The plague of social media, it is everywhere and there is no avoiding it.  Learn how to adapt your business to reflect the modern networked economy.

Millions of people access digital technology in their daily lives.  With the rise of social networking sites, the internet has transformed into a powerful communication platform, allowing us to establish valuable connections with other online users.

The general perception is that these sites were developed for recreational and entertainment purposes but what is evident today is that businesses have found the means for marketing and trade via these sites. 

With increasing numbers adopting social media as the preferred method of communication, companies should be aware of the benefits of establishing a social media presence. 

However, merely creating an online profile is not enough.  “There is a lot of preparation that needs to happen before flicking the social media switch on” says Peter du Toit, co-founder of Social Media IQ.

What are social networks?

Social networks act as virtual meeting places for communities to share common interests and discuss different topics.  The most common social networking sites include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and You Tube.

How will social media benefit your company?

Social networking is one of the most cost effective ways to keep in touch with people.  Social networks are not limited by geographical boundaries or cultural differences and thus benefit your business by directly reaching out to your desired market.

Before professionals would make use of print-based interactions; these have now been supplemented by social media which allows for instantaneous information exchange. 

Is social media applicable to your company?

Social media is about building relationships; therefore if your clients are users of social networks you need to establish a community between the two.  This will create a platform for information exchange, ensuring that you keep up to date with trends and discussions around your product, service, website etc.

 Many companies view social networks as a villain, with most even banning these sites due to misuse.  However, when the majority of your consumers are based on these sites, avoiding them can be fatal.  Du Toit explains that if your business does not respond to the current trends, people will move on to a competitor who is prepared to meet them where they are.

 Areas largely impacted by social media, because they require direct contact with an audience, include Research and Development, Marketing, Sales, PR and Customer Care.

 What do social media users expect from company profiles?

Du Toit explains that digital natives expect businesses to be transparent, sincere and to respond in real-time.  What this means is, businesses need to once again develop a relationship and listen and act upon conversations. 

 In order for the consumers to show interest in you, you need to show interest in them.  You can no longer hide behind a marketing campaign, but need to engage with clients as participants.  “Most businesses already have a community around the business, the shift is now to enable that community to become a part of the business” du Toit says.

 Integrate social media into your business

Integrating social media into your business requires understanding of the medium.  Communication is no longer a linear process, but an interactive one.  This means maintaining a culture of listening and providing feedback.  Du Toit notes that this cultural shift must first occur within the company itself.  If your business maintains a hierarchical flow of communication, it is unlikely that you will successfully sustain a social media presence.

 Once you have an understanding of the medium you will then need to develop a strategy.  Ensure that your online presence is aligned with clear company objectives.  Furthermore, you will need to learn the social behaviour of your community in order to suit their needs.  With this will follow a content strategy that will facilitate positive associations.

 Du Toit advises into employing community managers that will nurture the relationship between existing and future clients.  He notes that “the most successful use of social media occurs when open, free flowing communication is part of the company culture.”

 To read more about social media, visit Peter du Toit’s website at http://socialmediaiq.co.za

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREPHINE

22 years old, Owner of Kiwi Catering and Little Cake Queen

After matriculating in 2006, Kim Meierhans obtained a Cookery Certificate from False Bay College and got her industry training at Upper Crust in BCX in Century City. In 2008 she obtained her Professional Chef Diploma from Capsicum Culinary Studio and did some more industry training for Entrée Catering. For the next few years she worked as a private chef while starting her own catering company called Kiwi Catering. Kim ran Kiwi Catering, by herself, from her parent’s kitchen catering to small events and specialising in fancy party foods. In 2010 she returned to studying and obtained a Patisserie Diploma at Capsicum Culinary Studio. In early 2011 she was able to obtain her own kitchen space and this, with her Patisserie Diploma, inspired her to start a second company called Little Cake Queen. Focused on beautifully made and presented cakes, Little Cake Queen is now stocking to various coffee shop and market in and around Cape Town.

1. Who/what are your influences?

I’m influenced by magazines, recipe books, the occasional show on BBC Food but largely my friends I studied with.

2. What is the best part about making cooking/baking besides eating everything?

Being able to be creative. I enjoy the process of making something out of plain and simple ingredients and seeing a final product. It doesn’t ever feel like work to me and just comes naturally which is great.

3. What have been your career highlights?

I worked at the Good Food and Wine Show in the Chef’s in Action Theatre during my chef diploma and got to meet some celebrity chefs. I’ve carried out some hectic catering jobs on my own, and I learnt to make loads of those fancy things out of icing during and after my Patisserie Diploma. I was also involved in the recording of the 2nd album of Red Earth and Rust. They employed me as their private chef and my name went on the album!

