Here’s what you need to know about Lemang’s crop production course
Bathabile Modutoane is joined on location with Sylvester Lubambo of AFGRI’s Lemang Agricultural Services who chats about their crop production training course.
Win with Afrivet and African Farming! – African Farming
Afrivet and African Farming will be giving away 13 hampers with animal care products to readers and viewers. In the hamper, you will find the following products:
- Afrivet training manual
- 1 L Fibremax
- RTU A.C.T. LA disinfectant
- Afrivet weight estimation band
- AfriPhrase booklet
- Coolbag
- Cap
- Notebook
- Pen
- Shopping bag
How to enter: Sms “Afrivet” to 33677. SMS costs R1,50.
COMPETITION RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The competition runs from 15 July 2022 until 5PM on 7 October 2022. You have to be the legal owner of the cell phone or have the owner’s permission to use the cell phone. You may enter as many times as you like. In case of a competition with more than one prize and multiple draws, entrants may only win once per competition. You may enter as many times as you like. Staff members of Media 24 and Afrivet and their immediate family as well as their advertising agencies may not enter. Winners will be chosen by random draw and will be notified telephonically. If a winner can’t be reached within three calls during business hours, a new winner will be chosen. Winners’ names will be published on AfricanFarming.com. Media24 and the prize sponsor take no responsibility for any damage caused by entering or taking part in this competition. Prizes are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for another prize or for cash. The prize sponsor is responsible for delivery of prizes within a reasonable time (8-12 weeks). You may only win a competition once every six months. It’s the winner’s responsibility to provide a daytime address for delivery or a postal address (residential rather than a PO box address) and to be present to receive the prize and/or timeously collect the prize from a post office (if relevant). Media24 and the sponsor take no responsibility for loss of the prize should the winner not be present to receive it or neglect to collect it from a post office. By entering this competition, you agree that Media24 and the sponsor may occasionally contact you regarding promotions and other marketing that may be relevant to you, subject to your right to decline such promotions and marketing. By participating in this competition, you agree to the processing of your personal information in accordance with the Media24 privacy policy, which is accessible at https://www.media24.com/privacy/
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World Youth Skills Day – Forum for African Women Educationalists: FAWE
FAWE Regional Secretariat and FAWE Rwanda have partnered to celebrate World Youth Skills Day. Click on the YouTube link below to join us online:
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World Youth Skills Day
World Youth Skills Day
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Vleissentraal’s Anton Vos chats access to markets in red zones – African Farming
Methods used in the country to stop foot and mouth disease from spreading can often pose challenges to small-scale farmers from entering the market. Anton Vos, Managing Director of Vleissentraal discusses the challenges these methods pose and what can be done.
How to deal with disease outbreaks
This week on African Farming Digital, Afrivet’s Caryn Shacklock discusses zoonotic diseases and explains how to report and deal with disease outbreaks.
Exercise your Super Power — Lionesses of Africa
by Safiyyah Boolay-Jappie
“Choosing” is the most important activity of your mind. “Choosing” is the most important activity of your mind. Yes, I wrote that twice. Because it is that important. I’ll write it again. “Choosing” is the most important activity of your mind. Whether you are exercising choice in the moment or in respect of the bigger picture, choice is a proclamation to your subconscious mind and a prayer to the universe. Choice is the mechanism with which you harness and focus your resources and it is how you collaborate and co-create with forces beyond the comprehension of your logical mind.
Once the subconscious mind gets to know your desires, intentions and decisions as birthed by your choices, it will marshal all the resources you have at hand to do what must be done and to create what is needed, and for you to become what you must to make your choice manifest. However, incrementally your subconscious mind will piece it together, it will do what must be done, as long as it is clear on its mandate.
The potency of choice arise from the level of clarity and conviction with which you make your choices. Choice is easily diluted and overridden by the unseen and ever-present forces of fear. We call them indecision, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, people pleasing and countless other names. They are emotional and mental constructs that takes our minds away from choosing our desires and alignment. They anchor us to the defaults of our circumstances and the demands of our environment. They persuade us that we are without choice, by seducing us into the choice of distraction and destruction.
