By Strive Masiyiwa
Be an Entrepreneur 2
Understanding business models (Part 1)
"When did you first see the opportunity?"
When I first started Econet Wireless, I travelled to South Africa to meet the senior leadership of one of the leading mobile network companies. I was looking for investment into our business. I did the customary pitch and offered them 40% of my business. For some of you who have seen Shark Tank on Kwese Inc, it was a similar experience!
Their CEO balked at my price. "No way!" he said. "That is just too expensive!"
For several weeks we haggled over the price but we could not bridge the gap, and we decided to go our separate ways.
More than 10 years later, I ran into the chairman of that company at a reception, and he pulled me aside and said, "I really regret that we did not do that deal with you. Now I realize that your business was worth a lot more than you were asking for."
He nevertheless congratulated me and we kept close and friendly contact until he died. He was a wise old man.
This has happened to me many times. Sometimes I'm the one who walked away from a potential investment and sometimes I'm the one who missed out on a potentially great deal.
It's all business!
In that particular case, there was a reason we could not agree: I believed that the potential for growth in mobile phones was multiples higher than what they were projecting.
Even though we were both in the same industry and could be considered experts in our field, we had a dramatically different view on the impact of a new technology: "Pre-paid payment" system!
(At that time you could only get a contract. The pre-paid technology was invented in Israel, and it totally transformed the industry, allowing billions of people to get access.)
I believed it would change everything. They thought my assessment was exaggerated.
There are so many new technologies coming through these days. Do you know what great technology is going to dramatically impact your business or the company you work for?
Years ago I used to keep a quote from William Goldsmith (one of the first British billionaires) which said:
"If you see a bandwagon, it is already too late." What do you think that means?
Let's talk.
End.
Cutting insert
Your Superhard Tools Carbide Milling Inserts article is very Carbide Rotary Files Tungsten Carbide Rods amazing. It is very helpful for newcomers. Tungsten Carbide Nozzle It Carbide Turning Inserts really makes Solid Carbide Tools Molybdenum Products me Tungsten Carbide Factory happy. Thanks for this Threading Inserts great article.
Feb. 26, 2025, 8:52 a.m. Reply
Eva
It's important to choose games that provide you a unique experience, especially if you're new to the genre. Novice bettors should think about more than simply the odds and many markets when selecting a betting site. Jhandi Munda https://jhandimundaa.com/ is where I go to learn everything I can about video games. It's a safe environment for people who like to explore and discover new things. These materials are a great method for people who are new to sports betting to learn about the basics, such as arithmetic and odds.
Feb. 8, 2026, 2:54 a.m. Reply
Joodsil
Costumo acessar o site https://slot777.com.br/ para jogar online no slot 777. Não há espaço para tédio, já que existem muitas atividades divertidas para realizar. Estou satisfeito com as ferramentas e recursos disponíveis no site. Desejo adquirir mais conhecimento sobre este tema. Essa é a forma mais segura de se divertir.
April 7, 2026, 3:03 a.m. Reply
Sheetal roy
The companion I met through Escort South Delhi was charming, intelligent, and carried herself with remarkable confidence throughout the evening.
June 20, 2026, 3:01 p.m. Reply
Dating
Well-written and insightful post! Your explanation was clear, accurate, and easy to follow. Looking forward to more! Delhi call girls
June 25, 2026, 12:55 p.m. Reply
Vlad19
Traveling from Punta Cana Airport to Secrets Tides is a simple and comfortable journey that marks the beginning of an unforgettable Caribbean vacation. After arriving at Punta Cana International Airport, most visitors want transportation that allows them to reach the resort efficiently so they can start relaxing as soon as possible. The journey from Punta Cana Airport to Secrets Tides covers approximately 27 miles (44 kilometers) and usually takes around 45 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route follows modern highways toward the Uvero Alto region, an area well known for its peaceful beaches, luxury resorts, and beautiful natural surroundings. Many travelers choose private transportation because it provides direct service without multiple hotel stops. This allows guests to spend less time on the road and more time enjoying their vacation. Spacious vehicles with air conditioning and comfortable seating also make the trip more enjoyable after several hours of air travel. The drive from Punta Cana Airport to Secrets Tides offers visitors their first look at the tropical beauty of the Dominican Republic. Palm-lined roads, lush vegetation, and local scenery create a pleasant introduction to the destination before guests arrive at the resort's welcoming entrance. Planning transportation before traveling also helps reduce stress on arrival day. Instead of comparing transportation options after landing, visitors already know their journey to the resort has been arranged. This preparation allows the vacation to begin immediately after leaving the airport. Whether visiting for a romantic honeymoon, a special anniversary, or a relaxing beach escape, arranging transportation from Punta Cana Airport to Secrets Tides helps create a smooth, comfortable, and memorable start to the entire vacation experience.
Aug. 7, 2026, 7:06 p.m. Reply
Video editing is a crucial skill in today's digital age. Whether you're a professional filmmaker, a content creator, or just someone looking to share memories with friends and family, having a solid understanding of video…
Getting admission in a reputed educational institution is unquestionably quite a challenging tas…
Getting admission in a reputed educational institution is unquestionably quite a challenging task for the students, but there’s another serious challenge waiting for them once they complete their higher studies, which is th…
A skills gap is the difference between skills that employers want or need, and skills their workforce offer. As the Business is evolving and employers need their workforce to keep pace. But when employees and candidates don&rsquo…
National Skill India Mission, a subsidiary of Bharath Sevak Samaj, established in 1952 by Indian Parliament is a National Development Agency promoted by the Planning Commission, Govt. of India to ensure public Co-operation for im…
The importance of mobile phones in our everyday life and activities is undeniably unending. This is so because there is ongoing tremendous transformation in that mobile phones are no longer the ordinary communication device it us…
Grab the exciting business opportunity with a leading institution in skill empowerment and education…Hurry up!!!
Tie up with Bharath Sevak Samaj (BSS), offering short-term Course enabling students to attain and adopt wo…
National Skill India Mission, a subsidiary of Bharath Sevak Samaj, established in 1952 by Indian Parliament is a National Development Agency promoted by the Planning Commission, Govt. of India to ensure public Co-operation for im…
We introduce ourselves as National Skill India Mission (Nsim), a branch of Bharat Sevak Samaj, National Development Agency promoted by planning commission, Govt. Of India to ensure public co-operation for implementing gover…
Grab the exciting business opportunity with a leading institution in skill empowerment and education…Hurry up!!!
Tie up with Bharath Sevak Samaj (BSS), offering short-term Course enabling students to attain and adopt wo…
