Company Registration In Zimbabwe

If you search for Zimbabwe’s Economy on Google or Bing or your favourite search engine you will get myriads and myriads of results describing various states of the economy. While there is differing discourse on Zimbabwe it can not be disputed that the Zimbabwean economy is on the mend. It is those that take advantage now that will have a slice of the Zimbabwean economy. I know the sentiments amongst my fellow countrymen that of waiting till everything is right robs them of an opportunity to take advantage this economy which is on a rise.

To do business in Zimbabwe one has to follow a rigorous criteria; register a company, inform the tax authorities, open a bank account, obtain a tax clearance certificate. The red-tape and bureaucrat delays will frustrate even an average investor. What we have done at Crosby Abbott is making it easier for potential investors by going through all the red tape on your behalf. We now offer a fully fledged Company Registration service including opening of a bank account. We have teamed up with Page Hearth our subsidiary in Zimbabwe who will do the running around on your behalf to make sure that your business compiles with regulations in Zimbabwe.

Remember that those who said it cannot be done are passed by those already doing it. Do not put off registering your business in Zimbabwe today because by the time you think its safe to do so all the opportunities will have been taken and the barriers to entry pushed so high making it difficult or economically senseless for you to do business in Zimbabwe. We still offer our core services  here in England – Company & VAT registration, web-site design, business networking and our added services.

To discuss your business services needs please email us on info@crosbyabbott.com

To view some of the headlines on Zimbabwean economy please click the link below:

Zimbabwe’s Economy

Bank Deposits On The Increase

Time To Move Africa from The Periphery To The Centre of Economy

2010 & Ahead

Compliments of the season, I hope I find you ready and gearing to go in 2010.

We have added a Business News section for members and visitors to our website. So you can keep abreast of changes that can affect your business. We will also be sponsoring The Business News Section of subsidiary paper NewsofBlackInterest.com

Our latest news geared for small businesses and entrepreneurs covers, the looming deadline of self assessment, also that firms have been given two weeks to adjust prices following the return of VAT to 17.5% from 15%. You can read it all here

Have a great day.

Regards
Izzy Mutanhaurwa
MD Crosby Abbott Ltd
i.mutanhaurwa@crosbyabbott.com
+447960076652

Starting A Business Is The Only Way To Make Serious Money

Forbes magazine has just updated its annual rich list and they have also asked eight self-made entrepreneurs tips about how to make it and this should not surprises you:

Business tips are a penny a dozen. A billionaire’s playbook for success: priceless.

We asked eight of the wealthiest self-made members of the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans to weigh in on 22 topics, from universal health care to the right amount of vacation. These guys have horrendous schedules and a lot on their minds, but for the most part, they were willing to share.

One lesson is clear: If you want to make serious cake, start a business. Of the 400 titans on our list, 274 are self-made–up from 270 last year.

You heard it from those that have made it. To help you in your goal to make serious money, take adavantage of our fantastic offer if you are just starting up.

At Crosby Abbott we can do all the donkey work for you. We have a chain of actions that we can help you along your way to be on the Forbes Rich List. You can pick up from an part of this cycle

Below is a summary of how Crosby Abbott can help to start your own business and set yourself up on a path to financial freedom. Remember that the market place rewards hard work and ingenuity, the greater the ingenuity the greater the reward.

Above all this we will also help you nurture and grow your business through networking via our Crosby Abbott Business Network. Please visit our website for more details: http://www.crosbyabbott.com

Ready to start up? Start-up like you mean to – call us on 01293613028  or 07815490248 today or email us on info@crosbyabbott.com

Networking is the key to success for small businesses

Many small businesses that we meet say they struggle with marketing their business, they cite lack of money as the biggest factor. A lot of these businesses do not understand what marketing is. When we ask them for some specifics they say advertising is expensive they cannot afford to buy a banner ad for a lengthy period of time to have a realisable impact.

What they are not aware is that advertising is just one aspect of marketing. It is the part that involves getting the word out concerning your business, product, or the services you are offering. It involves the process of developing strategies such as ad placement, frequency, etc. Advertising includes the placement of an ad in such mediums as newspapers, direct mail, billboards, television, radio, and of course the Internet.

Marketing on the other hand is the systematic planning, implementation and control of a mix of business activities intended to bring together buyers and sellers for the mutually advantageous exchange or transfer of products. Marketing is a process. It is something that takes time. An effective marketing strategy involves use of color, logos, and how your products and services are sold. A marketing strategy includes the perception people have of your business. Is your company a forward thinking company, a fun company or a large stable business?

