Vuma News

By partnering with Vuma's My Community Connects, Jimmy Nevis hopes to help other talented entrepreneurs and creatives overcome similar barriers that prevent them from expanding their businesses or breaking into their chosen fields. Here are the singer's top tips to help Mzansi talent succeed.

Don’t wait to be discovered

When Nevis was ready to release his first single, Elephant Shoes, at 19, he bought blank CDs from a store, made copies of the song, and personally dropped them off at radio stations so they would play them on air.

"In the beginning, I didn't believe in myself and didn't have the confidence to get on a stage and sing. So I thought I would wait until people discovered me. However, when I decided to put myself out there and knock on as many doors as possible, I began believing 100% in my craft and growing my brand," he says.

The singer says waiting to be discovered can destroy a person’s confidence. However, he says South African creatives and entrepreneurs can overcome this by actively promoting their business or brand without waiting for someone to discover them. With rapid digital progression and the power of connectivity that increases speed to market and extends visibility and reach, regardless of geographic location, it has now become easier for creatives and entrepreneurs to promote their businesses and be seen.

Be aware of industry shifts and trends

Nevis emphasises the importance of entrepreneurs and creatives staying on top of industry changes, especially considering how digital innovations have accelerated the rate at which most trends are evolving.

"I come from the music industry, which changes almost every two years. For example, we were still selling physical CDs when I started my career. I think the only digital music channel at the time was iTunes," he says. "Fast forward to today, and CDs practically don't exist. Instead, everyone is streaming their music online."

The singer says creatives and entrepreneurs need to take the initiative to educate themselves about the latest industry changes by observing trends on social media to determine how they can adapt to stay relevant.

Create a social media presence

The 7764 hitmaker says social media isn’t just a tool for entrepreneurs and creatives to keep up with trends; it can also help keep their brands and businesses top of mind in the market.

“The entire world is on these platforms today, which is why entrepreneurs and creatives can't overlook them. For example, I struggle to find a business if it isn’t on a popular social platform. So having a presence on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube can help make entrepreneurs and creatives more accessible to customers and fans.”

Connect with a relatable mentor

Nevis says entrepreneurs and creatives looking to break into their respective industries need to find a relatable mentor who can help them take their brand to the next level. He says the best way to do this is to join platforms that connect them to relatable industry experts.

"I'm a big advocate of mentorship and having relatable mentors in the same industry as you, but, unfortunately, there's a shortage of mentors. Thankfully, platforms like Vuma's My Community Connects help make industry experts from varying backgrounds more accessible. That's what makes this platform so crucial to the success of the country's aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives.”

Creatives and entrepreneurs now have access to even more tools to help them grow their hustles and showcase their craft to the world. So whether you're a creative or an entrepreneur of a different nature looking for a platform to help you grow your brand or business, you can enter Vuma's My Community Connects here.

While you’re at it, you can learn more about the benefits of uncapped fibre to the home, or check your home’s fibre coverage and find and sign up for an uncapped Vuma fibre to home internet deal that best suits your family’s needs.