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7 Small Business Tips for effective business

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5 years ago

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7 Small Business Tips for effective business in Zimbabwe

Establishing a successful business requires one to find a need in the society and standing up to meet that need. As we sail through the last quarter of the year 2019, we need to reflect on progress made in our businesses and work on how we can utilize the opportunities available to boost your business. With the business world changing so much from time to time, it is becoming hard to keep up with trends. The following are seven tips to take your company into the third quarter and beyond:

1. Take Time Out to Think About Your Business

As a business owner, you can get distracted by small, everyday tasks. Emails and phone calls eat up your time and stop you from actively guiding your business. Getting bogged down in routine duties can cause your company to lose what makes it unique. Instead, take time out to think about where your business is heading.

Taking time out helps you deal with present challenges as well as plan for the future. Consider, for example, when Toyota wanted to enter the American car industry. Toyota’s management understood that American car manufacturing lines were more productive. They took time out to research what American production lines did well and combined that information with their strengths. Then, they were able to manufacture cars for a fraction of what American assembly lines could.

With big benefits available from taking time out, how can you make time to plan the next steps of your business? Put it on your calendar. Schedule time every week to focus on the bigger picture. This time should be a top priority, so don’t let anything else creep in and steal it away. Once you have got it on the calendar, what should you think about during this time?

2. Figure Out Your Business’s Wins

Every company has goals, but some are more important than others. Certain problems are essential for your company’s success. These goals need to be the focal point of your business plan. Deciding what your business needs to accomplish reveals which goals are vital. It also singles out the goals you can put on hold or toss out.

How can you figure out what your business wins are? Determine what your company needs to succeed this last quarter of the year. The 80/20 rule is a good starting point for this. Part of the 80/20 rule states that 20 percent of your accomplishments account for 80 percent of your success.

So, look for goals that will have a significant effect on your company. Make them the focus of your priorities. When you are re-examining your business goals, you may find out that what you are using is not contributing to your company’s success. How can you deal with that?

3. Decide What You Need to Put the Brakes On

We have all tried something only to realize it did not work out as we expected. Business is not exempt from failed expectations. It is full of them. After putting a business tool in place, you may forget to check its effectiveness.

If you do not check on it, you may not even realize that one of your business tools is not working. If you are wasting time and money on things that are not working, you are draining money away from valuable tools that could support your goals. For example, if you keep throwing money at a marketing strategy that is not working, you are wasting cash you could use to improve your marketing. To avoid waste, you need to keep track of how well your resources work. How can you do find out what’s not working?

The easiest way to find what is not working is through the process of elimination. Look at what your company uses for marketing and sales, and then assess what is working. Improve or discard everything else.

4. Improve the resources you are not fully utilizing

Sometimes you get so caught up in new things that you forget what you already have. Your company might have talented personnel or fantastic tools that are capable of much more. If you only look at your plans for the future, you could ignore your business’s assets or under-utilize them.

Neglecting your business’s resources and employees wastes time and money and keeps your business from reaching its full potential and frustrates employees that want to show off their skills. How to improve on the resources you are not fully using Examine what your business already has. Review your employees’ skill set and analyze your website and marketing.

If you are not taking full advantage of something, create a strategy to help them reach their full potential. Pay special care to one aspect of your business that is usually underdeveloped: your customer experience.

5. Enhance Your Customer Experience Clients are your company’s foundation.

Their experience can have a big impact on your profit margin. Among customers, 87 percent are very likely to buy again when they have a good experience at a company. But, the customer experience will suffer if you cannot see past the day-today duties of owning a business.

Customers have a sea of businesses to choose from. If you want your business to last, you will need to build a loyal customer base. Outstanding customer experience can make that happen. How to enhance your clients’ experience Scrutinize every inch of your customer experience by creating a customer journey map.

A customer journey map is a diagram that shows how your customers connect with your business. You can illustrate your customers’ journey by pinpointing where your client interacts with your company. Then, analyze how well your business is handling those interactions. Focus on improving the interactions that mean the most to customers.

6. Update Your Social Media Strategy

Social media can do a lot for your business. The right social media strategy can keep regular customers happy and attract new ones. Over 70 percent of customers who receive a good service experience via social media are likely to recommend the company to others. But, social media success does not happen overnight.

Like any other part of your business, social media needs to have a strategy. Social media will only help your business if you use it the right way. Because social media trends and algorithms are always changing, your strategy must be flexible. If you keep up with the changes, you will be able to connect with your customers in a way they feel is relevant and sincere.

7. Do the things you have been putting off

People love to procrastinate, and business owners are particularly susceptible. With all the little things that need to get done each day, you can easily trick yourself into thinking you are too busy for something important.

You may put off tasks that you feel are too big to accomplish alone. Procrastination causes serious problems. When you put off completing vital tasks, you can lose money. In fact, 40 percent of procrastinators have experienced financial loss from their procrastination. Procrastinating can also affect your health. Leaving things for later causes increased stress because you can’t help but worry about unfinished work hanging over your head.

