@Vivomobile_SA Enters #SouthAfrica with Y11 & Y91C #VivaVivo #VivoSA #Smartphones

Hi Friends, 

Entering the market ahead of the holiday season, and amid great excitement, the new cell phone provider, VIVO mobile launches in South Africa.

With a global footprint of over two hundred million users, VIVO allows consumers the choice to own premium phone technology at an accessible price point. Known for high style and technical innovation VIVO launches in SA with the latest models from the Y-series: the Y11 and Y91C smartphones.

Inspired by the concept of “powered by youth”, VIVO’s Y Series is consistently evolving to channel the needs of today and tomorrow’s consumers in an easy to handle, technologically efficient device. All the Y-series phones combine VIVO’s AI Triple Camera’s professional camera feature with the flagship-standard visual impact of the Halo Full View™ Display.

This can be seen in the Y11, a phone designed with social and multimedia consumers in mind. It runs a Funtouch OS 9.1 system and has a.35-inch Halo Full View™ Display with a screen-to-body ratio of 89% ensuring superb visual impact with super-narrow bezels on all sides.

Additionally, the VIVO Y11 is packed with the dual-camera setup of a 13MP Main Camera and a 2MP Depth Camera. From magnificent landscapes to beautiful portraits, users can capture impressive shots effortlessly. The massive, high capacity 5000mAh battery is further complemented by VIVO's smart power management system. For gamers and those on the go, there is no need to worry about running out of battery.

For selfie lovers, and those wishing to capture the best family moments, The Y91C adopts AI photo algorithms for its camera to automatically deliver facial enhancements, saving users the trouble of manually adjusting beautification levels; achieving professional shots has never been so easy.

A 6.22-inch Halo FullView™ Display gives the Y91C a further enhanced viewing experience with a screen-to-body ratio of 88.6%. It is also fitted with a 4030mAh large-capacity battery that works with VIVO’s exclusive smart power management system, allowing for longer-lasting endurance.

The Y11 is priced at R2,699 and the Y91C enters the market at R1,899.

“We are very excited to be bringing this technology to South Africa,” says Hawa Hyath, Marketing Director, VIVO mobile South Africa. “VIVO is a hugely successful global brand that is known for its innovation and style. With global R&D centers, VIVO is consistently refining their offering to bring consumers the very best phone offering – in our pursuit of perfection, we always aim to address user pain points thereby continuing to innovate and provide the best user value. By launching ahead of the holiday season we are also giving consumers the choice to use the phones’ superlative cameras to capture holiday moments. Additionally, the Y11’s front-facing 2MP selfie camera with AI face beauty technology ensures perfect selfies are never to chance.”

To launch VIVO will kick off with a competition on 5FM and in partnership with TikTok. Listeners stand a chance to win a new device and R2,500 daily. The competition runs from December 7 for two weeks. 

The Life's Way welcomes VIVO smartphones in South Africa and let's hope that they will be able to create a great future for themselves as well as users using them. 

Cheers!!!

Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. TheLife'sWay charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

@Starbucks_SA CEO Adrian Maizey Sees Opportunity for the Brand Locally #Starbucks

Hi Friends, 

The first Starbucks in South Africa opened in Johannesburg in 2016 and has grown to 17 stores across 3 cities. Since opening, more than 300 partners (employees) have been hired, creating an opportunity for young people with rewarding careers in retail. Distinct décor and design inspired by South African art and culture truly set Starbucks SA apart from the rest, and with a number of Starbucks outlets in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, this is just the beginning.

Earlier this month, Starbucks opened four additional coffee houses in South Africa, in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, bringing its iconic coffeehouse experience to even more customers across the country. And in November, South Africa’s own Teddy Nzama was named the 2019 Starbucks Barista Champion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – beating out 30,000 of his global peers to claim top honours.

As of 2 Dec, Starbucks SA is now operated by Rand Group, founded and headed by Adrian Maizey. The experienced business leader is optimistic about the Starbucks brand. With a wealth of experience and knowledge in managing investment partnerships and his entrepreneurial spirit, Adrian is bringing his expertise home to serve the American coffee brand the South African way.

“I would like to make a difference in South Africa,” Adrian says. “We intend to continue to invest in the country by creating employment and provide the South African consumer with choice and uplift the community the Starbucks way. We will create sustainable ongoing enterprises that can employ, grow and develop people, and those people can go out and spend money, and uplift their communities. It’s a virtuous cycle, and one we believe strongly in, and South Africa will benefit from that tremendously.”

Starbucks SA is passionate about the people working for the brand and subsequently created an employment system that seeks to change lives. The “Changing Lanes Programme” focuses on the development and empowerment of disadvantaged and unemployed individuals. This programme has been used to recruit candidates aged 18 - 25 to form part of the Starbucks family. These partners receive training in the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee and delivering customer service in a way that only Starbucks can deliver. They’re supported through various training modules to ensure personal and career growth. 

