[Punishing the wrong player]

How many times we get it wrong is just but puzzling. I shake my head looking at the signages of small businesses every sight I throw my eyes at. Job creation at its very ground roots level, but then, why do we keep standing in their way of growth? 

Legislation a heartbreaker

I say this based on the way in which our own governments are killing hopes, dreams and aspirations of those trying to do something about high unemployment gaping at the global population. I still see none in my corner nodding in support. Okay, then, devil is in the detail as they say and maybe you’ll say ‘amen’ to my sermon ending. 

The ministries of labour the world over are busy year after year trying to make their employment legislation work but unfortunately they arrive always at the opposite end of their desired result. Amendment after the other and yet no employer seem to be happy. This is because our governments fail at consulting the employer properly before sealing their drafts which are at most in favour of the employee. Not that it’s wrong, but bad if look at it from the employer’s perspective. However you define it, it still is demoralising to say the least.

How about this scenario?

Think of a law abiding citizen who starts a small establishment to survive. He starts off by hiring an unqualified assistant to help out and hold the fort for him when he goes out to stock or run some errants just as others similar in his position will do. He sits his assistant down and arrives at an agreement that he can afford to pay him so and so much, of which the assistant gladly accepts. Then as days go by someone with good though bad to the employer intentions, advise the assistant that the employer should up his offer on wages as that is by law not on par with regard to the minimum wage scales. The assistant goes to the relevant officials to report that and is told the offer is below scale and should be paid accordingly. The employer due to reasons cited from the beginning, can’t afford the revised offer and lets the assistant go with the little he could afford with a bronze handshake seeing that it doesn’t measure up to the golden handshake witnessed in many a high-profile incumbent’s case.

At home the family of the assistant won’t be able to receive the little he could be collecting monthly anymore, and starts blaming the employer for failing to meet the basic income set out in the legislation and for having terminated their arrangement. The employer is still starting out and however small the amount may be is but still steep for him to can offer the assistant. As things stand, who do we point the finger at for failing the family of the assistant? Whatever your answer, ask yourself why.

Statutory regulations a sift trick

Some in the know may pose sad questions atop the already sad reality of the small time self-employed person. Did he register the business first before hiring the assistant? Does the business have a tax clearance, a bank account and any employment benefit if be? But the truth is that not everyone will afford satisfying those requirements before trying their luck first at whatever they want to start. Then again, how will you advise a person in that state? Further again, how right are you going to be in advising him that way? Why can’t something as simple as an affidavit be valid as a business relationship instrument beats me. A round table unfortunately a must for all relevant stakeholders to come up with creative yet accommodative alternate entry solutions to enable even the hand-to-mouth operator a chance at going formal. Let’s shake the ground; break the mould and all may reap the compromise fruits.                               

In conclusion: to some I may sound a bit pushing the good brought by legislation aside, but rather pleading for a balance. Getting penalized for one’s efforts at alleviating the other’s poverty is painful. To some degree it is right but then on other hand to some extent I believe they should check first into one’s coffers to verify if whether they can afford to comply or not, and also how best to allow the beginners a chance at employing others for a certain period before complying. Or best, break threshold compliance into tiers and maybe full compliance will be a small step from eventuality.

If only our lawmakers could hold their horses and collaborate with all affected parties maybe they’ll adopt the models used in neighbouring states by their counterparts on how to empower small businesses. We should not shy away from praising them on how they demystify the red tape small business operators are so used to in many teritorries. The easier it is to run a business the rapid growth the economy will see. High unemployment rate is a result of unwilling leaders to work with willing solutions providers to reduce the numbers. What they ought to remember is that it is employers who take chances at creating jobs and not the other way round, lest they opt to flying out to those economies that will welcome them with open arms and be doing what they should be doing in their home economies elsewhere.