If procrastination is such a pain, how then can you beat it? Set priorities, and do the things that need to be done first. If you feel overwhelmed, delegate some of your tasks to your employees or hire some outside help. If you are feeling uninspired, take a little time to research the task before getting started.

With these seven tips under your belt, are you finally ready to take your business to another level.

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The Business Diary magazine is a comprehensive publication that centers around business and economic development news. It covers a wide range of topics including finance, mining, technology, environment, climate finance, and agriculture. With its focus on providing valuable insights and updates, the magazine caters to readers who are interested in staying informed about the latest developments and trends in the business and economic landscape of Zimbabwe.

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ZSE and NVCCZ Forge Strategic Partnership to Build Venture-Backed SME Pipeline for ZEEX

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2 months ago

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June 26, 2026

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ZSE and NVCCZ Forge Strategic Partnership to Build Venture-Backed SME Pipeline for ZEEX

Harare, Zimbabwe – June 2026 – In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial and capital markets ecosystem, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and the National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe (NVCCZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at creating a structured pathway for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to access capital markets through the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX).

The partnership marks a major step toward bridging the gap between venture capital financing and public market participation, providing entrepreneurs with a clear roadmap from startup funding to long-term growth and investment opportunities.

Creating a Growth Journey for Zimbabwean Enterprises

Historically, venture capital funding and capital markets have operated independently, leaving many promising businesses without a clear route to scale beyond their initial funding stages. Through this partnership, ZSE and NVCCZ seek to change that by establishing a continuum of support that combines financing, governance, compliance readiness, and market access.

The collaboration will focus on identifying high-potential startups and SMEs already supported by NVCCZ and preparing them for eventual participation on ZEEX, Zimbabwe’s newly approved digital capital market platform.

Key Areas of Collaboration

1. Pipeline Development

The two institutions will jointly identify venture-backed businesses with strong growth potential and develop structured graduation pathways that guide them from early-stage financing to public capital market participation. Clear eligibility standards and quality benchmarks will be established to support this transition.

2. Co-Financing and Blended Finance

The partnership will explore innovative financing models that combine venture capital and public market funding. This includes co-investment opportunities and blended finance mechanisms that leverage both public and private sector capital to accelerate business growth.

3. Capacity Building

Recognising that access to capital alone is not enough, the partners will offer training programmes focusing on corporate governance, financial reporting, investor readiness, and compliance with ZEEX listing requirements. Selected enterprises will also receive advisory support to strengthen their readiness for market participation.

4. Market Development

Joint awareness campaigns, investor roadshows, SME financing conferences, and sector-specific financing platforms will be developed to deepen understanding of capital market opportunities among entrepreneurs and investors alike.

5. Product Innovation

The agreement also opens the door for the development of innovative financial products tailored to growth-stage businesses, including SME bond programmes, sustainability-linked instruments, structured SME funds, and alternative digital listing platforms.

Strengthening Zimbabwe’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Speaking on the partnership, ZSE Holdings Group CEO Justin Bgoni highlighted the importance of creating a structured connection between venture capital and public markets.

He noted that entrepreneurs receiving venture capital support can now see a credible pathway toward public market participation from the outset, providing greater certainty and long-term planning opportunities.

NVCCZ Chief Executive Officer Tinotenda Kambasha described the partnership as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem, emphasizing that successful venture investing requires support throughout the entire growth journey of a business.

According to Kambasha, the collaboration will provide venture-backed enterprises with strategic exit opportunities while promoting investor participation, improving liquidity, and enabling the recycling of capital into future generations of innovative Zimbabwean businesses.

What This Means for Zimbabwe

The partnership arrives at a critical time when Zimbabwe is seeking new ways to stimulate entrepreneurship, attract investment, create employment, and accelerate economic growth.

By connecting startups, SMEs, investors, venture capital providers, and the capital markets through ZEEX, the initiative is expected to strengthen financial inclusion, support business formalisation, and create sustainable pathways for enterprise growth.

As ZEEX moves closer to full operationalisation, the growing number of institutional partnerships being secured by ZSE demonstrates increasing confidence in the platform’s potential to transform how Zimbabwean businesses raise capital and how investors participate in the country’s economic development.

For entrepreneurs and investors alike, the ZSE-NVCCZ partnership represents an important step toward building a more vibrant, innovative, and investment-ready Zimbabwean economy.

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A Leader’s Next Chapter: Justice Matsatsira Appointed to the Board of Directors of Manica Diamonds Football Club

Published

2 months ago

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June 17, 2026

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A Leader's Next Chapter: Justice Matsatsira Appointed to the Board of Directors of Manica Diamonds Football Club

The Business Diary proudly celebrates a significant milestone in the professional journey of its Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, Justice Matsatsira, following his appointment to the Board of Directors of Manica Diamonds Football Club.

This prestigious appointment reflects Mr. Matsatsira’s growing influence as a business leader, strategist, and advocate for sustainable institutional growth. It is a recognition of his unwavering commitment to excellence, visionary leadership, and his continued contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic and social development.