Starbucks is committed to buying 100% ethically sourced coffee and investing in the livelihoods and long-term opportunity of coffee farming communities around the world – many of which are located in Africa.

On how he’s feeling about the future of Starbucks in South Africa, Adrian says, “I’m excited about its prospects, I’m excited about building the Starbucks brand and growing with the country. The two are connected. I know we can make an impact on many people’s lives and can be a beacon of excellence - an oasis of sorts - that would be a wonderful outcome. 

Adrian J. Maizey is the founder of Rand Group. After attending the University of Pretoria in 1992, Adrian went on to complete his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska and holds an MBA from the distinguished Harvard Business School. This 22-time Ironman triathlon finisher is more than your typical businessman, and with him bringing his dashing and dynamic skills to an already vibrant brand like Starbucks SA.

Cheers!!!

Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. TheLife'sWay charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

7 Years of www.TheLifesWay.com #TheLifesWay #BlogAnniversary #7YearsofTheLifesWay #1890Post

Hi Friends,

1 Dream to Create The Life's Way

7 Years Completed

2.5 Million Pageviews Achieved
Local Guides Level 8 Top Contributor in Johannesburg, South Africa
1.4 Million Photo Views Achieved on Google Maps #LetsGuide
100k Views on Reviews Posted for Google Maps #LetsGuide

#TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra

#WalkingWithCamera #PhotographerWithPassion

Thousands of photos on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Thanks to everyone who valued the relationship and who didn't!

As I moved into the 7th year in 2019, I made some rules which I broke again and again till it broke my confidence and got me irritated to the hell and back. I am not of the types to share and rant that emotion on social media but it really hurts me that I am not getting invited to the year-end parties when I have done so many blog posts and other social media posts for the brand for free the whole year. So as they say, it's better to come out of that kind of unvalued relationship with brands where I am ranting my anger on my kids and family members. The blog I started for my happiness and not to torture my family members. Now in 2020, I am not going to do anything which breaks my motivation and taking me for granted. It won't happen again, I will definitely make sure of this. 

Let's get back to the achievements of 2019 which, to sum up, is basically not from the blog but from the use of various social media channels and contests that happens on those platforms. The best part of 2019 was getting cash money for one of the social media posts and that's the only one throughout the year which got paid. Rest all the other things were for the posts and engagement done on the social media channels and launch events attended.

The year started by getting some of the Samsung Uflex Bluetooth earphones and Scoop speakers from the activation for Samsung S10 launch on twitter and facebook. I got my first Instax Mini 9 camera from Orbit Gum in one of their media drops and later I won SQ20 at the launch event of Fujifilm Instax. I also won the Best Photographer of Jan 2019 from Huawei Mobiles and received a medal. Huawei sponsored me their Watch GT Active to train for MTN Walk The Talk 25kms and which I successfully completed too. I won another Instax camera and an expensive perfume from Edward JoziStyle nights at the Thava Restaurant @ Montecasino dinner event. Edward is one of the innovators of The Social Media Industry in South Africa and always invites me to all his events suitable to my tastes. The best of it all was mines and Keisha photo won the Asus Vivobook S15 on which I replaced the 1TB HDD with 1TB SSD by paying R3200 to Rectron making it the fastest booting laptop I have ever used.

I became a winner of the Montagu Orange twitter contest winner and got some nice nuts and snacks from the brand which I totally loved eating. I won the Dermalogica gift hamper at the launch event of Sorbet Man in Morningside Mall. Huawei gave FreeLace earphones in one of the launch events which I really wanted from them from the start and enjoying the sound of the same. Netflix South Africa gave me a six-month membership and I watched a lot of movies and TV series. I also won an Acer Predator Gaming Mouse by tweeting the most from one of Predator Fortnite gaming events. Unilever finally sent some samples goodies after posting for them for more than 2 years for free. I am grateful to Martin for picking me up for the Kids toys like Scrabble and Mattel Mega Crystal Creatures which my daughter Keisha did the unboxing videos on. There is a hidden talent right at home and in 2020 she is going to be my main model for everything related to Parenting and Kids products on my Youtube Channel.

Keisha won another Instax camera from the Getaway show for her photograph on Instagram. I was the lucky winner at India Day in Wanderers Stadium and won myself 2 nights stay at the City Lodge, Fourways. There were many small gifts I got from my work location at MTN based on their employee's fun activities and brand activations from time to time. Finally, the 3M Privacy Gold Filter arrived from the USA and I picked it up immediately from their office as the wait was quite long. DJI gave a nice carry bag to carry all my wires and cables which I always wanted from long at their Mavic Mini launch event. MIOPS sent me a Mobile Remote to make all my camera accessible by my smartphone using the MIOPS Mobile App.

I really loved the goodies received from Disney when they launched the Avengers End Game DVD and it was totally unexpected. Many thanks! I was part of the Huawei Watch GT 2 launch where our team won the challenge and received the Huawei Smart scale as the prize which is helping me check my weight and maintain the same too. Other than these I got to see a lot of stage shows, music events and movies from time to time. I will continue to promote all those events in the future as it keeps me active throughout the year and give me enough content to share on all my social media platforms. During the South Africa rugby world cup season, I drove all my colleagues to participate in beer brands twitter giveaways that they all got so many beer bottles from Castle Lager, Flying Fish, and Heineken for free.

