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For Xolile, collaboration was a game-changer, particularly when it came to managing the operational demands of her business. As her orders grew, so did the logistical challenges. From sourcing materials to ensuring production ran smoothly, Xolile realised that she couldn’t do it all on her own. “I delegate and share the load, so I don’t have to be the one up all night cutting and doing everything,” Xolile explained. This shift made it a little easier to manage the demands of meeting retail needs. She also mentioned the importance of planning with others in mind, so that you know you've secured their time.
Xolile also leaned on relationships with local suppliers to streamline her supply chain, making sure she bought materials in bulk to avoid unnecessary trips to town. Even her family stepped in to help. “My church mom has a car, so she could help me pick up supplies when I needed them,” Xolile shared, emphasising how partnerships, even within her own household, were instrumental in helping her business run more efficiently.
For Sibusiso, collaboration came in the form of mentorship and external partnerships. Working with mentors from Woolworths and beyond, he gained insights that helped him meet the high demands of retail. “The mentors helped me build systems in the business,” he explained. “They showed me the importance of quality control and communication, which was key for scaling.” By collaborating with experts who had more experience, Sibusiso was able to implement new processes that improved the way his business operated.
Sibusiso also learned how to navigate the complexity of working with large retail partners. “The Woolworths team is huge. This week, I’m talking to one person, and next week, someone else. It’s important to understand how they move and how their systems work.” By building relationships within the organisation, Sibusiso was able to understand the expectations and standards required to succeed, using these partnerships to improve his own operations.
Tips for entrepreneurs
Collaboration has been a valuable component of Xolile and Sibusiso’s growth, but it’s not always easy to know how to make the most of partnerships. Here are some practical tips to consider:
Be open to help early on
Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Connect with people who can help with specific tasks, whether it’s managing your supply chain or handling day-to-day operations. It’s important to delegate and bring in external support when needed. Even if resources are tight, finding ways to share the workload can free you up to focus on growing your business.
Collaborate with intention
Whether working with suppliers or team members, take the time to map out schedules, delivery timelines, and responsibilities to avoid unnecessary stress and delays. Another important part of this is communication – use it as a tool to ensure that everyone understands what the overall goal is and how their role contributes to getting the team there.
Start close to home
Working with local suppliers can be a great way to reduce costs and build strong business relationships. As Xolile explained, collaborating with local businesses not only saves time, but also helps you create a reliable supply chain that can grow with your business. Buying in bulk or coordinating deliveries can save you trips and make your operations more efficient.
Build relationships with mentors
Seek out mentors who can offer expertise in areas where you might lack experience, whether it’s operations, marketing, or product development. A good mentor can open doors and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Be transparent with your partners
One of the key lessons Sibusiso learned was the importance of transparency. “It’s better to be honest with clients, letting them know exactly what we can deliver and when,” he said. By managing expectations early on, you can build trust with your partners and clients.
Xolile and Sibusiso’s retail experience reminds us of the value of building partnerships – whether with mentors, suppliers, or within teams. Their journey shows that collaboration isn’t just about sharing the workload – it’s also about leaning on the strengths of others to build something stronger and more sustainable.
To read more about Xolile's experience as part of the Woolies Youth Makers Programme, click here: https://www.woolworths.co.za/content/article/youth-makers-xolile/_/A-cmp214851
And for Sibusiso's, head over here: https://www.woolworths.co.za/content/article/youth-makers-sibusiso/_/A-cmp214848
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