Book: Successful Franchising, Bradley Sugars

Franchising is something that I definitely have on my radar in the future. Not something that I will invest time in right now – but I am intrigued by it. For now, my focus will be on building branches in the different provinces, but there is an allure to getting the processes, procedures and systems in place to have franchising opportunities in place for people who want to invest in the brand, and implement a communication and reputation management system that works. 

I am seeing more and more opportunities for communication management and reputation consulting so am keen to help people that want to do their own thing with the support of a trusted brand; opposed to having to start the business from scratch. I am quite aware that there are many pitfalls and franchising has its own set of challenges, but it will all happen at the right time. I have mentioned before that I really enjoy Brad Sugars’ Instant Series books – they are easy reads, and there are always great ideas, which are really quite easy to implement and refine for one’s own business scenario. 


One of the things that he focuses on in this book is defining the culture of an organisation. This is an exercise I am quite keen to pen down with the team. I am also re-inspired to update and document all the current systems – we have an incredible step-by-step folder, I am very impressed by the team’s contributions and commitment to keeping the SOPs (standard operating procedures) updated. Working in different locations across the country makes it so much easier to give a consistent service when there are clear processes in place. It’s important to me that it does not matter whether it is me or the newest person that has just joined the team that is in front of the client, we all need to walk and talk the same language.


We have been doing some work with Mustadafin Foundation in Cape Town, and it was so heart-warming to receive the following from their Communication Manager the other day:


“Mustadafin Foundation has worked with Reputations Matters for just over a year now. In that time we have found their service to be impeccable, their support unwavering and their standard excellent...“Of particular importance, is that as the Reputation Matters team has grown, there has been no change in the personalised handling of our account, nor any variance in the standard of service delivered. The warmth and friendly support they are known for is present in every meeting, information event and all the follow up interactions. We will definitely continue our relationship with them as the guardians of our organisation's reputation.“  Hani du Toit, Projects & Communications Manager – Mustadafin 

Book recommendation: 8/10

Race - Wings for Life World Run 2014 - Franschoek, Cape Town

04 May 2014 - This was definitely a different kind of race! Instead of running to the finish line; the finish line catches up with you. When the gun goes off you start running, then 30 minutes later the catch up car starts driving at 15km/h and once it catches up to you, your race is finished.  You then wait until the sweeps come to fetch you.

The race was all in aid of running for those who have spinal injuries and for spinal research - all the money raised / entry fees go 100% to the research of spinal injuries. It is a global initiative so different countries participated and all started at the same time (we started at 12:00); it was all broadcast live via YouTube. You could also give your race number to family / friends to track you along the way.


What a wet race! However I much prefer running in the rain than the sun beating down on you or wild wind. Note to self - take warmer clothes with for after the race.

When entering, there is a 'goal-calculator', initially I thought let me try and do at least 8kms, then I thought that 10kms could be do-able. At 11.56kms, an hour and fifteen minutes into the race, the catch up vehicle caught up! Am super stoked - next year, I will definitely try for 15kms.

Lodge - Clifftop Exclusive Game Lodge Safari - Limpopo

19 - 21 March 2014 - Clifftop Exclusive Game Lodge Safari is located in the Waterberg area about two and a half hours outside Johannesburg.

We were welcomed at the Main Gate by Gibson our guide. From the main gate to the lodge was another 45 mins (usually it is quicker, however due to major storms the previous week, many roads were washed away so we had to take an  alternative route to the Lodge). We arrived at 14:00 and was welcomed with a glass of champagne in hand by our hostess Ursula, and presented with two cool facecloths by to eager butlers. After showing us the lay of the land and overview of the itinerary by our host Nardus, we were shown to our room, one of only eight on the property. (I was a bit worried when I heard the word 'itinerary' - but felt a lot better when it entailed doing very little else other than eating and game drives).

The light white colours used throughout is refreshing, different from the typical 'African' browns and oranges. All the décor is incredibly tastefully put together.

