Resourceful, go-getting personalities across the country are dipping their little toes into the entrepreneurial pool by starting a side hustle. A side hustle is a start-up someone creates in their spare time in order to make extra money and build their dream idea into a real business.The great thing about a side hustle is that owners can run it on the “side” while still securing a monthly salary through their day jobs.

The flip side however, is it requires excellent time management skills, will demand that owners put in nearly all their free time, and sacrifices will have to be made along the way.A side hustle can be as small, or as big, as you want it to be. From selling muffins at busy intersections on weekdays, or before work, to supplying the public with a variety of baked treats for parties. Any hobby, passion or interest can become a suitable side hustle if there is a market for it, and of course, if you have the stamina to make it work.

Top tips to get started:

Tip 1: Make the time

It is essential that you do not get fired at your current job. So don’t let your side hustle interfere with your time, productivity or energy. Prioritise time for your side hustle before or after work and over weekends. 

Tip 2: Do research – be different

The only way any new business can succeed is if there is a need in the market for the thing or service they wish to sell. You do not have to be the only baker (for example) in your area in order for your idea to work, but you do need to bring something different to the table. Test out your idea by finding a few paying customers. This is validation that there is a need for something you want to sell. 

Tip 3: Start small – keep your overheads low

The key to keeping costs down is by using what you already have. Work from home and use the equipment you already own. Many businesses cannot be started without first having stock, raw materials or a specific piece of equipment but try to purchase these out of savings and opt for second-hand equipment where relevant. 

Tip 4: Create clear, achievable goals

The first few months of running a side hustle is euphoric. Your energy almost gives a natural momentum to your daily to-dos. Keep this momentum going by creating clear, achievable goals for multiple months ahead, and save where possible. This growing total will also energise you during times when you feel less motivated. 

Tip 5: Market your side hustle

Word of mouth is a great advertising tool but in order to grow you need a steady stream of new customers. Take your side hustle online. A website builder like Site Builder allows you to build and manage your own website for as little as R100 month (domain name and monthly hosting included*). Market your business on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Google Business. 

A side hustle doesn't necessarily need to turn into a full-time job, but wouldn’t it be great if it did? In unstable economic times it is better to hold on to stability for as long as possible. With loads of savings and a proper business plan in place the next step could very well be far bigger than you could have ever hoped for.

Domains.co.za is a domain name and website hosting company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our versatile range of value-added products are ideally suited for start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises. Scalable packages make it easy for individuals with a business dream to take their idea online quickly and affordably and grow it from there. *Ts and Cs apply.

Lolo Ntshiqa

The founder of the online thrifting marketplace Curated Fashion, assisting Peer2Peer selling of pre-owned garments, shares the valuable lessons she is learning from being a young, black, female entrepreneur in South Africa.

1. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon.

“Running a business is no smooth operation; and there is a temptation sometimes to make decisions as if you are running out of time, or try and take short-cuts in avoidance of the dirty hard work. This is a trap that I feel my generation falls for often. Unfortunately we were raised in the era of the microwave, and delayed gratification is a virtue we must acquire, especially when entering the business world. The vision for Curated Fashion came after four failed attempts with other business plans. I realized that when I slowed my pace, I could have quality creativity, and thoroughly assess my business and all its parts with a sober mind”.

2. Entrepreneurship changes who you are.

“The game of entrepreneurship transforms you as an individual. This is something that most leaders do not warn us about before we enter. The game is transformative because it forces you to expand your capacity of reasoning, problem-solving, empathizing, and consequently you begin to look at the world differently; with more maturity and clarity. During this process you may decide to have a change of lifestyle, or realize you share nothing in common with the friends or the lover who have. This is normal, and the change is beneficial in shaping you to be the kind of leader that is required to run your business successfully. Embrace the new you openly”.

3. Get back to basics.

“I realized after many failed business ideas that it is usually the most simple and elementary of ideas that become the most viable and successful. Just look at yourself and how your basic human needs are so simple. Your customers share the same basic needs, and if your business can respond to these straight-forward needs, you are on to something”.

