Mother’s Day: 8 lessons I learned from my mother [Gifs]

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children…What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply." - Elder M. Russell Ballard

My childhood was far from perfect and I was far from being the perfect daughter but through all the challenges there have always been two constants in my life. God and my mother, a wonderful lady by the name of Mmabatho Salaminah Rapakgadi.

My mother has always been a source of strength and love in my life, especially in difficult times. Through all the challenges she has faced she continues to be a loving mother to more than just her children. I have learned so much from my mother, so in celebration of Mother's Day, the 8th of May, I have decided to share 8 big lessons I have learned from my mother.

SPIRITUAL LIFE
#1. Always put God at the centre of everything - you will always have a reason to celebrate

#2. Read your Bible and go to church - you will always be on the right path

RELATIONSHIPS
#3. Always leave room for disappointment in your heart (just in case)

#4. Don’t just date for the sake of dating - there's nothing wrong with waiting for the right man

MARRIAGE
#5. Always treat your husband like a king - take care of him & he will do the same

#6. Compromise! Compromise! Compromise - it works

SELF-BELIEF
#7. Do your best and God will handle the rest - the greatness is within you

#8. You have everything it takes to be the best – believe in yourself

I would like to thank God Almighty for keeping and blessing my mother! Here's to many more years of bliss and motherhood!

Love,
Ofentse

Power Dressing: My Top 5 Work Shoe Styles - Platform & Chunky Heels [4 of 4]

#4. Platform heels

Platform heels are a very sexy type of heel. This shoe style is ideal for evening work functions where you want to shine. These type of shoes can also be greatly paired with jeans on a Friday if your workplace allows it. The heels will make the jeans less casual and elevate the look.

*Platform heels - sexy and powerful

*Platform heels - sexy and powerful

#5. Chunky heels

Chunky heels have a thick heel which makes them more comfortable. These heels come in different forms, from sling back to ankle strap, open toe to closed toe. These sexy shoes also come in different heights.

*Chunky heels - comfortable, cool and stable

*Chunky heels - comfortable, cool and stable

*Image sources: Pinterest

Related Posts:

• Work shoe styles [1 of 4]
• Pointy toe heels and flats [2 of 4]
• Kitten heels  [3 of 4]
• Wedge heels  [3 of 4]

Power Dressing: My Top 5 Work Shoe Styles - Kitten & Wedge Heels [3 of 4]

#2. Kitten heels

 Kitten heels have a short heel thus making them very comfortable and they are ideal for walking around on long, busy days at work. They are also ideal for women who cannot walk properly in heels. However, due to the fact that they are short they can have a ‘granny’ feel to them – this depends on the show style and can also happen when they are paired with certain outfits. Here are my favorites:

*Open toe kitten heels - conservative, comfortable and sophisticated

#3. Wedge heels

Similar to kitten heels, wedge heels can be worn for comfortable and are ideal for working long hours or standing for extended amounts of time.

*Wedge heels - comfortable, improves posture & lengthens legs

*Wedge heels - comfortable, improves posture & lengthens legs

*Image sources: Pinterest

Related Posts:

• Work shoe styles [1 of 4]
• Pointy toe heels and flats [2 of 4]
• Platform heels  [4 of 4]
• Chunky heels  [4 of 4]

Power Dressing: My Top 5 Work Shoe Styles - Pointy Toe Shoes [2 of 4]

#1. Pointy toe heels and flats

Pointy toe shoes are classic and can easily  be worn in a formal or smart casual way. I prefer pointy toe shoes over rounded toe shoes, especially for work. Pointy toe shoes are great for work and can be effortlessly worn with skirts, dresses and pants. They elevate and formalize an outfit. However, I am not a big fan of certain types of pointy toe shoes.

