The BizSmarts Newsletter, Issue 47 31 January 2008

NOW OPENING ALL
OVER SOUTH AFRICA

Searching for something is sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack. We make finding that needle a lot easier ……….. now with over 1,000,000 advertisments we are by far the  largest group of FREE directories in SA.

It's great if you have a website ………. But a great deal better if people know where to find it  !!!!!

Go to www.SAFindit.co.za list your business for free in our various directories, and expose yourself to the 40,000+ visitors who browse our pages daily.

You can also download your own desktop menu for instant free access to South Africa 's All-in-One MegaDirectory.



BIZSMARTS NEWS


Business confidence in the South African SMME sector continues to plummet
For the fourth time in a row, the business confidence of the South African SMME sector has declined. The index which is a survey of the opinions of SMME managers and owners throughout South Africa has been decreasing on a quarter to quarter basis since January 2007.

Spend less time on IT and more time running your business
Information Technology (IT) does not just support small business, but it powers an organisation and gives them a competitive edge. This does not mean that Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have to become IT experts to run their business.

SMEs look for efficient technology service

Costly service level agreements (SLAs) and poor service no longer appeal to small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Network Platforms, a local network specialist company, has launched several new services and provides a “One-Stop-Shop” for its clients.

Markex 2008 is proving to be quite popular
With close to six months to go before Markex and World of Events 2008, this definitive show for the South African marketing and promotions industry is already almost sold out.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPETITIONS



Win 1 of 5 Copies of Making Money Out Of Property in South Africa, by Jason Lee
This property investment guide is essential reading for any first-time property purchaser or property investor, and even for experienced property investors looking to polish their skills. Investing in property can be exceptionally rewarding and lucrative, provided you get it right.

Enter Competition


Internet IP Camera's

Win an IP Camera - the cost effective device to monitor your home remotely or broadcasting time over the Internet. BizAssist has two of these amazing devices to giveaway.

• Can be Accessed from anywhere in the world
• There is no need to subscribe to anything
• Can be used as a CCTV camera
• Monitor your kids while you are at work

Enter Competition

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOOK REVIEW

The Ultimate South African Business Companion

When running or starting a business, people have a lot to think about – like how to keep their existing clients and generate new business.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

99 SALES TIPS FOR SME'S

21 of 99: What is the best way to set up an appointment?
The best way to set up an appointment is face-to-face, the second best way is over the phone, through their administrative assistant, and lastly, via email.

22 of 99: How do I find out who the real decision maker is?
Too often salespeople start too low and have to beg their way, or worm their way, up the ladder. Never start at the lower level person.
23 of 99: What do I do when the prospect doesn't show for an appointment?
How many times have you made an appointment with a customer or prospect, only to arrive and be told that he or she is not available, or had something else come up?

24 of 99: What do I do when the prospect lies?
You must try and understand why they did it. determine whether it's a money lie or a business lie. But realise that all lies are bad. Some are just worse than others.