INTRODUCTION
Youngest of four children that are all business owners supported by an entrepreneurial father with a passion for researching various business opportunities. I would describe myself as adventurous and taking calculated risks hence the start of a great journey as managing owner of Blue Elephant Experiences. Although I studied Human Resource Management I always made notes and plans to go and see places and having great life experiences. I am passionate about people from different walks and cultures and really enjoy working with people from different countries, assisting them in planning incredible trips/holidays to Africa. 

THE IDEA
It was only after I studied Human Resource Management and travelled to USA and Europe that I realized that my passion lies within tourism and travel. When I returned, I searched for opportunities and was very fortunate to have met Hannalie Hattingh, owner of Blue Elephant Collective Group. I started out as reservations manager and Hannalie acknowledges my desire to develop the brand and have more responsibility. I was given the opportunity to start my own branch of Blue Elephant called Blue Elephant Experiences.

PREPARATION/SKILLS LEARNED
Skills needed before I started were how to deliver quotes/itineraries to clients and being able to build relationships with service providers. Knowledge regarding the travel products you offer is essential and this knowledge develops on a daily basis. I also gained precious experience in staring up of a business from business registration to the financial management of it. The most important lesson that I learned was to have a clear marketing strategy and also being willing to experiment with different marketing methods.

LAUNCHED
Blue Elephant Experienced was launced 1 October 2009 in Somerset West.

START-UP COSTS
Extremely low start-up costs were necessary as I only needed a computer and internet access.

PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Planning, booking and compiling of travel information

Accommodation in South Africa – corporate and leisure

Safaris in Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya & Tanzania)

Beach Holidays (Cape Town, Garden Route, West Coast, Wild Coast, Kwazulu Natal, Mozambique, Kenya Coast)

Island Holidays (Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Mauritius, Reunion Island,  Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique Islands)

Day trips (Wine tours, Cape Point, Table Mountain, Township Tours)

Activities (Shark cage diving, helicopter trips, hot air ballooning, abseiling, sky diving, horse riding, canopy tours, bungee jumping, river rafting)

BIGGEST CHALLENGE
The greatest challenge is to be constantly proactive and creative. It is also important to stay focused and positive during quiet periods and keep on searching for business leads.

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN
To never give up on a great idea.

YOUR BEST TIPS LEARNED
Always be willing to assist a client in any way even if you do not deliver a specific service.
Learn how to outsource in order to still give great service.

LOCATION
Equestria, Pretoria

CONTACT DETAILS

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 662 1553

Email: [email protected]

www.travelsouthernafrica.co.za

www.luxuryhoneymoonsinafrica.com

Facebook page: Blue Elephant Experiences

One of the first questions I get asked at the first meeting with a potential client, is always 'What will the ROI be?'.  They want to be assured of figures before they commit to a social media strategy and online marketing.  
Well, I would be very carefull with any social media strategist that gaurentees ROI, you will most likely, in 99% of the case, be very dissapointed.

I always try and explain to small business owners, that if you do not have any marketing budget at all, at least make a small budget for social media.  It is the most cost-effective marketing channel with the most targeted potential and in the long run, it will reap results {sometimes in the short run, but marketing is a finicking business!}
I came across this article today, and it is a must read for any business, because it manages to put into words that which I sometimes tsruglle to.

Enjoy the reading:
The hidden benefits of Social Media Marketing

PREPARATION/SKILLS LEARN

•  I didn’t take any courses apart from the Btec Hospitality Management degree I had before opening So Smoothies, I used the background knowledge I had from my degree and from the experience I gained in the industry. I also spent a lot of time reading business magazines. What I would recommend is a financial management course as I spent a lot of time getting to grips with all the financial procedures. It is very important knowing the financial side of your business and being hands-on.
  
• LAUNCHED

We started selling in 2009

• START-UP COSTS

There is a lot to consider under start-up costs but to basically be up and running cost us in the region of R200 000. One then also still have  to consider loss in income when you start and not taking a salary sometimes.

• PRODUCTS/SERVICES 

We supply portion pouches of IQF frozen real fruit used for the preparation of healthy real fruit smoothies, we also supply a vast range of other IQF frozen fruits and berries in bulk form. We also supply high performance blenders and also plastic cups and lids etc.

• BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Breaking into the market, convincing people to go more healthy and natural by using real fruit instead of powders or syrups. Basically getting new customers and showing them the benefits of frozen fruits and berries.

• BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN
  Be patient. Look in to every opportunity that comes your way
• BEST TIP LEARNED         Learn as much as you can about as much as you can.  Be an expert in your field.

Cell: 082 673 8823

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.sosmoothies.co.za

LinkedIn: http://za.linkedin.com/pub/enrico-andrione/32/258/292

FB: http://www.facebook.com/SoSmoothies

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SoSmoothies