#WIB-Q&A With Mbalenhle Bhengu Owner Of MindSwitch
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. I have an SME development and brand strategy company called Mind Switch Pty Ltd which was established in 2016. The company offers the following services:
- Brand strategy development and campaign planning for brands and individuals and SME development services such as Leadership coaching and facilitation;
- Educational workshops concerning marketing, starting your own business, leadership and managerial coaching, and personal branding coaching and development.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started the company in 2016 and I used my funds from my previous job as a private banker to develop the initial phases of the business [website, branding, business cards, and limited cash funding]
I started the business because I knew that my purpose on earth was to develop a business that will empower and assist others – specifically SMEs. However, I started off doing other projects related to event campaigns and promotional activations.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I am the owner of the business – I oversee and ensure that things get done in the right way and in the most efficient way.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I studied at the University of Kwa – Zulu Natal, Howard College where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Media and communications and an English major. I also have a Masters in Business Administration [MBA] where my elective was entrepreneurship and I gained that degree at the University of Kwazulu Natal, Graduate School of Business and Leadership [GSB].
5. How did you finance your business?
A. I financed it myself through a series of loans that I took from my previous role as a Private Banker.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists
A. I am fortunate to have a PA who assists me with my daily business management and we prepare for tasks the day before. In the morning, we have a recap of all things to be done and we prepare for the day which consists of attending meetings, preparing for upcoming projects, handling book queriers and orders, liaising with my media relations agency, and scouting for new opportunities. At the end of each day, we recap and prepare for the following business.
7. How do you balance your home life & work life?
A. I set aside hours each day where I have to connect with my family even if it is during the weekend. I don’t work around the clock [when I don’t need to] and this is when I will switch off my phone and relax at home with family. Spa treatments are a thing for me as well so I ensure that I make time for them.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. My willingness to craft an exciting legacy is what drives me. I have ideas that I know will provide a positive impact and if I can wake up each day and do what matters the most to create my legacy – I can conquer each day. I am also a lover of the good life so I ensure that I work hard to maintain that.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. Generally at 5 – 7 am is when my brain is most fertile and where I will craft ideas onto my phone while half asleep. Sometimes, even in my quietest moments – I can think of great moments.
10. Where and how do you market your business for sales leads?
A. I spend ample time on social media platforms and networking with others to ensure that my business is well known. This is helpful – digital marketing is effective for my business.
11. What is next for your business?
A. I have so many plans and visions but one that I can mention at this stage is producing a docu-film for start-up entrepreneurs which is well underway. I believe how I will do it will really set the stage for entrepreneurs to understand how the business world really is. Amongst other things, since I am a serial entrepreneur, is to have an affordable, luxury skincare brand for all races – we are currently in the research and development stage.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Be intentional about what you want – then go for it! Women deserve a seat at every table where decisions and businesses are being built and if you can find a seat for yourself, try by all means to eventually take over the room and the boardroom. You were built for that.
| Contact information: M 065 633 2450 E mbali@mindswitch.co.za |
| Mind Switch (Pty) Ltd 70 Buckingham Terrace, 1st Floor Pharos House Westville, Durban 3629 South Africa |
| www.mindswitch.co.za |