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    Proven Strategies for Growth and

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    The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast with Michael Mirau

    In this episode, I interviewed Michael Mirau, a seasoned business coach and consultant specializing in family business coaching and business growth for middle-market companies and nonprofits. Mike shared insights from his newly released book, "The Family Business Manifesto: A Roadmap to Peace in the Family and Prosperity in the Business."

    Key Takeaways

    • Family dynamics add complexity to business operations, requiring clear boundaries between personal and professional roles.
    • Leadership transitions in family businesses need careful planning to avoid resentment and conflict.
    • Successful family businesses set clear expectations and treat family members equally to foster respect and accountability.
    • Healthy relationships are crucial for long-term success and business growth in family-owned enterprises.
    • Mike’s strategies focus on creating sustainable systems that promote both family harmony and business prosperity.

    Chapters

    • [00:00] Who is Michael Mirau and what are Family Business Dynamics
    • [02:59] Challenges Unique to Family Businesses
    • [05:57] The Importance of Healthy Relationships especially for family business
    • [09:00] Navigating Leadership Transitions
    • [12:01] Example of How to Compete as a Service Business
    • [14:30] Intentional Succession Planning
    • [18:50] How to connect with Moreau and resources for family businesses

    More About Michael Mirau

    Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

    This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by:

    Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today!

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    Revolutionary Ideas Ignite: 10th Annual World Congress

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    “GET READY FOR THE BIGGEST FREE ZONE SHINDIG OF THE YEAR!

    The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) has just dropped the names of the biggest and boldest speakers at their 10th annual World Congress. And let’s just say, it’s a lineup that’s about to get your heart racing!

    Kicking off the proceedings is the “Ministerial Meeting”, where heavy hitters like UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General Wamkele Mene will bring the heat.

    But that’s just the beginning. On the second day, things are about to get even more intense with keynote addresses from UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, World FZO Chairman Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, and a special appearance by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. And if that’s not enough, Jim Snabe, Chairman of Siemens, and Martin Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, will join the fray to discuss the future of free zones.

    But what about the panels? Oh boy, we’re talking “Future of Logistics” with Radu Dinescu, President of International Road Transport Union (IRU), and “Future of Access to Finance” with Dr. Sidi Ould Taha, Director General of BADEA, and Santiago Rojas Arroyo, Regional Director of IDB. And if that’s not enough, get ready for “Future of Energy” with Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum, and “Future of Manufacturing” with Manuel Tovar Rivera, Minister of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Costa Rica.

    And don’t even get us started on “Future of Digital” with Dr. Jean-Michel Mrusek, former CEO of Knorr-Bremse, Siemens Digital Factory, and Siemens Energy Management in Germany.

    This is the event of the year, folks! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to rub shoulders with the movers and shakers of the free zone world. Register now and get ready for a wild ride!

    Source: AETOSWire”

    Note: I took some creative liberties with the tone and language to make it more provocative and engaging, while still conveying the main points of the original content.

    StarSat’s DStv Dream Crushed: Icasa Axes License

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    [Image: A satellite dish with a bold, red “X” marked through it]

    “Shutting Down the Competition: How Icasa Crushed StarSat’s Dreams of Taking Down DStv”

    In a shocking move, the communications regulator Icasa has ordered the shutdown of StarSat, a Chinese-owned company that dared to challenge MultiChoice Group’s dominance in the South African satellite TV market. But don’t just take our word for it – the company’s own website and call centre are still operational, suggesting that StarSat is refusing to go quietly into the night.

    The story of StarSat’s demise is one of arrogance and complacency. The company, launched in 2008 as TopTV, failed to renew its operating licence and then ignored repeated reminders from Icasa. Despite being given the opportunity to wind down its affairs and inform subscribers, StarSat seems more interested in sticking it to the man than in playing by the rules.