The various things which irritated me were not getting invited to any of the Silverstar casino events or Montecasino events. I was not invited to the Year-End function of Huawei Mobiles nor I was invited to any of the Samsung launch events throughout the year. I didn't get any Huawei smartphones or newly launched products like earphones and Watch GT 2 throughout the year and neither I was invited to the Lenovo breakfasts this year. I didn't get any Acer products for review and there was no goodies bag from the one event I attended with them. Canon South Africa told me not to participate in their events as I was overdoing it so I stopped it completely.

Many product reviews are pending at my end which I intend to finish in December 2019 before the 7th anniversary of The Life's Way comes along with some of the ABC of Success posts which I totally love to write based on my experiences in this industry. My next target is to complete 500 reviews on Google Maps and take the photographs and videos on the platform to cross 10000. My Youtube channel will be my main focus area throughout the next 3 years and let's see if I have it in me or not? If it works out I can be someone brands will be interested to collaborate else I will continue to live passionately enjoying Music, Movies, TV series, Youtube, Masterclasses, Lynda Courses and books on my Kindle Keyboard. Let's go!

Cheers!!!
Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. TheLife'sWay charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

#TheLifesWayReviews - #OsmoMobile3 Gimbal @DJIGlobal #7YearsofTheLifesWay

Hi Friends,

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is the latest smartphone gimbal from the house of DJI who are world leaders in making your videography experience take up a notch higher. Gimbal not only helps to stabilize your videos but also you can be part of your own selfies beyond your extended arm and can track your movements to make your vlogging a natural process. I bought DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and it was there without being opened for 2 months before I opened the same on my birthday this year on 22nd July and soon I found out that the new one is getting launched so I returned the Osmo Mobile 2 to wait for the Osmo Mobile 3. I got the chance to be part of the special invite to attend the review unit takeaway kind of launch event for 2 weeks. These are certain things that made me immediately fell in love with this gimbal. Let's check out one by one - 

1. Portability - DJI Osmo Mobile 2 which I took to the Photo and Film Expo this year at Kyalami was difficult to carry even in your carry bag. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is not only foldable but also weights less. This can be folded and you can just put it in your backpack or jeans back pocket for immediate retrieval. Also, a locking mechanism ensures that your gimbal is ready to be carried with ease. The Gimbal weights 405 grams and with the tripod that comes in combo package it will be around 450 grams and with smartphones on the top, it will be around 700 grams in total. If you buy the combo package, you will get a hard case to safeguard your gimbal against any shocks and breaks but it won't be able to hold the tripod inside the hard-shelled case.

2. Switching Orientations - Portrait mode was introduced in DJI Osmo Mobile 2 but in Mobile 3 version, it can be done with a press of a button and your capturing world can be turned from landscape mode to portrait and vice versa. Even changing from rear camera to front camera is just some clicks of a single button and you are ready to start vlogging or taking selfies. Mounting a smartphone is made easy and you are ready to shoot videos in no time. Any smartphones having a maximum weight of 225 grams is good enough for the device. 

3. Charging the smartphone - Earlier it was difficult to charge your smartphone while in use on Mobile 2 as the smartphone charging socket was hidden in one of the two arms but with DJI Osmo Mobile 3, there is only a single arm leaving the phone sockets open for your consumption. You can easily attach your charging cable and withdraw power from the gimbal as it works as a power bank too. Also, the gimbal has a battery life of 15 hours as marked on the packaging and can be fully charged in around 2.5 hours. The Li-ion battery capacity is 2450 mAh which is enough to charge any smartphone.  

4. Gesture Controls and Active Tracking - Some of the new features introduced are Active tracking 3.0 where the new gimbal can track your movements and keep the smartphone rear camera looking towards you. The same is just activated in the settings and then touching the smartphone screen to focus on a person immediately and track him or her. Gesture control is a feature usually seen in a smartphone selfie camera where you show your palm or peace sign and picture countdown timer starts.

5. Panoramic Rotation - The best part of DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is that it can be used without installing any app on your smartphone. Any smartphone can be installed on the arm of the gimbal and then you can scroll the smartphone camera from one end to another and also you can control the speed of rotation. Huawei also introduced a collaboration with Osmo Mobile 3 during its launch of the Mate 30 series smartphone. The panoramic rotation helps you take great video shots at the top of the mountains or at the beach and the applications are huge. 

6. DJI Mimo App -  A new smartphone application has been introduced for Mobile 3 gimbal where it enhances the capabilities of your videography with pre-installed programmed modes to shoot 10 seconds or more video in 13 fun templates. Story mode creates awesome cinematic videos ready to be shared on your social media channels online. This is the place where you will spend most of the time learning, editing and sharing.

