Ah, summer! That time of year when the air is buzzing with excitement! It’s a time to regenerate and give old things some new juice.

We‘re welcoming summer by sharing some unusual business tactics that will take you from layman to legend.

1. Get your game on!

Add a fun factor by gamifying your products or services. Turn training modules into gaming sessions, host competitions and challenges, and reward your people and customers through various digital, internal comms and social media platforms.

2. From Mzansi to the world with e-commerce

Did you know that the value of e-commerce transactions in South Africa is expected to increase from R150 billion to R225 billion in 2025? If your goods or services can be traded online, some practical reasons to move in this direction are that e-commerce breaks down geographical barriers and increases your market access. Watch out, Shein and Temu, South Africa’s online retail scene is on the rise.

3. Pop up somewhere unexpected

When you’re starting out and need as few overheads as possible, a pop-up store can be just the right fit. Create an appetite for your products or services and follow it up with teaser posts on social media. Keep your new and emerging markets hungry for when you make an appearance again. If budget-appropriate, take a multi-channel approach with your advertising. Choose from a mix of print, social media and digital advertising and pop-up events. Invest in the surprise factor, but also take the time out to create a business listing.

4. Get influential

Could it be time to surf the influencer marketing wave? According to the 2024 Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report South Africans are embracing this trend, with approximately 60% of South African brands plugging funds into influencer marketing. The best part? You can adopt influencer marketing at your own pace with micro, macro and nano-influencers as your budget allows.

5. Localisation is lekker

Business English has its place, but are you using enough vernac when you communicate with your customers? Embracing local lingo is not just a fad, but a relatable way to connect with your audience, and it makes a lasting impact through our shared cultural and everyday experiences. Influencers communicate in vernacular in their content. We also get to witness South African giants like Nando’s and Chicken Licken feeding off South Ah’s inside jokes and current events. Context and timing are everything.

6. Create a business stokvel

Stokvels are part of the fabric of South Africa. They’re a great way for communities to pool their resources together and help each other out in times of need. As a business, you can take it one step further by collaborating with other small businesses that have similar goals and interests to save towards those milestones together. By combining your resources, you can ease the pressure and risk to your business.

7. Host a business shower

There’s nothing more South African than people coming together to celebrate. On any given weekend, there is definitely a baby or bridal shower being hosted somewhere – but have you ever considered hosting a business shower for your friend (or yourself!) who has just started their small business? Guests can bring gifts that will help the business find its feet in the early days and add some excitement around the start of this new journey, much like the birth of a new baby or a marriage. Some great ideas: business books, branded or personalised mugs and stationery, or even pay it forward with smart office solutions.  

8. Jump on viral trends to create buzz

Keep an eye on how social media trends can help elevate the ways you market your business. When done well, it has the potential to go viral and create a new buzz around your business and positive brand association. 

Get that summer feeling for your business!

Give your business’s summer new life by entering our Tap2Win competition.

All you need to do is either purchase a SIM, sign up for a new contract or upgrade an existing one and you could stand to win from an exciting pool of R350 million in prizes!

Access value for your business

There are mobile and broadband deals that will help you embrace your summer hustle and keep you connected to your customers. Visit the Telkom Business home page for more information about the ways you can embrace your summer vibe and win.