#GoDigital Western Cape

Our GoDigital Western Cape Webinars series was an offering of 25 free lunchtime webinars, with the aim of shedding light on all things digital for businesses. It focused on demystifying the digital economy and the digitisation of business. It also provided valuable insights and views from thought leaders and practitioners in the industry during the height of the COVID pandemic, when business were forced to rapidly transition into a digital space.

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Smart Green-Tech: Digital Innovation in the Green Economy 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: BabyBoomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z....? 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Virtual Reality: The next frontier in digital marketing 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: The Art & Etiquette of Virtual Meetings & Conferencing 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: What the ISP?! Broadband options for your business

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Re-imagining the possible: Building business resilience 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: The SMME Financing Landscape in South Africa 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Ka-ching-Ka-ching. Is cash still king? Mobile transacting 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: In conversation with tech entrepreneur, Jade Wyngaardt 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Digital literacy & your business: Tools, tips & tech for SMME's 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Demystifying mobile payments 

Snapscan presentation can be downloaded here

Sekika Solutions presentation can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Cloud-based solutions for SMME's with Amazon Web Services

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Insights into e-Commerce with Mr D Food and NetFlorist 

Mr D Food presentation can be downloaded here

NetFlorist presentations can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Excel Masterclass - Practical Skills to Digitise your Business 

Excel Masterclass -Practical skills to digitise your business presentation can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar: Microsoft - Adapting to the new normal and building resilience 

Microsoft: Adapting to the new normal and building resilience presentation can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on 'Protecting your business from online attacks' 

Protecting your business from online attacks presentation can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on 'Slowing the Spread': Covid-19 Workplace Safety 

GoDigitalWC -  Slowing the Spread: Covid-19 workplace safety presentation can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on 'Legal boot camp for your Online Business' 

The presentation can be accessed via the following link: https://prezi.com/view/slscaGZ9kZXvj98ys49u/

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on Crowdfunding 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on Google My Business & Google Ads 

• Google Ads presentation can be downloaded here
• Google my business presentation can be downloaded here

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on Digital marketing 

#GoDigitalWC Webinar on eCommerce Webinar

#GoDigital Articles are well-packaged informative articles and related content to assist businesses with practical advice, tips, and tools on participating in the digital economy, moving your business online, and adopting digital technologies:

• e-Commerce in South Africa and the Western Cape

  The face of business and world of work are changing rapidly and more businesses are adopting digital technologies to sell their products and services online. Both formal and informal businesses gain enormous benefits by digitising operations to improve efficiencies, increase productivity and reach new markets. This article provides insights into what e-Commerce is, explaining the concept and introducing some of the more common concepts, plus identifying the advantages and disadvantages of taking a business online. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Considerations before starting an e-Commerce business

  e-Commerce is a booming online market segment, as millions of people are becoming more and more confident shopping online for goods and services. The Boston Consulting Group estimates online marketplaces will create around 3 million new jobs across Africa by 2025. This provides a massive and growing window of opportunity to any business of any size. Before diving right in, it is advisable to consider a few important points to ensure you are better prepared to embark on this exciting journey. This article provides key guidance on the considerations before taking your business online and embracing e-Commerce. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Types of e-Commerce business models

  Before selecting an e-Commerce platform to reach and expand markets, it is worth considering the various business models available to connect buyers and sellers. Having a better understanding of each model’s mechanics will assist with making the correct choice to best position your business for optimal growth. This article introduces and explains the main options, being business to business (B2B), business to customer (B2C), customer to customer (C2C), customer to business (C2B) and government to business (G2B). Click here to view or download the article

   

• How to use social media to sell online

  Social Media has evolved with exponential reach in audiences and now provides prime platforms to create an online marketplace for any business (formal/informal), of any size, in any location to market and sell their products and services. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and WhatsApp are amongst the most popular, reaching millions of users who are becoming more confident shopping online. This article provides practical guidance and tips to create a business profile and start marketing and selling online. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Selling with WhatsApp

  Having an online business presence is catalyst to accessing, influencing and engaging with customers through a convenient channel. This is pivotal as any business is operating in an increasingly competitive and ever-expanding global market. WhatsApp has a global user base of people communicating daily, providing an already highly engaged user base.This article provides practical steps to create a Business WhatsApp profile to start promoting your products and services through catalogs, automated messages, easy communication and a personalized customer management tool.How to set up a basic website. Click here to view or download the article

   