7. Next Level Photography and Videography - The new gimbal can take timelapse, hyper-lapse and motion lapse with ease and without making you sweat much. Also the slow-motion is so cinematic that you will fall in love with the same. Also with one touch, you can shoot various funky videos where the editing will be done by the Gimbal DJI Mimo App. 

Overall this is something you should have if you are into smartphone videography or photography and wants to take it a notch higher. Also, the gimbal will introduce stabilization to your artificial image-stabilized smartphone camera and you will definitely see better results. I see it as a huge potential to make you an amateur YouTuber as with the combo package, you can install the gimbal on the active tracking version and start talking to the camera and a video will be ready to be shared in no time wherever you are in the whole world. Go check it out!

Cheers!!!
Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. TheLife'sWay charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Dec 2018 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra

Hi Friends, 

December is always the month of making new plans and some ideas that need to be implemented but the problem faced is the execution of the plans and ideas. Action to execute the planned strategy and deviation from that is my biggest weakness which I am going to correct this season when I celebrate my 7th Blog anniversary. I have been lazy this complete year of 2019 and didn't do much but in 2020 I have to be more active in terms of my social media skills. 

ABC - Always Be Creating - will be my first principle to follow. I am not going to wait for the right time, right moments, If I have the intuitive edge, the creative ideas I will start implementing the same then and there on the same day no matter what's the time of the day. 

Dec 2018 I didn't do any posts as I was focussed on getting a lot of photos using the Sony cameras I had at that time for review and doing vacations with the family locally. I even don't remember now what I did last summer. Lol! This year I am thinking of completing all the review posts pending till today which needs to go live. The plan is to launch 2 posts per day for the whole of December starting now. 

I also now focussing more on making videos and learning from scratch on how to shoot videos and editing them for Youtube channel and using all those video editing software. I have been readying myself with all the tools and equipment purchases through all these years and now I have everything I can think of.

The Life's Way got some things achieved in the last 7 years and some there are still distant dreams which need to be fulfilled in the next 3 years where the focus will be on making videos and Instagram stories.

Let's hope for the best of 2020 for all of us and let's brings ourselves closer to our dreams and goals!

Cheers!!!

Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. The Life's Way charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

Hands-On with the #GalaxyFold: A Form Factor with a New User Experience @SamsungMobileSA

Hi Friends,

Samsung captured the imagination of the world with its recently released category-defining flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Fold. At IFA 2019, visitors had the unique opportunity to experience the Galaxy Fold for the very first time.

For those who were not able to experience this, the video above provides a look at what a hands-on experience of the Galaxy Fold looks like for users.

The Galaxy Fold’s unique design and foldable form factor, providing you with two options for screen size in one device, provides a brand-new user experience. When closed, you can comfortably access all your essential apps with just one hand. But when opened, the 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display offers a truly immersive viewing experience, allowing you to get lost in videos on a screen that’s so big, you won’t believe you can fit it in a pocket. From the camera to the gallery to the latest gaming apps, users can enjoy next-level experiences with their favourite content on the spacious screen of the main display just by opening up the device.

In order to facilitate maximum productivity and ease of use when switching between the Galaxy Fold’s two displays, Samsung developed two features especially: App Continuity and Multi-Active Window. With App Continuity, you can switch between using an app on the cover display and using it on the main display seamlessly. For example, you can check an email when the device is folded, and then, when you open the device to reply, a version of the email app that is optimised for the expansive screen will open, allowing you to comfortably view the full contents of the email. Following the uninterrupted screen transition, you can then reply to the email using the keyboard, which is optimised for placement near each of your hands.

Multi-Active Window allows you to take advantage of the increased screen real state of the main display, as you can open multiple apps simultaneously and easily use them at the same time thanks to an optimized UX for next-level multitasking. Whilst reading an email, you can easily drag and drop your Calendar as well as Google Maps from the device’s side panel into the Multi-Active Window to work in three windows simultaneously and coordinate a meeting quickly and efficiently. You can also easily adjust the dimensions of each app window so as to see more, or less, as you require.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

Celebrating a Mom-in-Tech: Claire Carter @Lenovo_Africa Marketing Director for the MEA Region

Hi Friends, 

Claire Carter, Lenovo’s Marketing Director for MEA, chats about the business benefits of having more women in the tech industry and why Lenovo sees this as a priority.

1. When you started at Lenovo two years ago, you had spent nearly two decades in the FMCG industry, working for brands like KFC and Flora. From a gender balance perspective, what first struck you about the differences between working for a consumer technology company and an FMCG company?

CC: Tech is undoubtedly more of a male-dominated field, particularly in the Middle East region, which was very different from what I was used to in FMCG. But I moved to this industry because I wanted to be part of the digital revolution, as technology becomes more and more embedded in our everyday lives. It wasn’t an easy switch to make, but I was drawn to Lenovo particularly because of their focus on supporting women in their leadership journeys.