4. It’s okay not to be okay.

“It is very common and normal for entrepreneurs to experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, or many other mental health illnesses during their journey. I have had many lonely times during the development of my e-commerce website because there were very few people who could relate to my career decision. Another contributor to my stress and anxiety was the scarceness of financial support to get me started. I know these issues are not unique to me, and many young entrepreneurs can relate. However, these are part of the highs and lows of this game, and we must try not to be so attached to our businesses that they take away our peace of mind, or take us to a dark place. Be okay with not being okay. Be okay with being broke, and having to miss out on a few events because all your money is going towards your business. Be okay with not meeting your goals in the set time. When you learn to be at peace in whatever circumstance you may find yourself in, you have the spirit to endure many other hardships that will be thrown at you in the future”.

5. Stay foolish.

“It is never a good idea to think you know everything because trust me, you will never know everything. Staying foolish allows you the space to make mistakes and learn. It also keeps you focused and on your toes, which is helpful especially in the technological world where every day, a new invention is replacing another. So my advice would be to network with other professionals often, read books about the past and the future, and ask questions as if you were a curious 5th grader”.

World Baking Day is coming up on the 17th of May, 2017, and GLAD products complement this occasion perfectly.

With so many uses, GLAD is a wonderful kitchen companion, brilliant for baking and exceptional for storage. Make sure GLAD helps you in your baking endeavours this baking day!

• Crush biscuits cake bases between two sheets of GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper to make cleaning easier
• When you need lemon or orange rind, apply a sheet of GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper to the outside of your grater - it will collect the rind and your grater will be easy to clean
• Set chocolate shapes or chocolate dipped fruit like strawberries on a sheet of GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper to keep them from sticking
• Homemade pastry placed between two sheets of GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper is easy to roll and doesn't stick
• Line dessert moulds with GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper to prevent your cake or dessert from sticking or for an interesting patterned effect

Please visit www.glad.co.za for more information and follow ‘GLAD SOUTH AFRICA’ on Facebook; Available in the GLAD aisle of most supermarkets.

Families celebrating Mother’s Day will be happy to know that GLAD can lend a helping hand in the kitchen.

Get more from your Mom’s Day meal with these handy hints!

• For easy-peel garlic, slice off the flat end of the bulb, exposing all the cloves, cover with GLAD Wrap and microwave on high for one minute. When cool, remove the wrap and squeeze!
• For a no fuss, no mess way to crumb meat, chicken or fish, place in large GLAD Zip Seal Bag with breadcrumbs and shake!
• When roasting vegetables or cooking chips, line the tray with GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper for a non-stick result and hassle-free cleaning
• For dessert, line dessert molds with GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper or GLAD Wrap to prevent cake or dessert from sticking.
• Make chocolate dipped strawberries and refrigerate on a plate or tray lined with GLAD Bake and Cooking Paper so they won't stick.

Glad wishes all Moms a spectacular Mother’s Day! Please visit www.glad.co.za for more information and follow ‘GLAD SOUTH AFRICA’ on Facebook; Available in the GLAD aisle of most supermarkets.

Predictions of the downgrade to junk status have been reported since the end of 2015, with a key risk factor, according to ratings agency Fitch, being the deterioration in GDP growth. Although political factors have also been identified by Fitch and have ultimately led to the downgrade, South Africa’s deteriorating GDP growth still has a big impact on ratings.  

According to the latest reports by Statistics SA, real GDP growth fell by 0,3% in the fourth quarter of 2016. A deteriorating GDP growth rate not only impacts ratings, but also impacts consumers directly as it results in increased unemployment, lower wages and added pressures to disposable income. 

“Consumers need to consider the possible effects on their pocket and take their own stand by ensuring they protect their personal finances,” says Derek Wilson, Head of South Africa’s first insurance and financial comparison website, Hippo.co.za.  

Here are some tips on how consumers could survive, even in junk status: 

Bargain with businesses. Consumers should not merely accept prices of goods as they are displayed or advertised. A lot of businesses are willing to put their money where their mouth is, especially when it comes to beating a competitor’s prices. Don’t be afraid to mention that you could probably find a cheaper deal elsewhere.

Consider switching. Loyalty is good, but money talks, especially in tough times. It’s a good idea to compare and shop around even if you have been loyal to a particular brand or company. If you can find a better deal, let them know you are considering switching and they may return the loyalty by offering a better deal. If not, at least you know you can get one elsewhere.

