I must start off this post letting you know that I haven’t used the services of Trade-Mark as yet, however, when I read the initiative I thought it was a really cool project and I wanted to share it with you for the simple reason – for making South Africa better. Josh Cox, founder of Trade-Mark, is setting a great example as to how we can all make a difference in our own way.
WHAT IS TRADE-MARK?
Trade-Mark connects skilled, reliable artisans from the townships with home-owners and businesses wanting to do renovations or maintenance. It’s a great way for more affluent home owners to get their home improvements done whilst uplifting their less privileged neighbours.
Are the Tradesmen Trained?
They put the hand-picked tradesmen through an 18 month training and development plan that enables them to take their small businesses to a point of sustainability, profit and ultimately to help them to break through the barriers to financial independence.
About the Founder
The founding director, Josh Cox is a young, dynamic South African who is really passionate about South Africa and taking people from dependence to dignity.
The Business of Marketing
If you’ve ever run a small business you will know that having a service isn’t all it takes. Marketing yourself and letting people know you exist is important and can be tricky. This is where Trade-Mark steps in, by helping tradesmen have transparency and increasing their work.
Service Feedback
Trade-Mark has a really lovely feel-good factor about it and people are really loving the service. Recently they received some great feedback on a cabinetmaking contract one of the guys did at the Western Province Golf Union offices. They loved him so much that in addition to a letter of thanks, they gave him a R1000 voucher which he used to buy a tablet, so he can now communicate even more effectively with his clients and run his business in an even more productive manner, on the go.
Going Forward
Trade-Mark recently announced that they are expanding into general building services, plumbing and electrical work and so we are on a huge recruitment drive to find more superstars out there, as well as to let homemakers and business owners know about us.
Keep them in mind the next time you need something done, I’m going to.
