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The Newbie Toolbox Kit for Your Journey

August 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

How I wish I knew half of the things I know now, when I started my entrepreneurial journey back in 2016 with my paper flower business (Goldendreams). Looking back,  it made me realize that while passion and determination are important, there are certain skills that every entrepreneur should possess to better position their business for growth and success. I call it the Starter Kit Toolbox – a unique set of skills to succeed in today's competitive market. In this article, we will explore the essential skill set that newbie entrepreneurs should have and how to apply them at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.

I admit, till today I am still struggling with this skill! Financial Literacy: One of the most important skills to have. Understanding basic accounting principles, budgeting, and financial forecasting is crucial to managing your business's finances effectively. Having a strong foundation in financial literacy, helps you make informed decisions about pricing, investments, and cash flow management.

Super grateful I came across a Guru in these areas recently and I didn’t think twice about registering for her masterclasses and polishing up my Marketing and Branding Skills. Being able to effectively promote your products or services, identify your target market, and differentiate your brand from competitors is key to attracting customers and growing your business. This skill is essential throughout all stages of your business and developing it can help you create a strong brand identity and build a loyal customer base.

All entrepreneurial journeys are about Problem-solving and Adaptability, most products or services are developed to take away our pains. Entrepreneurs should possess strong problem-solving skills and be able to adapt to changing market conditions. Honing problem-solving skills can help you navigate obstacles and keep your business on track as you tap into creativity. This skill is important at every stage of your business, as you will need to continuously evolve and innovate to stay competitive and achieve long-term success.

I think I am a great communicator, but I have been a bit lazy to expand and maintain my network. Let me tell you that Communication and Networking Skills are also essential for entrepreneurs. These skills are crucial for building relationships and fostering trust. Networking with other entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and potential partners can open up new opportunities for collaboration and growth. These are used from day zero to forever and they can help you attract customers, secure funding, and build a strong business network.

In conclusion, possessing a diverse set of skills is what is going to help you to better position your business for success. The above-mentioned skills are important at every stage of your business, from the initial planning and launch to ongoing growth and expansion. By investing in your skill set and continuously learning and improving, you can increase your chances of building a successful and sustainable business. In case you want to see for yourself on Marketing skills please check this Instagram page out: https://www.instagram.com/umataldegloria.mz/


Yolanda Matine is an Entrepreneur, Food Lover and Enthusiast in Mozambique. She graduated with a BSc Agronomy that she never got to practice, but always landed in jobs that somehow shaped her perspective on how she would like to make her  contribution to the world and for coming generations. Her two daughters inspired and drove her towards her real passion, which is cooking, and through cooking and making their lunch boxes every day she is able to show her love for them, nourish their bodies, and touch their souls while they build precious food memories. Yolanda is a strong believer that everything we sow we are going to reap, so she says why not plant the best seed?

More articles by Yolanda

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneur Smarts, PT
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE


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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
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African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
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Sustainable Shawl Glamour - If you want to wear a shawl that makes you feel and look glamorous, Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, offers a range of fabulous shawls made from sari fabrics. She has be
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An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day /  Lunar

Summer kaftan reinvented…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the stylish sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / The Joinery

The Laptop Pouch…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong’ Eve 2 Collection’ designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the wonderfully talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stop Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Shawl Glamour - If you want to wear a shawl that makes you feel and look glamorous, Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, offers a range of fabulous shawls made from sari fabrics. She has be Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day /  Lunar

Summer kaftan reinvented…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the stylish sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / The Joinery

The Laptop Pouch…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong’ Eve 2 Collection’ designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
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Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
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Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
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Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation

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Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
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Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
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Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
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After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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