“Choosing” is the most important activity of your mind. This “choosing” serves you best when you are in conversation with yourself. When you contemplate what is important to you and in alignment with your true desires, purposes and aptitudes.
One of the most frequent choices we make is to abdicate our choice-making. We consciously or unconsciously defer to others to make choices for us. Or we make our choices in accordance within a framework that we inherited from our environments despite the fact that they feel like a strait jacket inducing us to stress, anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, and even depression. according to what we think is ‘correct’, even if that means that we go against our wishes.
“Choosing” is the most important activity of your mind. It’s a reflection of the relationship you are in with yourself. Choose in consultation with your heart, your soul, and the wealth of wisdom that lives in your body. Choose from a place of being present to yourself. Choose from a place courage.
Keep is simple Sweetheart!
Daydream and muse about the life you’d love, the next thing you want to do, create, or experience.
Make a list of things which interest you; things which you have always enjoyed, which make you feel better, which inspire you to surge ahead, no matter what obstacles you face.
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Do you like doing something creative, or something artistic? Fashion, design, throwing together a party? Playing an instrument? Telling jokes?
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Do you enjoy nature? Do you like the sea? The deep green forest? Mountains that fill you with awe?
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Do you enjoy helping others? Do you get pleasure out of making a difference in other people’s life?
Do you know what you like? Too many of us don’t. Do you know what you want? Even fewer of us don’t.
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Whatever it is that interests you, write it down and answer these questions: What thing do you love to do?
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What is it that you love in this thing and why?
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Could you do this for money, and make a living out of it?
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Do you even want to? That’s your choice!
Choice is your super power. It’s the most important thing you can do in the moment and in the Big Picture. It is how you claim your destiny from the clutches of your environment and your fears.
Perseverance is not always the answer — Lionesses of Africa
by Kathy Mann
I enjoy reading entrepreneurial books and articles. I have a fascination with people’s passions and what makes them do what they do. I’m also a fan of research and while running a business I wanted to know more and to ensure I was doing the right things. I remember reading some quote about how success is just on the other side of feeling like giving up. Reading that advice was really detrimental for me, in fact. You see, I’m not a quitter. I persevered so much that my health collapsed. To be fair, I didn’t heed the advice in the same articles of weeding out toxic elements and doing what you love.
Just searching for quotes on perseverance, there are hundreds encouraging people not to give up. My husband and I have similar values and we are both ultra-marathon runners which by its very nature requires perseverance. We promote this value a lot in our household and we encourage our kids to keep trying. Perseverance is a major force in my life.
In 2008, my husband and I took a trip to Japan. We ran the Tokyo marathon together and it was an amazing experience, really different from what we are used to. We are from a culture where people bail a race if you’re not fit enough or injured. Sure, you have to face the consequences if you do in that the other runners will not let you forget it. But most people exercise common sense when it comes to their well-being. And of course there are those who just don’t have what it takes to get through the mental struggle of an ultra-marathon. I say mental because it’s not your body that fails you towards the end of a hard race.
We found it really funny to read the race guidelines for the Tokyo marathon. Several times, it was emphasized that it takes courage to quit. The cultural difference was so striking to us. And it is true, that there are people who would rather kill themselves than fail or be seen as a failure.
I inherited an ailing business that was really too far gone. I struggled through it for almost five years, while running ultra-marathons and parenting two small children. There were a number of conditions which set me up for failure but my ingrained refusal to quit pushed me so far that my own body turned on me. Of course, internalizing everything did not help but you can’t change your nature. I should have changed the conditions and opted out earlier.
One of my parenting challenges is to observe when my children are in flow and to encourage more of it. And another is to make sure they don’t overdo the perseverance. If they already have inborn and value-enforced determination, maybe pushing them to never give up is not always the answer.
7 Networking tips for amazing opportunities — Lionesses of Africa
by Naike Moshi
Are you focusing on growing your network?
