Birguid

Africa’s tourism sector is bouncing back! While the recovery since 2019 is impressive, the sector’s 2023 GDP contribution and international arrivals are still lagging behind 2019 levels. Leisure tourism leads the way, followed by health, religious, and business travel. The road ahead? Growth campaigns must align with key consumer trends to attract more visitors and unlock the continent’s full tourism potential. Discover actionable insights that drive impact: Read more here: http://bit.ly/3A2sWCx #Birguid #ActionableInsights #ImpactfulAdvice

Being both a business and brand consultant has empowered me to support both start-ups and scaling enterprises. One question I’m frequently asked is how important brand is for businesses. My answer is always the same: paramount! Here’s why: 1.    For start-ups, brand is essential for (1) establishing a clear identity and purpose, (2) attracting key talent and strategic partners, (3) structuring the business with a focused vision, (4) driving rapid initial sales, and (5) building long-term customer loyalty and trust for sustainable growth. 2.    For scaling businesses, brand is vital for (1) building recognition in new markets, (2) enhancing trust to attract talent, partners, and investors, (3) strengthening customer loyalty, (4) ensuring consistent communication across channels, and (5) differentiating to compete in larger, more competitive markets. 3.    For larger enterprises, brand is crucial for (1) maintaining customer trust and loyalty, (2) reinforcing market leadership and differentiation, (3) supporting expansion and new product rollouts, (4) attracting and retaining top talent and partners, and (5) driving long-term profitability through strong brand equity. At Birguid and WeAreValora, we are focused on building and progressing brand-led and business-sound organisations. Below is a photoshoot we rolled out for start-up (at the time) architectural firm, BAKO Design. Here’s to their continued future success! Happy hunting! #Birguid #WeAreValora #Bako

Our recent research shows that Africa's tourism industry has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with tourist numbers approaching those seen in 2019. Key growth drivers include expanded air routes and increased trade in commodities and services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/diSvakNX #ActionableInsights #ImpactfulAdvice #Birguid

Small businesses are vital to South Africa's economic resilience, especially in challenging times. By fostering entrepreneurship, offering better incentives, and protecting startups from premature buyouts, we can build a more inclusive, diversified economy that drives innovation and job creation for long-term growth. Our Mail & Guardian opinion piece unpacks more. Link: https://lnkd.in/gQWvtX4r #Actionableinsights #Impactfuladvice #Birguid

I recently attended a sponsored online masterclass aptly called “Selling when No-one is Buying – Selling in Tough times.” Running two consultancies, the past year has been nothing short of challenging when it comes to landing and keeping clients, so attending this session was a must. One of the things that was heralded during the session was that attitude was important to closing, even in these trying times.   Consulting is a business where you’re often selling something that people don’t want but have been forced, advised or compelled to purchase. Selling in this and I can imagine any other business is all about a positive attitude. So, I agree but wanted to add a few other things…     For those struggling with selling (like me), some of the other things I’d suggest would be:   1)   Build your sales pipeline from your inner circle – The people you know can play a key role in sharing your story and the value your organization brings. Your inner circle is often an underrated resource when it comes to networking and selling 2)   Focus a lot more on value – Tight budgets mean every cent spent needs to deliver 10x in terms of returns, so whatever you’re selling must deliver exceptional returns. Invest in showcasing the very big wins from a difference you’ve made standpoint to put yourself over 3)   Go beyond the scope – A cardinal sin in the consulting world but going the extra mile might be the deciding factor in keeping existing clients and earning referrals for new business 4)   Build layered relations – Establish connections that go beyond just work. Aim for professional relationships that also include personal touchpoints, though carefully curated. This helps you stand out from competitors, not only in what you’re paid to deliver but in how you foster the relationship, making it less transactional and more holistic 5)   Probe – learn about your current and prospective clients as much as you possibly can, ask questions whenever you meet, share some of the things you’re working on to get their opinion on whether it would or would not be of interest to them. Be as enquiring as you possibly can to ensure what you’re offering is of value, is and could make a difference and contribute to your clients’ positive outcomes.   Happy Hunting!   #Birguid #WeAreValora

SA’s edtech market earnings are forecast to trend upwards driven by increased adoption and usage within mostly the basic education industry. However, earnings growth will be supported by suppliers strengthening ties with the department of education and private schools groups to offer them solutions that directly address institution and student needs and wants.   For more: https://lnkd.in/dDadytBv   #Actionableinsights #Impactfuladvice #Edtech #Birguid 

The COVID-19 pandemic was a key contributor to the raised usage of edtech solutions within the South African market. Driven by the higher uptake, investment into the sector has also trended upwards and contributed to substantial revenue growth between 2020 and 2023.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dDadytBv   #Actionableinsights #Impactfuladvice #Birguid

Drawing inspiration from Black Umfolosi's song Unity, we wish everyone a joyful Heritage Day. Let us remember that unity is the thread that weaves together our heritage and strengthens our legacy. Without it, the richness of our past and the promise of our future can unravel, but together, we ensure both endure. #HeritageDay #ActionableInsights #ImpactfulAdvice #Birguid

We remain committed to driving regional expansion as a strategy to sustain business and sector growth for enterprises of all sizes (small, medium, and large) amid a challenging domestic economy. Our recent article, published by Business Day, delves into how regional partnerships can unlock new opportunities for South African companies. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dD-enH4m #ActionableInsights #ImpactfulAdvice #SustainableGrowth #Birguid

At #Birguid, we are driven by #actionableinsights and #impactfuladvice, aiming to be part of the solution. Over the past year, we’ve conducted extensive research and strategy development in agriculture and agro-processing, leading us to uncover an opportunity that could significantly advance South Africa’s agro-processing sector while improving outcomes for rural and smallholder farmers. We've spent the better part of the year sharing a business plan, investment teaser, and investor memorandum to support the development of a sustainable avocado oil processing facility in South Africa. However, raising funds, even for the pre-feasibility stage, has proven more challenging than expected. This is a project I’m determined to see come to life. I’m sharing the public version of our investment teaser for your thoughts and feedback. the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), USAID, Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN), Mastercard Foundation, National Empowerment Fund, Landbank . S.A., African Development Bank Group, East African Development Bank, Trade and Development Bank Group - TDB Group, Africa Finance Corporation, AgDevCo, – a potential opportunity for development? #ActionableResearch #ImpactfulAdvice #SustainableAgroProcessing #DevelopmentFinance #Avocadooil #Birguid