Virgil Bethanie, Author at Virgil Bethanie

22/10/202001/02/2023

You can’t manage what you don’t measure

Management information is crucial in the effective and efficient management of resources and of any business. No goals and objectives can be achieved without it. No problems can be resolved without it. No effective decisions can be made without it.

During the Covid-19 lockdown period a large number of small, micro and mid-sized businesses (SMME’s) experienced significant cash flow problems because they could not trade at all or traded partially. Some SMME’s closed down permanently. Others granted their staff unpaid leave of absence, retrenched staff, cut salaries and benefits and others closed their doors temporarily in order to stay afloat. Most of these businesses continued to battle to stay afloat.
The SA Government, the SA Revenue Services, commercial banks and some financial institutions, financial service providers and other relief funds offered financial assistance and tax breaks and incentives to the affected businesses.

CONDITIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
However, these financial assistance and tax breaks and incentives came with conditions.

13/03/202030/12/2020

It’s no longer business as usual for SME’s and corporates

The macroeconomic environment is under severe pressure and consequently it is becoming increasingly difficult for SME’s to trade under these conditions. It is no longer business as usual for SME’s. There are ominous signals that the macroeconomic environment is bleeding and SME’s must, therefore, take appropriate and urgent action in order to survive:

31/10/201720/06/2023

Use a credible valuation to successfully buy or sell a business

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get” said Warren Buffett

When you are considering buying or investing in an identified unlisted business it is important to pay the right price for the business or equity of the business. Over-paying for a business will not only reduce the expected returns on the investment but also increase the investment recovery period and financial risk of the investment. Whether you are a financial or strategic buyer, it is critical to have a strategic rationale to acquire a business. A strategic rationale will assist in assessing whether the purchase price of a business is a fair market price.

20/09/201731/03/2022

Reputation can make or break a business

It is important for any business to have a good reputation in order to be trusted by its stakeholders and vice versa. A good reputation enables a business to survive in the short–term and grow in the long-term.

A business’ reputation is the single most important driver of value. If a business’ reputation is tainted, its revenues and market share will undoubtedly be affected negatively.

Benefits of a good reputation

A good reputation drives long-term value,
Continue reading “Reputation can make or break a business”

26/06/201714/03/2024

Inferior quality destroys long-term value

“The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price” is the saying when buyer’s remorse is experienced.

I once purchased shock absorbers from a supplier after shopping around for a cheaper price. I paid an auto mechanic to fit the shock absorbers. After a few months, the shock absorbers started to malfunction, oil was leaking from the shock absorbers and my vehicle was unstable on the road. I realised that I bought shock absorbers of an extremely inferior quality. I was extremely upset about the bad purchase decision. I decided I shall never again buy any product or service of an inferior quality. I am prepared to pay more for a decent quality product or service that provides value for money i.e. it is durable, it serves its purpose and provide the expected benefits.

06/05/201701/06/2017

There is a thin line between corporate greed and maximisation of profits

There is a thin line between corporate greed and maximisation of profits. Companies with a strong reputation, large market share and or patented product will argue that because of this competitive advantage they may charge higher prices.

Continue reading “There is a thin line between corporate greed and maximisation of profits”

25/04/201712/02/2022

Businesses and investors can create value in challenging and uncertain conditions

Owning, running and/or investing in a business should ultimately result in increasing or enhancing the value of your business and investments. Your business or your significant shareholding in a business should yield market related returns and ultimately result in the creation of value in the short, medium and long-term.

Continue reading “Businesses and investors can create value in challenging and uncertain conditions”