All things start with by-laws. In developing sound regulatory laws at municipality level, there'll be a conducive space that enables startups to thrive, a breathing space for small players. We need to lament this vacuum for lack of support towards local economy stimulation. What I say is in simpler terms that our governments should allow for startups a grace period in order to find their feet first before they come hard on them with regulatory requirements that sees them being treated like criminals and low life self-centred scums. Entrepreneurs should be seen as our now day heroes and not be labelled otherwise for their efforts, especially in these trying times. Let's stop punishing the wrong player for the effort put in...dp

[Partnership with a cohabiter]

The complexity that comes with business partnerships is in many forms of its problems, and one of them is that of going in with a cohabiter. Cohabitation, by any standards, pose a huge challenge to society as a whole before we chop it into different categories of its entrants. The reasons behind it remains to date a distorted chord of risky notes to strike. Then now, if opt out of a partnership citing a partner’s living arrangement, what does it make one out to be?

Many businesses have gone under because of partners’ private issues and one of the deadly silent contributors that’s tolerated is cohabitation. At times it ain’t a bad thing to choose working with plainly single and married persons in that with them you know what you’re dealing with, though giving certainty only provided they are open and transparent about their personal hardships in their relationships freely. A steady business relationship works best where honesty in that front is commonly practised. 

A partner should be upfront with you on critical aspects of their affairs if in a cohabitation set up like how long they’ve been in that arrangement, or intend staying in it, or their exit plan out of it. It may sound like prying but it’s important. You ought to also be sure of their legal implications on your business in the eventuality of their split. What is their arrangement on the business front? Will there be any share split, or a walk-away deal of some sort? Truth is, whether like it or not, if people are living together their career paths tend to somehow get shaped by the other party’s input and during break-up find that element eventually making an unprecedented appearance in the whole fracas. Mind you, any change in their living arrangement may prove to sabotage your worth and future livelihood. So, bear such factors in the fore when in your decision stage on whether or not to partner.

In the midst of everything, does the cohabiter have a valid will? Life has no guarantees shelved in its offers, so be sure to ascertain of its existence if be assured it's sorted. It’s not wrong to quell any nerve of doubt, it’s your responsibility as a partner as you’re right to protect your interests at all costs. The issue of shareholding makes a comeback when considering the size of the cohabiter’s equity in the partnership. My little piece of a danger point that you need to be clear about is the risky tide you swim into, and that’s if the latter holds majority stake in the business. A majority to them is a serious red flag, fly away far as you can if no chance is there for you switching positions. Partner with a cohabiter on terms of them being the minority holder of equity or else risk your climb to the nearest highest peak for a free fall death jump. Partner with them only where there’re prospects of stability and certainty that favours your fortunes more than it does them, for in these ones you just have no choice but be outright selfish.      

In conclusion: it should be borne in mind that it’s not about judging anyone’s circumstances but rather sift-sipping calcium out of marrow. Cohabitation can go either way at any given time, and good is if it leads to marriage or be bad and lead to a split. The biggest headache challenge is its non-binding nature. If take a dive with partnering with a cohabiter, which gender would make a safer bet than the other and how, should be invited in your play of gamble.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t cohabit or not do business with cohabiters, no, I’m simply italizing  the consequential circumstances thereof. Again, thus not meaning it’s a wrong thing to do, whilst also not insinuating that business dealings with a single or married person is beneficial, certain and fruitful, but inherently highlighting key aspects of a business relationship with someone who’s in that particular living arrangement. Fact is, going into business with just about anyone a risk irrespective of a person’s social status, hence going in you should be protective of probable emotional blows on your disappointment. And but, however you can do to spare yourself, how protective is the cohabiter of you and the business in their set-up?...dp     

[Value your surrounders]

Look to your left then to your right! To move back and forth there’s always someone by your side or behind you to hold you down with ease in times of need or doubt. The role played by the people around you at times surpasses even the one by your akins. Many people are where they are not because of their family, but because of familiar strangers who chose them over others. Such people are your friends, partners, consumers, colleagues, neighbours, etc, a mixed bag of well wishers and first liners of your defence, protection and help.

We at times downplay the impact of those whom we sit and chat with, or receive a call from just to say hi, that greeter with a golden smile for you; it may be anyone you can think of whom you seldom engage with or all the time. The role that they play is significant in that none relative to you will ever slot in and do the things the person did same as they. Similarly to business, the experience you give to any stakeholder will not ever be similar as by any other, and also how you make your partners experience you going asame. 

