First off, congratulations on a great job with this site and the many valuable hints and tips by the many entrepreneurs featured. I've been starting and running mostly IT companies in UK, US, Asia and Sweden during the last 25 years (yeah, an oldie here;).

I have also started a social entrepreneurship initiative in South Africa to support disadvantaged entrepreneurs - it's a not-for-profit Trust called Afriversity.org and you are welcome to join!

If it's one thing that I can recommend anyone starting a business, is to know what problem you are fixing. Having that laser focus and delivering a simple solution to the problem is key when starting out new. You have scarce resources and you must manage your time well.

This is such an awesome initiative, big ups to Old mutual for organising a platform like this where proper learning can take place.I'm in varsity now trying to finish off my engineering degree (blood, sweat and tears!).

I have a couple of ideas that I would really love to develop. Problem is, I'm not to sure where I should start. I've heard people say so many things about first having some level of experience before you go into any kind of business or that you need to have proper networks, you need a business plan, you need to develop certain Entrepreneurial Habits etc.

I really don't know where to start. I would appreciate pointers, on how I can get the ball rolling. Also, I've heard that it can be QUITE an EPIC mission for a non-citizen to establish a business in SA. How can one avoid such complications? Thanks in advance for your input.

Make sure your products are the best quality. Take them on slowly and work slowly at gaining market share. Once competitors get to know about you, it's too late for them to change. Then, it's their turn to chase you. The bottom line is that you need to have a better service at a better price.

There are really only two things you need to consider when running a business. Firstly, budget (which needs to increase every year) and secondly, cash flow.