4. What are the biggest challenges for Kiwi Catering, Little Cake Queen and you?

Kiwi Catering and Little Cake Queen is really just me, and I do everything in my kitchen in my apartment so the main challenge comes when taking on big jobs. Getting exposure is also a slow process so can get frustrating.

5. What’s next for Kiwi Catering and Little Cake Queen?

I’d really just like to expand, start doing corporate catering and supply coffee shops and boutiques with my baked goodies, and perhaps even eventually open a unique Patisserie coffee shop of my own.

Lara is a Soapbox Editor. Visit her blog, Words By Lara Moses.

Trephine Photography is based in Cape Town.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREPHINE

Samantha Chapman. 23 years old. Actress.

Samantha Chapman has loved acting all her life. She performed anywhere possible growing up but living in a small town made it difficult for her to expand her ability. After matriculating she flew to Cape Town to audition at City Varsity after being rejected from Tswane University of Technology’s Musical Theatre department. She was accepted into City Varsity acting course which offered both stage and camera acting.  The next three years proved the best of her life. She graduated after two years with a distinction and then with an advanced diploma after the third year.

Her professional career has entailed a couple of adverts, a road show that travelled to different schools over SA for 3 weeks and today she has co-written her first production called Sex and Slaves in the City. The production is a walking tour around Cape Town based on fact with a quirky twist. She is also getting involved in the casting side of the industry and even though she is behind the camera she loves it.

What/who inspires your work?

Talented hard working actors inspire me. Rob van Vuuren is definitely at the top of my list. He just does it all and is brilliant at what he does. Seeing what he creates just inspires me to never sit and wait for work to come my way. Movie actors don’t really inspire me because we know nothing about their process or work ethic, so the people who inspire me the most are people that I’ve worked with, like my three lecturers at City Varsity; Shirley Johnston, Peter van Heerden and Werner Marx are. I can still hear their voices in my head every single day and I don’t want those voices to ever stop.

As an actress where is your favourite place to perform (stage or screen) and why?

I can’t answer this because I love both equally. It’s so difficult for me to make my mind up about this one because I really do love acting on stage and in front of the camera. When you are on set you get to meet all these talented people in their own departments and the vibe is just amazing. Plus I love the challenge camera acting gives because it’s very subtle, which I am not. But then I walk onto a stage and I feel at home. Stage acting comes more easily to me so I have a lot more fun with it. I also love the rehearsal process you go through before the curtain goes up and not knowing what might happen in a stage performance, it keeps you on your toes. So basically put me anywhere where I can act and I’ll be happy.

What have been the main challenges you’ve faced in a world where everyone wants to be famous?

My looks. Every time I get feedback from a director they always praise my performance but I never get the roles because I “just don’t look the part”. I’m happy with the way I look but I just don’t seem to fit in anywhere. Even when I dress up for the role I still don’t quite look like the business woman or sexy kitten. The sad thing is there are so many other people out there who do look the role! There is a lot of competition out there and a lot of talented people so you have to make sure that you’re on top of your game and that your passion will keep you going.

What have been the highlights of your career thus far?

Working with Luke Ellenbogen in college. Our class work-shopped a show with him about Xenophobia and took it to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown! He was amazing to work with and really gave us a good idea of how hard you have to work in the professional world. Plus the experience of going to Grahamstown is just awe inspiring so that is definitely a highlight! I also got a big plus-size modelling shoot for C&A clothing overseas which paid rather nicely! Hence why its a highlight. But I must say the show I’m working on at the moment is climbing the charts!!

What is next for you?

Well I’m busy performing in a Theatrical Tour called “Sex and Slaves in the City”. It’s a two hour walking tour of Cape Town’s CBD and is all about slavery and the start of Cape Town. The reason why I am so excited about this is because the idea has never been done before. A fellow thespian friend and I have taken a normal tour that a tour guide would usually do and we’ve turned it into a theatrical show. We sing, we dance, we rhyme and we perform different characters in the streets of Cape Town. So audiences learn about Cape Town and get entertained by two very enthusiastic actors! We are open for public so check out our Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sex-Slaves-in-the-City-The-Theatre-Tour/189881327712746 or call Walk In Africa 0217852264 to make a booking!

Lara Moses is the associate editor of The Soapbox.

Trephine Photography is based in Cape Town

All human beings are inherently wired to love. Although at times, the words “I love you” can be one of the most daunting feelings to express.

