Ali Asgar Taheri’s Post

⭐ Day 7 - Essential Advice for Future Entrepreneurs: Mastering the Art of Adaptability In the ever-changing world of business, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), adaptability is more than just a skill—it's a necessity. As an entrepreneur, your ability to adapt can determine the success or failure of your venture. Whether you're responding to market shifts, technological advancements, or unforeseen challenges, being flexible and open to change is crucial for long-term success.✅ ⚡Why Adaptability Matters for SMEs For SMEs, which often operate with limited resources, the ability to pivot quickly is vital. Unlike larger corporations, SMEs may not have the luxury of time or extensive financial buffers to withstand prolonged challenges. This makes it essential for entrepreneurs to be agile, innovative, and ready to adjust their business models, products, or services to meet the demands of a dynamic market. 🔍Embracing Change as a Growth Strategy Adaptability isn't just about reacting to changes—it's about proactively seeking growth opportunities. Entrepreneurs who foster a mindset of continuous learning and improvement are better positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and technologies. By staying informed and flexible, you can turn potential disruptions into opportunities for innovation and expansion. ⚡Real-World Example: Adapting to Digital Transformation Consider the recent surge in digital transformation. SMEs that quickly adopted digital tools and online platforms during the pandemic were able to maintain customer engagement, streamline operations, and even expand their reach. This adaptability not only helped them survive challenging times but also positioned them for future growth in an increasingly digital economy. 💡Practical Tips for Cultivating Adaptability 🔹Stay Informed: Regularly educate yourself about industry trends, technological advancements, and market changes. Staying ahead of the curve can give you a competitive advantage. 🔹Be Open to Feedback: Listen to your customers, employees, and industry peers. Their insights can offer valuable guidance on improving your products or services. 🔹Experiment and Innovate: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether it's adopting new technologies or exploring different business models, experimentation is key to discovering what works best for your SME. 🔹Build a Resilient Team: Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and is equally adaptable. A strong, resilient team can navigate challenges more effectively and enhance your business's agility. 🙏 Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to CIB Egypt for their unwavering support and dedication to empowering entrepreneurs. A special acknowledgment to Farida Elsefary for her invaluable insights and guidance. Your contributions are crucial to the growth and success of future business leaders! 💼✅ #CIB_Summer_Internship_2024 #CIB_Egypt #MahmoudTaha #CIB #Entrepreneurship #SMEs #BusinessGrowth #Mahmoud_Taha

Do's and Don'ts for New Startups by Young Entrepreneurs Do's: 1. Do Thorough Market Research: - Understand your market, target audience, and competitors. This helps in identifying gaps and opportunities. 2. Do Create a Business Plan: - Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. This serves as a roadmap for your startup. 3. Do Focus on Building a Strong Team: - Assemble a team with diverse skills and experience. A strong, cohesive team can drive the success of your startup. 4. Do Seek Mentorship: - Find mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support. Learning from experienced entrepreneurs can help you avoid common pitfalls. 5. Do Prioritize Customer Feedback: - Listen to your customers and iterate based on their feedback. This helps in refining your product or service to better meet their needs. 6. Do Manage Finances Wisely: - Keep track of your expenses and revenues. Budgeting and financial planning are crucial for the sustainability of your startup. 7. Do Embrace Technology: - Leverage technology to improve efficiency, reach, and innovation. Stay updated with the latest trends and tools. 8. Do Network Actively: - Build relationships with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships. 9. Do Stay Resilient: - Be prepared for challenges and setbacks. Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. 10. Do Focus on Marketing and Branding: - Invest in creating a strong brand identity and marketing strategy. Effective marketing can help you reach and engage your target audience. Don'ts: 1. Don't Ignore Legalities: - Ensure that you comply with all legal requirements, such as business registration, permits, and intellectual property protection. 2. Don't Rush to Scale: - Avoid scaling too quickly without a solid foundation. Focus on building a sustainable business model before expanding. 3. Don't Neglect Quality: - Maintain high standards for your product or service. Compromising on quality can damage your reputation and customer trust. 4. Don't Overlook Competition: - Keep an eye on your competitors and adapt your strategies accordingly. Ignoring competition can make you vulnerable to market changes. 5. Don't Be Afraid to Pivot: - If your original idea isn't working, don't hesitate to pivot and explore new directions. Flexibility can lead to better opportunities. 6. Don't Undervalue Your Product or Service: - Set fair pricing that reflects the value you provide. Undervaluing your offering can impact profitability and brand perception. 7. Don't Isolate Yourself: - Engage with your team, mentors, and industry community. Isolation can limit your perspective and hinder growth. 8. Don't Ignore Customer Service: - Provide excellent customer service to build loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