• How to set up a basic website

  Creating a simple customer-friendly website could be the tipping point for a start-up and growing business. Millions of people are browsing the internet constantly and ensuring your business has an online presence may expand your markets beyond any traditional limiting boundary. The website design software is well evolved and puts the creation of impressive websites in the hands of entrepreneurs.This article provides basic instructions to start building your business’ webpages for a meaningful website experience. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Online payment methods

  Running an e-Commerce business will require a payment system that accepts electronic payments for online transactions. Customers look for preferred and trusted methods of payments to purchase online, otherwise they typically abandon the sale. Find out more about the benefits, preferred payment methods for digital purchases and online payment gateways by reading this article. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Understanding digital marketing

  Businesses need to market and advertise constantly to generate new leads, sign up new customers and drive sales to survive and thrive! This involves planning and implementing the activities that bring buyers and sellers together. Digital marketing is simply done online through electronic devices to create brand awareness and capture customers' attention to purchase. This article helps distinguish between the digital marketing channels and types of advertising available to reach your target market. Learn how easy it is to use social media ads through Facebook and YouTube. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Importance of customer relationship management in e-Commerce

  Keeping customers happy is fundamental for any business to succeed and proper customer relationship management (CRM) planning and execution is critical to manage interactions with existing customers and attract prospective customers. CRM directly impacts profit margins and business sustainability. This article breaks down some of the myths of CRM and provides some easy tips and ideas to put a practical CRM plan together to get the results you need. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Running a business remotely

  The traditional workplace has been shaken up and more people are working from home, also known as telecommuting, teleworking or remote working. Digitisation and connectivity have provided access to just about anything with anyone, anywhere. Running a remote business requires rethinking in terms of planning and management and offers various flexible options such as full time, part-time or rotational. This article covers more on this topic, provides insights into the benefits and risks of working remotely, and guidance on managing staff. Click here to view or download the article

   

• The basics of virtual meetings

  Communicating and engaging with customers, suppliers and staff through online conference platforms has become the norm in 2020, improving operational efficiencies and reducing the logistical complexities that go with arranging traditional meetings. This article shares some of the more popular platforms used for virtual meetings and online conference calling such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts and Skype. Easy and useful steps and preparation tips are provided to ensure maximum benefits. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Understanding cyber security 

  Cyber security is hugely significant as more individuals and businesses use the internet and technology to transact. Sensitive and private information is vulnerable to potential misuse with nasty consequences. This article provides insight into what cyber security is and why it is important. Some of the most common types of cyberthreats are explored such as hacking, phishing, malware, spam and others, together with providing the basic protection principles. Click here to view or download the article

   

• How artificial intelligence and robotics is transforming business

  Artificial intelligence (AI) is around us in ways we may not realize, actively impacting our lives and business each time we interact with technology, social media or the internet. Artificial intelligence and robotics are evolving at a rapid rate providing new opportunities and possibilities to empower our lives and create efficiencies in the workplace. This article helps to demystify this field, explain the benefits and share examples of how AI and robotics are transforming sectors and livelihoods. Click here to view or download the article

   

• The changing nature of work (gig economy and freelancing) 

  The combination of a more digitized workplace and people looking for flexibility has opened a new economy, the gig economy, providing alternative ways of working. Freelancing is becoming more popular allowing self-employed or highly skilled individuals to participate in various work for different companies. This article provides more context and insight into this unique and increasing work phenomenon. Click here to view or download the article

   

• A guide to exploring  gig economy and freelancing Opportunities

  Freelancing is an upward trend as a work choice, providing the freedom and flexibility that many individuals seek. This article provides ideas, opportunities and more information on digital freelancing platforms across various sectors such as professional and creative services, maintenance services, micro jobs, driving and courier services, hospitality, beauty and many others. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Getting funding in a digital world

  Funding is the lifeline for any business and access to funding is a fundamental obstacle to the survival and growth of SMMEs. Entrepreneurs require financial assistance for various reasons such as start-up capital, cash flow assistance, expansion funding or others, and may not always know where to find it. This article provides information on the many private and public organizations, as well as digital tools, that offer financial support. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Bootstrap your knowledge and learn online

  Knowledge is more accessible than ever and literally available anytime and anywhere, at the click of a button. The internet provides an endless range of diverse e-learning courses, platforms, webinars, articles and other resources, to help any business owner sharpen their skills in an ever-increasing competitive marketplace. This article provides a summary of the benefits of learning online as well as guidance on how to get started and what is required to get the most out of the learning journey. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Introduction to POPI 

  The POPI Acts sets out the minimum standards required for any organisation accessing and ‘processing’ personal information belonging to someone else such as their name, surname, identity number, contact number, financial or any other information unique to an individual.  Companies have until 1 July 2021 to get their systems and processes in place to safeguard personal information of others or face potential hefty fines and imprisonment. This article provides an overview of the impact of the Act, the responsibilities of the business and steps towards being POPIA compliant. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Broadband internet choices for SMMEs