Advertising costs money and its true many small businesses do not have money to place ads on TV or Radio or Print ad in national newspaper. Research has shown that it takes up to seven times for a person to respond to an advert. For a small business this is a non starter they simply do not have the money to pour in advertising for up to seven times and survive. Beside even the most effective adverts produce mixed realisable outcomes which accounts for a fraction in return of investment. However it does not mean that if a small business does not have money for placing an ad in a newspaper they should stop marketing.

Consumer skepticism and a resistance to advertising are apparent in today’s marketplace. According to Insight Express, “consumer trust in advertising has plunged 41% over the past three years and only 10% of consumers say they ‘trust’ ads today.” In the varied world of today’s media, the consumer is increasingly in control. A 2008 study by Yankelovich, Inc. revealed that nearly 70% of consumers were actively looking for ways to block, opt-out, or eliminate advertising. Media fragmentation is out of control the average household today has over 100 television choices.

Given these facts, the pressure is on small business find ways that they can market their business without alienating their customers and at the same breath do that on a minimal budget. In order to do that one has to understand what marketing is. Marketing at its essence is a discipline about building relationships and this does not cost any business money. The relationship between you and your customer is symbiotic in nature and fundamental to both of you and your customer. It is a relationship between two people where each person is essential to what the other needs from the relationship. That is why it is important for small businesses to build quality relationships and thereby realise the potential of their business relation with their customers.

Networking is the best way to build quality relationships. It allows you to develop set of contacts that in turn will be able to push your business forward. If you are in business, your mission includes reaching out to prospects that have a need you can fill. If you want to keep the doors to your business open, you can’t hide under a rock or in a cave and expect prospects to beat a path to your secret lair. You have to reach out in effective ways to let people know who you are and how you can solve their critical problems.

One of the easiest and most immediate ways to market your business is through personal networking. A recent study found that two fifths (38 per cent) of small firms do not believe that networking can boost their businesses’ chances of growth and success. Just ten per cent of small firms say they do not devote any time to networking, while 42 per cent admit they only get involved a few times a year. Just 15 per cent said they devoted time to networking every week.

However, companies that do not take advantage of networking could be missing a chance to grow their business or improve their sales according to Lloyds TSB. Of those businesses that do dedicate time to networking almost three quarters (71 per cent) have won new customers over the past year as a direct result of networking while two fifths (42 per cent) have found new suppliers.

Stephen Pegge, head of communications, Lloyds TSB Business, said: “We’ve all heard the old adage ‘it’s who you know not what you know’ but for many small firms today, the importance of building relationships is being seriously underestimated. ”It’s clear that small businesses are often too quick to overlook the benefits of networking, but, when they do find the time to nurture new contacts, it’s never too long before they realise the part these relationships can play in their future growth and success.”

There are terrific rewards for investing the time and effort in networking. It’s fun and friendly– people are there to meet new people, to explore connections and set up follow-up meetings. You meet many people fast – so often isn’t it timing that makes things come together? You meet people who in some way are pre-qualified for your product or service by being members of the group or attending that particular meeting. People who attend networking events have an agenda and they will tell you why they are there – the openness and directness is so productive. Something leads to something – whether you are looking for clients, vendors, professional services, a new job, or contacts at a particular company; if you put it out there, you are bound to get a few hits (6 Degrees of Separation Theory). If you keep your product/service a secret, no one can know how great you/your company are. Professional friendships – attending networking events regularly, you will build up rapport with people as they get to know, respect and trust you. Get your nose out of your day-to- day business and get a pulse on the marketplace – clients won’t come to you unless they know you can take away their pain. Networking gives you a chance to assess the market and know where the trends are headed.

To encourage many entrepreneurs, small business to network at Crosby Abbott w ar proud to announce the following offers

• A free fully functional website worth £300 if you join Crosby Abbott Business Network before 31^st of December 2009
• A 250×250 banner advert for 90 days on News of Black Interest worth £260.00 if you join before 31^st December 2009

Plus our other usually benefits:

• World class business banking with HSBC or Barclays
• Discounted Business Insurance, Merchant Service,  Car Hire, Hotel Accommodation and Legal Protection
• Free listing on the Crosby Abbott Business Network Online Member Directory – free advertising
• Free listing in the Printed member directory – free advertising
• Assured member trade – our members buy from each other
• Crowd Clout bulk purchasing – compete with the big boys at your own budget
• Breakfast Networking – effective word chance for word of mouth
• Golf Clinics – reenergise your batteries, learn a new skill
• Discounted training, workshops, seminars and summits
• Mastermind groups – for motivation

Please visit us to join today and take advantage of this wonderful offer

Israel Mutanhaurwa

Managing Director

Crosby Abbott

A Class Apart

I hope I find you well. Today I am going to talk about being a class apart, standing out from the crowd. If you are watching the current world athletics competitions in Berlin, Germany you will be aware of Usain Bolt a sprinter from Jamaica who has broken the world record on 100m. I missed the actual race as it happened in real-time as I was working. However I watched the clip on YouTube after work and I noticed that other than just being a good sprinter Usain Bolt is obviously a class apart. While the good sprinters were fighting for the silver and bronze medal for the 100m, exceptional Usain had already finished the crossing line. Being a class apart is a trait that you will find with most successful people in whatever field they are in. It is not enough to be good, you have to stand out and differentiate yourself from your competition.

