1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
CRM Enterprise (Pty) Ltd is a privately owned company committed to ensuring that your brand remains prominent in the minds of clients. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including Corporate Gifts, Promotional Products, Vehicle Wrapping, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Branding and Signage Solutions. CRM is proudly 100% black female-owned and holds a Level 1 B-BBEE rating. Furthermore, we are a certified premium member of the Resellers Association of South Africa (ROSA).
2. When, how, and why did you start your business?
The business was established in 2018 following a retrenchment. My former employer generously permitted me to retain my laptop, a small desk, and the cellphone I had been using for work at the time. With these items—a laptop, cellphone, small desk, plastic chair, and a strong sense of determination—I launched CRM Enterprise from the corner of my bedroom. The first corporate clients were Care Bible Church, my church, and my previous employer, Aruze Gaming Africa.
3. What is your role in the business?
I serve as the CEO and Business Development Manager. My responsibilities include providing strategic guidance to the team, overseeing day-to-day operations, sourcing new business opportunities, and personally managing most of our corporate clients’ accounts.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
- National Diploma in Tourism Management – UNISA
- B Com in Marketing and Management Science – IMM Graduate School
- National Certificate in Business Management – UJ
- Small Business Enrichment Program – UJ
- Payroll and Tax Administration Short Course – UCT
5. How did you finance your business?
Initially, I financed the business using my funds, severance pay, and assistance from family and friends. As the business began to grow and the volume of Purchase Orders increased, I partnered with Payabill to support Purchase Order funding, repaying them every week. Currently, we maintain a balanced portfolio of clients who either pay upfront or every week, alongside those who pay within 30 or 60 days, depending on the terms of our contracts. This arrangement significantly improves our cash flow, enabling us to process orders efficiently and deliver on time.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
No two workdays are the same in our industry. However, upon arriving at the office, I begin by reviewing emails and WhatsApp messages from the previous day. I then hold a status meeting with the sales team to receive updates on current orders and provide assistance or guidance as needed. Following this, I assign the daily schedule to our driver and review my schedule with my Executive Assistant.
The remainder of the day is filled with meetings, client visits, and facilitating the submission of Quotes, RFPs, RFQs, and Tenders. I consistently monitor developments in the industry and the broader economy to stay informed of the latest trends. As a result, when I am not working, I dedicate time to research or keeping up with the news.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
Having begun my career in the gaming industry, which operates 24/7, I have gained valuable experience in effectively balancing my work and home life. Additionally, I am supported by a strong network that ensures my home is well-managed in my absence. The advantage of being self-employed is the flexibility it offers in managing my time. My Executive Assistant also has a system in place to ensure that I do not miss any of my children’s activities, whether related to school, sports, or hobbies. During the December holidays, I take leave and fully disconnect to spend quality time with my family.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
My passion is driven by the entire process, from understanding the client’s brief and executing the project to delivering the final product and witnessing the satisfaction of our clients. I am inspired by young individuals who take bold steps to create positive change in their lives. Through CRM Enterprise, I can provide employment opportunities for the youth and contribute positively to the economic growth of our country. Additionally, I draw inspiration from successful entrepreneurs who started their businesses from the ground up and are now thriving.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
I find that I am most productive in my office during the evenings, when it is quiet, and there are no walk-in customers or frequent phone calls, as occurs during the day. Additionally, I keep my journal on my bedside pedestal, where I write down any ideas that come to mind during the night.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
We primarily promote our work through our social media platforms and website. Additionally, we attend numerous networking events to connect with potential clients. Now in our seventh year of operation, we have successfully served hundreds of customers with excellence, and we are increasingly receiving orders through word-of-mouth referrals.
11. What is next for your business?
We are actively working towards acquiring state-of-the-art branding facilities, additional branding equipment, and delivery vehicles to enable us to handle multiple deliveries simultaneously.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Pursue a business venture in an industry you are truly passionate about, as your passion will serve as the driving force during challenging times. It takes time for a business to break even, so it is essential to save enough to support yourself and your family for at least six months, or longer if you are unable to draw a salary. (I wish someone had shared this advice with me.)
Ensure that you are familiar with all compliance requirements specific to your business, as it can be difficult to secure funding or support if your business is not formalized and compliant. Develop a clear value proposition that sets you apart from your competitors, even in a saturated industry. In conclusion, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strength. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to your network— you will be surprised by how many people are eager to support your success.
Short bio:
Connie Matlejoane, an entrepreneur from Klipfontein View in Midrand, has built a thriving business despite facing numerous challenges including COVID-19. After being retrenched, she took a bold step to start her own business – both to support her family and to contribute to local economic growth by creating employment opportunities in her community. What began with just a desk, laptop, and cell phone in the corner of her bedroom has since grown into a successful enterprise with 7 permanent employees.
Her company, CRM Enterprise, offers a diverse range of services, including corporate gifts, promotional products, PPE and workwear, vehicle wrapping, branding, and signage solutions. CRM Connect Internet Café also offers small business support services and company registrations.
Contact information – 011 568 4593 | 064 777 8178 | conniem@crmenterprise.co.za | www.crmenterprise.co.za
