The South African Business Schools Expo provides individuals with information about qualifications, skills development and labour market trends. This year, I’m privileged to be a speaker at the expo, presenting on Earnings, Qualifications & the Professional.

Many professionals acquire further qualifications, in part, because they expect to access better employment opportunities and increase their earnings in future.  But does it automatically hold true?

I’m planning to examine these broad areas:

1. Unlocking the value in your career

Over the years, I’ve come across executives boasting a Grade 12 and office managers completing their Masters degree. Guess who pocketed the real moolah? If you want to unlock the value in your career, you must navigate the relationship between qualifications and earnings.

2. Changes in the employment and remuneration landscape

Professionals that settle for sheltered employment over the entrepreneurial life; don’t necessarily find it sheltered. From restructuring chaos to taxation of employment income, professionals are on the receiving end. The recession has forced some professionals to drastically change their careers or settle for jobs, they wouldn’t have considered before.

3. Role of recruitment agents, HR & Management

Remember the recruitment agent that pigeon holed you because they couldn’t look beyond your qualifications?  What about HR dealing with your pay gripes? Who can you trust, when it comes to your qualifications and earnings?

I’m planning to share practical, actionable insights to leverage your qualifications on the earnings front. If you reside in Johannesburg/Pretoria and wish to attend the free presentation, read more and register here.

It’s come to that time again, where I have a fantastic Nokia phone to give away. Last time it was the Nokia N97, now it’s the Nokia N8.

The phone’s packed with some awesome features, but let’s just focus on a hand full:

• The phone comes with a 12 megapixel camera, including a xenon flash, so you’ll be able to capture photographs in low light situations as well.
• Software wise, the phone run Symbian 3, which allows for multi-touch, flick scrolling and pinch-zoom. They phone is very particular about memory management, which allows you to run a number of applications comfortably at the some time.
• Connect to your home theatre with the N8 via the HDMI connection, show of your photographs and videos in high-definition digital 720p resolution. The phone also features Dolby Digital Plus technology, which means that it’s compatible with home theatre systems, meaning that your videos won’t only look great, but they’ll sound great too.
• You’ll get up to 50 hours of music playback and a 6 month unlimited access account to the Ovi store.
• 16GB of memory, which should be plenty for all your photographs, applications and video, and if that isn’t enough, the phone comes with a MicroSD slot, which is hot-swappable up to 32GB extra.

Here’s a quick video to give you a better idea:

Quite the device isn’t it?

Well, I guess you want to know how to enter, right?

All you need to do is send me a photograph with the digit 8 in it to nokia@imod.co.za

Competition ends: Sunday 12th, midday.

Go on. Be Creative. Win Nokia.

Terms and conditions for Nokia N8 competition

• To enter the competition, send an email with your photo containing an 8 in the image to nokia@imod.co.za. The winner selection is at the sole discretion of the judge and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Winners will be contacted via the email address the photo was submitted on. .
• The delivery of the prize is subject to the arrival date of the device in the country.
• Entries received after 12:00pm 12th September will be disqualified
• The competition is open to everyone living in South Africa except employees and immediate family members of Nokia, Fleishman-Hillard and iMod employees.
• Please note that if you are a winner on the Nokia Ringaz Blog you may not be eligible to win another Nokia or Nokia Ringaz competition for a period of three months.
• Entry into this competition constitutes acceptance of the above rules

While sitting here in Russia at a rather confusing keyboard, I’ve come to realise this week how much my life has changed since starting to learn Russian itself. Learning a new language might not be all that easy, but there are many benefits indeed. Many people learn languages for many different reasons, but I think now’s the time to cover five really good reasons why you should get cracking on a new language. And remember, these are only five of many reasons…

The first reason is because you’ll have a lot more culture. People who have culture are people who are knowledgeable and who know their way around life. If you know another language, you’ll be more cultured simply because this would permit you to travel more, understand more and you’ll know the world way better than the next guy. You’ll also learn new ways of expressing yourself and understanding how things work.

The second is because people will like you. This sounds very self-serving, but what I mean is that they will enjoy your presence, and there’s nothing wrong with that. People like people with knowledge, whom they can learn from, as long as you’re not a show-off. People like hearing stories from other countries and from others, so by telling them about your travels and experiences with your new language, you will definitely develop new friendships.

The third is because you’ll discover so much. This is probably the biggest reason – so many doors open for your once you start, even from day one. Not only will you be more open to a whole new culture, you’ll be able to meet thousands of other people thanks to your extra language. No one knows where life will take us, and knowing this extra language might just make your life completely different. In my case, both German and Russian have done this ten times over. Even Afrikaans has.

The fourth is because you’ll develop your mind. By learning, you exercise your brain, and so you keep up to speed with how to memorize and do simple mental exercises. When you learn a new language, you need to put words and verbs together, which works your brain. You’ll be very good at associating other things as well. In short, it’s good for you.

