Mark is one of the 27 dinner people i met here is a little more about him
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS DEVELOPED FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.
YKM EVENTS AND MARKETING MANAGEMENTCC
REG.NO.2008/032222/23
INTERVIEW: MONIQUE STOLTZ
INTERVIEWEE: YUSUF MOSES
2. A BACKROUND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
The business YKM is a Close Corporation that organises events, for example, weddings, business launches, parties, etc. It is still a young developing business that started late last year (2007). The services that the business offers, entails decorating venues, catering (effectively and efficiently).
3. THE WORK ENVIRONMENT OF THE EMPLOYEES
Working as an employee for YKM cc, the business promotes employee relations, to ensure the best service for the customer. It is also a benefit for the company in the long-term, seeing as the customer and client will also build up a good relationship. To keep employees satisfied as far as possible, the business have implemented voice schemes for the staff’s opinion, objections and ideas. The business also has a monthly survey as well as graphs showing the staff performances and staff satisfactory.
4. METHODS USED TO ATTRACT POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
First of all the business look at the target market for whom they are catering for, and build a database with the gathered information of these potential customers. Secondly the business also distributes pamphlets, put advertisements in newspapers, word-of-mouth, business cards and networking. The business also promotes itself with employees demonstrating a full presentation and launches. Free gift samples are also a very effective way in attracting customers and most effective is, “cold calls” and referrals.
5. CURRENT CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
Keeping in touch with current clients on a regular basis is very important. The business always try the hardest to satisfy current clients to build a good relationship. The importance of keeping our clients happy is a “must do”, and by means of this the business asks what they prefer and always delivers. The business YKM believes in making the customer a loyal client and friend.
6. CHALLENGES IN THE START UP PHASE
- In the start up phase it was very difficult keeping a regular cash flow due to the fact
of a low capital acquisition.
- Find a suitable premises was hard because there was no collateral (fixed assets),
that the bank could have used in case of liquidation.
- The registration of the Close Corporation was on of the biggest problems, because
the members did not know how to put their business plan into words.
7. DAY-TO-DAY CHALLENGES FACED
- The nature of the business makes it difficult to find clients on a regular basis.
- The unpredictability of the inflation rate causes scarcity of clients.
- Due to the fact that the business does not yet have a generator, power failures has
negative effect on the budget. It causes minimum working hours and thus losing
customers.
- At the moment the number of employees is fairly low, causing inefficiency on
customer service. The absentee rate of employees continues to rise, as the winter
season approaches, causing the business to hire temporary and less-skilled staff,
and in turn these employees deliver poor service, costing the company unexpected
problems, for example, a high phone bill trying to rectify misunderstandings, small
gifts for apologizing for common faults made on our behalf.
8. METHODS DEVELOPED TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES
- The business was divided into sectors to analyze which departments makes a
good profit.
- The finding of a premises, is the conversion of an outbuilding where one of the
members of the corporation use to live in to save rental expenses.
- To outline the corporation’s business plan, a professional was hired to write it
after accumulating enough finances. This is helping the business to obtain other
finances from a bank, or potential investors, which will help the business later on in
case of expanding it.
9. OTHER POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES
- Employees that are hired must be passionate about their job for the business to
grow and succeed.
- The business must have a clear vision of where it is heading and how it will get to
to that point. For this the members must communicate well with employees.
- It helps if the managers are directly and visibly active in the day-to-day running of
of the business. This way employees will know that they are being watched, and
have to perform well.
- The managers must show appreciation towards employees and make them realise
their importance in the business.
10. CONCLUSION
The interview was conducted with Mr. Y. Moses, that is a member of YKM cc. In the discussion there was given an outline of the business. Firstly, the background of what the business is about and when did it start. Secondly, the methods that the business use to attract potential customers, and how the business maintain a good relationship with current clients. Thirdly, the challenges that the business faced in the start up phase and the day-to-day challenges. Finally a brief explanation was given on how the business intends to implement and develop plans to overcome these challenges, and other solutions was also outlined.
