#WIB – Q&A With Connie Matlejoane Owner Of CRM Enterprise
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
CRM Enterprise is a 100% black female and privately owned company that specializes in Corporate Gifts, Promotional Products, PEE, Branding, and Signage. We are a township business that is located in Klipfontein View, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
The business was launched in November 2018, and I started my business following a retrenchment.
3. What is your role in the business?
I am 100% involved in the day-to-day running of the business as the CEO and Business Development Manager.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I hold a National Certificate in Business Management from the University of Johannesburg, a National Diploma in Tourism Management from the University of South Africa, and a BCom in Marketing and Management Science from IMM Graduate School.
5. How did you finance your business?
I started the business with proceeds from my Provident Fund, loans from friends & family, and an R30,000 grant from my previous employer through their Enterprise Development Program. Later on, we got an R15,000 grant from Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP).
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
The exciting thing about this industry is that our workdays are unpredictable. People generally don’t sit around the table and discuss their branding needs in advance, we normally get requests for an event that is going to happen in a few days’ time. So, our days are mostly spent on emails, phone calls, and WhatsApp messages between clients and suppliers. We also do our own deliveries so if we are not in the office, we are on the road making deliveries of orders or samples or out somewhere installing signage.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
In the beginning, it was difficult to separate work from home because I did not have a team, right now I have a strong support system both at home and at work. I know that even if I am not in the office work continues and at home, my husband of 20 years is very hands-on with the children. I try as much as possible to keep to working hours and reserve the evenings and weekends for my family.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
Unemployment statistics in South Africa are harrowing, especially amongst the youth. The small difference that I make by employing the team that I employ and making a positive contribution to the township’s economic growth drives me.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
Promotional Products have a dual role – to create awareness and also be practical to the end user. The demand is driven by what suppliers have on offer and what end users need. Whenever there are new products suppliers invite us to check them out and provide us with selling tools. My team is always on the lookout for products that a trendy in the market.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
We have an active online footprint -we advertise or work on our social media platforms. We also take advantage of all networking events that we get invited to or come across. The business has been in existence for 4 and half years and we now get referrals through word of mouth as well.
11. What is next for your business?
The vision is to build a state-of-the-art branding facility in the township in which we currently operate that will also comprise of a walk-in PPE shop.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
1. It is important to follow your passion and go into a business that you know and are passionate about because when the going gets tough your passion is what will keep you going.
2. Build a track record – depending on the industry but chances are that you will not start by getting big jobs or contracts, whatever opportunity comes grab it and give it your very best. Consistency will bring big jobs/contracts.
3. Last but not least when you get an opportunity to be part of an Enterprise Development Program don’t waste it, the mentorship and support that one gets is invaluable.
For more visit: https://crmenterprise.co.za/