Switching the plugs, do you feel appreciated by those whom you’re surrounded with same as the way you do them? It’s a worthy question in that many a times we experience some imbalance in that regard. But then, if be it that they’re the ones putting in more than you should then try meet them halfway. The value of people who’re around you and with you for you as themselves is immeasurable. 

People around you are many things to you. They’re your character witnesses, personal brand anthemizers, supporters, admirers, partners in life and career, so, appreciate them no matter what. However many things they may be to you though, be still careful of the value they add on you for not everyone surrounding you is a good cheerer. Forget not to side walk falls from some of them. Being conscious will favour you vigilantly if sift with just honesty.           

In conclusion: reward with courtesy and respect. Those who’re there for you deserve to be treated with fairness and respect. The people close to you are vital for your safety and growth, and keeping them will remain fashionably important to you. Gratitude an appreciation given to the next to express your valuing and acknowledgement of them for their meaningful contribution in your life. And to show your valuing of your surrounders, you’ll live their teachings and reflect in continuum their invaluable lessons even after they’ve passed on. Remember: ‘nothing compares to the impact of the simplicity of wisdom unpacked by a seasoned grey haired sole.’ [1]. Sojourner,,,rest assured that Shatadi 'a bo Moyalenaga knows...dp

[1] by Selah

[Career guidance cred]

Year in and year out we hear about how our siblings and offsprings are to undertake a trip to go to some career exhibition or expo as they call them these days. But, are they worth the monetary value put into?

First things first; are the people organizing those expos creating value or simply extracting it? Secondly; are the organizing committee members befitting their task of choosing which expo to take the learners to? Thirdly; are the learners realizing the point of the whole exercise? Lastly; do the parents and guardians see logic in expos? I’m kind of curious.

Truth is it just goes with the individual. Thing is, all found in the chain are doing this for the benefit of the learners, whether for a gain or loss thereof. The unfortunate part of it all is how the learner’s mind is wired pertaining to the idea of career expo and their being there.

It’s so paining to know that some went on the trip just for the fun of it, some for a much needed outing, while others just because their parents forced them to go. The sad part is that there are those who deserve to be there but their parents couldn’t afford to and that’s reality of life.

But then, to them, does career guidance mean anything to them before even talking about going on the trip there? What parents should ask themselves is: "does my child go there to know more about their dream career or is it to go and seek the career he or she can pursue?" This is because a lot fail to assess self and find which career their personality fits and character complements.

Many a scholar reach final examination time still not knowing which career path to follow in spite of having had went on a trip to that so been hefty to thy parent’s pocket career guidance exhibition. Like it or not, a lot of such types are there in colleges and varsities adding to the scores of discouraged graduates.

In conclusion: career guidance starts at home before springing into the classroom. To the scholar it starts within self via culture of curiosity and eagerness to know. Fact is, before wanting to know more you need to first know and part of it is learning about self for what is suiting you...dp

[Assignment agent]

Is it rude to greet someone you don't know? Or is it maybe how you greet? This is a situation my friend encountered when he travelled to another continent. It never crossed his mind that a simple gesture of humanity can cause him so much trouble. He greeted some beautiful woman and met an avalanche of rudeness.

In Africa we're used to greeting strangers and is a normal thing. Where he was, his presence was experienced in a wrong way and left him hating the place, and worse was that continent as he got to learn that it's how people behave there, you greet only a person you know or have an appointment with. Random greetings are forbidden yet not published anywhere for public knowledge.

The other challenge was his failure to look at those who came hard on him in support of the stranger he greeted. Just like me, naturally he's shy and can't look at anyone in their eyes because of respect, and those people didn't know that about him as they never cared to observe that in him or even hear him out as they were obsessed with justice for the poor lady. It was only through a young PA to ambassador for one of African countries that he was then given a break.

The young lady explained to them about our culture as Africans and they got it at last. Sad thing though was their failure to accept their wrongdoing and apologize to him, but instead insisted that he should've learned about their norms first before visiting their country. To date, to me, that's plain rude.

In conclusion: it goes two ways; first is to research about customs and faith based issues when you travel to another country, second is for each government to teach their citizens about tolerance, courtesy and racial differences. People need to enter and exit a country and be left with a lasting pleasant experience.