REFERENCING
Moses,Y. YKM Events and Marketing cc, Uitenhage. 30 April 2008.
1. INTRODUCTION
The interview was conducted with Mr. Y. Moses, of YKM cc. The business is situated in Uitenhage. YKM cc is an events company that delivers a service to many clients. In this report a background description of the business will be given. It will also discuss the work environment of the employees. It will mention how they business attract potential customers and what methods are used to build a good relationship with current clients. The start up challenges and the day-to-day challenges is outlined, methods used by the business to overcome challenges, as well as other solutions.
more about the modelling instructer.
My name is Charmaine Hendriks, and I am 29 years old.
I am staying in Uitenhage, a town near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.
I was raised by my grandmother, in Rosedale area, and as a child growing up less-fortunate; I always loved modelling and watched modelling shows on television.
I started to participate in modelling, and got involved in a modelling school named owned by Mrs. R. Gouws in the year 1990.
As a learner in grade eight, my teacher Ms. A. Muller noticed my interest and potential in modelling, and kindly sponsored the fees.
In 1994 I started presenting my own modelling pageants, and was mostly supported by the people in my community, up until now, when YKM decided to take me under their wings.
My mission:
I intend to use my experience and knowledge in empowering the younger generation, who also wish to achieve great things in modelling.
My purpose for wanting to uplift these young people is to keep them away from bad influences, although poverty is a major issue in our community.
Due to the lack of finances I did not use available premises to train the students, but this does not demotivate me, or my students in wanting to achieve our goals set.
My vision:
My vision is to present atleast 3 – 4 beauty pageants per year.
I am a spokesperson for student, to give counselling, building character, including a high self-esteem.
Personally I am flexible in modelling, and can do a variety of things including hair styling, dress sense, make-up and health and beauty.
I do believe that these events can help keep young teenagers busy with positive and constructive activities.
I truly believe that by working together, and obtaining the necessary funds, we can keep them motivated in wanting to Uitenhage their goals.
Address: 20 Thornhill Street
Lower Central
Uitenhage
6229
Modelling School’s Name: Selfmotivated Future Models & YKM Events, Marketing & Management cc.
Someone once said that “the world is a crazy place.” Without having to think about it millions of South Africans would agree. YKM Events and Marketing Management is a brand new small business that promises to make life a little easier by taking away not some of the stress, but ALL! the stress of organising events and marketing. What makes this business so unique from other businesses of its kind is their target market and their ridiculously low prices in a country that’s economy rate seem to close the door on affordability for all South Africans.
Yusuf Moses and Kenneth Malgas are South Africa’s new entrepreneurs making names for themselves in the small town of Uitenhage. Kenneth Malgas says that they have modeled their business in such a manner that any person whether pensioner or business man can enjoy a professionally done event, launch, etc.
This dinemic duo recommend their company to any for the best services ever.
A little more about my home town UITENHAGE
Uitenhage was founded on 25 April 1804 and named after Jacob Abraham Uitenhage De Mist, the Commissioner-General in service of the Dutch government. It is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fifth oldest in the whole of South Africa.
The town itself has a very eventful history: silent witness to this are amongst others, the Drostdy and Cuyler Manor, both built in the Cape Dutch style, the magistrate’s court with its beautiful Victorian clock tower as well as the very classical Dutch Reformed Church.
The bloodbath that took place in Langa on 21 March 1985 had a significant political effect that reached far beyond the borders of Uitenhage itself. The social dynamics of the city surrounds probably changed more in the past 20 years than in 180 years before.
BIOGRAPHIES
Jacob Abraham Uitenhage De Mist
He was born in 1749 at Zaltbommel in the Netherlands, the additional name Uitenhage , which had fallen into disuse in the De Mist’s own branch of the family since the 16th century, was added to his family name in 1817 by royal decree at his personal request of De Mist. He studied law at Leiden University. In 1766 of Kampen and in 1779 was promoted second secretary. In 1795 De Mist was elected as a member of the National Assembly.