I am one of the most loving characters, I love being around people, giving hugs and showing appreciation, but when it comes to saying these three kind words, I choke, everytime!  No matter how much I feel it, the words just do not come out.  It’s as if I’ve been placed centre stage and the audience are awaiting my performance.

Why is it that we are so scared to express ourselves to loved ones?  That somehow the words “me too” are so much easier to vocalise?  Is it because we are so use to being hurt and humiliated that we are forced to put up a wall to avoid being vulnerable?

According to Clinical psychologist, Dr. Sandra Brownrigg, saying ‘I love you’ means opening up to how you really feel and because there is so much emphasis placed on it, the act becomes fearful.  Nobody wants to be hurt or rejected and therefore we all build defences.

What a pity it is that we do not express our love.  In a world that’s filled with so much uncertainty, you do not want to be left with the regret of not telling someone how you feel, because you never know if you will get the opportunity again.  Whether it is love for a husband, a child, a parent, a friend, the significance is all the same.  The time is now.

Self Exploration

The first step to saying I love you is to consider “what am I afraid of?”  Only once the underlying fear has been identified can you move forward.

Brownrigg highlights that sometimes the barriers to saying ‘I love you’ are wounds that have been carried along from your childhood.  Each parent has their own method of nurturing which in turn will have different effects on a child.  Unintentional as these may be, as human beings we carry these guards with us into our future relationships.

When one is underappreciated and denied the love and support that is needed as a child, the outcome is often one of two.  Either the person closes themselves off from human affection, appearing somewhat selfish and cold, or they become chasers who constantly pursue love as they seek to fill the empty space that has been left.  It is important to stress the fact that each child is different and the level of affection required by one such person can differ from another.  Nevertheless, every person needs daily reminders that they are lovable.

Testing the Waters

Fear arises from not knowing what the consequences will be, but often it is also the end result of negative feedback.  One who tries and fails is likely to withdraw.  Brownrigg uses the analogy of a tortoise that retreats into their shell from fear, but by slowly allowing the head to protrude becomes aware of the surrounding environment.

Likewise, the same should apply to people.  If you are the victim of rejection and hurt, the easiest way to overcome your fear is by testing the waters.  By telling someone you love them you open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities.  Receiving love in return is a gift and one that will certainly impact your life.  Understand that through this learning experience we grow as individuals and allow ourselves to love at full capacity.

The Loaded Gun

The words ‘I love you’ are a powerful tool, but the way they are used will largely impact its recognition.  When these words are coupled with negative actions, its meaning is often associated with bad feelings.  For instance, parents who abuse are likely to say ‘I love you’ but once the expression is followed by an act of cruelty, it loses its power as a positive medium.

Brownrigg says that it has become common practice for people to couple feelings of approval with negative associations.  Too often we hear others say “I love you …but!”  But what? Love should not carry any exceptions.

We need to learn to tell the ones we love that we value them.  This can be done by expressing your reasons of appreciation.  For example, “I love you because you make me laugh”.

You can also express your love through physical approaches.  Giving hugs or buying flowers are great examples.  By placing someone’s needs above your own you show them that you accept them.

Never underestimate the importance of saying ‘I love you’ because by doing so many have changed the lives of those around them.

To be inspired is a precious gift, but having the tools and social capabilities to take inspiration and turn it into something tangible, now that’s something you’ll keep and treasure for the rest of your life. Not only will you grow but all those drawn towards you will grow as well. There is nothing quite as infectious as a man passionately pursuing his vision.

Jeremy Berhmann owner and founder of Elixir, a company that aims to inspire as well as educate, strives to identify passion and mould it into a sustainable business. Being involved in such movements as the Ubuntu Mash Up and events such as the eMzantsi Carnival and the Videolicious and Ubuntu Mash Up event, are powerful driving forces that promote cross cultural collaborations thanks to a culmination of all-year-round community building initiatives, that challenge individuals to venture outside their comfort zone and collaborate with each other .

Utilizing his masters’ degree in business studies and his wealth of entrepreneurship knowledge, combined with the understanding achieved through studying to become a life coach and mentor, Jeremy has created avenues within which businesses, students, artists and all around passionate people can uplift themselves as well as their communities. Jeremy also has over ten years on DJ experience under his belt.

By using music as a medium, The Ubuntu Mash Up provides an opportunity and platform for communities that wouldn’t normally collaborate, to come together and be a part of something new and exciting. By overcoming obvious struggles such as time constraints, cultural differences, funding and preconceived agendas, Jeremy aims to give birth to unique genres of music, as well as cross cultural relationships that go above and beyond the stage.