Over the years, Justice Matsatsira has established himself as a respected voice within Zimbabwe’s business community. Through his leadership of The Business Diary, he has played a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, fostering dialogue on economic development, and providing a platform that highlights business opportunities, innovation, and thought leadership across various sectors.

His appointment to the Manica Diamonds Football Club Board comes at a time when football clubs are increasingly embracing professional governance structures and strategic leadership to drive long-term success both on and off the field. Mr. Matsatsira brings with him extensive experience in business development, corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic management—qualities that will undoubtedly add value to the club’s vision and future aspirations.

Speaking on the significance of leadership, Justice Matsatsira often emphasizes that true leadership is measured not by title, but by impact.

“Leadership is not about position. It is about impact, influence and inspiration.”

This philosophy has guided his professional journey and continues to shape the way he approaches business, community development, and organizational growth.

At The Business Diary, we view this appointment as more than a personal achievement. It is a reflection of the confidence that institutions place in leaders who consistently demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and the ability to deliver meaningful results. We are confident that Justice Matsatsira’s strategic insight and commitment to excellence will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of Manica Diamonds Football Club.

As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. We celebrate not only the achievement itself, but the leadership, dedication, and vision that made it possible.

Congratulations, Justice Matsatsira, on your appointment to the Board of Directors of Manica Diamonds Football Club. May this new role bring continued success and create even greater opportunities to inspire positive change.

 

The Business Diary

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69 Samora Machel Avenue
Harare, Zimbabwe

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NESZ 2026: A Convergence of Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Education in Zimbabwe

Published

3 months ago

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May 4, 2026

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NESZ 2026: A Convergence of Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Education in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe stands at a defining moment in its education and development journey.

As the nation accelerates toward a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) 2026 emerges as a critical platform where policy, practice, and progress converge. Scheduled for 27–30 May 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds in Bulawayo, this year’s summit promises to be the most impactful yet.

Under the theme

“From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation & Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,”
NESZ 2026 brings together an exceptional lineup of speakers—leaders whose influence spans government, academia, industry, and global institutions.

A Powerhouse Line-Up of Speakers

This year’s summit features a distinguished assembly of policymakers and thought leaders at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s transformation agenda.

From government, the summit will host senior leaders responsible for shaping the country’s economic, education, and digital future, including:

  • Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion
  • Hon. Dr. Tatenda Mavetera – Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services
  • Hon. Prof. Paul Mavima – Minister of Skills Audit and Development
  • Hon. Edgar Moyo – Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
  • Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu – Minister of Industry and Commerce
  • Hon. Supa Mandiwanzira – Chairperson, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education

Adding to this powerful policy voice is Hon. Dr. Frederick Shava, a seasoned diplomat and ambassador, bringing global perspective to Zimbabwe’s development discourse.

Leaders in Education, Innovation, and Human Development

Beyond government, NESZ 2026 features influential educationists, institutional leaders, and changemakers whose work continues to shape learning ecosystems:

  • Sr. Dr. Annah Theresa Nyadombo – Global safeguarding expert and education leader
  • Dr. Anna Moyo – Dean of Education, Midlands State University
  • Mr. Canaan Mpala – General Manager, TelOne Centre for Learning
  • Mr. Amos Guy Ngwarati – Headmaster, Wise Owl High School
  • Mr. Tim Middleton – Executive Director, Association of Trust Schools (ATS)

From grassroots education to higher learning and institutional leadership, these speakers bring a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Zimbabwe’s education system.

Champions of Empowerment and Enterprise

The summit also highlights leaders driving inclusive economic participation and community transformation:

  • Hon. Getrude Mutandi – Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community and SME Development

Her work, alongside others, underscores the critical link between education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable socio-economic growth.

What to Expect at NESZ 2026

NESZ 2026 is not just a conference—it is a strategic platform for action.

Participants can expect:

  • Policy-to-Practice Conversations

Engage directly with policymakers and decision-makers on how national education policies are being translated into real-world impact.

  • Innovation and Technology Showcases

Experience cutting-edge solutions in education, STEM, and digital transformation aligned with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 agenda.

  • Investment and Partnership Opportunities

Connect with investors, corporates, and development partners shaping the future of education and skills development.

  • Thought Leadership and Insight

Gain valuable perspectives from leading voices across education, government, and industry.

  • Networking and Collaboration

Build meaningful connections with educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Why NESZ 2026 Matters

At its core, NESZ is about one thing: transformation.

It is about moving beyond conversations and into implementation.
It is about aligning education with industry, innovation, and national development.
It is about building a system that equips Zimbabweans not just to learn—but to create, lead, and compete globally.

With a speaker lineup of this calibre, NESZ 2026 is poised to spark the ideas, partnerships, and actions that will shape the next chapter of Zimbabwe’s education story.

Be Part of the Movement

📍 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds, Bulawayo
📅 27–30 May 2026

This is where education meets innovation.
This is where policy meets action.
This is where the future is built.

Register. Participate. Exhibit.

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