Let's review some of my favorite pointy toe shoes, both heels and flats:

*Pointy heel pumps - classic, sexy and professional

*Pointy flat pumps - smart casual

*Image sources: Pinterest

Related Posts:

• Work shoe styles [1 of 4]
• Kitten heels  [3 of 4]
• Wedge heels  [3 of 4]
• Platform heels  [4 of 4]
• Chunky heels  [4 of 4]

Power Dressing: My Top 5 Work Shoe Styles [1 of 4]

If you work in a corporate environment, you probably know that the way you dress has a huge impact on how you're perceived at your workplace. When you dress for work, ensure that you dress for the position you want. If you want to be a manager, start dressing like one.

In the words of my third year communication management lecturer (KOB 301) back at the University of Pretoria:

“Perception is reality”

This is especially true for young females in the corporate working place. Corporate South Africa can be very unforgiving and trust me you don't want a negative clothing label following you around at work. Labels are the norm in the grapevine, labels such as 'Red dress Bianca' can easily be coined by self-appointed fashion police at your workplace.

One of my pastors at Winners Chapel International always says,

"The way you are dressed determines the way you are addressed."

Investing in your wardrobe is essentially investing yourself and your career. There are many benefits to this, which I will discuss in the next blog post.

Women’s shoes come in different styles and forms from flats, heels, platforms, wedges to stilettos. Shoes are can even make or break an outfit, the right pair of heels can elevate a dull outfit and make it stand out.

Today I will be discussing my top 5 essential work shoe styles to have in your closet.

Related Posts:

• Pointy toe heels and flats [2 of 4]
• Kitten heels  [3 of 4]
• Wedge heels  [3 of 4]
• Platform heels  [4 of 4]
• Chunky heels  [4 of 4]

Try Harder or Walk Away?

“One of the hardest decisions you will ever face in life, is choosing whether to try harder or walk away.” - Anonymous 

This is a decision we have all faced at one point or another - whether in relation to our careers, relationships, friendships or even projects. There are times when we need to try harder then there are times when we just need to let go. Knowing when to do either one is an important ingredient to success.

The key to answering this question lies in self-awareness. Do you know your vision, values, strengths and weaknesses? Having a strong sense of who you are, what you want and what you don't want will go a long way in helping you answer this question each time you need to.

If trying harder means doing something or things that go against your values or morals then it's probably better to walk away. However, it takes you knowing exactly what those values and morals are in order for that to happen. The more self-aware you are the more confident you become! Try it, you will not regret it! What ever you decide, make sure YOU come up on TOP.

Here's to a great start to the week.

Love,

Ofentse

The First Kiss TV Advert: Ad Review

Earlier this year during the Easter holidays the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works ran a road safety campaign that involved a very graphic TV commercial, titled 'The First Kiss'.

What's 'The First Kiss Campaign' about?
Western Cape MEC, Donald Grant, said: "Vehicle occupants (drivers and passengers) continue to constitute the majority of all road deaths in the Western Cape. 


Research has shown that increased seatbelt compliance will mean thousands of lives saved, that would have otherwise been lost, in the horrific crashes that plague our road. 

The MEC said: "The 'First Kiss' commercial is adapted from the 'damage' advertisement produced by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment. This advertisement was credited by the Irish Road Safety Authority as having brought about a 100% increase in backseat seatbelt wearing and 50% increase in front seat wearing rates in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

What's wrong with the advert?

I personally had several issues with this gruesome TV ad, some of which include:

• The ad is very graphic yet it had no warning for sensitive or young viewers and it went on to air during peak times on SABC 1, 2 and 3. 
• The ad starts off on a very innocent and romantic tone then later ambushes the viewer with graphic scenes of blood and death. In instances where a parent is watching 7de Laan or Generations with their young children, this type of advert is not ideal.
• The advert is unnecessarily graphic. It is more gruesome than educational. The insights that informed this ad were lost in this advert. 'The Damage' advert from which this is based has a clear message (wear a seat belt and survive) but 'The First Kiss' advert's message is very distorted. 
• The message of the advert is lost in the gore. The message was supposed to be simple "Wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a car accident". However, what ended up happening was that despite 3 out of 4 of the passengers wearing seat belts - they ALL died! What message does this send? "Use a seat belt but you are going to die anyway" or better yet "Use your seat belt so that you look great at your wake"?
• 'The Damage' advert was effect because of its clear message and this same message needed to prevail in 'The First Kiss' advert.

