks, shopping malls, recreational areas like parks, churches, schools and even hotels.

All this fore-mentioned information bodes well in terms of new possible projects for the New Year. If you are a Private Projects Subscriber, you will know that we already have all the mixed-used developments listed above on our database and so much more!

If you are looking for new project leads in Africa, South Africa and the Mining Sector and you are not subscribed to Leads 2 Business (really?!?) then now would be a really good time to change that….

What are you waiting for, 2015 is only 42 days away!

Sources :
http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/Home/Africa-Attractiveness-Survey
http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/Issues/Business-environment/EY-africa-attractiveness-survey-2014
http://www.howwemadeafrica.com/africas-constructionindustry

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

29 Oct 2014

Understanding Awards

by Claire Donaldson | posted in: Construction Chat, Frequently Asked Questions | 3

The pendulum for researching tender awards swings from one extreme to the other. The only constant are the benefits. When researching tenders awards, you never know what you are going to get. It could be so simple and painless that you’re unsure if you’ve actually just worked on, confirmed and published a tender award. It could also be so teeth-gnashingly frustrating, that you would think you’d been charged with finding the Holy Grail. The cast of characters are vast and numerous, but tend to favour certain categories:

Quick and Painless: This category is populated by those that publish award information in the media (you would think that this is a given. But it’s not); who answer phones and are willing to answer questions; those who answer emails (regardless of the email content. Answer emails. That’s it). Basically, if you are willing to engage in a conversation and confirm or supply me with award information, this is your category. I thank you. My Department thanks you. Our subscribers thank you. Transparency in the tender process hard at work.

Not Quick and Definitely Not Painless: This category contains everyone else.

Every unanswered email, ever.

The “instant-hangup”. You know the one. You call, it rings, it’s picked up and then “Click”. A sub-category that involves me phoning back and remaining on hold indefinitely. This results in partial deafness in my right ear from listening to either a tinny Greenleaves on an endless loop or a wind instrument butchering of a ’80’s One Hit Wonder. I will turn that ringing phone into an instrument of torture until that Government employee crawls out from under their desk and answers the phone. Generally, this results in them realising that if they give me what I want; I will go away. Until next time. But let’s not burst their bubble.

The “Wrong Department”. I tend to end up at HR. Regardless of how I worded my request. When I’ve done the full circuit of synonyms for “tender” and am now on a first name basis with the woman in HR; I know it’s going to be a long day.

There’s the blatant “No”. I can respect these guys because at least they’re not wasting my time or theirs. But I do think “Dodgy” when this happens. Which I will concede is unfair. The construction industry is very competitive, and as we all know, information is very valuable. Not everyone likes their “business” to be spread all over the place. Of course not, why would any company in this day and age want other people (with money), to know about their services and how some people (also with money) trust them with it to do a job? Scandalous. Yes, I know. You main contractors and some consultants out there don’t want to be inundated with calls. I get it. I know. I sympathise. But I’m still going to call anyway. A sub-category of this group are the “No Internet presence” people. They don’t exist. At least not digitally anyways. They can not be found. It baffles me, how they do business at all?

The “Who are you and why do you want to know?” category can go either way. This category either just wants to be informed (I can admire this) or they are suspicious of us. I’m perfectly happy to explain myself and what L2B does, just short of submitting a DNA sample. This category is an opportunity as they either subscribe to us or give us the opportunity to explain that publishing their awarded company details on the L2B website, is the grownup version of “Na-na-nana-na!”.

The “Uber-suspicious” group is like trying to have a conversation with Gollum, protecting his Precious (insert bad Gollum impression here).

“Sir, I don’t want to take it from you. I just want to talk to you about it”

“Filthy Hobbitses!”

“Um… okay. You have a good day, sir”. I don’t really blame this guy. Tender awards sometimes happen when they are needed the most, and sometimes when they won’t help a damn.

Tender Awards are not boring, that’s for sure. And very emotional. Anything from surprise, joy and excitement to doubt, jealously and anger. And that’s just the researchers.

Construction isn’t my business; information is, so those of you out there:

Subbies, reach out and touch someone. In the non-lawsuit kind of way. And no one likes a Spammer. This isn’t about shot-gunning a kitchen and hoping a cake will fall out. Be selective. Be smart. Approach those that you know will use your product or service. Approach those that will know what you are talking about. Create relationships. Even if the answer is “No!” that’s still a conversation.

Contractors, do not ignore the subbies. New products, skills and services are being created every day. The construction industry, although very traditional and conservative, is also incredibly innovative. Broaden your supplier lists and don’t get held hostage by suppliers/ subbies who are unwilling or unable to adapt to the times. Give the new guys a chance to impress you. Those that can’t deliver won’t last long anyway. You were once new too. Help a brother/ sister out. Plus, a little healthy competition never hurt anyone

If you’ve been awarded a tender and you’re proud of this fact, and want to metaphorically thumb your nose at your competitors, please email Tenders@L2B.co.za with the details.

Your company is doing well, broadcast it.

Free advertising, people.

That stuff’s expensive.

About Claire Donaldson

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