2. Only 25% of people working in the tech industry are female. What do you think is the reason for this?

CC: Certain fields have a gender-skewed legacy; for example, historically technology has been seen as a ‘male’ industry, just as areas like teaching have been regarded as ‘female’. It’s precisely this legacy that the Women in Lenovo @ Leadership (WILL) network are redressing by focusing on hiring, retaining, mentoring and promoting women. Thirty percent of Lenovo’s workforce is female, which is above the industry average.

3. Why do you think gender balance is crucial for companies, and specifically tech organizations?

CC: There have been many studies showing that gender-balanced teams perform far better than those that are dominated by just men or just women. Diversity in all forms – whether we’re talking about gender, or ethnicity, or age – is always beneficial for companies. Quite simply, diversity of approach delivers better results. For example, women generally go about their daily tasks differently to men and deal with people differently.

This gender balance is crucial for the tech industry, in particular, bearing in mind that 60 to 80 percent of consumer buying decisions are made by women. It’s important that we focus on the human aspect of our devices, i.e. what they can do to enhance your life, rather than just the technical specifications. Lenovo ensures that women are a part of our product focus panels right from the design phase.

Claire Carter_Lenovo Marketing Director, PC & Smart Devices Group, Middle East and Africa

4. What do you really love about your job and working at Lenovo?

CC: Leading a marketing team is not my only job; I am also a mom, and Lenovo helps me to be present and productive in both roles. I’m not judged on the number of hours I spend at my desk but rather evaluated on my outputs. I love our agile culture, which is leaps ahead of other companies. I have flexibility so I can pick the kids up from school in the middle of the day if I need to, and a team I can count on to keep things running smoothly while I’m out of the office. Lenovo empowers its people and in this way gets the best out of everyone.

5. What has been your personal experience with the Women in Lenovo Leadership’ (WILL) network?

CC: Lenovo established WILL back in 2007 as a global platform for local initiatives to support women in our company to succeed. To be honest, I didn’t realize how important it was for me personally to be part of a programme like this one until I started to become actively involved in WILL. You don’t know what a meaningful role you can play in paying it forward to other women until you get the opportunity to do so.

6. Are there any women working in the tech space who you admire and why?

CC: I’m a great fan of Sheryl Sandberg, the CEO of Facebook. In her TED talk, “Why we have too few women leaders”, she focuses on the gender battle of confidence versus competence.

Men are just better at selling themselves, while women inherently lack confidence, even though they possess the skills needed to do a job effectively. This notion really resonates with me, and it’s something I tackle through my work with WILL and also as a facilitator for Google’s I Am Remarkable initiative, which focuses on women empowerment.

7. What three tips would you offer another woman who wants to work in the tech industry?

CC: Firstly, make sure you have a team you can count on and trust. Secondly, find a reverse mentor, i.e. someone younger than you who knows more about the ever-changing world of tech and can help you navigate through areas you need to build know-how on. Finally – be brave! Sit proudly at that boardroom table and don’t be shy to say your piece.

8. Why would you encourage women to consider roles in the tech space?

CC: Why would you want to work anywhere else?! Tech isn’t just a small department in your company, it’s how we all run our lives, both personally and professionally. It’s exciting to be a part of an industry that simplifies people’s lives and empowers them with tools, especially when working for a respected and innovative leader in the tech space like Lenovo.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

In the Market for A New Car? Tips to Ensure You Don’t Buy a Box of Troubles #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Once you have made the decision to buy a car, it is tempting to want to get it NOW! The fact, however, is that buying a car is a big purchase and it is advisable to contain your excitement. It is also a good idea to do some research and tick some boxes in order to eliminate the chances of buying yourself a box of troubles. According to an article on Forbes.com, the number one mistake made when purchasing a vehicle is not doing your homework![1]

Do that homework

Start off by knowing the market value of the car you like before you consider buying. Knowing the market value, for both new and second-hand options, will allow you to tell whether the seller is overcharging or not. It’s also a great idea to look at reviews of the car you prefer to see what drivers are saying about it. It’s also a good idea to get an idea of the upkeep and maintenance costs too. It is best to go into the sale equipped with all the knowledge available to you.

What questions should you ask the seller?

It’s really important that you ask direct questions about the car. Some private sellers may think that they can sucker you into buying a problem car.

The questions you should ask include:

• How old is the car?
• How many previous owners have there been?
• How many kilometers has the car done?
• Does it have a full-service history?
• Has the car been in any accidents? 
• Does the car have an existing warranty or maintenance plan? 

You will need to ensure that you receive honest answers to these questions, so it is a good idea to take someone experienced with you.

Perform an inspection and test drive

Dealerships, who are part of the Imperial Auto group allow customers to perform inspections, but with a private seller, this might be difficult to arrange. If you are able to arrange an inspection of the car with the seller, then you will need to inspect it both internally and externally for any damages or irregularities. 

During your test drive, you will need to listen out for any strange noises coming from the engine. You will also need to feel the suspension and note how the steering and brakes feel on both town roads and on the highway.

Taking a car for a test drive at a dealer, as an Imperial Auto dealer is really easy to arrange. Just don’t forget to take your valid driver’s license with.