Enoch Sontonga the man behind Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
The announcement of the death Enoch Mankayi Sontonga, the man that wrote and composed Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika was made in the Xhosa newspaper Imvo Zabantsundu, dated 27 June 1905. The report stated i.e. “on 18 April 1905 Enoch M.Sontonga passed away …This young man was a composer for the Church of Rev. P.J. Mzimba at one location in Johannesburg. He was a photographer and a lay preacher. He was born in Uitenhage and was 33 years old.”
E.S. from the Mpinga clan in 1872.It is believed that he received training at Lovedale Institution and was then sent to a Methodist Mission school in Nancefield in Johannesburg. He wrote the first verse and chorus Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and also composed the music in 1897.It was first sung in public in 1899.Sontonga’s choir (he was also a choirmaster) as well as other choirs sang this song around Johannesburg and Natal.
On 8 January 1912 at the first meeting of South Africa Native National Congress (SANNC) the forerunner of African National Congress it was immediately sung after the closing prayer. In 1925 the ANC officially adopted it as a closing anthem for its meetings The song spread beyond the borders of South Africa and has been translated and adapted into a number of other languages (including Afrikaans).In 1994 it became part of South Africa’s national anthem
On 7 February 1804 issued a proclamation dividing the district of Graaff-Reinet into 2 magistracies of northern one of which received the name Graaff-Reinet whilst the southern one consisting of Zwarte Ruggens, Bruintjieshoogte, Bushman’s River, Zuurveld, Zwartkops River, together with a portion of the Tsitsikamma and Kromme River would form a new magistracy.To honor De Mist Janssen’s gave the new district the name of Uitenhage in a proclamation issued on 25 April 1804. A few months later the fields –cornetcies Baviaanskloof and Winterhoek were added.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Drostdy
Cuyler moved in October 1807 when the building was only half finished. He suffered inconvenience until the end of 1809 when the Drostdy was finally completed. Built in Cape Dutch style in U-form. At some stages in its history a verandah was added to the front with covered roof supported on wooden pillars.
Cuyler Manor
Built in Cape Dutch style on the T-plan, with the voorkamer or entrance hall flanked by a bedroom each side.
Bible with silver clasps, weighing about 25 lbs, is being safeguarded at the Drostdy museum.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Town hall
On 13 April 1881 the foundation stone was laid by the mayor. It was agreed that the then public park, facing the Market square.
Post Office / Courthouse
The post office was situated at the corner facing Church and Caledon Street.
CHURCHES
Dutch Reformed Church
When the DR congregation was established in Uitenhage in 1817, it was the 10th in the Cape Colony. The foundation stone was laid in October 1833, and finally, to the relief of all concerned, the project was completed in 1843.On Sunday 27 August 1843 the official inauguration of the church, which could seat about 800, took place.
The 3-storeyed building on the corner of Caledon and Church Street, which was called Pro Ecclesia, was completed by July 1937.
Uniting Reformed Church
On the corner of Bloekom Street and Palm Drive, Thomas Gamble inaugurated on February 1976.
ST. Katherine’s Church (Anglican)
During 1853 Archdeacon Merriman visited Uitenhage and purchased and presented to the church a plot of ground in Caledon Street. During the ministry of Rev. Copeman the site in Market Street, on which the present church now stands, was finally selected.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Was built in Baird Street completed and opened 1850.
Congregational Church
Rose Lane
The Rose Lane Congregational Church. The 2nd oldest in Uitenhage began it’s life as outstation of Bethelsdorp.That was the position for about 20 years. Rose Lane became a separate congregation in 1828.
Caledon Street
The land on which the church was built was part of erf no.2 purchased by J>S van Nieuwenkerken in 1814.
Dale Street
During the early years the members worshipped in a corrugated iron building in Dale Street.Tehe sturdy brick building in Dale Street was erected in 1929.
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yusuf moses