Entrepreneur Academy

Basic Bookkeeping for Small Business Owners

If you run a small business in South Africa, bookkeeping probably wasn't the reason you started it.
But it's the foundation everything else rests on your SARS obligations, your ability to get finance from a bank, and whether you actually know if you're making money or just staying busy.

Here's what you need to get right. Read full blog post:

https://bdtechaccountant.co.za/blog/f/basic-bookkeeping-for-small-business-owners

Raising your prices? Here's the truth no one tells you.

Costs are up everywhere supplies, rent, shipping, software. If your prices haven't kept up, you're not "keeping things affordable." You're quietly paying the difference yourself.

Here's how to raise your prices without the guilt spiral 👇
- Know your real numbers, this month's costs, not last year's
- Price for the value you deliver, not just your expenses
- Be clear and confident when you announce it, no over-apologizing
- Small, regular increases beat one big painful catch-up later

Your work is worth what it's worth. Charging accordingly isn't a risk, it's how you stay around long enough to keep serving the people who love what you do.

Save this for the next time pricing feels scary.

Are you claiming all the business expenses you're entitled to?

Many South African business owners end up paying more tax than necessary simply because they don't know what they can legally claim.

You may be able to claim expenses such as:
✔️ Office rent
✔️ Internet & phone
✔️ Fuel for business travel
✔️ Home office expenses
✔️ Laptops & equipment
✔️ Marketing & advertising
✔️ Employee salaries
✔️ Bank charges
✔️ Professional subscriptions

But remember, not everything is deductible. Personal expenses and many entertainment costs generally don't qualify.

Knowing the difference can save your business thousands at tax time.
Need help making sure you're claiming correctly? Speak to a qualified tax practitioner before submitting your return.

Which business expense are you most unsure about?

Let me know in the comments!

Visit our website on www.bdtechaccountant.co.za

Why Isn't Your Business Getting Customers?

The problem isn't always your product. Most businesses struggle because customers either:
❌ Don't know they exist
❌ Don't trust them yet
❌ Don't understand the value
❌ Never hear from them again after requesting a quote

Here are 8 ways to change that:
✅Market consistently
✅ Solve problems—not just sell services
✅ Know your ideal customer
✅ Build trust online
✅ Follow up on every lead
✅ Make your pricing clear
✅ Go out and find customers
✅ Track your business numbers

Success isn't about luck.
It's about building a system that consistently attracts new customers.
Which of these do you think is holding your business back?

👇 Let us know in the comments.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is business owners trying to manage their finances without knowing exactly where every rand goes.

That's why I recommend Sage Accounting. It makes tracking your cash flow, invoices, and expenses simple.

Try Sage FREE for 30 days and see the difference for yourself.

https://accounting.sageone.co.za/SignUp.aspx?ProductReferralReference=R939220

How I Would Find My First 10 Customers If I Had to Start Over Today

Most entrepreneurs think they need hundreds of customers to succeed.
You don't. If I had to start my business from scratch today, my goal wouldn't be 10,000 followers.

It would be my first 10 paying customers.
o Those first 10 customers teach you:
o What people are willing to pay for
o How to improve your service
o How to get referrals
o How to build a business that lasts

The good news? You don't need a huge marketing budget.
You need the right strategy.

I've shared exactly what I would do to find my first 10 customers if I were starting over today.

BD Tech and Accounting helps small businesses stay compliant with Accounting, Payroll and Tax compliance services. www.bdtechaccountant.co.za

💬 If you're a small business owner, tell me: What's been your biggest challenge in finding customers?

We often hear the advice, "Show up as your authentic self..... Be yourself."

After reading several of Robert Greene's books, I've found myself questioning that idea, especially in the context of work.

Should we always be ourselves, or should we assume the role that our work requires?

I'm not referring to manipulation or power dynamics. I'm talking about the reality that every role comes with certain expectations. Whether you're a business owner, an employee, or a leader, your role often requires you to develop qualities that help you deliver results.

Sometimes that means being more decisive than you naturally are. More confident than you feel. More composed under pressure than your emotions might suggest.

Is that being inauthentic, or is it simply being professional?

Perhaps authenticity doesn't mean expressing every thought or emotion. Perhaps it means staying true to your values while adapting your behaviour to meet the demands of the role you've chosen.

Maybe professionalism is not the opposite of authenticity. Maybe it's authenticity with discipline.

What do you think?

Is it a problem if you're not 100% authentic at work, if adopting certain behaviours helps you perform your role more effectively?

Received your SARS Auto Assessment for 2026? Don't click "Accept" just yet!

An Auto Assessment can save time, but it isn't always complete.

Before accepting it, make sure you check:

✔️ Your salary and other income

✔️ Medical aid information

✔️ Retirement contributions

✔️ Travel allowances

✔️ Any deductions you're entitled to claim

Accepting an incorrect assessment could mean:

❌ Paying more tax than necessary

❌ Missing out on a refund

❌ Having to correct your return later

A quick review now could save you time and money.

If you're unsure whether your Auto Assessment is accurate, it's worth having it reviewed before accepting it.

Have you received your Auto Assessment yet?