Inspect the paperwork

Even if the car looks great, drives well and the price is right, the next vital step in the buying process is to inspect the paperwork. Ask to see the ownership documents and any service documents, and the car logbook. The benefit of buying your car through a reputable dealer is that they make sure all of that is done for you.

For more useful info on purchasing your first car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za/first-time-buyer and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehlg45edej/mistake-1-not-doing-your-homework/#2f79a77d18d1

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

The Expo Industry in #SouthAfrica: An Insider’s View By Mr. Craig Newman, CEO, Johannesburg Expo Centre

Hi Friends, 

From MamaMagic to the Vodacom rAge Expo and HuntEx to SA Fashion Week, there are exhibitions for so many different niches in South Africa every year. And for the most part, the exhibition industry is showing no signs of slowing down. 

One of the most recent events, Vodacom rAge, is a perfect example of the extent to which likeminded people will turn out in support of an event that plays to their unique interests. 

Several exhibitors reported that they did so well, they had run out of stock by day three of the event. 

Vodacom rAge caters to a very specific niche – the toys, gaming, sci-fi, and fantasy market. According to PR Newswire, the global toys and games market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between now and 2025. 

That’s just one example of a powerful niche market that’s gaining ground year-on-year. 

Exhibitions are focused on marketing opportunities that bring your target market to you and allow you to network with your audience for ongoing sales. They’re fostering niche pocket economies everywhere. 

Expo trends now 

Other niches are also on the rise, and the exhibition circuit is a great opportunity to capitalize on consumer interest, even in a struggling economy. 

It’s not just the big ones that are doing well. Smaller-scale exhibitions are also seeing an increase in attendance. For example, broadcasting, entertainment and communications technology expo, Mediatech Africa, attracted 7525 visitors in July this year – a six-percent increase over last year, with 701 brands on display and 148 exhibiting companies. 

South Africans love a good exhibition. We’re a culture of hobbyists and weekend project collectors who love to turn up for a day out at an expo centre to consult the experts who know about the things we like, buy the latest and greatest goods and enjoy fine fare from food trucks, donut stands, and boerewors roll sellers. 

Having attended many varying exhibitions myself, as an industry professional and exhibition enthusiast, I can confidently say that we’re in a business that’s growing every year. Trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions contribute to the local economy, boost tourism and enhance South Africa’s GDP. 

Exhibitions truly tap into the South African entrepreneurial spirit. An article published by Fin24 in 2018 states that visiting business delegates – many of them here for conferences or exhibitions – contribute around R115bn to our GDP annually. 

The feelgood factor 

The common denominator, whether you’re at Africa Health, Discop Africa or Vodacom rAge, for the most part, is the positive energy you encounter as you wander between the stands and showpieces at most South African expos and shows. 

The Rand Show in April this year completely changed lives with a local entrepreneur making a whopping sale of over R500 000. And it’s a testament to the fact that destination shows can provide a captive audience for exhibitors. In this case, it was the Rand Show’s dedicated SMME section, activated by the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. And I’m sure we can expect many more stories like this one to come. 

What does the future hold? 

New tools and technology are making the exhibition business more exciting than ever before. Dedicated event management software is making it easier for organizers and exhibitors to plan their efforts to the letter, and electronic booking or ticketing solutions have done away with a human error when it comes to letting people in and out. 

Mobile technology is becoming more and more prevalent every year, with just about every big expo having its own dedicated app to help guests navigate their event and stay up to date with any panels, showstoppers or press events that are scheduled during an expo. 

Digital design and the advent of technologies such as 3D printing have made stands easier to create, set up and strike, not to mention more appealing to the eye than ever before. And if you’re not that keen on the crowds, who knows? There may be more Virtual Reality expo experiences coming up sooner rather than later. 

At the time of writing this, having seen the faces of the people in the crowds at the likes of the Rand Show, Vodacom rAge, the Design Indaba and more, exhibitions are still putting smiles on faces. And every year, they just get bigger and more advanced. Stay tuned for 2020’s exhibition circuit. It’s going to be the most impressive yet.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Financing a New Car? Tips to Ensure You Get the Best Deal…#ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Purchasing a brand-new car is really exciting – and once you have made the decision you are likely to want to get your car NOW! Be careful not to let your excitement interfere with financing option decisions. Here are some tips from Imperial Auto to ensure that find you the best finance deal possible.