Startups often face emotional decision-making and lack data to guide strategies, so consultants offer critical market analysis, financial forecasting, and competitive positioning. Thus, we remain committed to helping startups optimize resources, reduce risks, and sustain long-term growth by forming collaborative partnerships that adapt to changing market conditions. This objective support enhances startups’ chances of success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dE8PZMf5 Reach out to us today at [email protected] to get started #business #startup #entrepreneurship #consulting #strategy #decisionmaking

𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝟐𝟎 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 Malaysia’s Budget 2025, unveiled on 18 October 2024 by YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, promises to be the biggest yet—at a record RM421 billion! This record-breaking budget allocates RM335 billion for operating expenses, RM86 billion for development, and RM2 billion for contingency savings. For entrepreneurs and startups, the focus is clear: business growth, tech innovation, and sustainability. The new policies and incentives present significant opportunities for businesses, especially SMEs, to thrive in an evolving business landscape. 🔗 Stay ahead of the curve. Discover the 20 key facts that can guide your next strategic move. 🔍 Need expert guidance? We offer tailored consultations to help you maximize the benefits of these new incentives for your business. 📧 Contact us: [email protected] #Bizsphere #Budget2025 #Belanjawan2025 #SMEs #SMEBranding #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

Startup Businesses with Professional Consulting Services For entrepreneurs venturing into the dynamic world of startup businesses, the journey can be both exhilarating and challenging. While startups hold immense potential for innovation and growth, they also face risks and uncertainties that require strategic guidance and expertise. This is where professional consulting services for startups come into play, offering invaluable assistance to entrepreneurs and investors aiming to maximize success and achieve sustainable growth. https://lnkd.in/eDfGY-Xv #StartupConsulting #BusinessAdvice #EntrepreneurialGuidance #ConsultingExperts #SmallBizSupport #BusinessConsultingAgency

The Keys to Entrepreneurial Success in 2024 and Beyond The world of entrepreneurship and small business has undergone a rapid transformation over the past several years. Emerging technologies, changing consumer behaviours, and a volatile economic landscape have combined to create both new opportunities and new challenges for aspiring entrepreneurs. As we move further into 2024 and beyond, here are some of the key factors that will be critical to entrepreneurial success: Leveraging Digital Platforms In today's digitally-driven business environment, having a strong online presence is table stakes for any new venture. Entrepreneurs must be adept at building their brand, reaching customers, and driving sales through a variety of digital channels - from e-commerce platforms and social media to content marketing and SEO. Mastering the art of digital customer acquisition will be essential. Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences Consumer behaviours and expectations have shifted dramatically in recent years, driven by factors like the rise of remote/hybrid work, the growing importance of sustainability, and shifting generational attitudes. Successful entrepreneurs will need to closely monitor these evolving trends and be nimble in adapting their products, services, and business models to meet the changing needs of their target markets. Embracing Automation & Efficiency Improving operational efficiency through automation will be a key differentiator for entrepreneurs. By leveraging AI, machine learning, and other productivity-enhancing technologies, small businesses can streamline workflows, reduce overhead costs, and free up resources to focus on higher-value activities. Mastering tools and platforms that enable this type of efficiency will be crucial. Building a Diverse, Resilient Supply Chain The pandemic exposed the fragility of many global supply chains. Moving forward, entrepreneurs will need to carefully construct their supplier networks to be more diverse, flexible, and resistant to disruption. This may involve regionalizing sourcing, identifying backup suppliers, and investing in inventory management systems. Honing Soft Skills & Adaptability As the business environment grows more complex and uncertain, the most successful entrepreneurs will be those who possess a strong set of soft skills - including strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to thrive in ambiguity. Building an entrepreneurial mindset focused on continuous learning and adaptation will be vital. Ultimately, the path to entrepreneurial success in the years ahead will require a blend of digital savvy, operational excellence, and the ability to navigate an ever-shifting landscape. Those founders who can master these critical success factors will be well-positioned to thrive.