On the 8^th of August at Zula bar in Cape Town, the Videolicious and Ubuntu Mash Up created a unique clubbing experience, true to their name, a mash up of talent and audiovisual artistry, left the audience both emotional and entertained. By bringing artists from very diverse communities and musical backgrounds together, the performance created a unique sound fusing such genres as Electro, Rap, Balkan and Gospel Soul harmoniously into a twenty minute performance. All funds raised are going towards helping the artists involved get to the AfrikaBurn festival hosted in the Karoo next year.

AfrikaBurn is an art grounded festival that promotes self expression and self awareness, more than just a party in the middle of the desert, but a playground of infinite possibilities. There is nothing for sale, only the gift economy applies. There is nothing more positive and humbling than giving without expecting anything in return.

Jeremy has been involved in the AfrikaBurn festival for a few years now and has a passion for both the event and the ideas and understanding that it promotes. This is why the Ubuntu Mash Up was created, in order for the festival to be enriched with diverse culture, as well as uplifting artists to heights previously only dreamt of.

After speaking with Jeremy, I couldn’t help but ask myself, How can I get Involved? How can I too make a difference in my community? Questions that challenged me both as an artist as well as a South African, questions I look forward to answering someday soon.

Sofa Surfer like most albums is a journey into sound. This journey however puts a mischievous smile on your face and an imaginary lighter in your hand, fully thrusted into the air as you melt harmoniously into your couch.

This blend of Dubstep, Dub and Dancehall inspired ear candy features artists, pioneers in their fields of sound such as  EJ Von Lyrik, Steve Newman, Fletcher, 7Ft Soundsystem and Riccardo Moretti, just to name a few. A well balanced fusion of sound and energy sure to inspire a touch of madness and folly.

With tracks such as Dark Sky Island (feat Francesca Krnjak and Riccardo Moretti), Lost Coast (feat Colin Angus) and Algoriddim (feat Seb Taylor), which left my mind blown,  you will surely enjoy, and like all good music, enjoyed again and again. This debut album of Indidginus has received a well deserved following, attracting attention and support from heavyweights in the industry. Red Bull Studios have come onboard the Indidginus boat and what is to follow is sure to be interesting and well anticipated.

Sofa Surfer is an all around enjoyable listen and I can’t wait to experience Indidginus play these tracks live at the next outdoor music festival, club or communal stomp session. The louder the better, the deeper the bass line the broader the smile.

Follow Indidginus on Facebook

There is a play out there. It is a small play. There is one woman. Sitting on one bench. The play is called Rose. And the play is unmissable.

Rose is a feisty Jewish woman, now in her 80’s. And while she is just one woman, sitting on one bench, the story she tells is one of immense magnitude. It spans her lifetime; one full of tragedy and hope, misfortune and adventure.

Through Rose, the audience embarks on a journey. In front of one’s eyes emerges the tiny Ukrainian shtetl in which Rose was born, then suddenly the scene dissolves into the war-torn streets Warsaw Ghetto; full of terror and destruction. Then one is again transported, this time onto the mythical Exodus itself, crammed with desperate refugees sailing towards their promised land of Palestine. The remarkable journey continues to America, the Land of the Free, and as Rose picks up the pieces of her shattered life and starts again, she brings forth a new generation who must fight for their own freedom and beliefs.

It is almost impossible to believe that actress Fiona York is not Rose herself, as her masterful storytelling is compellingly real. Often a passing thought on Rose’s lips turns out to be in reference to a defining moment in history, stopping one cold. The script by Martin Sherman is fast paced, fluid and filled with moments of heartbreaking pathos and (equally heartbreaking) humour.

Rose is a rare example of a play that captures the many, sometimes unexplainable, aspects of what it is to be Jewish. History, culture, tradition, language, politics, religion and a good dose of Yiddish humour all mesh together to create a vivid, joyful and complex tapestry that will entrance any audience. For Rose too, is a rare example of a play that captures what it is to be human.

Rose is on at the Kalk Bay Theatre until 6 August 2011. For further information, visit www.kbt.co.za

My mom says that Billy never liked children till I was born. I don’t believe her but then again I’d never seen him with other children. We had an understanding, an unspoken closeness, a bond beyond words. He was the grandfather I never had. So when he passed away a few years back I was really surprised at my lack of emotion. I never cried once. Fast forward four year and there I was a day after my 21st birthday, home alone, opening my gift. There was a card from my aunt, Billy’s widow, and at the bottom it read, “Billy would have been so proud of you”. And then I cried….

