Don’t take no for answer, advises businesswoman
A YOUNG Durban woman is at the helm of an organisation creating a platform for entrepreneurs to lean on during this challenging economic time.
Shilpa Mehta is the first female president of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO) Durban chapter.
EO is a global business organisation with a chapter in every major city in the world. At its core, EO is a collection of like-minded entrepreneurs focused on business growth, personal development and community engagement.
EO has more than 14 000 members worldwide who are all entrepreneurs in 198 chapters and 61 countries, enabling business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.
Mehta, a chartered accountant, together with her brother, Ushir, co-own Production Logix, an electronics manufacturing business.
They bought the business in 2015 after leaving their family’s printing business, Uniprint.
“Being entrepreneurs at heart and with ink in our veins we knew we would make a bigger impact and be more fulfilled by going into business for ourselves.”
She said she had been fortunate to receive great grounding from her mentors, previous employers, her father, uncles and aunt, who all helped shape her in each of her roles.
“The support of my parents always pushed me to be brave and walk the path less travelled and I’m very grateful to be able to share this exciting journey with my brother.”
She takes the reins at a time when businesses in South
Africa are struggling to cope with losses incurred during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“There are so many challenges at the moment and it’s one of the most challenging times in an entrepreneurs life and no matter what size of business it may be, the challenges are everywhere.
“My advice is to be focused on your business. Also understand what elements are in your sphere of control and what is not.
“This is also a time for relationship-building and team work. Have open and honest conversations no matter how difficult, with your customers, suppliers and staff and work through problems together. Over-communicate rather than under-communicate.
“Have a pulse and snapshot of your finances and key business drivers at all times and budget for different scenarios,” she said.
Mehta, 38, of umhlanga, said the biggest challenges women faced in a male-dominated environment was having technical experience, adding that it was often used as a way to prevent women from growing in an organisation.
“I have made it a priority to understand our manufacturing process even though I wasn’t required to and it has made all the difference to my own understanding and not having the wool pulled over my eyes. It immediately commands respect,” she said.
Her advice to others was to not be boxed into their role, but to take an interest in the organisation at large, make a difference and become indispensable.
“Performance always counts. Women have the grit, determination, execution ability as well as loyalty, which is often undervalued.
“My advice to women is to not take ‘no’ for an answer, especially when it is something you believe in and don’t stay silent. Let your opinion be known and be confident.
“Too often we are expected to be agreeable and go with the status quo.
“In my experience women are amazing problem-solvers, communicators and negotiators. We also lead with care and empathy and take responsibility without being asked to. So don’t ask for permission, merely inform and go forth and conquer,” said Mehta.