Networking can be an effective tool to build your professional career or provide you with amazing opportunities. They say ” Your network is your net worth.” The stronger your network, the more valuable you are to your business, and other individuals. Over time, your network will enable you to orchestrate major business deals, refer business to associates, help a friend land her next job, or even introduce future couples.
Here are 7 networking tips to keep in mind as you master your networking skills:
Focus on bringing value to your network
Always give more than you take. Always ask yourself: What are you bringing to the table? Networking should provide value to both parties at some point.
Be intentional about relationship building
Try to catch up with contacts you have made in the past. It does not matter whether years or months have passed, always try to keep your relationships warm. Use the power of follow-up after you have met someone whether virtually or face to face. One of the biggest mistakes I was making when it comes to networking was not following up. Sometimes you will find me with all the business cards in my handbag and when I needed my contacts’ help, That’s when I try to reach out. I am sure many of you can relate to this one. Don’t you reach out or call someone when you are in need? That was a huge mistake. It’s important to be intentional about relationship building. Always follow up after a meeting and connect with people that you have met on LinkedIn. It’s crucial to have a system or process in place to make it easier but also to multiply your impact and reach.
Invest time and money in building your network
The return on investment is always huge and worth it as you build your social capital. Online meetings and events have made it so easy and have provided access for anyone to network anywhere in the world.
Focus on quality rather than quantity.
When it comes to networking, it’s better to have one connection rather than 1000 forgotten acquaintances. An hour with one good contact makes it worthwhile. I remember back in my early career, I used to collect every business card during an event. That has changed now as I focus on a few people that I will build a strong relationship with. It’s not necessarily about the quantity of the connections but rather the quality of those relationships.
Share your story and value proposition.
When it comes to networking, ask questions to learn more about the people you meet. The only way to get to know someone is to ask them questions and always listen to their answers. Always ask, “How I can help you? What do you bring to the table? Introduce yourself and what is it that you do.
Leverage on Social media
Social Media can be an effective tool for networking. Sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can open many opportunities for you. Ensure your online profile is up to date. Keep posting and engaging as you build relationships online then move to face to face.
Networking virtually can open your audience/network globally.
Network with people outside your industry
One of the biggest networking mistakes, I was making in my early career was to connect with people in my industry or my immediate circle. This was not one of the smartest networking strategies. I found myself with limited knowledge, insights (different perspectives), and business leads. I was in a closed box. This was so boring! But since then, I made it my mission to network with people outside my industry. You have to be more intentional about connecting with people outside your circle and getting outside your comfort zone. It’s important to schedule a time to research events happening in different industries that are interesting to you.
Networking can be frightening sometimes. However, unless you go out or put yourself out there and meet people face to face or virtually, nobody will know you exist. Remember this advice and implement the tips outlined here, and you’re sure to transform yourself into a master networker.
Cookie-Cut Approaches in CX (Customer Experience) — Lionesses of Africa
by Mandisa Makubalo
Ever heard of the word ‘cookie-cut?’ By definition, to cookie-cut is to indicate that each one is the same, like a guaranteed formula for something that works. It also means that the same approach or style is always used and not enough attention is paid to individual differences. Have you ever found yourself saying “I’m struggling to get the buy in of the C-Suite for my CX (Customer Experience) project”? Have you recently taken on a CX project as an independent consultant or entrepreneur? If your answer is yes, I invite to look as I discuss some of the reasons you might be experiencing the resistance and ways to overcome it.
Top 7 Reasons for Cookie-cut approaches
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Coming in with the right answer or a pre-defined way of doing things
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Predictability
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Lack of questioning
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Lack of understanding
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Lack of knowledge capital
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Getting involved in organizational politics
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Inability to be adaptable
Let us look at each of these common mistakes:
1. Coming in with the right answer
Many CX leaders/professionals lack the ability to tailor their knowledge and methodologies to fit a specific situation. Just because your current client challenge sounds similar to your previous client challenge doesn’t mean that you stop listening to really understand. Organizations are looking for your advice and direction, at most times they are stressed, they really need your help but in order to deliver business value you are required to suspend your pre-defined way of doing things. Best practice is not always right, every organization and project is different, therefore the solution needs to look different to fit the organization.
