Gauteng Provincial Treasury (GPT), as the custodians of Procurement Strategy for the Gauteng Province, has formalized a relationship with the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC) to explore ways in which the two organisations can collaborate in pursuit of the government’s Township Economy. As part of the TER programme, the SASDC, in partnership with GPT, will execute initiatives in support of achieving the Provincial Government’s objective of creating an enabling environment for township enterprises to access markets through government and private sector procurement.

The revenue growth of Township co-operatives and SMME’s will be supported, which will assist in the creation of employment opportunities, help to alleviate poverty and stimulate local economic growth.Through engagements with some of the Township Based suppliers in the business development trainings, it has become apparent to us that, when meeting procurement personnel, many of our suppliers struggle with knowing what information to present to them.

In order to secure procurement contracts, suppliers will have to pitch their businesses numerous times, therefore they need to ensure that the pitch is clear and concise. As a solution, we have outlined 7 questions that need to be addressed when pitching your business.

What do you do? Start with the name of your company and what it does.  This may sound obvious, but many suppliers forget to state this clearly and simply. Along with describing what your business does, try to outline the reason that the business was started e.g. what problem did you identify that you started the business to solve.

What is your solution? You have identified the problem; now explain how your business can solve that problem.  

Who is your target market? Knowing who your product/service will be targeted at, shows buyers that you have thought about your customers. Too often entrepreneurs have a great idea and start businesses based on their ideas without knowing whether anybody else will be prepare to pay for their products or services.

Who is your competition? Are there other companies in the market offering what you are? If there are, you need to know what sets your business apart. Do you have lower prices, better quality, shorter lead times, or superior customer services? If you do offer any of these make sure you communicate that. 

Who do you have on your team? If you employ people who have unique skills or skills that are particularly suited to your business, introduce them. If you do not yet employ those people, at least show buyers that you are aware that you need them and plan to recruit them at a later stage. 

What is your business model? Describe the operations of the business. This does not have to be a long, complicated description, just a basic explanation of what you produce, and how. 

What is your experience and track record? Take some time to list some of the clients you have and how you have met (or exceeded) their expectations. 

The South African Supplier Diversity Council hosts perfecting your pitch sessions suppliers once in a month. Share this article and it may save someone from fainting in an elevator pitch!  

Lorge: Ready to make waves at Botswana’s Premier International Exhibition  

~ Global Expo Botswana ~ 2016 ~

04 November 2016
- By Genesis Articles Global

Introduction  

Lorge Consulting Services will be joining a host of key industry stakeholders, international and regional business delegates and strategic role-players gathering in Botswana, from the 23rd to the 26th November 2016. They will be attending the 11th Edition of the country’s premier business-to-business (b2b) and multi-sectoral exposition held in Gaborone and hosted by none other than the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC). This calendar-highlight event, known as the Global Expo Botswana (2016), will attract thousands of exhibitors and attendees over its four day duration. 

Why is Lorge Participating?  

Responding to a personal invitation, Lorge is strategically positioned to participate at a major trade and investment platform of this nature. As a specialist provider of Business Management (BMS) and Business Intelligence (BI) Solutions for the past 30 years, Lorge continues to enjoy a growing footprint in Southern Africa. The theme of this years Global Expo Botswana, being Unlocking Opportunities for Economic Growth, is one that is firmly endorsed by the dedicated Lorge team. This is reflected in the company’s loyal and expanding client-base, including progressive enterprises operating in various sectors of Botswana’s economy.   

Benefits to Exhibitors and Attendees at Global Expo Botswana  

There are a host of mutual and exhibitor-specific benefits that expo participants and attendees can look forward to. Likewise, there are several positive reasons why Lorge has specifically chosen to be represented at the expo this year:

• Organisations that rely on customised BMS and BI software solutions can personally meet with Lorge representatives and discuss their individual needs. This includes enterprises seeking supply and implementation of Sage X3, Sage 300, Sage CRM, Sage X3 People and Qlikview business and technology solutions.
• Prospective suppliers and organisations with synergistic intentions will also have the unique opportunity to network with company representatives and engage in meaningful discussions over the 4 day period.
• Existing customers, associates and networks in Botswana, already collaborating with Lorge, will also have an opportunity to meet with company representatives at the exhibition.
• Forward-facing local and foreign-based entities already operating in Botswana or those intending on entering the market, will be able to draw on Lorge’s extensive BMS and BI expertise in Southern Africa. Furthermore, Lorge prides itself on providing cutting-edge solutions that are adaptable, scalable as well as industry or business-specific. Again, the expo provides the ideal platform to speak directly with Lorge representatives and make relevant enquiries.

Why Botswana is the Ideal Host  

Lorge is dedicated to offering sustainable software solutions that enable businesses to streamline their processes, maximise their efficiencies and optimise their competitive advantages. In order to achieve this, in an intensely competitive and demanding market, the company strategically aligns with current trends. This approach fosters the accurate delivery of customised solutions, which meet the present-day needs of enterprises in evolving markets.   For organisations that are seeking quality-engineered BMS and BI solutions and would like to expand their footprint in Botswana as well as other markets in SADC, here are a few reasons why Botswana is the perfect location for a multi-industrial expo on this scale:

• The country is ideally situated in Southern Africa, being more or less geographically central in SADC. The location therefore serves as a strong gateway into other parts of the SADC region, while also affording preferential market access into SACU, EU, MERCUSOR and US markets.
• The prospective local market, estimates a substantial populous of around 200 million people.
• The country displays impressive political and economic stability that stands out in the continent of Africa.
• The country has a low tax regime, there are no foreign exchange controls and sovereign credit ratings (Moody’s, Standard & Poor, World Bank ease of Doing Business, Transparency International and so forth) compare favourably to other African nations.

Why choose Lorge?  

There are a host of reasons why Lorge has become the supplier of choice for a growing number of enterprises in Southern Africa. Recently Lorge also participated at the Finance Indaba 2016, where the CFO’s and key stakeholders of thousands of organisations had the opportunity to learn more about the incredible advantages of the software solutions offered. Here are a few more reasons why Lorge has earned an undisputed reputation as a market leader and award-winning specialist in its field:

1. With three decades of specialised experience, the company’s passionate workforce has successfully implemented over 10 000 users across a wide spectrum of industries.
2. Is a trusted Service Provider for more than 250 companies, including multinationals operating in Southern Africa.
3. Provides world-class systems, customised as per clients’ needs.
4. Maintains a strong customer-centric approach, from sales and implementation to technical and ongoing general support, thanks to the Dedicated Client Care Centre.
5. Is resourced with a Dedicated Sage Accredited In-house Training Centre. 

For further information on the Global Expo Botswana or to find out about our exhibition, contact our Marketing and Sales Coordinator, Bronwyn Delport on 010 594 9800. We look forward to meeting you and your delegation at the upcoming expo in Botswana, later this month.    

Media Contact

This Press Release is proudly brought to you by communications specialists Genesis Articles on behalf of Lorge Consulting Services

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