My mom says that I never really mourned Billy’s death. I agree. I never really dealt with him dying. I usually avoid conversations and my own thoughts about him. He’s obviously crossed my mind over the years, I mean, there will always be little things that remind me of him. It mostly happens on those big days like when I graduated from college, birthdays, etc but even more so when I see orchids. There I am walking through Woolies or watching one of those wedding shows and BAM! there’s an orchid. Weird, I know, but Billy grew the most beautiful orchids. They were something he was really proud of.

My mom says that getting my tattoo was my way of mourning Billy’s death. I never realised it till after I got it. My black orchid running down my ribs or as I like to put say, “Close to my heart” is my way of recognising Billy and his life. For me it’s a bit more though, my ink is everything that is me which is my family (who understand it), my friends (who funded it – the best birthday present ever and Lee, who designed and did it) and Billy who will now always be with me.

Design and tattoo by Lee Herbet of Sins of Style, Cape Town, South Africa

Lara is an Editor of the Soapbox. Check out her awesome blog here.

I was always a big fan of a good burger and a side of chips. This partly thanks to the people at Spur having a taste for life (or whatever their slogan is) and because as a kid I didn’t know any better about what goes into my burger. But as I got older and went all veggie on myself, my appeal to the mixture of a round roll oozing with all sorts of meaty delights and various toppings was lost. Yes, I can totally hear the gasps of disgust from many carnivores but don’t worry, not all hope has been lost. My burger eating habit is back….in a very veggie (sometimes chicken) yummy sort of way. No other place has got me this excited about food since Mac Donald’s added a toy to their happy meals all those years ago.  Yes, my friend, Royale Eatery has become my toy in a happy meal.

On almost every trip down Long Street (by day) this indulgent mix up of culinary yumminess and a quirky atmosphere, placed between the 9-5-cubicle world of Cape Town’s city bowl is a must. Royale Eatery serves gourmet styled food at a percentage of the price which is always a bonus. We always get seated in the downstairs non-smoking section but upstairs on the balcony is way cooler.  With different artwork always filling the walls we always have something new to look at and talk about before the waitress arrives. The book styled menu is filled with a variety of dishes. From beef and chicken to veggie and ostrich, for the more adventurous, each burger is made with what seems like every bit of goodness found on this earth, served with a side of sweet potato fries.

The food is complimented with an impressive list of milkshakes but trust me ordering a meal and a milkshake will leave you so full you won’t be able to walk. From chocolate brownie to avo to Romany Cream flavoured the milkshakes are to die for. A little warning that a standard size is pretty large and a large can be shared between two so be careful when ordering.

The food is always served in an appropriate amount of time and although it’s not always serves with a smile, everyone is looking at their plate so it really doesn’t matter. If you are an herbivore then you have to try the sweet petunia veggie burger, which is a soya burger with mushroom, rocket and a mustard sauce.  I’ve had friends described it as “the best veggie burger ever!” and I’m not going to disagree. The classic Royale is always a good choice in chicken, beef or veggie topped with mozzarella. It has definitely always satisfies my picky taste buds with its amazing blend of flavours. If you’re on a budget Royale has the most awesome special on weekdays called Twilight Zone which entails burgers going for R30 and beer for R10.

Royale is the type of restaurant you’ll miss if you don’t look close enough but once you find it, it will be hard to eat anywhere else.  Every time I  go I leave with a filled tummy, overly satisfied appetite and smile, but most importantly a revived appreciation for a good burger and a side of chips.

Lara is an Editor of the Soapbox. Check out her awesome blog here.

Pizza’s Here is a witty production written and directed by Jeremeo Le Cordeur.  Set in Cape Town, the storyline follows two young struggling actors trying to make it big in the industry. Firstly there’s Drew, a self proclaimed ladies man, with all the right fancy footwork. Then there’s Jerry, a sensitive Glee watching, socially inept computer nerd. This oddball bromance takes a turn for the unexpected when they “magically” get a pizza delivery.

Scene changes were seamless. The audiences had a “fly on the wall” view point but were still allowed to view all the extraordinary events that took place between the two apartments.

With the introduction of a few more characters, a femme fatale with beauty only matched by her diabolical intent and a trade boss whose name instils fear in all that has the unfortunate fate of double crossing him, fully equipped with muscle to handle his every problem of course.

Action packed fight scenes, hot and intimate dancing and a storyline that kept me fully engaged. A mouth watering pizza whilst watching and this production is nothing short of pure enjoyment.  Undoubtedly a must see for all those who feel like some light hearted comedy with a few unseen twists and turns along the way.