Before I continue with my rant critique of the advert, perhaps it is worthwhile for you to watch the advert for yourself.

WARNING: Graphic content! Not for sensitive or young viewers 

Traumatised yet? Yep, that's how I felt the first time I also saw that TV ad.

Now back to my critique, apart from the graphic nature of the ad - the other issue I had with the ad is the fact that it deviates from the original insights/research of the original advert (The Damage). 

• 'The Damage' advert by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment was encouraging passengers and drivers to make sure that EVERYONE wears a seatbelt in a vehicle or risk killing their fellow passengers." 
• This version of the advert makes sense to me because it has a clear message "Wearing your seatbelt increases your chances of surviving a car accident". Those who wore their seat belts survive the crash, in contrast to 'The First Kiss' ad where all the passengers die (despite 3 out of 4 of them wearing seat belts). 

Here's the other advert, watch and judge for yourself:

Recommendation(s):

After reviewing the Western Cape's Safely Home website, which read:

"Not wearing a seatbelt is against the law. It is also extremely dangerous, not just for you, but for other people in the vehicle. Unbuckled passengers become wrecking balls in a collision, and kill and severely injure others, even passengers who have buckled up."

This insight sheds much needed light on why the advert took the direction it did, however there was need to include this insight at the end of the advert in the form of text e.g. Unbuckled passengers can kill and severely injure others, even passengers who have buckled up. Save lives. Wear your seat belt.

So what's your verdict? Did this advert make you want to wear a seat belt?
Please share your views in the comment section!

Love,
Ofentse

2016: What a Year

Welcome to Succi Said

We are 4 months into the year and I must say, 2016 has been very eventful both in South Africa and globally. The year has been murred with unique changes from all angles, from #FeesMustFall to #ZumaMustFall.

On the digital front, we have seen a growing interest in Snapchat and rapid adoption of WhatsApp, Instagram and Uber in South Africa. Despite much resistance, Uber continues to grow globally - this is due in part to their research and development strategy. 

As a Digital Marketer and Academic who thoroughly enjoys blogging, I intend on maintaining a regularly update blog this year. I will be blogging about everything of interest to me, from academic literature, digital marketing, social media, technology to the latest industry updates.

I look forward to your company in this journey, follow me as we explore interesting topics and themes. 

Love,

Ofentse

Succi's 5 Awesome Ads

Awesome Ads 

• McDonalds: Halloween vampire costume made from the famous McDonalds fries/chips and ketchup/tomato sauce. 

McDonald's

• Pepsi: Another Halloween inspired advert. In this one, Pepsi is wearing a 'scary' Coca Cola outfit. Considering the history and enmity between the two brands this advert is hilarious.

Pepsi

• Volkswagen: This creative play on the alphabets and the tag lie 'we're efficient' is simply ingenious. 

Volkswagen

• Folgers: a coffee brand created this powerful demonstration of outdoor marketing. The sight of this alone will impress any coffee lover and ignite word of mouth.

Folgers: Coffee Shop

• World Wild Fund (WWF): At one point or another we have all used our hands to pretend to form an animal. Using this concept, which touches close to home, to send out the message that the animals need our helping hands is great.

World Wide Fund

Succi's Review: MWEB - WHY WHIP OUT YOUR DONGLE?

Advertising makes up a big part of marketing, therefore it would not be appropriate to leave it out of this blog. Platforms such as YouTube have revolutionized the way customers consume adverts and they have also largely influenced the way companies communicate.

WHY WHIP OUT YOUR DONGLE?

