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Plateau Hygiene

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Plateau Hygiene
Plateau Hygiene

On 31 March 2018, Eschel Liesering from Plateau Hygiene answered the following questions:

Have you been part of an entrepreneurial support programme? Yes
Which one? The Hope Factory Entrepreneur Development
Have you had a mentor? Yes
Who? Guy Cloete
What benefit did your mentor bring to your business? My mentor helped me with strategic planning. Putting ideas and goals on paper and then implementing plans that helped me achieve those goals. I was also taught that I should never stop learning and always look at ways to improve myself. I also had someone looking from the outside and the benefit was that he saw things that I often overlooked and this helped me to make better decisions.
What does your business do? Contract Cleaning, Pest Control, Hygiene Services, Waste Removal and General Maintenance

How many years have you been in operation? 4
What percentage of your sales is to clients OUTSIDE of Nelson Mandela Bay? 5%
Why did you start your business? I always wanted to start my own business. I was working for a family business about four years ago but the business sort of folded and had to scale down. I unfortunately was told that they can no longer afford to pay me a salary. I had to do something, fortunately I always had my eye on pest control and at that stage had already done some research. I then got myself qualified as Pest Control Operator and started my business. I later added more services.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Cash Flow is a challenge that many business experience and from time to time I also have to deal with this. And then obviously getting access to finance when in this situation is not easy. Gaining access to corporate clients is still a big challenge.
Your biggest success? In 2016 we provided pest control services to all public clinics in the Nelson Mandela Municipality. We serviced 62 clinics in total. We currently also tasked with the cleaning of the Uitenhage CBD, where we employ a total of 25 employees.
What is the one thing that made you realise being an entrepreneur was the right thing for you? I never gave up, even when it looked like my business was doomed to fail. It reminds me of the words of successful American inventor and businessman Thomas Edison; “I have not failed, I have just found 10000 ways that won’t work”
What is your contribution to Nett Employment? 30
Your best advice to other entrepreneurs wanting to take the leap? Before you start your business, do market research. It’s important to establish whether there is a market for the product or service you wish to offer. Draw up a business plan, this is key when applying for finance or when you looking for investors in your business. It is all about the figures.
What pitfalls must others look out for? Never take for granted the importance of having financial systems and controls in place. Your financial controls is a map of your business, it tells you where you are and what you need to do to take it to the next point or just what is needed to stay on route that you have mapped out for your business. The includes your balance sheet, trail balance and income statement.
What skill did you learn along the way that contributed the most to your business and why? Relationship Building, people what to do business with people. Technology has indeed changed theway we do business today. But people are human and enjoy having someone that understands them, someone who shows a bit of interest in their emotions and feelings.
What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now? I’m partaking in a program called “Access to Markets”. The aim of the program is to help Small Business gain access with the private and corporate sector. As small businesses we have a lot to offer and we are actively looking for corporates who are willing to partner with smaller business, up skill them and assist them to become part of their supply chain.
Who was your first client and what did you sell to them? My first client was lady from New Brighton, she had a bird lice problem in her home. I had to bird proof her home and fumigate.
How did that first sale come about? Believe it or not networking. Someone that knew me from my previous job as a sales executive, referred a friend to me.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? My family, my wife and three kids. Life is a precious gift, and we all have been given certain gifts. I believe that we should use these gifts to the best of our ability. And I love being an entrepreneur, looking for new opportunities, interacting when people, the thrill of the chase to get more business.
What inspired you to start your business? At school I really enjoyed business economics as a subject. And the teacher once asked us why should we work. And one of my answers was “to be part of the economy” he was very impressed with this answer. From that moment I knew that I want to not only work one day but also create jobs and do more for the economy.
How do you advertise your business? Facebook, Word of Mouth, Cold Calling
What do you look for in an employee? An employee must be honest, reliable and have a good work ethic.
Why do customers do repeat business with you? I don’t just sell a product or a service. I sell satisfaction and peace of mind. My clients always feel that it is money well spend.
How many hours do you work on average per day? 9
Who has been your greatest inspiration? Any entrepreneur who started with nothing
If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask? What has been your biggest challenge in terms of funding?

Contact Plateau Hygiene:

Telephone Number: (041) 378-1272
Address: 32 Athlone Street, Mount Pleasant, Port Elizabeth
Web Site: http://www.facebook.com/PlateauHygiene
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PlateauHygiene.com

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Port Elizabethan

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