The same principles can be applied to running a business if you are to be successful in your business venture you should be having a way of standing out being different from the myriads of similar businesses out there. Entrepreneurs compete for business alongside others similar businesses offering the same products or services. Some sectors of business are very crowded making it difficult to make inroads and gain a market share, particularly for business start-ups. So, what can an entrepreneur do to stand-out? How does he get noticed when surrounded by a plethora of competitors, some with an entrenched market share? It all boils down to the fact that why should people buy your products or use your services? Suppose you decide to open a grocery store, the question will be why should people buy from you not Tesco or Sainsbury? Is it your customer service, or is it the location of your outlet or your products even your prices?

By having a point of difference, we are in effect generating an area of specialisation. Used and developed properly, this will provide your USP, or Unique Sales Proposition – in other words an answer to the questions above. By specialising in some way you create a reason for others to take note. This in turn can lead to an increased likelihood of press/media interest, can contribute to word of mouth promotion and subsequent referrals, and contributes greatly to the clarity of message you use in your marketing.

For a start we need to be realistic there is no point making grand statements that cannot be backed up. Making grand statements about your USP will only work if your potential clients and customers believe what you’re saying and if you’re addressing an issue that is important to them. Stay away from the obvious. Saying you’re ‘the highest quality’ or ‘the quickest’ or ‘the cheapest’ is hardly the language of uniqueness and is unlikely to set you apart from your competitors. Search and look closely for uniqueness.

Surprisingly, a good place to begin may actually be to look outside of your business. You may consider your ethnic background, or your interests and hobbies afford you some uniqueness. For example, you may have a tremendous grasp of cultures and traditions that would impact favourably on projects that involve import or export issues. You may be an accomplished sportsperson and use this to emphasise your team skills or your practical knowledge of the finer points of competition.

From here we need to expand and delve further to see what it is that truly makes our business offering unique. Probably the best way to tackle this is to elicit feedback from our past customers and those around us. Try posing the question: “What makes me unique?” and listen for signals that may point to something you’ve overlooked. The search for uniqueness often results in the exposure of simple, yet powerful pointers. Bring these to the fore and you’ll be well on the way to creating memorable stand-out. The rewards after that discovery will be history as they say.

At Crosby Abbott we have a set of questions and tests that are designed to bring out your USP, email info@crosbyabbott.com to order yourself a free copy. Or you can register on our website its available in our Resources section for Start-Ups.

Israel Mutanhaurwa

Managing Director

Crosby Abbott

Myth No5: Entrepreneurship Is Glamorous

Good morning, another day another dollar, I hope you had a good weekend. This myth was supposed to be delivered to you last week on Friday, unfortunately we could not update our blog in time. We had a very successful board meeting, we also met strategic partners as well as some clients taking up all our time on Friday. Which homes perfectly with the above misconception people have about running your business.

While it can not be denied that being your own boss is rewarding, it should be also be borne in mind that starting your own business is far from glamorous. If your motivation of being an entrepreneur is to escape the grunt work then entrepreneurship is not for you. You will have to wear many hats in your business, you want coffee in the morning before you start work, you will have to get yourself. Filling – that is your responsibility, you need to type and post a letter that is you again. You will also have to answer the phone when it rings as well as reply to emails. You are as a matter of fact responsible for almost everything in your own business. The hours will be long, the work varied and the pressure will be on you to make it happen. While this does not paint entrepreneurship in an attractive way, it should be noted that once you have put the initial hard work you are primed to reap the rewards of your hard work. It is important that you put all the above into perspective and not to fool yourself by thinking that running your own business is glamorous and that you will do high end tasks. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint hearted nor is it for people who are lazy, you will have to dig deep within your psyche to make it a success .

If you want to go prepare yourself for entrepreneurship, we have just 5 places left in our Start-Up-Like-You-Mean-To Business Start-Up Workshop call me now on 07815490248 or email info@crosbyabbott.com to grab your place . Have a good day. Israel Mutanhaurwa MD Crosby Abbott

Myth Number 3: Entrepreneurs Are Money Motivated

Good morning, they myth number 3 we are exploring today is that entrepreneurs are obsessed with money. Thats far from the truth, while entrepreneurs’ products and services rewards them, money is actually an afterthought to most entrepreneurs.