Compare online. When it comes to online comparison sites there are many available on the market that allow you to compare everything from groceries and clothing to electronics and tech gadgets to insurance and loans. With Hippo.co.za alone, you can compare across the board from products like insurance, life & medical, finances, and home & utilities to travel, business, and motoring — all at your fingertips. “Why not give your entire financial portfolio an overhaul? See where you can save by getting at least three quotes from different providers before.

About 

Established in 2007, Hippo.co.za is South Africa’s leading comparison website that helps consumers save money by comparing a range of South African providers across financial products such as Car Insurance, Household Insurance, Life Insurance, Medical Aid and more. Hippo.co.za is free to use and saves consumers the time and hassle of shopping around for the best deal since the Hippo.co.za website instantly retrieves real-time quotes from the different providers using the latest Internet technology. You could save hundreds of Rands per month* on your Car Insurance alone by using Hippo.co.za to compare before you buy or switch to a new provider. Hippo.co.za makes money by simply charging its partners a fee when a customer chooses to find out more about their products. The results consumers see, and the order in which they are presented, are in no way influenced by the fee Hippo.co.za charges its partners or any other factors other than the price of the product being compared.  For more information, visit us on www.hippo.co.za, connect with Hippo.co.za on LinkedIn, http://www.linkedin.com/company/hippo-comparative-services-pty-ltd/, like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/HippoSA, and follow us on Twitter, @Hippo_co_za and YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/user/hippocompare.

Valentine's Day cherishes love and romance, and is a day to celebrate your partner. 

GLAD has a few handy hints and ideas to help make your Valentine’s day that little bit better.

When the weather is fine, plan a romantic picnic!

• Pack a picnic basket using snacky foods that you can enjoy under the sun or stars; use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags to store them in to keep the pesky ants out and to keep the food germ-free
• Keep your refreshments cool using GLAD Ice Cube Bags in your cooler box – you can also take out the hygienically sealed ice blocks to use in your drinks once you’ve opened and poured the drinks
• Wrap plates of food in Cling Wrap to keep everything from spilling or messing
• Keep salad dressing or sauces in a small GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags. To serve, simply snip the corner of the bag and pour!
• Use large GLAD Zip Seal Freezer Bags to put dirty dishes and cutlery in so that there is less mess at the end of the evening
• GLAD WaveTop Tie Citrus Fresh Scented Bags are perfect for cleaning up mess after a picnic - the WaveTop Ties let you easily and hygienically close the bag and the citrus fresh scent helps control odours for the car ride home

Making a nice dinner?

• Use GLAD Bake & Cooking paper to wrap meat, chicken or fish in individual ‘parcels’ to bake or steam – be creative and use different herbs and spice it up!
• A heathy, low-fat way to cook is to use GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper over the pan, between the food and the pan. It has a special non-stick coating that eliminates the need for fats and oils. It also saves you pan-scrubbing time

Time for a little dessert!

• Wrap and seal chocolate chips and crushed nuts in GLAD Press’n Seal, keeping them in the fridge/freezer. They are kept fresh and ready to sprinkle over chocolate desserts and ice creams.
• Make chocolate dipped strawberries and refrigerate on a plat or tray lined with GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper to stop them from sticking

GLAD is happy to help on all special occasions and fits in to every space, time and budget!

GLAD – Save good food. From going bad.

Ah, December! The year is coming to an end, and the New Year is around the corner along with new opportunities. Hopefully you’ll be taking a well-deserved break from work.   Whether you are travelling or staying at home, always keep your trusted GLAD products handy to make your life simpler.  

Taking a road trip?

• GLAD Zip Seal bags are great for storing boredom-busters like snacks, toys or pens and pencils. The large Zip Seal Freezer Bags can hold A4 paper and colouring-in books. Keeps kids happy, and the car neat.
• If you’re planning on hosting play dates, use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags for kids' treats and party bags to make the day go smoother.
• GLAD Press‘n Seal makes for a wonderful placemat when the kids are fiddling with arts and crafts, to keep surfaces clean.
• Keep the cardboard tubes from empty GLAD Wrap, GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper or GLAD Press‘n Seal rolls for the kids to transform into great hand-made puppets with a little glue and imagination!
• Store all your old clothes and handbags in a GLAD Refuse Bag with Forceflex Bags, then bring them out for kids' 'Dress Up' days. Use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags to hide and protect special treats for a back-yard treasure hunt – keeps the ants out and the treats clean.