• Speak to the finance and insurance (F&I) manager at your nearest dealership. This will allow you to interact with a specialist and clarify any questions you may have. They can also assess your specific situation and offer you advice on structuring your finance agreement.
• Ensure you structure your deal the best way for you. Here are some options: 
• Deposit – paying a deposit reduces your monthly repayment. If this is possible – it would be a smart move to make from the get-go!
• Fixed VS linked interest rate – during periods when interest rates fluctuate, you may want to consider discussing a fixed rate with your bank. This option has pros and cons to consider.
• The contract period – remember that a longer period reduces the monthly instalments but attracts more interest payable over the period. This is entirely based on what you can afford on a monthly basis.
• Balloon payment – opting for a balloon payment means that you will need to settle a lump sum in order to own the vehicle at the end of the contract period. Although a balloon payment will reduce your monthly repayments, it increases the financial burden at the end of the contract period. You need to be consciously aware of the future implications of this type of deal structure.
• There are a range of insurance products available that cover both the car (warranties, service and maintenance plans) as well as yourself (death, disability and retrenchment cover) which you can consider. Whichever you choose, would depend on your personal situation as well as the car you intend buying.

The F&I will submit a single application to all the banks and obtain quotes from the various banks on your behalf, thereby making the process transparent for you to choose the best interest rate.

There’s no guarantee that you will be approved for vehicle finance, but there are things you can ensure you do which will help improve credit health and greatly increase the chances of being granted credit. 

1. Work out your affordability 

Find out how much you can afford to spend on a car. To do this, simply take your income (after taxes and deductions) and subtract all living expenses. These costs must be deducted from your total income to find out your disposable income.

2. Don’t forget the running costs 

Affording a car isn’t just about the monthly installment. Fuel, maintenance, and insurance are additional monthly expenses that need to be budgeted for.

According to an article on Business Insider, the latest motor trade sales from Statistics South Africa show that South Africans are spending more on fuel than on buying new vehicles. [1]

3. Save up for a deposit 

Financial responsibility reflects well on your credit profile and will assist in ensuring your finance application will be approved. If you’ve shown the bank that you can budget responsibly, you’ll really impress them with a deposit. Paying a deposit reduces the amount of credit required for the transaction which, means lower monthly repayments and improved affordability.

4. Get rid of unnecessary debt 

The National Credit Act requires the bank to take all credit facilities into account, so your credit card and overdraft debt is assessed. These figures are used in assessing your affordability.

For more useful info on purchasing a car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1]https://www.businessinsider.co.za/south-africans-now-spend-more-on-fuel-than-on-new-cars-2018-7

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Public or Private transport? Factors to consider…#ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

For many people, using public transport is a part of daily life. Even if the opportunity is there to purchase their own vehicle – many choose to rather stick to the public transport option. There are various reasons for this decision, one of which is that, for them, it remains the most cost-effective option. 

In the 2018 General Household Survey (GHS), findings obtained revealed that 54.2million minibus/taxi trips are undertaken by South Africans on a monthly basis. followed by 11million commuters using bus transport and commuter rail operations are made up of 6million. [1]

Cost, location and lifestyle – are some of the primary factors to consider when selecting the best mode of transport, and whether to buy a car or utilize public transport.

Cost

Cost is the biggest consideration when deciding on a means of transport. One needs to weigh up the cost of buying a car vs using public transport.

There are direct and indirect costs which should be taken into consideration for private transport:

• Direct costs:
• Financing
• Interest on a bank loan
• Monthly installments
• Warranties and insurances
• Indirect costs:
• Vehicle maintenance
• Vehicle depreciation
• Fuel consumption

Public transport costs vary depending on the mode of transport (bus, train, taxi, and the more expensive Uber) and where you live, but it is most often significantly more cost-effective than private transport.

Location and convenience

The main factor when considering transport options is the area you live in and the proximity of where you live, vs where you work.

The convenience factor can be affected when you look at transport outside of working hours when the options decrease. Most buses and taxis only operate until a certain time, and then there are options like Uber which offers the convenience and flexibility of private transport, but it is not as cost-effective as the previously mentioned options.

Lifestyle

Owning a car offers you a lot more freedom and flexibility over your own life, but besides flexibility, there are still other factors to be taken into account like:

1. Do you need to transport goods or people?

2. Is it safe for you to use public transport in your area? OR Can you afford a safe and reliable car?

3. Do you need to travel out of normal public transport hours?

4. How much mobility do you require? (private transport offers maximum mobility whenever you need it).

5. Can you afford to purchase a car AND the monthly costs associated with owning a car

Should you establish that the time is right for you to purchase a pre-owned car, do some research on what is available online. You will find some amazing options through Imperial Auto.

Here are 5 tips to help you when making your car purchasing decisions:

1. Make sure you research first! Establish what kind of vehicle will best suit your needs AND fall into your affordability bracket

2. Work out your budget, taking long term monthly costs into consideration – and stick to that budget

3. Understand financing options

4. Visit a reputable dealership

5. Test drive the vehicle

For more useful tips on purchasing your first car, join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperialauto.co.za/

Ref 1 https://www.southafricanmi.com/Transport-per-province-27jun2018.html

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Road Tripping Checklists to Make Your Next Trip Great #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

The holiday season is nearly upon us, and for many, the excitement starts with the road trip to your vacation destination. Road tripping is fun… however, if you are unprepared, they can take a nasty turn for the worst.

In reality, a road trip needs careful planning with a number of things taken into consideration. Check out this road trip checklist from Imperial Auto!