The fifth reason why you should learn another language is because it’s fun. However, you need to make it fun. Learning a language isn’t easy, but by enjoying the experience and turning it into an interactive game you can truly have a lot of fun. You can also learn along from or with someone else, which should be amusing for both of you. Remember: learning a new language is 50% you, and 50% the teacher, and many argue that it’s 100% up to you…

There you have it – five good reasons why you should get a good course on any language and start learning. We all say: I’ll learn Spanish after I retire or I’ll start learning this when I finish that – but if you don’t get moving now, then you most probably will never start.

Now is the time to start studying a new language, not later. You’ll benefit from knowing this language sooner than later.

So, if you could start tomorrow, what language would you want to learn?

As I mentioned in last week’s news, Kia Motors South Africa launched their new Sportage in Mozambique. The new car features an entirely new design language and looks nothing like its predecessor, in fact, you may be forgiven for thinking the Sportage is a concept car that’s driven straight off the motor show stand and onto the road. A winning combination of bold curves, lines and surfaces, the new Kia Sportage is a looker from any angle and the interior has moved far more upmarket too.

There are three engine choices: a 122 kW 2.0-litre petrol; 130 kW 2.4-litre petrol and 130 kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. There are also three levels of trim specification, namely ‘Ignite’, ‘2WD’ and ‘AWD’. To give you some idea of the equipment list, all 2WD and 4WD models – excluding the entry-level ‘Ignite’ – feature ‘Welcome home’ escort lights and LED day-time running lights. The AWD models also benefit from a tailgate-mounted reversing camera with interior mirror display monitor; 18-inch alloy wheels; Smart Card (for keyless entry, together with an engine start/stop button); radio/CD/MP3-player with 6-disc changer, subwoofer and amplifier. Inside, the Sportage offers enough space for four adults with luggage, while the driving position is comfortable and the instrumentation is ‘clean’ and easy to read. On the move the Sportage handles well thanks to its wider front and rear tracks (74 mm / 75 mm), as well as a 23 mm lower ride height at 172 mm. The Kia Sportage offers practicality, comfort, on-road composure, head turning looks and competitive pricing, to the extent that it may just be the jewel in Kia’s crown. You can read full details here.

In celebration of Alfa Romeo’s centenary year, the Italian company has announced the availability of a commemorative version of the Alfa Romeo GT 3.2, aptly named the GT Limited Edition. Just 30 of these Bertone-designed beauties are destined for South Africa, with each one wearing a unique number to mark its individuality. The car is set apart from the standard GT model with a new 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel design; red brake calipers; a satin metallic finish on the side mirrors, door handles and front grille; red stitching on the leather covered sports seats; aluminium sports pedals and instrument cluster. Power output from the 3.2-litre V6 engine remains unchanged, at 176 kW. Despite the additional equipment and its limited edition status, the GT’s price remains unchanged at R395 100.

The Renault Mégane ‘Shake It!’ has made a return to the latest Mégane model range. The new Mégane ‘Shake It!’ features the same practical five-door configuration as the existing Mégane Dynamique hatchback. Despite the ‘entry-level’ positioning, the Mégane ‘Shake It!’ boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and retains the hatchback’s contemporary cabin layout, with upmarket soft-touch finishes and classy, dark charcoal upholstery. The ‘Shake It!’ specification includes a single-CD/MP3-compatible/RDS radio linked to satellite controls mounted on the steering wheel column. Bluetooth connectivity is provided, along with connectivity for a MP3-player via a USB adapter, auxiliary audio jack or iPod connection. Air-conditioning is standard, while added comfort is assured by means of height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with further adjustment extending to the steering wheel (height and reach) and headrests. Renault’s 1.6-litre 16-valve engine, urges the Shake It! along with 83 kW of power – good for the 0 – 100 km/h dash in 10.5 seconds and a 195 km/h top speed. At R199 900, the Shake It! is an alluring alternative in this price segment, both in styling and its features list.

If you’re not aware, the government’s new carbon emissions tax came into effect on 1 September. South African buyers will now pay an ad valorem CO2 emissions tax on their new passenger vehicles. The emissions tax will initially apply to passenger cars, but will be extended to commercial vehicles once agreed CO2 standards for these vehicles have been set. The main objective of this emissions tax is to influence the composition of South Africa’s vehicle fleet to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, while generating an estimated R1 billion in revenue. New passenger cars will be taxed based on their certified CO2 emissions. Any new passenger vehicles with a CO2 rating of above 120 g/km will attract a tax of R75 (excl. VAT) for every g/km over that value.