Get the kids outdoors by planning a picnic in the garden.

• Use the GLAD Zip Seal Range to store all food items – remember to keep wet and dry food groups separate.
• Take GLAD Forceflex Refuse Bags with to pack away any dirty cups or dishes so the picnic basket stays clean.

Please visit www.glad.co.za for more information and follow ‘GLAD SOUTH AFRICA’ on Facebook; Available in the GLAD aisle of most supermarkets. 

When you dress to pitch, imagine you’re going for an interview to a top corporate, and have to make an excellent impact. Evening wear and dress suits are out, but refined and quiet clothes are in, and this will show how serious you are about presenting your pitch. First impressions count – before you start your pitch, the investors will have already come to some conclusions about you based on your appearance, so it has to be absolutely suitable for the event.  

Dressing to Pitch for the Ladies

• Bra-straps: ensure they fit snugly; don’t fiddle with them, don’t adjust them, don’t let them show
• Your cleavage: restrain it and put it to bed for the day
• Long dangly earrings:  choose small neat studs that won’t shake, rattle and roll as you move your head
• Mini-skirts: only acceptable if you’re a prepubescent teenager
• High, high heels: Uh-uh – change them so you don’t wobble
• Chipped nail polish; lipstick on teeth; laddered pantyhose; uncombed hair; suffocating perfume: avoid all these like the plague
• Demure make-up:  this beats gaudy colours every time  

Dressing to Pitch for the Gents

• Your fly: is it zipped to the top? Check and check again
• Butt-cracks: not to be on view, and trousers must fit perfectly and be secured with a belt
• Shirt hanging out: tuck it into your trousers – you’re not going to a picnic nor a braai
• After-shave cologne: go easy on it, as too much is overwhelming
• Deodorant: a must, and no underarm stains please
• Shoes: must be polished if they can be, and washed if they’re sneakers
• Ties: not necessary but shirt collars must lie flat
• Headphones with earpieces: leave them at home  

You’re almost there! You have enhanced your appearance so as to inspire the judges and the potential investors, and now they are eager to hear your polished pitch. Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank, Raizcorp and SAfm, as well as national partner the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, your hosts of the 2016 ENGEN Pitch & Polish workshop and competition programme, look forward to seeing you dressed for polished pitching success!

Do you feel that life is moving so fast that sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of everything?

Whether you are single, married, a parent or a student being organised means less stress. Labelling is the greatest secret and a fantastic way to keep organised. GLAD has the perfect range of products to suit all your organisational needs; their Zip Seal Resealable products will be your new best friends!

In and Around the House:

• Herbs can be put into individual GLAD Zip Seal bags and then labelled according to type and date. Save space and keep herbs fresh
• For meal parcelling and planning, GLAD Zip Seal bags can be labelled by day and date, with the name of the meal and when it was made so that it can used before expiring. Stick these in the freezer and defrost when necessary
• Going away? Keep pet food in GLAD Zip Seal bags for the pet-sitter and label them according to their eating routine
• Organise documents like manuals, warranties and receipts to make your life easier
• Use small GLAD Zip Seal bags to organise and label medication – what it’s called, what it’s for, when to take it and expiry date
• Those pesky extra wires and adapters that you’re tempted to toss out but know you’ll need them as soon as you do – place them into separate large GLAD Zip Seal bags and label them. Time and space saved!
• Organise the odds and ends in your toolbox with small and medium GLAD Zip Seal bags and label away!All GLAD products are made for your convenience with the purpose of keeping your food fresh for longer.

GLAD – Making Life a Little Easier.

Please visit www.glad.co.za for more information and follow ‘GLAD SOUTH AFRICA’ on Facebook; Available in the GLAD aisle of most supermarkets.

EARRINGS TO FLATTER YOUR FACE

Earrings add the flattering finishing touches to features.All women are unique.

The same goes for their face shape. A face is the first thing that another person sees and just like dressing for your body shape, dressing for your face shape is also important. Earrings are a fabulous way to make a style statement and accentuate your features. Because different earrings suit different women, PANDORA’s hand-finished collection features a beautiful array of designs – from studs to drops and hoops – so you can select earrings according to your face shape and personal taste. 

For more information visit www.pandora.net or shop online at www.pandorashop.co.za.