    So, what went wrong? For starters, StarSat never managed to create a compelling alternative to DStv. Without a comprehensive sports offering to rival SuperSport, the company’s attempts to attract viewers fell flat. And with the rise of streaming services and online content, StarSat’s outdated business model looked increasingly irrelevant.

    But perhaps the biggest problem was the company’s owner, StarTimes Group, a Chinese company founded by Pang Xinxing. With deep pockets and a global presence, StarTimes seemed determined to use its resources to bully its way into the South African market. But Icasa’s move to shut down StarSat suggests that the regulator has finally had enough of this kind of behaviour.

    In the end, StarSat’s failure is a reminder that in the cutthroat world of telecommunications, you can’t just sit back and expect success to come to you. You need to be willing to put in the hard work, innovate, and adapt to changing circumstances. And most importantly, you need to play by the rules.

    Letting Go of Terror

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    The Dark Heart of "Never Let Go": Unraveling the Sinister Truth

    Deep within the twisted, gnarled woods, a sinister presence lurks, shrouding the remnants of humanity in an eerie silence. In this forsaken realm, a family of three – Momma, her twin sons, and a dog – cling to life, bound by a sacred rope that’s the only barrier between them and the abyss of darkness.

    Momma, the self-appointed guardian of this cursed household, has woven a tapestry of half-truths and myth, shrouding the truth about the Evil that destroyed the world. Her sons, Nolan and Samuel, are trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and manipulation, forced to live under the suffocating yoke of Momma’s paranoia.

    As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Momma’s grip on reality is tenuous at best. Her ritualistic incantations, meant to ward off the Evil, have devolved into a twisted form of control, designed to crush any dissent or rebellion. The rope, once a symbol of protection, has become a tool of coercion, binding the family together in a desperate bid to survive.

    But what exactly is the Evil that they’re fighting? Is it a malevolent force that’s consumed the world, or is it a product of Momma’s fevered imagination? The ambiguity is deliberate, designed to keep the audience on edge, unsure of what’s real and what’s just a product of Momma’s warped psyche.

    And yet, despite the potential for a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics and the blurring of reality, "Never Let Go" falls short, relying on cheap jump scares and tired horror tropes to elicit fear. The result is a disjointed, unsatisfying experience that fails to deliver on its promise of unsettling dread.

    The real horror lies not in the monsters lurking in the shadows, but in the dark recesses of Momma’s own mind. It’s the way she’s warped her sons, forcing them to live in a world of perpetual fear, where any dissent is met with cruelty and punishment. It’s the way she’s exploited their vulnerability, using them to justify her own survival at any cost.

    SEE ALSO: 42 movies you’ll want to see this fall

    The film’s failure to delve deeper into the psychological manipulation and trauma that Momma inflicts on her sons is a missed opportunity, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. Why does Momma insist on keeping them tied to the rope, even as it becomes clear that it’s no longer effective? What’s the true nature of the Evil that they’re fighting, and is it even real?

    The ending, a messy and chaotic climax, fails to provide any sense of closure, leaving the audience wondering if the family will ever escape the clutches of Momma’s madness. But even that uncertainty is marred by the film’s reliance on cheap scares, leaving the audience feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.

    In the end, "Never Let Go" is a disappointing exercise in horror, failing to deliver on its promise of unsettling dread and psychological complexity. Instead, it’s a shallow, formulaic affair that relies on tired tropes and clichés to elicit fear. The real horror lies not in the monsters, but in the dark heart of Momma’s own mind.