Last night, I attended Startup Grind Joburg's "Unlock SME Success: A Path Towards Sustainable SME Growth" event, with a fireside chat from two powerhouse speakers, Nobesuthu Ndlovu, SME Director at Old Mutual Corporate and Cleola Kunene, Head of SME Development at JSE Group. Here are 5 interesting insights from the evening: 1. Know your REAL customer 🤝 Before scaling, Nobesuthu highlighted the need for finding the right audience and delivering a clear, targeted message for optimal growth. Think about a trader selling sweets at a market – are they selling to parents, or to children? (An interesting question to think about – while it may be a reluctant mother paying, the real decision is made by the child, good insight for salespeople). 2. Get Your House in Order Before Scaling 🏗️ Another critical point from Nobesuthu was the need to have proper systems in place before seriously pursuing scale. Her advice? Focus on mentorship, time management, and financial stability in your personal life before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. 3. The role of tech for early-stage businesses: Adaptability is more important than ever, especially in today’s unpredictable environment. Nobesuthu spoke about the role of digital transformation in helping SMEs stay nimble – a true lifesaver for enhancing operational efficiency and freeing up time for value-adding work. With that said, entrepreneurs should be mindful not to lose sight of the personal connections that technology can't replace. 4. Understanding Your Finances 💰 Cleola brought some serious insights on the importance of financial management. An interesting nugget for me was that most SMEs fail due to a lack of understanding of their serviceable market and poor cash flow management. She didn’t mince any words – if you seek funding, you should be ready for the obligation that you are signing up for. Many eager entrepreneurs seek funding without fully grasping the responsibilities that come with it (or in some instances even understanding what type of finding they really need in the first place.) It's easy to be dazzled by the money, but take Cleola’s reminder seriously – with great funding comes great accountability. 💰 5. Focus, Focus, Focus🎯🔧 Cleola also emphasised the importance of focus in a world full of distractions. Stay the course—pick your target, focus on it, and don’t get sidetracked by every new opportunity that comes along (especially you eager serial bag-chasers – we see you). A special shoutout to some of the other startups who exhibited, namely BallTalent, who enable scouts and professional football clubs to discover youth talent in sports, and Educase (Pty) Ltd who have built an AI-driven school assessment platform, making it easier for teachers to set and manage exams. Thanks to Startup Grind for putting together the event and making it such a success. 💪 #SMEGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #DigitalTransformation #Funding #Innovation

"Gifted Minds in the Business World: Exploring Entrepreneurial Pathways" The average person likely thinks that for those who are Gifted, that success should be a piece of cake. However, for those who are Twice Exceptional (Gifted & on the Neurodivergent Spectrum) success can be elusive unless they have the right support and coming from a well-to-do family, doesn't hurt. (a highlight section) "The Gifted Entrepreneurs Advantage In the realm of business, the ability to think outside the conventional box is not just an asset; it's a transformative force. Entrepreneurs with this innate or honed capability can navigate the complex and often unpredictable world of business with a unique agility. They possess a mental elasticity that allows them to stretch beyond the usual boundaries of thought, identifying opportunities where others see dead-ends and envisioning solutions that escape the conventional mind. 1. problem-Solving prowess: Entrepreneurs with a knack for innovative thinking are adept at problem-solving. They approach challenges with a fresh perspective, often combining disparate ideas to forge new paths. For instance, the creation of ride-sharing apps was not just about solving transportation issues but also about optimizing idle vehicle time and providing earning opportunities for car owners. 2. Risk-Taking and Resilience: Innovative thinkers are not deterred by the possibility of failure. They understand that risk is a stepping stone to success. Take the story of Dyson vacuums; it took James Dyson over 5,000 prototypes before he perfected his design. His resilience transformed the vacuum cleaner industry and turned his company into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. 3. Leveraging Technology: The gifted entrepreneur's advantage often lies in leveraging cutting-edge technology to disrupt traditional industries. Consider how blockchain technology is being used by startups to revolutionize everything from finance to supply chainmanagement, offering transparency and efficiency previously unattainable. 4. Sustainable Solutions: With a forward-thinking approach, these entrepreneurs are also leading the charge in sustainability. They're not just building businesses; they're looking to solve global issues. The rise of plant-based meat alternatives, like those offered by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, showcases how innovation can cater to health, environmental concerns, and taste. By integrating these perspectives, it becomes clear that the entrepreneur who can harness innovative thinking is equipped with more than just a sharp business acumen; they hold the key to reshaping industries and impacting the world on a grand scale. Their approach is not just about making a profit; it's about creating a legacy that stands the test of time and change." #gifted #twiceexceptional #neurodiversity #entrepreneurship #socialinnovation #philanthropy #socialentrepreneurship

Business Consultants Are Game-Changers For Startups. Do you know, companies with a well written business plan grow 30% faster? Surprised! Well, don't be. Business consultants play a key role in crafting solid business plans. ↳ They bring tons of experience to the table. ↳ They understand the industry know-how. ↳ They have smart strategies to grow. Certain key benefits founders can get with business consultants on board - ↳ Expertise in business planning - They cover all your bases with aces - Especially for the Startup Visa Program (SUV) - They are pros at charting clear, realistic and detailed plans ↳ Objective perspective - They come with an unbiased perspective - Helps them spot weaknesses and areas of improvement ↳ Industry knowledge - They understand various industries and market trends. - Emerging trends, potential competitors, customer needs - They give you information that helps you grow ↳ Legal and regulatory requirements - From the right permits to taxes and labor laws - They tell you everything you need to stay compliant ↳ Risk mitigation - They can help you come up with contingency plans - It helps build better credibility in front of DOs And much more. (PS: Read more about the role of business consultants in our latest blog. Link in the comments.) Business consultants are key to business growth. If you have underestimated their role until now I think it is time you reconsidered. Let me know what else you would like to add to the importance of business consultants. What education and skills should they ideally carry? ♻️Repost if you found this useful. ➡️If you are a startup founder looking at understanding details about the startup visa program (SUV), let's connect over a DM.