First things first………

1. Do a pre-travel car check

It’s a good idea to do a few quick checks to make sure your car is road-trip-ready. It will only take a few minutes but could save you a lot of trouble. Here’s what you need to check:

• Fluids (oil, break-fluid, water and coolant) – this is an under-the-bonnet check
• Leaks – following the under-the-bonnet checks of the fluid levels, it is a good idea to check for any leaks from various components and hoses underneath your car
• Lights – check all globes, including brake lights
• Wipers – ensure the wipers are clearing the water from the windscreen
• Wheels and tyres – check the tread and the pressure. Also, check the steering to see if the vehicle pulls to one side
• Spare wheel – make sure you have one and that it is properly inflated. Also, ensure you have a jack and spanner and while you are at it add in jumper cables
• Brake pads – the composite inner part needs to be above 5mm thick. Also, make sure your handbrake is working correctly
• Ensure vehicle registration is up to date

If you have no idea how to check these things – or if you know your vehicle is needing a bit of a service rather book it into your nearest reputable service centre.

2. Eliminate towing troubles

If you are towing a caravan or trailer be sure to tow the line with these checks:

• Ensure compatibility between your vehicle and the trailer or caravan you’re towing
• Make sure it is roadworthy and that you have the correct license
• Ensure that all the necessary components are in place and that they are in good working order. These components include: the tongue, the hitch, the coupler, safety chains, and brake and lights systems
• Driving with a trailer or caravan generally requires increased concentration. Ensure you have enough space to overtake and remember that making turns are more difficult

3. Have a plan

Although throwing caution to the wind and driving off into the sunset spontaneously sounds romantic and fun… planning things out is a much safer option. Here are some things to consider:

• Decide what route you are going to take and work out estimated travel time. Make sure you know the directions
• Plan what time of day would work better for you to travel
• Plot rest stops and decide if you need to sleep overnight somewhere to break up the trip
• Pre-book overnight accommodation

4. Don’t forget to remember

When you are making your list of what clothes and holiday essentials to pack – make a separate list of these important road trip travel necessities:

• Valid driver’s license
• Valid vehicle registration
• Money for toll gates
• Petrol card
• Music
• Cell phone charger
• Items to entertain the kids
• Refreshments
• Extra water
• First aid kit

For more useful car tips visit our blog and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperialauto.co.za/

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

@Acer_Education Renews The Innovative School Program for 2020 #AcerInnovativeSchools @AcerAfrica

Hi Friends, 

• Acer Innovative School Program will be renewed for 2020 to support schools in their path towards digital transformation 
• Acer for Education will meet the schools participating in the program at the Teachers Advisory Council in Barcelona
• The goal of the program is to support schools commitment to using technology to transform teaching and learning
• Acer Project Humanity winner will be announced

Acer for Education renews the Innovative School Program for 2020 and will meet the schools participating in the program at the Teachers Advisory Council in Barcelona. It will be a two-day event that brings together teachers from across EMEA, giving them the opportunity to share ideas and learn how technology can help improve learning outcomes.

Technology is an enabler. It allows to break down barriers as it helps teachers to develop new, immersive and inclusive learning experiences. As a result, more and more schools that have integrated technology in their approach to teaching and learning are finding how it helps students to boost their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, learn anytime, anywhere and improve academic results.

Acer for Education Innovative School Program is a tribute to those schools that have embraced technology as a means to give students new personalized and engaging ways to learn the abilities they will need to succeed in school and life. The program is targeted to all EMEA schools that are taking the path of digital transformation. Whether they are just starting or are pioneers, these schools are committed to helping each student to reach their potential and follow their dreams through innovation and technology.

Schools enrolled in the Acer Innovative School program can enjoy several benefits:

Teachers from Acer Innovative Schools are invited to attend the EMEA Teachers Advisory Council, where they can meet with peers, listen to education experts and participate in training sessions

Schools can participate in webinars covering a range of topics to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and tools. Topics include mini-training on Windows and Chrome platforms and their apps.

Acer Innovative Schools can share their stories, achievements or experiences on Acer for Education’s blog and become a source of inspiration for other schools. What’s more, schools receive a monthly newsletter where they can find updates on technological contents, alliance partner news, demo program, and other initiatives.

Each Acer Innovative Schools receives 2 demo devices per year, so teachers and students are kept abreast of the latest technological innovations and can find out how they can help them achieve more.

Acer Project Humanity

Acer Innovative Schools are also encouraged to join the Acer Project Humanity, a new global initiative by Acer to bring humanity at the center of our activities and give back to communities and the environment.

By joining Acer Project Humanity Acer Innovative Schools have the chance to encourage students to develop a positive community-centered approach and experience the importance of engaging in “green” activities. Through their green activities, Acer Innovative Schools have the possibility of supporting the learning path of a Charity Education Organization of their choice.

Winning schools will be announced during the Teachers Advisory Council on November 21-23, 2019.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, today Acer is one of the world’s top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will infuse with one another to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From service-oriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer’s 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!