The day the dollar died..

This is an interesting take on where the world could be going. Check this out here.
Although this video is mostly fictional, it makes one think about the future of world economics. Especially, given that South was recently included in the emerging markets club, BRIC, making it BRICSA. 

How does the understanding of these dynamics affect the way Entrepreneurs make decisions regarding the future of their business and which countries to do business with?  

Th South African Invasion of China!!! Part1

The month period beginning 11 June 2010 until 11 July 2010 is arguably the most important for South Africa, and the entire African continent, courtesy of the first ever African Soccer World Cup!! This event will surely change the, usually, negative perception of South Africa to the rest of the world. South Africans can now confidently boast a world class economy and country, and have the World Cup event serve as proof of the country`s stature.  

Despite widespread criticism on the expenditure levels that had to be made to make the event possible in the country, the World Cups` benefits will far outweigh the costs, in the short and long term. It is almost certain that many countries will look to South Africa for additional business, thus increasing the country`s general trade levels, in many industries. This increased interest in the country and trade can only bode well for the South African economy.   

However, this situation makes it increasingly important for South African Entrepreneurs to be on the lookout for opportunities that may arise as a result of the World Cup. Many of these opportunities will be of a global nature, and thus require small businesses to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills for dealing international businesses. The global business landscape presents major growth opportunities for small businesses, but equally requires some major advances and sacrifices from local entrepreneurs. China will, undoubtedly, become an even bigger trading partner with South Africa, and Africa. Some commentators have termed the Chinese interest of the continent as the "Chinese Invasion", postulating that the Chinese will pillage and exploit the continent for its natural resources. This may or may not be true. But, the reality is that the Chinese are coming.  But, are we (The Entrepreneurs) ready for them? 

Are we ready for the Chinese Invasion?  

The Black Entrepreneur Network

I recently came across this blog, www.blackpreneur.net/blog/, which seems to be dedicated to profiling black entrepreneurs across Africa. Some of the stories that i`ve come across on the blog are truely inspirational and confirm my belief that African`s are naturally Entrepreneurial.

This blog has the right idea!!.

LP

Entrepreneur Profile - THEBE IKALAFENG

I believe that we, as people, are inspired by those people that we admire. It should then be fitting to identify these people, the one`s that we want to be "like", and try to emulate them as closely as we possibly can.  This section of the blog is dedicated to profiling the Entrepreneurs, "the crazy one`s", the one`s that are constantly looking to change the game. THE MAVERICKS!!

It is my honour and pleasure to profile Mr Thebe Ikalafeng, as the first our maverick Entrepreneurs. I hope that you become as inspired by Mr Ikalafeng as i have.

Branding thought leader, author and businessman.
Dubbed "Mr Brand" by the Mail & Guardian, Thebe Ikalafeng has been recognised as one of South Africa's top 10 thinkers in marketing along with former South African State President Nelson Mandela in a survey by Ipsos Markinor. An award winning marketer and advisor, he is the founder of the 2008 Fin Week "Marketing Services Company of the Year," The Brand Leadership Group and a non-executive director of Mercantile Bank Holdings and Foodcorp Holdings, and a member of Durban University of Technology council, Vega School of Brand Communications advisory committee, and the Sunday Times Marketing Excellence council.

A chartered marketer, Ikalafeng graduated cum laude with degrees in BSc. and MBA. from Marquette University in the USA. He has been recognised by the American Marketing Association/Marquette University with an Award for Marketing Excellence and by the Asia Brand Congress with an award for Global Brand Leadership. Passionate about brands and their relationships with people and nations, Thebe is a sought after speaker, prolific writer and consults globally on personal, political, commercial and nation branding and related matters and has addressed thousands of delegates across the world, including, Cambridge University (Uk), Barcelona (Spain), and Mumbai (India) as well as several leading African Nations.

Described as terminally stylish by the Sunday Times, he's been named the best dressed man in South Africa by Fairlady, one of the top 5 best dressed men by GQ Magazine and one of the 40 Most Stylish South Africans by Style Magazine.

"Thebe is inspirational", Chris Donegan - DTC, UK (De Beers Group)

"One of South Africa's most reputable marketers", Top Billing

"Mr Brand", Mail & Guardian