What’s your name and designation?

My name is Maryke Jooste and I own and operate Mastering It.

Tell us about your journey. How did you get started with your business and what inspired you to do so?

Mastering It has a journey of almost 5 years as I started the business in 2020. I had the vision of helping students holistically through providing them with one platform to grow in their education, life and career skills. Students have a lot of responsibility from a young age and need to make a lot of big decisions very soon in their life. Therefore, Mastering It wants to come alongside them and help through basic services like tutoring, career tests and more.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business and how did you overcome them?

Probably Marketing and getting people to know my business! You of course know the value of your services and products but communicating that can be tough. Over the years I have learned which marketing channels work best for my business and industry – of course word of mouth, Facebook groups and email marketing.

What unique aspects of doing business in South Africa would you highlight (good or bad)?

It is very easy to start a business in South Africa – the bureaucracy isn’t that much and this really helps in getting things started to see whether it will work out! I only registered Mastering It as a Pty Ltd last year as it grew quite well.

How do you differentiate your business from competitors?

We try to take a holistic approach in providing a variety of services that we believe our clients need. Therefore, they don’t need to make contact with different businesses but we can help with a variety. Such as extra classes, study skills and career tests.
Also, we are very flexible for delivering services and consider the schedule of the client as well.
And we can provide the services at the client’s location as well, depending on their location. Alternatively, we can also assist via online platforms.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in growing your customer base?

Word of mouth, and Facebook groups.

What’s one mistake you made early on that you wish you could go back and fix?

Appointing adequate service providers (Tutors), appointing people on a fixed salary to soon and lack of confidence (which influences so many of our business decisions!).

What’s the most rewarding part of being a business owner?

Flexibility in hours and location of work. And the time available to spend with family.

How do you approach innovation and staying relevant in your industry?

Yes that of course is vital! But I have learned over the years that sometimes what you are already doing is enough if it is working well! Yes, we can adapt our teaching styles, marketing avenues or how we grow our business through new digital platforms. But it is important to stick to what works, make sure there is consistency while using it (regular emails or blog posts) and add what can benefit your business and clients.

We do offer our tutors and service providers training in order to keep their skillset updated.

How has your business adapted to the digital age, and what advice would you give to others looking to do the same?

You can’t avoid it! I believe that my business has grown to what it is because of my digital footprint (social media and website). Yes, initially I did a lot of networking and got clients through building relationships but what keeps my business going is definitely a digital presence.

• Plan when to use social media and generate posts in advance.
• Keep it relevant to what your audience wants to hear.
• Make sure to share some tips with your audience through your platforms and not just sale pitches.
• Don’t post TOO much or TOO little – get the balance!
• Chat to experts.
• Follow other social media pages to get ideas.
• The internet is full of input on how to use the different digital platforms well. take the time to do your research!

What advice do you have for someone just starting a business in South Africa?

1. Have a community of support – the journey can take longer than expected.
2. Work with what you have – your finances, level of skill etc. And grow and expand from there! Don’t wait until everything is “perfect” (depending on your business demands of course)
3. Yes, planning and research is important. But I learned a lot through trial and error, so don’t be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone, start your business and grow as you continue.
4. Have a journal and jot down those dreams & ideas! Be your own source of inspiration and encouragement. The business journey is sometimes quite discouraging – so these journals will be great to fall back on!
5. Pray. I have a close relationship with God and He has lead me through the business journey faithfully. I count on His guidance for my success!

For more information, visit Mastering It’s listing.

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