You come from a training and teaching background, tell us something of your background and history that influenced where you are today.
Teaching and training have given me the types of people skills and organisational skills required to manage the business of figg. I’m in no way saying I’ve got all the skills but they both have provided me with an excellent base.
What motivated you to get figg Excel Accounting Solutions started as opposed to another business in another industry, and what skills do you draw on from your background in your current life?
This is one of the ironies of life – one of my pet bug bears has been accounting and numbers. Give me something highly creative to do and I’m there but accounting??? So when the opportunity came up to get involved in figg it was my opportunity to confront my fears but also to get involved in the creative side of developing a new product from scratch. VERY exciting stuff.
The name figg is interesting as opposed to something generic and descriptive, how did the name figg come about? Tell us something about figg.
Deciding on figg was a group effort. Firstly we spelt the name of the fruit incorrectly in order for it to stick in one’s mind and secondly we chose the figg because the word fits in well with figures –
What three pieces of advice would you give to others who want to become entrepreneurs?
Focusing on what you want to achieve – I speak from the experience of being everywhere and traditionally being multi focused. Live your product. The best form of marketing is word of mouth so every opportunity is a moment to sell and everyone is a potential customer. Plan carefully and source good reliable suppliers. If you don’t you can waste a lot of money.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ability to network, focus, stickability!!!
What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
I have at times not effectively put my mind to a single task at a time meaning that in the past jobs get left undone, another failure has been that of effectively using contacts – a work in progress.
What motivates you?
Seeing this amazing brand growing into something that becomes the preferred choice for small businesses.
How far are you willing to go to succeed?
All the way!
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
I don’t have a greatest fear – fear grips one and paralyses one’s ability to look forward and to see a way out.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Nope, if there was then this would have been a walk in the park.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Hitler – don’t get me wrong at all, I certainly don’t follow the far right neo nazi movement or support any of the incredibly evil things he did, but what fascinates me about the man is his ability to have misled so many people and get into the hearts of so many Germans.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom it gives one to expand your mind and grow in the direction life chooses for you rather than being dictated by the rules and regulations of a corporate environment.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Online Online Online, Facebook Promotions and competitions, Linked In and Twitter, and flyers – slow but effective – as with any marketing it is about consistency and shoving your brand into people’s faces so that you shout louder than the rest..
In South Africa, CSI has a big role to play. Do you see figg as having a role to play in corporate social investment?
Most certainly, in time we will grow that part of the business, the fact is that many South Africans need a helping hand a way out of their situation and a lot of it revolves around money and managing money effectively – exactly what figg is all about!
· Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most? Woolworths – I like their approach to business, the ethical, quality, ‘get into the hearts of South African’s’ approach
Brendon Burmester is also the Director of the acclaimed Jozi Film Festival a one of a kind film festival in South Africa which aims to become the first stop in film for local and international Film Makers and Industry Professionals, providing a platform for up and coming South African Film Makers.
