‘Conversations vital for business growth’
BUSINESSWOMEN have been urged to engage in more financially-oriented conversations for them to achieve their goals.
Guest speakers at last week’s Money Soiree forum in Bulawayo, which ran under the banner “Women generating wealth”, concurred that business conversations help to generate ideas that shape businesses.
Founded by corporate trainer and lawyer Nomalanga Ndlovu, Money Soirée is a woman empowerment programme designed to pioneer financial conversations among professionals and entrepreneurs.
The guest speakers included former Steward Bank and ABC Holdings chief executive officer Lance Mambondiani, Lemon Groove Brands founder Mandipha Masuku as well as Tsitsi Mutendi, Thembe Khumalo, Vimbai Masamba and Thelma Chimbganda.
Mandipha hailed the workshop, saying women must dig deep and understand the problems of clients.
“My business changed within five months after attending last year’s soiree in March. The greatest takeaway that I immediately implemented was having a better system and structures. It allowed me to be away from the business for a month. A business is not a business until it can function in your absence,” Masamba said.
While encouraging networking and good relationships, Mambondiani urged the women to be professional.
Ndlovu disclosed that preparations for the next seminar are underway, with the ultimate goal being to conquer the continent.
"There is need for women to have these conversations and to create long-term business synergies across industries. We are including women in corporate, professionals and any woman who wants to make money for herself. We want you to come and learn about money, how to position and transform your brand," she said.
“Business is war, there are no friends. Take out emotion and replace it with logic in business. Set up your children so that you don't start thinking about the basic needs. Patient capital is used for start-ups. It is possible to get funding because there is money chasing companies looking to grow.”
The next Money Soiree forum will be held in Harare in August.