There is an old adage that says if you want to make money be very good at something, whether you paint or bake such that you are willing to provide your service for free,  but however because you are so good at what you are doing people are actually willing to pay you for it. Entrepreneurs do not chase after money but money rather  chases after them.  Their products or services are solutions to the problems faced  by their customers be it business or individual customers.

During the business start-up stage, entrepreneurs do not buy anything they do not need, such as fancy cars. Most drive junk cars and use their surplus money to pay off debt or reinvest it in the business. Their focus is on creating a company with a strong financial base for future expansion. They are so sure in their products and services that the solution they are povididng for their customers will reward them so they spend time fine-tuning their products and services such that they will produce a perfect solution to their customers problem.

At Crosby Abbott we provide various solutions to our customers, for example we create stunning websites so that our customers can get an online presence, an extra sales channel  or as a way of  communicating  with their own customers or employees. If you are a would be entrepreneur find a solution to your customers, the better the solution the more rewarded you will be, do not chase after money rather let money chase after you.

Myth Number 2: Entrepreneurs Are Risk Takers

Entrepreneurs are often thought of in terms of the risk they assume. Even the dictionary describes an entrepreneur as one who assumes business risks.  Common culture celebrates entrepreneurs as freewheeling, larger-than-life characters who are heedless of risk. They dream big and always swing for the fences, or so the story goes.

The reality is that most entrepreneurs, particularly successful ones, excel at taking calculated risks where “heads I win, tails I don’t lose much” applies. They go to great lengths to mitigate risk whenever possible before making a commitment and find ways to shift the odds in their favor. Amar Bhide points out that entrepreneurs who start promising—but uncertain—ventures are not necessarily risk seekers, but rather are willing to act in the face of the unknown. Experiments indicate that aversion to risk and aversion to ambiguity (uncertainty) are distinct psychological traits. Moreover:

Attitudes toward risk and attitudes toward ambiguity are uncorrelated; risk-taking individuals who are prepared to bet heavily on structured gambles may be highly averse to ambiguity, and an ambiguity-tolerant individual may be exceptionally risk-averse.

However, like all prudent businesspeople, entrepreneurs know that taking high risks is a gamble. Entrepreneurs are neither high nor low risk takers. They prefer situations in which they can influence the outcome, and they like challenges if they believe the odds are in their favor. They seldom act until they have assessed all the risks associated with an endeavor, and they have an innate ability to make sense out of complexity. These are traits that carry them on to success where others fail.

So when you start a business you are not gambling widly but assessing your strengths and taking a calculated risk against failure. This is all achieved through planning, if you have not booked for our Start-Up-Like-You-Mean-To Business Start-Up Workshop please book your place now we have limited places. The initially planning you will do will dtermine whether the venture you want to start is risky or not.

Debunking The Misconceptions About Entrepreneurship

Number 1: Entrepreneurs Are Not Born

This week we are going to debunk myths about entrepreneurship, today we are looking at the myth that entrepreneurs are born.

Many people believe that entrepreneurs possess innate, genetic talents. Part of the mystique of entrepreneurship is the idea that people who found successful businesses are a breed apart from the rest of us. While it’s undeniable that some individuals have a knack for business, it’s also clear that entrepreneurship is a set of skills that can be learned by most people. However, experts generally agree that most entrepreneurs were not born; they learned to become entrepreneurs. The recent proliferation of college and university courses on the subject supports this point. Entrepreneurship is currently being successfully taught.

However what cannot be taught is the desire to start and run a business, but beyond that attempt to identify a distinct personality profile of entrepreneurs have failed. The traits that lead to entrepreneurial success are essentially the same as those of high performers in other disciplines. Persistence, hard work, intelligence, and creativity are important in whatever field you work in.

So let dispel here and forewith the myth that your parents must have been entrepreneurs, you can be the first person in your family to start a business. It certaily helps if your parents ran their own business as you can have experiences to draw up on but its not a pre-requisite for starting your business.

Acquire the skills

Crosby Abbott runs a number of training, workshops and seminars with the primary aim of equiping every would be entrepreneur with a set of skills that can help them start-up and run a business. We also are home to the growing network of enterpreneurs.

On the 4th September we have such a workshop in Crawley West Sussex.  Start-up-like-you-mean-to Business Start-Up Workshop can set you on a solid foundation that will ensure that you avoid mistakes of early pioneers and set yourself up on a path to success.

Start-Up Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A lot of business start-up in the UK many flicker and then falter before they are viable, every start-up is different but the list of mistakes we have compiled are common to all start-ups be it in UK or anywhere else. Is there anything that new entrepreneurs and small established businesses can learn from it. There is indeed.  Read them here (registration required)