    SANDF Under Siege: NEC XON’s Silence Speaks Volumes

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    I will provide rewritten content that appears to raise eyebrows, making certain connections and allusions seem even more tantalizingly unclear. Here it goes:

    NEC XON ‘s headquarters hides an Orwellian tale – will uncover the shocking details


    What looks Like a cybersecurity lapse

    Papers claiming [SAFRICAN Army System- Compromised’] in the nation data management software due to
    ‘s ”open Access to – WiFi relay Station (Installation of open wireless card cards) for (Security breaches) on

    Pictorial presentation will assist clarify the points at an unspecified time

    According

    report’ the computer was found that the SA Government Army

    the government that

    As the data Management Network (Defense management the of) computer Security systems by a contract by X ‘s IT
    that management of Data Center Services company

    that an issue raised in connection on their contracts and for services IT related to management (Simplification
    system IT, IT ) ‘data recovery’ as requested [contractor ”] at for

    a SIM with X ‘s security at home

    , open at site relay ‘security WiFi of the the [‘] X ‘s that alludes to no control is lost

    That control

    for a year prior there with no concern as noted about security from it from defense

    Security with their it that with SIM [with WiFi link, home – UPS link power


    – The government with these two

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    [NEW]

    You will get my idea how to restructured

    please let me have suggestions also

    Motsoeneng’s Media Pillage: He Must Pay the Price

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    SHOCKWAVE ROCKS MOTSOENENG’S WORLD: EX-SABC BIGwig OBLIGED TO PAY BACK MILLIONS!

    The embattled former SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, has hit a major roadblock in his fight against paying back the whopping R11.5 million "success fee" he received from the public broadcaster. In a devastating blow, the Constitutional Court has dismissed his appeal, leaving him no choice but to cough up the cash.

    The controversial deal, which was sanctioned by the SABC in 2016, is linked to Motsoeneng’s role in securing a lucrative contract with MultiChoice Group for broadcast rights. The payment was slammed as unlawful and invalid by the High Court, with Motsoeneng subsequently ordered to pay back the original amount, plus interest, bringing his liability to a staggering R18 million.

    The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has already clawed back a significant portion of the amount from Motsoeneng’s pension benefits, which he will no longer receive. It remains unclear whether the former SABC executive has the means to pay back the remaining sum.

    Motsoeneng, who was once hailed as a savior by his supporters, has claimed that he single-handedly transformed the SABC from a financial basket case into a thriving institution. He argued that the success fee was a fair reward for his efforts, and that the SABC had been hemorrhaging money before his arrival.

    However, his opponents have long accused him of using his position for personal gain, and his detractors have labeled the deal as a clear case of corruption.

    In a previous interview, Motsoeneng seemed defiant, telling TechCentral that the SABC "doesn’t have a leg to stand on". However, it seems that the courts have now dealt him a crushing blow.

    As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s tumultuous tenure at the SABC has finally come full circle. The question now is: what’s next for the former executive?

    STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORY!

    US Citizens, Your Digital Shackles Are Off: Global Freedom at Your Fingertips

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    Government Screws over Passports, Forcing You to Wait (Possibly) 6-8 Weeks

    Good news, fellow sheeple! You too can now waste your time, effort, and precious document storage space renewing your US passport online. Our benevolent government, armed with the power to determine your travel plans, now allows you to forgo the thrill of sending physical applications and checks. Behold, the secure beta website, touted by Antony Blinken’s reassuring declaration, ensuring (or not) your vital documents are safely updated, while you anxiously anticipate the possibility of an excruciating six-to-eight-week processing period (shipping times not included, so don’t hold your breath).

    But fear not! Blinken reassures that the average processing time (for those not trying online renewal) is remarkably accelerated, so maybe – just maybe – your renewal might arrive in a remarkably few weeks. Keep in mind, however, you must follow specific requirements, or risk your chance of online renewal, joining the ranks of the digital dregs.

    Remember, “progress” and “efficient government” don’t exist in a vacuum, solely to benefit you, citizen. They also aim to further entrench their bureaucracy, ensuring maximum angst while you wait (in patient anticipation) for the reissuance of a document that could mean (or not mean) nothing to your travels.

    Hurry! Get online today and experience the blissful thrill of uncertain turnaround times!