Each 'house' is very private, with its own outside pool, shower and deck to sit on and relax. There is also an inside shower and huge bath. All the doors slide open so it feels like you are having a bath outside.

LUNCH DAY 1 - We were given a choice between lamb chops and spicey prawns. Mark went for the chops, as I could not make up my mind, they were more than happy to combine the two for me. It was delicious! The prawns were huge and succulent. I was worried that they would burn, but the spiciness was just mild enough to be very tasty. The chop was also cooked well. This was served with a Niscoise salad, it was huge - a meal on it's own. I was very hungry, so cleaned the plate. Dessert was chocolate mousse, with bits of chocolate in it.


SUPPER - after a four hour game drive, during which we had meatballs (nogal heated up by Gibson), biltong and a peppermint-crisp /Cremora tart, I was not that hungry. Supper started with potato and leak soup followed by a palate cleanser of berry sorbet. We had a choice between oxtail and chicken Kievs. We both opted for the oxtail. It was 'fall off the bone' delicious. It was served with rice, spinach and cauliflower, I really tried finishing it as I hate wasting food, but it got the better of me, actually the both of us. So much so we could not even fit in dessert (apple parcels). We both had red wine, the house wine, which was a pinotage / shiraz blend served in the biggest wine glasses I have seen (apparently they can hold a litre of wine!)

What was great is that all the guests sit at different spots so it is very private, you don't have to see or interact with any of the guests, except during breakfast, lunch and the game drives.

BREAKFAST - started with a continental breakfast of yoghurt, homemade muesli, fruit, croissant, biscuits and cheese. After this a full English breakfast or omelette was on the menu! I opted only for some decadent crispy bacon and Mark the omelette which he described as 'awesome'.

GAME DRIVE 16:00-20:00 - each game drive was about four hours long - I went on two and saw kudus / impalas / gnu / blue wildebees / zebras / rhinos (one got very interested in us during our sundowner stop), kwêvoëls / warthogs / two rabbits / jackel / brown eagle - sadly the leopard alluded us.

Clifftop was fantastic albeit them either forgetting or choosing to not to recognise my birthday (I did indicate that there was a special occasion when asked when I made the booking), is a pity - there was an attempt made at 21:00 a night with a dry cupcake and candle, but a 'happy birthday' in the morning at breakfast would have meant a lot. The other issue was that I had forgotten my jacket in the room and it has been quite a task to try and get it back but I have now been assured that they have found it and that it has been posted (not received at time of posting this entry 04 May).

Besides that, it is a highly recommendable establishment, beautiful surroundings, attentive staff, huge delicious portions and a break from the city that the soul needs.

Restaurant - Europa - Gauteng, Melrose Arch

19 March 2014 - When I travel, I prefer to try new places, but it was Mark's choice for breakfast and Europa was stone throw from where we were staying.

FOOD: Mark had what looked like a mixed grill, a bit of everything bacon, eggs, mushrooms, beans, sausage, toast, baby potatoes, it looked delicious. I love eggs benedict, sadly Europa's did not crack it. Although the eggs were cooked to perfection (my preference is medium) the rest of the dish was disappointing. The hollandaise was very thick and stodgy and quite bland and there was a lot of it. This was all served on a bagel that was very dry - just too much bread. Maybe if the bagel was toasted it would have been better but I don't think much could rescue that dish.

DRINKS: Mark had two cappaccinos so I deduce the coffee is good. I opted for orange juice, it's Sir Juice, so OK, would have preferred freshly squeezed, but it was fine.

SERVICE: the service was pretty average

VALUE FOR MONEY - Average

RECOMMENDABLE will I go back? I don't think so, there are so many other places to rather go to. Average is not good enough

RATE 4/10

Restaurant - JB's Corner - Melrose Arch

18 March 2014 - This is one of my favourite spots at (the very pretentious) Melrose Arch. The décor and ambiance resonates with me. I love the high ceilings and the glass jars of confectionary and decadently looking cakes in the display cabinet.

