Businessmen all highlight need to work with others
MariusVisser of LP Gaz in Bathurst Street said that people should stop relying on other people for change and start doing it for themselves.
"Have respect for one another,” he said.
Visser said that he began his business because the opportunity arose and he took it with both hands.
"I did not start my own business, but I did build it to where it is today,” he said." It takes a lot of hard work and dedication.”
To unwind, Visser explained he had a four-year-old son who took up a lot of time.
"But it's nice to have friends and family over for a braai,” he added.
Visser's advice to anyone starting their own business is that it is hard work.
"Remember you are doing it for yourself and “your family. When other people stop to rest then you need to keep on going.”
Eugene de Witt of Kenton Garage and Continental Pub and Beer Garden, spoke of the changes he would like to see in SA.
"My big wish is that any reference to colour is scrapped and focus turns full-on to working together for the betterment of our nation and, in turn, a prosperous country,” he said.
"We should be able to take politics out of the equation so that people of all socio-economic levels get what they deserve from a government that works every day toward delivering goods and services to its people.
"We need this, rather than creating continuous handouts that make the poorest of the poor so dependent that their vote is based on fear of losing the handout.
"People should vote for service excellence in government officialdom. I would also like to change the world back to where families spend time together chatting and enriching one another through passing on good values from generation to generation rather than be engrossed in technology, which kills relationships at all levels.” De Witt said that his motivation was a will to take the little he was given in life and turn that into something that his family as well as the community in which he lives and works can benefit from.
"I have a strong desire to achieve and serve,” he added." Money is last in line as I learnt very early on in business that you can't receive without giving. That includes effort and money. You can't succeed without investing time and money.”
His advice is to not start a business doing what someone else is already doing. "You will only get a slice of the same pie so look for the niche and focus on that,” he advised.
"Too many businesses fail because they try and replicate what is already on offer instead of being original and unique. Put your customer's needs first all the time. Don't focus on the money you can make. Focus on how many customers will be wowed by your product and service. If you know nothing about finance get a mentor and be prepared to ask for help.”
To relax and unwind De Witt said, "I have a quiet drink and conversation with my wife at the end of a long day. I also spend time in the bush or just traveling in general.”