2. Predictability
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested everything to do with predictability. We have seen how unpredictable life can be even for those who think they know it all. As a CX practitioner, consultant, leader etc. predictability is a recipe for failure, it leads to great frustration and missed opportunities. If solutions were as predictable as many would love to think, organizations would not require the external expertise of CX practitioners and CX wouldn’t be a key differentiator. The fact that organizations choose to make investment in CX teams and on expert skills of outside practitioners is evidence to the unpredictability of your work.
3. Lack of questioning
As professionals there is a combination of hard and soft skills required in order to solve the complex problems and challenges facing organizations. In order to respond to the different situations like a “chameleon” it is important to develop a number of soft skills especially the ability to question as this will allows you to read the client or your organization, build relationships, avoid cookie-cut approaches which could result in a number of implications from a cost and reputation perspective. You can never fully know everything and asking questions doesn’t mean that you’re incompetent in fact most clients and organizations applaud this level of maturity.
4. Lack of understanding
This is the major cause of the frustrations experienced by most organizations which has led to decisions being made in terms of investments in CX. When customers don’t feel understood by brands this results in a number of frustrations which impact on the employee’s ability to execute their roles efficiently and the build-up of these frustrations calls for interventions from either internal CX teams or external CX skills. When organizations do not understand the value of CX investments this results in reluctance and great push back from key decision makers. The ability to listen fiercely and question allows both the organization and the CX practitioner to develop deep understanding of the challenges facing the organization and allows you as the CX practitioner to direct and give advice to the business.
5. Lack of knowledge capital
The knowledge capital of CX practitioners is not only limited to CX knowledge, yes this is very important and CX wouldn’t be CX without the related industry knowledge. Demonstrating your expertise and speciality is determined by how well you add to the knowledge capital of others through knowledge share. The key to developing the needed knowledge capital is by stretching your brain, it’s an ongoing process of continuous improvement. CX solutions cannot be designed and delivered in isolation of broader business knowledge, be committed to learning about new technologies, AI, business processes, project management, change management, strategy, machine learning, new business industries, different types of cultures and operating models. The ability to tailor this knowledge capital and your methodologies to fit a specific organizational situation allows you to pay attention to individual organizational differences.
6. Getting involved in organizational politics
Your role as a CX practitioner / leader is to give guidance, direction and advice to organizations. Being clear on your role and always reminding yourself why the organization has brought you onboard will prevent you from getting involved in organizational politics. By definition organizations are stressed, they need your help from all the internal politics and other complex business challenges, your ability to listen the best and understand the best allows you identify the internal politics and come up with ways to enable business value.
7. Inability to be adaptable
Being an adaptive CX leader means you’re able to change your behaviour in response to changes in situations. You demonstrate resilience when things don’t go as planned and you’re able to bounce back from failure seeing it as an opportunity to learn. Cookie-cut approaches go against being an adaptive CX leader in that they are not flexible in nature, they are rigid, there is no room to access different ways of thinking and they inhibit you from shifting and experimenting as things change. Being an adaptable CX practitioner comes with a great amount of emotional intelligence and organizational justice which stretches you to respond to different organizational demands and pressure.
Closing Words
Non cookie-cut approaches require CX leaders who know how to:
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embrace the diversity of views from all stakeholders;
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evaluate views objectively and take advantage of the views that create business value;
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let go of non-productive practices and strategies that are not supporting organizational goals and objectives;
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link CX initiatives to the core value of the organization;
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foresee resistance and reluctance to implementing new strategies and the ability to embrace and address resistance positively and
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have the willingness to undergo the process of change.
CX leaders, like most leaders, work with a great amount of ambiguity. Be comfortable with it, have the ability to apply both head and heart, experiment with smart risk-taking, learn and adapt, creating win-win solutions, learning though reflection and take the time to navigate business environments.