  Given all the advantages for businesses to trade online and make use of the multitude of online services, the ability to do this is under pined by the need to have reliable and cost-effective Internet access. To help make the right broadband choice for your business, this article explains general concepts such as fixed, wireless, broadband speed and internet service provider. It also provides information on the types of broadband services available in the market in South Africa such as ADSL, optical fibre, WI-FI and fixed wireless to ensure that the speed and data meets your business requirements. Click here to view or download the article

   

• How to plan for business growth

  During the current turbulent economic climate, businesses are being forced to re-assess their operating models and pivot business practices to create stability and long-term sustainability. A well formulated game plan is required to support business growth over the next 6 to 12 months (at least). Most reasons to develop a growth plan include market penetration, market expansion, product expansion, diversification or mergers/acquisitions. This article provides guidance and useful tips to develop a solid growth plan to take your business to the next level and thrive. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Re-imagining the possible—Natalia Rosa, Director of Big Ambitions, shares her story of business transformation under COVID-19

  In the spirit of celebrating Women’s Month in South Africa and sharing business transformation stories under the COVID-19 pandemic, this article provides key insights into Natalia Rosa’s (Director of Big Ambitions) business journey. She shares details of the seismic shift undertaken to re-imagine and re-invent the purpose of her business and her learnings from crafting a new direction to remain sustainable. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Work smarter using digital productivity tools

  There are many digital tools to help business owners operate more effectively in a virtual, e-Commerce or digital space. These easy to use tools are designed to make our working lives easier and increase productivity, improve time management and reduce costs. Many disciplines require tools to work smarter such as communication, collaboration, managing and organizing tasks. This article covers the benefits of using digital productivity tools and provides more information on some creative tools such as Monday.com, Slack, Grammarly, Evernote, Hootsuite and Toggl. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Jade Wyngaardt aka ‘The Digital Warrior’, Co-Founder of Click Digital Africa shares her moving story of triumph and hope in overcoming unimaginable odds

  On the back of celebrating Women’s Month in South Africa and sharing business transformation stories under the COVID-19 pandemic, Jade provides a moving account of her brave journey. She shares her courage and determination in starting a business in the digital space while facing a battle for her life, in the hope of inspiring others to follow their passion and never give up. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Crowdfunding - an alternative funding option

  Accessing funding is a challenge for most businesses. The Covid-19 pandemic has put huge pressures on the funding system, and public and private funding organisations have been inundated with requests, relief funds are over-subscribed, and many businesses (majority micro/informal) lack the pre-requisites to qualify for funding. Crowdfunding is an alternative, relatively new and growing method of raising capital through the collective effort of friends, family, customers and/or individual investors. This article provides insights into the world of crowdfunding, the benefits, types and platforms to consider to best position your fundraising campaign to achieve its goals. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Connect with customers using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

  Restricted movements have propelled people into using technology like never before, working and shopping in the virtual realm. Experiencing products and services online from a 360-degree perspective or in an immersive environment, is becoming more popular and an innovative way for businesses to reach customers. Virtual (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology are on the rise and can be used for selling and marketing your products and services. This article introduces the benefits, technical aspects of AR and VR, as well as some practical application examples of this novel technology. Click here to view or download the article

   

• Preparing your business for an outstanding holiday season

  The holiday season is around the corner, which requires focused business planning and preparation to boost sales and extend brand awareness. This is usually the busiest time of the year for most businesses and many customers have already started their festive season browsing and shopping. Planning well ahead and monitoring progress with the involvement of your staff will give you a leading edge. This article provides 10 simple steps to help craft your business holiday plan, stay organized and ensure you achieve the goals you set out. Click here to view or download the article

   

  Disclaimer: There are many websites and internet resources available. These articles are by no means exhaustive. The information, company and brand names of many products and services are mentioned, without their express permission, and other companies and brands are available. The intent of providing this information is to inform the public and business communities, thereby driving digital adoption. Their understanding is greatly appreciated. Any mention of a specific company/ business is not an explicit endorsement by the WCG.

#GoDigital Training is a series of practical and informative recorded workshops that provide the basic foundations to learn digital tools and practices to help your business trade and operate online. Selling online and using online services opens new markets and improves competitiveness to grow a sustainable business.

Facebook Business Page Training

Facebook Ads Training

Instagram for Business Training

WhatsApp for Business Training

Getting to grips with the basics of tech

Google My Business & Google Ads