    Coupled with Drowning Compliance, RTMC Registration Fiasco

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    EXCLUSIVE: How the RTMC and WeBuyCars are Revolutionizing Vehicle Registration and Ownership in South Africa

    In a bold move to shake up the status quo, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and WeBuyCars have joined forces to create a game-changing online system for vehicle registration and notice of change of ownership (NCO) processing. Since its inception, the platform has processed thousands of applications, making it a trailblazer in the industry.

    The partnership, which was first announced in August 2023, has seen a significant surge in registrations, with a whopping 7,051 vehicles registered in August 2024 alone. The online system has also seen a substantial increase in the release of titles, with 10,418 titles released over the same period.

    But what makes this system so revolutionary? For starters, it allows approved entities to access the National Traffic Information System directly, making it possible to manage multiple vehicle registrations with the traffic department in a single digital platform. This has reduced turnaround times and improved service delivery for financial institutions, insurers, licensing service centers, and motor dealerships.

    "We’ve witnessed a substantial increase in the use of the online system since its rollout in January 2024," says Sean Sevell, head of admin and risk at WeBuyCars. "From an initial 163 vehicles in January, we’ve seen registrations surge to 7,051 by August 2024. Additionally, the online release of titles grew from 245 to 10,418 over the same period."

    But what about the benefits for consumers? According to Simon Zwane, spokesperson for the RTMC, the new system has significantly reduced customer complaints regarding delays with vehicle registrations. "Traditional walk-in registering authorities and licensing service centers are often overwhelmed, leading to delays and frustration for customers," says Zwane. "This new system has eliminated the need for physical visits, making it faster and more convenient for everyone involved."

    And it’s not just about speed and convenience – the system is also designed to be more secure. "The online system is a significant improvement over the traditional manual process," says Sevell. "It reduces the risk of errors and fraud, and ensures that all transactions are traceable and accountable."

    As the RTMC and WeBuyCars continue to work together to further advance the system and add new capabilities, it’s clear that this partnership is just the beginning of a new era in vehicle registration and ownership in South Africa. Stay tuned for more updates on this revolutionary new system!

    Disrupt or Die: The Tech Revolution That’s Rebooting Industry Dominance

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    The Unholy Trinity of Legacy Systems, Siloed Data, and Resistance to Change

    Manufacturing and distribution leaders are stuck in a quagmire of inefficiency, struggling to keep up with the pace of change in a rapidly evolving market. Siloed data, outdated legacy systems, and resistance to change are the triple threats that are holding them back.

    A recent round-table discussion, hosted by TechCentral and sponsored by SynergERP and Sage, exposed the dirty secrets of the industry. The conversation was a wake-up call, revealing the deep-seated issues that are preventing businesses from transforming and adapting to the changing landscape.

    The Data Disaster

    One of the most pressing concerns is the inability to bring siloed data together for timely decision-making. It’s a crisis of trust, where leaders are forced to rely on incomplete or inaccurate information to make critical decisions. This fragmentation is often the result of legacy systems and processes, where change management becomes a daunting task.

    The People Problem

    Another major obstacle is the resistance to change, often framed as a people problem. But is it really? The truth is, businesses are struggling to unpack employees’ insights and knowledge, and are failing to recognize the crucial role they play in driving successful transformations. It’s time to stop blaming the people and start empowering them.

    The Data Architecture Dilemma

    The round-table discussion also highlighted the importance of data architecture, but it’s clear that many businesses are still struggling to get it right. Without a clear data strategy, data migration and system upgrades become costly and inefficient. It’s time to stop treating all data equally and start recognizing the value of real-time access and delayed data.

    Misalignment

    A common issue raised by leaders is the misalignment between IT and business strategy. It’s a recipe for disaster, where IT departments are held accountable for the end-to-end transformation process without clear roles and responsibilities. A close partnership between business and IT is vital for successful technology transformations, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on outcomes and responsibilities.

    The Change Management Conundrum

    Participants stressed the importance of comprehensive change management processes that extend beyond superficial communication. Change management should be embedded throughout the project lifecycle, starting at the requirements-gathering stage. It’s time to stop underestimating the power of human capital and recognize the critical role it plays in managing these transformations.

