What’s your name and designation?

My name is Marius, and I’m the owner of Nestiva.

Tell us about your journey. How did you get started with your business and what inspired you to do so?

I worked in the fishing industry, and someone asked out of frustration for help to have their fishing vessels cleaned. I had years of cleaning experience in the restaurant industry, and I said that I could help, and that is how Nestiva was born.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Understanding the new world marketing strategies & challenges. Secondly, how to reach my prospective client, I can not see or speak to my client and my “store” does not have a front door on the “high street” either.

What unique aspects of doing business in South Africa would you highlight (good or bad)?

Transport, health & hygiene, ethics, commitment, honesty, lawlessness, working with people coming from the poorest of the poor areas, in people’s homes on the “hill & in the leafy suburbs”, to source and secure the right people is the most difficult part of our business.

How do you differentiate your business from competitors?

Commitment, punctuality, first impressions, measure twice and cut once. Follow-up and feedback, follow through challenges and getting the job done notwithstanding.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in growing your customer base?

Word-of-mouth references have been the most effective.

What’s one mistake you made early on that you wish you could go back and fix?

I totally underestimated the time it takes to build a comprehensive website. I would rather have budgeted for double the time.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a business owner?

Determining my own routine, processes, systems and developing employees to become independent business owners.

How do you approach innovation and staying relevant in your industry?

Reading/Google & Youtube.

How has your business adapted to the digital age, and what advice would you give to others looking to do the same?

Partner with the correct online and social media specialists.

What advice do you have for someone just starting a business in South Africa?

Save-Plan-Budget-Double-it – Speak to other entrepreneurs over and over again, steal as much as you can with your eyes – brainstorm all possibilities and examples and retain the best outcomes or examples and apply them.

For more information, visit Nestiva’s listing.

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