German tuner Brabus has revealed the first details of their tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Changes are largely cosmetic at this stage, but no less spectacular. Brabus have given their SLS AMG a new front spoiler, with two Brabus covers for the upper air inlets in the bumper that make for better cooling. The rear of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features a Brabus rear spoiler and a new diffuser, with cutouts for the bespoke Brabus sport exhaust system. All components are available either made from clear-coated carbon fibre or can be painted to match, or contrast, the car’s exterior colour. The Brabus SLS wears a new set of forged aluminium wheels, which are 12 percent lighter than those of the standard SLS. The front wheels are 20-inch in diameter and are wrapped in 275/30 profile rubber, while out back the Brabus SLS is fitted with a 21-inch, 295/25 profile wheel and tyre combination. While engine tuning for the 6.3-litre V8 is still in the final development phase, a light weight titanium sport exhaust system is available. This exhaust system weighs 12 kgs or 40 percent less than the production exhaust and Brabus claims it adds an extra 7 kW to the engine’s output.?

About 15 minutes ago, I was standing outside looking at Table Mountain and thinking to myself, “that looks like a cold front, yet no weather reports forecast rain”. Anyway, down came the rain, and of all the weather reports, it would appear that this one was correct:

I looked a little further and notice that Saturday is forecast at 26 degrees – that’ll probably be the hotest weather we’ve seen in a couple months I think, hells, the beaches are going to be packed!!!

It would appear that the online gambling space in South Africa is going through a rather up and down phase. Firstly the news was that a law was passed and online gambling in South Africa was banned, shortly after that Piigs Peak Casino and Silver Sands Casino both stopped operating in South Africa.

All the online casino’s have appealed to the High Court and now they are operating again and have permission to appeal. Silver Sands Casino is back up and operating for South Africans and it would appear that Piggs Peak have follow suite.

During the interum, it was possible for players to use Bodog Casino, which never shut down. Bodog offers poker of course, as well as all the other typical online gambling games, so if you’re looking for somewhere to play, you could always head on over there.

I’m not too certain as to what time frame the casino’s will be able to operate or when the appeal will take place, but the casino’s are up and running again, so it’s best to make use of them now before we experience another down time!

Rack in those chips!

You've Got Mail!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am really big on email campaigns. Build a big database, build a relationship with your readers and then add value to their lives. This “Serve First” principle has helped me build a very successful online business.

This morning I had a very interesting call from a client who is struggling with their email campaign. They have a HUGE database of well over 1 million readers, but last month they received NOT ONE positive response. It seemed incredibly dodgy to me – the Rule of Big Numbers means that someone, somewhere must have opened up the email and made contact with them.

My first port of call was to check the server reliability. Since they host with Kwikkermail, I know the servers are running, and a quick check online showed me that their server was not blacklisted or anything. So what was it?

I quickly asked for a copy of their email, and I knew immediately why things went wrong: they chose a terrible Subject Line. It was basic: “Company A Events Calendar“. Even though people know who Company A is, why on earth would they open up the email? It seems like it’s not even for them!

So, here are a few simple rules I use to increase my maximum deliverability:

1. Keep in mind that the receiver actually may not know you.
2. Give them a REASON to open the email.
3. Something that starts with “How to…” performs the best.
4. Also “Save …”
5. Adding a time limit works!
6. Next, I use the Google Keyword Tool to research a little on how many people actually search for a keyword. Obviously the more searches conducted the more people would read it.

Here are a couple of great examples that have worked well for me in the past:

1. How to reduce your debt.
2. How to earn R1million in 12 months (seriously!)
3. Save 38% every month right now! (details inside)
4. Change the way you think about Cold Calling
5. Increase your Home Security today.

The next test is to split test. This can be a bit tricky, but what I would do is split my mailing list up into 4 parts:

10%, 10%, 80%

I then send out an email to the first 2 groups, each with a different subject line. After 24 hours, I’ll monitor the responses. The subject line with the highest open rate, gets the go-ahead for the other 80%.

I am really loving Drew Barrymore’s style at the moment. Here are 3 outfits that she looked fabulous in recently:

1. For an appearence on the David letterman show, Drew wore a Richard Chai sequined long sleeved top, paired with navy Camilla and Marc pants and gorgeous grey YSL suede pumps (which she has been wearing alot lately)

2. For the LA Premiere of her new movie, Going the Distance, Drew wore a Gold Catherine Malandrino dress with her grey YSL suede pumps.

3. Drew rocked a red carpet event in a $25 dollar dress (which she bought a thrift store in Texas) and nude YSL pumps.

Click below links to read other posts by Brazen:

• Ode to scarves
• virtual styling
• Bewitching black lace
• Hot heels
• Winter wear wants
• Style Crush: Olivia Palermo

[Thanks Bridget]

I’ve been slacking here lately, work has absorbed me and I’ve just really not had a chance to pick up in some areas, such as the gadget of the week.

This week I came across an awesome multi-tool, something that everyone should have in their house or car, you never know when you’ll need a screw drivers or the likes!

This Utility® Scarab comes with a number of awesome features:

• Serrated needle nosed pliers and wire strippers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Knife
• File
• Flat screwdriver
• Removable key chain

It only weighs 46 grams and is 50 x 35 x 7 mm in size – nice and small! Another bonus is that it’s made out of stainless steel.

It costs R120.00 only, I’m not kidding you, that’s it! If you’re interested in buying one, simply click here.