Growing up in the dusty streets of Soshanguve, TV adverts formed a large part of my past time activities. I am all grown up now and I am still fascinated by creative advertising, despite what anyone says, I reckon that a good advert can definitely get people to buy a product they don't even need. This brings me to MWEB's new marketing campaign called WHY WHIP OUT YOUR DONGLE?

My review of the TV commercial for this campaign:

When well executed, humor never fails to do the trick, in fact it can never get old or boring. The sexual innuendos in this advert are subtle and funny to say the least. The actors in the Ad are convincingly humorous. Overall, this Ad is an eye catcher.

MWEB's Free Wifi Router for R199 per month

Let me not get carried away with the campaign that I forget to touch on MWEB's  'package', no pun intended.

Personally speaking, the free wifi package is tempting but I am a prepaid girl. Before I discovered Neotel's Wifi dongle with 7 GB for R150 bundles I was using 8ta (now called Telkom Mobile), the 2 GB + 1 GB "promo". I actually spend more than R300 on data bundle per month so I'm actually seriously considering this MWEB offer, that's if there's nothing better out there.

Neotel vs Telkom Mobile/8ta

I haven't used any of MWEB's services so I actually don't have any criticism to level against them.
Neotel and Telkom Mobile are a different story. Let's start with Telkom Mobile; although R150 is reasonable for 3 GB, the fact that you can only access the 1 GB between 12am and 5am leaves a lot to be desired. Moreover, 3 GB is not enough for an entrepreneur with an online business.

My only critique about the Neotel data is that for some odd reason, it seems to block all my domains {www.lagostojozi.co.za, www.positivenetwork.co.za & several others} - which is VERY bad for my business. I've establish that it is NOT my server, firewall or any other aspect from my side because I am able to access the same sites using my 8ta data services. Neotel couldn't help and I still don't know what could be the problem. All I know is the problem is on their end, anyway that's a story for another day.

                                      Watch the MWEB Advert here

Blogger vs Wordpress

 V/S  

If you are contemplating starting your own free blog then you no doubt have Google's Blogger and Wordpress.com on your list. This article is aimed at helping you make an informed choice by highlighting the pros and cons of both Blogger and Wordpress.

Before we go any further it is important to note that Wordpress has two different products, Wordpress.com {a free blog hosting service that allows you to blog for free} and Wordpress.org {a free platform for self-hosted blog}. A self-hosted blog is a blog that has its own domain and host e.g. Succisaid.com would be an example of such if I had chosen to go for a self-hosted services.

Pros

1. It's free
2. It has many free themes, fonts and features.
3. It is user friendly and easy to learn.
4. Your blog has its own free standing site, where it enjoys exclusive viewing.
5. Access to documentation and blogging community.

Cons

1. You will sometimes see adverts on your blog - according to Wordpress this is done in an effort to recover financially from hosting free blogging services.
2. You are NOT allowed to advertise on your Wordpress blog with the exception of ads of a advertising program hosted by Wordpress for blogs that have high traffic. Please not that the criteria for this program is stiff.

Blogger automatically has more benefits than Wordpress based on the fact that Blogger is owned by Google (#enoughsaid).

Pros

1. It's free and easy to use
2. It has a greater search engine optimization value
3. One Google account gives you access to unlimited Google products including Google+, Analytics, Adsense and Adwords.
3. Google loves its own and therefore provides more than enough advice on how to build a successful blog.
4. You can monetarise your blog and earn money however you please including using Google Adsense.
5. Many tools available fr customization and more
6. Google does not place ads without your permission.


Cons
1. There is a "next blog" link at the top of your blog which means readers can easily be tempted to switch to another blog while reading yours
2. Google has very strict rules regarding plagiarism and Adsense terms & conditions.

If you have more pros and cons that I missed kindly paste them on the comment section below.

5 Quick Tips to Improve Your Online Presence

Thought I should quickly share five Tips & Tricks for increasing your online presence, so here goes.