Also, when you travel on business, find an acquaintant to be your assignment agent. Having that professional in your corner is convenient for your success and safety as the person would've prepped you and interpret for you in your engagements for the whole period of your stay because of being a native of the country you visited. Had my friend made arrangements for such an agent, his experience wouldn't have been that horrid. An assignment agent makes life easier, especially if you made your homework of finding the one who has a background of what you're into. Be savvy, make use of one in future...dp

 

[Who's business is it?]

Daily we hear about dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, but then when they come into the level of workplace that becomes something else. Many people do drink alcohol and smoke cigarette, and we say nothing bad that stigmatize them. Is it maybe because of their social acceptance due to commercialization or just plainly cool doing them?

There seem to be a wave of ill treatment directed at people who smoke and drink non-mainstream stuffs like codeine, weed, cocaine and other related stuffs. My issue with those tasked with managing workers is that they're judgmental against those who are using or consuming non-mainstream stuffs. Why be against someone who hasn't done anything wrong or say anything untoward that may be deemed abusive or offensive in any way to them or others? Why fight that which isn't provoking you or anyone? Or is it being proactive?

Some argue the impact of the stuff they consume, but that's not to the health of any staff member or you except theirs, so it shouldn't be of worry to you if they don't present any harm unto anyone and the business. What managers should encourage is dedicated spaces for such people. The truth is, if an employee who's used to being judged gets support and love unconditionally at work, they tend to perform at their optimum because of feeling welcomed. The exception to that should be to those who disclosed. Business is about making money with people who do what they're deployed to do for a reward, not a correctional institution.

In conclusion: in the workplace all of your staff are your family, and in each family we deal with individuality and oddities that makes us be who we are. In light of that meaning we need to embrace those differences between selves and not be discriminating against others. As a leader of your entity, protect your staff and encourage their self-being. Develop a policy that embrace individualism and protect oddity that brings out excellence in staff. Workplace kills character and soothe personality, and that's where we lose talent in that at most is hidden behind what we judge behavior of. So now, if a person is strange yet performing, who's business is it anyway what they do privately? Just let your staff be...dp

[Basics of business]

The ins and outs of business really are a world on their own that but anyone in business finding self without can be a mess. I say this after having watched such a storyline unfold on television not so long ago in a daily drama.

Some of the people who are in business today are generally in for a quick buck and out the scene in a speed of light with huge chunks of currencies to their name. This is to a lot what being in business is all about, but not a solution that world economies are in dire need of.

If we are to do something with expectation of good results it’s only right to do that right and so is with business. How do you expect to secure an investor if you don’t have the faintest idea what an investor is or what a trail balance is before talking of a balance sheet. I see a fist clenched my way but it’s true and you know it, though not pointing at you but rather generally speaking. It’s important for anyone who wishes to go into business to learn a bit from research and also liaise with existent players in the field about the industry they feel like casting their net into.

Going in blindly not only portrays naivety but also the level of one’s cluelessness. What the aspirant entrant ought to do is be patient and gather as much insight as possible prior to launching that attack or else risk losing your hard earned savings or worse, an investor’s call capital.

Basics such as USP, equity, capital vs budget, shareholder vs stakeholder, target market vs target audience, and so forth, are some of those jargons that you need to have a firm grasp of. I remember hearing someone asking her business partner what the difference between value chain and supply chain was, and but the partner with no shame answering her that she doesn’t need to know such as long as they can get that "supply tender" in that her knowing and unknowing of that answer making no difference as it’s not required in the tender bid document. What came to my mind was; 'loving money doesn’t mean you worship it, dwelling much into it though suggesting but otherwise as its victim of enslavement' [1], and I pitied the partner for partnering with such an ignorant young sole for that’s the attitude some partners face in their journeys to success or failure.

In conclusion: to some degree, every person is a lay person at some point, thus the importance of never stopping to learn. In order for us to move forward we need to see first if the shackles allows for our movement. In so saying, meaning that we should visit the idea of going into anything we wish to first before diving in.

With business, you’ll never stop burning fingers no matter how seasoned you are and but with good timing a novice can teach an old hog a trick if not two. But truth, is nothing can replace experience and passion...dp 

 [1] by Kgele Leso.