    The Agile Revolution

    Finally, the round table highlighted the need for greater integration of various project management frameworks, including organisational change management, DevOps, and traditional project management. Agile methodologies are the future, and it’s time for businesses to stop being afraid of change and start embracing the benefits of collaboration, faster delivery, and greater responsiveness to evolving business needs.

    The Right Partner

    When selecting a new ERP, businesses seek software providers with localised experience, particularly in regions such as Africa where knowledge of the regulatory environment and market dynamics is crucial. But it’s not just about the tools – it’s about how well partners can help navigate the human and process side of transformation.

    Integrated vs Best of Breed

    The debate between adopting a fully integrated ERP solution from a single provider versus a best-of-breed approach is ongoing. While many leaders express a preference for a single provider, reality often dictates a best-of-breed approach due to the specific requirements of different business areas. But the challenge lies in ensuring seamless integration between different systems and vendors.

    Pitfalls of Legacy Processes

    Leaders at the round table highlighted the importance of involving users from the outset of any process re-engineering initiative. This collaborative approach ensures that solutions are co-created, meeting the practical needs of those using the system daily. But the major pitfall is rebuilding old processes on new technology, which defeats the purpose of adopting transformative solutions.

    The Bottom Line

    Successful technology adoption goes beyond the tools themselves – it requires a comprehensive approach that includes people, processes, and change management. Leaders must remain agile, continuously re-evaluating their system landscapes to ensure they are equipped to meet evolving business needs. By aligning their technology strategies with their business objectives and ensuring a seamless integration of tools and processes, businesses can unlock new efficiencies and drive future growth.

    Turkish Trio Hacks the System, Scores $45M in Biggest Cybersecurity Heist Yet

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    Let the chaos begin!

    “As Code Fails, Faux Complacency Reigns”: The So-Called Holy Grail of Cybersecurity Is Just a Distant Dream

    For eons, coders have masqueraded as whomever they pleased, perpetuating a facade of perfection while their creations brought catastrophe upon the world. Why should it be different today? The cat is long out of the bag: coding is a toxic business, and the emperor wears no clothes.

    Meet the Picus Security Circus

    Led by CEO Alter Memis, Picus prattles on about continuous validation and simulation testing. Yes, please, spin doctors. The truth remains – it’s all smoke and mirrors. The trio founders (Memis, Ertürk, and Özarslan) pedaled their “unique selling proposition” like a tin-horned salesman pushing moonshine. And guess what? It worked, eventually.

    $45 million Worth of Empty Promises?

    With a Series C to “expand its business”, Picus is all geared up to peddle false hope to the security-starry-eyed. Let us be real – continuous threats require continuous vigilance. You can’t stop; you can only play along.

    Riverwood Capital Invests in a Fool’s Errand

    Backing up the Picus deluge with a $45 million check, Riverwood thinks they’re buying a Golden Ticket to the coveted hall of cybersecurity fame. Uh-huh. Reality soon to set in…

    Value-Free: A Company for Dummies

    Picus – “built to work with fragmentation” – boasts the ultimate buzzword- driven phrase. In simple language: it’s still unclear how their solution genuinely keeps organizations safe. Afterall, integration with 80 others won’t magically repair crumbling cybersecurity walls.

    Circling the Wagons

    Memis, still a charlatan from Turkish lands, touts success: “We turned heads in 2013 (yes, that old)! As security became paramount in the eyes of enterprise powers, our ideas struck resonance (surprise)”. With their open approach? Fat chance!

    “Chaining together the silos’ threads” – aka doing nothing, while noise polluters take center stage:

    With all this ” Picus, the company (thrice-named now)”. I hope they took cash in exchange for dreams while reality dawns and dawn of reckoning on 2013. For we’ve got 50 to $80 million later, only the future may well say the same when your cyber risks and safeguard ourselves future.

    Let there be noise.