1. Google Place & Google Plus

Considering that I am posting on a Google product (Blogger) it only makes sense to start with Google products: do yourself a huge favour and get a Google Plus page and a Google Places page. Google Pages will ensure that customers find your business premises via a Google search. The great thing is that these services are completely free and Google Places will guarantee you a seat on the first page search results.

2. Build links that lead to your site 

Make strategic online friendships that will eventually lead up to backlinks for your website via articles and features about you r your services/products. A backlink means that someone wrote about you on their website and provided a website link to your website, it is like an online recommendation.

Familiarize yourself with bloggers, similar sites and complementary sites. Do your research about the industry that you are in, you need to know where online your customers prefer to go for industry information and feeds. Know who the influencers are and collect success stories so that you can "copy" what your successful competitors.

3. Research! Research! Research!

Keyword research is absolutely necessary in order to ensure that you get the best organic search results, use Google Adword's Keyword Planner to search how much traffic certain keywords receive monthly.Choose your keywords wisely, try to choose keywords that have low or medium competition and receive above 1000 searches monthly. Only go for keywords that have high competition if you CANNOT do without them.

4. Create a Blog

Google ranks websites with blogs higher because of the constant content updates so make sure that you update your blog regularly. Always ensure that you make your blog posts reader and SEO friendly.

5. Create a section for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about your industry

Google's recent Algorithm looks favorably towards posts that address questions. The more useful information you provide the better. A good example of this is Property 24's article on consequences and problems caused by of illegal property alterations.

Bonus tip: Make sure you have a robot.txt file in your website's directory.

P.S: Feedback on this post is welcome

Welcome to Succi Said

Digital marketing 101: Let's #GetDigital

Make the most of your reading experience by familiarizing yourself with digital marketing jargon. Understanding digital terminologies, abbreviations and definitions will help you know which digital tools you and/or business ventures need and which you need to stay clear of.

Here are a few tips on social media:

Every business or individual has unique social media needs therefore before you create that Facebook, Twitter or Instagram profile you need to understand your social media needs.

#1. Identify your social media needs

First of all, social media is A LOT of work and it can take up much of your time especially for an entrepreneur. NEVER make the mistake of trying to be on all the social media platforms, even the biggest companies globally know not to make this mistake.

Be intentional about which social media platforms you choose, for instance, if you have a graphic design company it would make sense to be on image based social media platforms such as Flickr, Pinterest and Instagram. However if you have airtime & electricity supplies venture it wouldn't make sense to have the above mentioned as it doesn't correlate with your business needs. You would be better off getting a Facebook account as it will allow people to like your page based on their needs, interests or lifestyles.

#2. Consistency is important 

Decided on how many times a week you will update your social media profiles, this can be once a week or more depending on your strategy or preferences. Be consistent so as not to confuse your customers or audience.This is one of the most challenging things for an entrepreneur because your time is already spread thin and so many aspects of your entrepreneurial ventures need your attention.

#3. Get tools to schedule your social media post

As an entrepreneur you have so much to do and so little time because you have to be the jack of all trades and mater of all. Therefore you need to save as much time as possible, that's why you need to utilize the power of online tools. 

I have two tool suggestions for this purpose, Tweetdeck and Hootsuite. When used accordingly, these tools can save you a lot of time and potentially a lot of money.

Hootsuite allows you to schedule your tweets and Facebook posts; this means that you can create a whole week worth of content and schedule it for the week ahead. Talk about thinking ahead. This tool also allows you to manage your social media platforms from one dashboard. Also, note that this tool has a free and paid feature, the free feature allows you up to 3 social media profiles e.g. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as 3 analytics reports for those profiles. An analytics report is a document that shows you how popular (or not) your posts were on a certain social media platform over a given period. For instance, a two week analytics report for your Twitter account would show you which of your tweets received retweets, mentions and how many followers you received within the week.

Subscribe for more free tips and tricks for your entrepreneurship ventures.