Ken Varejes, Group CEO of media innovation hub Nfinity, says that many business owners reach a point in their life cycle where growth stagnates and they’re not sure how to progress.
Tenacity is defined in the dictionary as “persistent determination”. This aptly describes the central ethos of the businesses that Ken has taken a vested interest in within Nfinity. “It ties into quality and work ethic which are both critical for success,” he says.
It’s the age old story of being like a bulldog and never giving up. I use the example often of a youngster looking for work – don’t expect to walk into a job. If you want to work for a particular company don’t take no for an answer, camp out on their doorstep, research everything about that company and be prepared to work just for free if you have to get a foot in the door! And importantly, make yourself invaluable! Soon enough they will find a salary for you.”
This is the type of tenacity that makes for entrepreneurial excellence.
An innovator and salesman at heart, Ken believes in elevating his businesses within the media space. “Our businesses offer their intended audiences unique ways to communicate, to engage and that ultimately make a difference to that company’s bottom line.”
“I’ve always said that it’s crucial to have good people around you, and that includes a solid infrastructure of people that perhaps know more than you do in key areas of the business.”
Nfinity offers their existing businesses a solid management backing that includes assistance on financial management, client retention, increasing sales and finding market gaps that need to be filled. “It’s all about having the correct networking contacts and tapping into each other’s networks of people,” comments Ken. “The shared business knowledge, intellectual property and even shared moral support are crucial for any business taking the next step up.”
“We work with people who are passionate about their business, who have the tenacity to achieve, a never say die attitude and who will not give up at the first hiccup along the way. Right now Nfinity has an incredible group of innovative media businesses that are thriving and it’s because each and every MD and member of our team believe in what their business stands for and work 24/7 to achieve the end goal,” he says.
“I believe there’s a ton of opportunity for businesses in South Africa provided you have an offering that will fill a gap in the market and you have complete belief in what you’re selling. Because ultimately if you don’t believe in your own product or service you’ve failed before you’ve begun.
To sum it all up: “Be a bulldog, don’t let go, be persistent and finally, know when to lean on someone for some assistance.”