My sidekick and I had supper, the waitress recommended that their burgers, steaks, pasta and pizza's were the best (so basically everything!).

FOOD - Mark had a 500g T-bone steak, egg and chips. He was asked whether he wanted bbq basting, he was a bit wary as at some other restaurants in the past the sauce dominates the taste and you don't taste the meat. The waitress promised that she would request only a bit of sauce. According to Mark it was cooked to perfection and just the right amount if basting.

I opted for the Kleftiko, Greek meatballs served with lemon and humus. I was expecting a couple of meatballs the size of golf balls. What I got was three hamburger patti sized meatballs, deliciously spiced and cooked medium-rare, just as I like it. It is a great alternative to a hamburger. I only managed to get through one and a half of the 'balls'. The chips it was served with were crispy and tasty. For a moment I did get confused between Halumi and Humus so was a bit disappointed that it was humus as I'm not a fan of it, but that is minor compared to the rest of the food.

Dessert was very tempting as we sat right next to the cakes, but we were both just too full.

DRINKS Mark opted for a Jack Black beer (R35) I was very tempted to go for their mixed drink consisting of Chardonay, appeljuice and other delicious sounding ingredients, but at R80 for 500ml it was a bit excessive, too much just for me. So I went with a glass of (my absolute favourite) Fat Bastard Chardonay (R55) I tried not to think that I had recently paid less than that for a bottle at Pick n Pay. But as with all restaurants they make their money on the mark-up of their drinks.

VALUE FOR MONEY Including the tip, R350 for food & drink, pricey but reasonable for quality of foodand taking into consideration that it was at Melrose Arch.

RECOMMENDABLE Definnitely, we'll be back!

SERVICE Our waitress was very attentive and made great recommendations. We did not wait long for our food, drinks or bill.

RATE 8/10

Hotel - The Pride of Africa, Melrose Arch

18 March 2014 - Being a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) I am fortunate enough to get a platinum Prokard from Protea Hotel. Part of the benefits include free nights at a selection of their establishments. Mark and I had won a break away to Clifftop Exclusive Safari Lodge, so decided to stay over at the African Pride Hotel before departing early the following morning to the Lodge. They have a valet service (R85) but we were happy to park in the underground parking lot (R75 for up to 24 hours parking).

CHECK-IN: The check-in was quick and easy.

ROOMS: Huge extra width, extra length bed. Besides the seven pillows already on the bed, they have a separate pillow menu to select from. I was more than happy with my amazingly soft, felt like a down, pillow and heavy down duvet. I liked the added detailed touches, there were snacks galore (not from the mini bar) - M&M's, shortbread, coconut ice and toasted mielie-kernels.

BATHROOM: The bathroom had a huge bath and a separate shower. The bath was adorned by two bright yellow rubber ducks. The towels were huge white, fluffy bath sheets. The second towel was however a lot smaller and a bit difficult to wrap your head in after a shower.

GENERAL: I peaked into the conference room area, and there are a number of conferencing rooms. They look great but I am sure they also have a great price tag to go with it, however this is only an assumption.

I found the red and green lighting a weird combination making the hotel quite dark with a sombre ambiance. I did however like the flowers made from recycled cans as part of the décor.

RATING 8.5 / 10

Book - Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman

So far I am on track with reading a book a month, unfortunately this is 50% less than the target I had set myself at the beginning of the year. Clearly I need to get reading!  This was not an easy read, quite a bit of the book felt like swimming through syrup, however there are gems throughout, which is incredibly interesting and makes the slog to get through the book worth it.     The book combines economics and psychology which was very interesting. There is a lot of information - attributable to the years and years of studies conducted and experience by the author, which adds to the complexity of the book. I found it very interesting that he said that you should not try to use big, complicated words to try and sound smart as it will have the opposite effect (interestingly he sometimes falls into his own trap :-) )

The book did reaffirm the importance of research and taking past experiences into consideration when embarking on new projects.

 

It's a book that I will definitely need to read again (at some point).

 

Rate 7/10