LinkedIn has the power to change your business and life. All you have to do is use it right!

Hi, I’m Renier Lombard – 

One relationship can change everything > Let me show you how to use your LinkedIn Personal Brand to find and attract those relationships.

It’s the superpower many don’t know they have in their arsenal.

I’ve seen the landscape on all platforms change. LinkedIn is no exception. It’s evolved into a powerful tool that many people and companies don’t utilise to its full potential. 

This is understandable as it requires a vast amount of time and energy to visit profiles, create content, invite users to connect, run searches, manage the messages, see who visited your profile, connect with them and much, much more…

With FDC, you don’t have to do any of the above but still reap the rewards.

LinkedIn is a professional landscape with opportunities at your fingertips; all you need is the right team to bring those opportunities to you.

👉  We will build your personal brand, 
👉  Grow your network
👉  Add value for your audience through your content.

With your industry knowledge and our LinkedIn expertise, we'll grow your business from great to the upper-most echelons.

If you'd like to save money and time and still grow your business, LinkedIn's the place to do it.

It is the vehicle to achieve your goals, from talent acquisition to networking, lead generation, investor sourcing and personal brand awareness.

And if you'd like all that the easy way, connect with me, and let's get the conversation rolling.

So get in touch!

📧  Email me at renier@flance.co.za 
🤝   Book a time with me on https://go.oncehub.com/RenierLombard 
💻   To see more, visit https://fdc.agency/linkedin/

Renier Lombard "The Digital Animal"

Last week, we gathered The Lekker Network team for our end-of-year celebration, fittingly hosted at Lourensford in Somerset West, the same venue where we’ll be holding our first-year Summit in March.

Standing there with the team, it really hit me how far we’ve come in just one year.

This time last year, we had one full-time team member: Ewan Van Zyl Visser
One full time person helping us build the network. 

Fast-forward 12 months…

Today, we have 15 incredible people working in and on The Lekker Network every month, a mix of fractional specialists and full-time team members. And in January and February, we’ll be adding two more.

From 1 to 15 in a single year.

That’s surreal. That’s humbling. That’s the power of momentum and belief.

And this is exactly what our members are investing into > a real team running the backend of the network:

-Events
-Communications
-Admin
-Relationships
-Micro-meets
-Chapter support
-Introductions
-Boost sessions
-Member experience

Every person plays a part in building what this network is becoming.
As we edge closer to 500 members in the next few weeks, it’s clear that the growth isn’t an accident. It’s intentional. It’s collective. It’s fuelled by people who care.

By this time next year, the team could be 25–30 strong, depending on how the network grows. But one thing is certain:

There are dedicated people behind this movement, humans who wake up every day to facilitate connection, opportunity, and community for South Africans around the world.

I couldn’t be prouder of the people around me.

And I couldn’t be more excited for what’s coming.

Thank you, team. Thank you, Lekker Network members.

What a year. Lekker things ahead.

Renier Lombard

One relationship can change your business & life > Let me show you how to use your LinkedIn Personal Brand to find and attract those relationships. | Building in public. Follow to watch us build our agency.

Who here runs their business and entrepreneurial life like me?

The kind of founder who trusts their gut more than a spreadsheet.
The type who can hire someone within 30 minutes of meeting them.
The one who hears a good idea, feels that spark, and is ready to invest right there on the spot.

I’m that entrepreneur.

If I sit next to you at a wedding and we have a great 30-minute chat, you might walk away with an opportunity.

If you pitch me something and it hits the right nerve… I’ll probably back you.
Not because I’m reckless, but because I trust my instincts.

Have I been wrong before? Absolutely.

But the way I see it, the things that don’t work out are just the fee you pay for using your gut.

And the upside, the people, the ideas, the opportunities that do land, far outweigh the misses every single time.

So I’m curious…

Who else builds, hires, invests and makes moves by following that gut-driven compass?

Let me know, I can’t be the only one.

Moments like this remind me why community matters.

We were incredibly fortunate to receive a personalised video message from Siya Kolisi for The Lekker Network, wishing everyone a great end to the year, a joyful Christmas, and an exciting year ahead.

Thank you, Siya, we truly appreciate the message and the inspiration you continue to give so many of us.

To all my connections and Lekker Network members: I hope you have a restful festive season, quality time with loved ones, and head into the new year recharged and ready.

𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

We’re already building what The Lekker Network is going to look like in 2026 > taking everything we’ve learned over these first few months and tightening, sharpening and optimising the entire experience for our members.

Here’s a small taste of what we’re working on:

🔹 𝐀 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 that helps us better understand our members from day one, what you can offer, how you can help others, and what your goals are for the next few months.

When we know your goals, we can connect you to the right people faster and unlock opportunities using some incredible tech we’re building behind the scenes.

🔹  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞.
 We’re bringing in some of the most powerful and influential South Africans around the world, people who have real reach, and each of them commits to helping move three big mountains a year for members who need it most.

It’s simple, it’s high-impact, and it’s going to change lives. Launching early next year!

🔹 𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩  to get direct access to the companies that are literally building the future.

🔹 𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 to experience the future that already exists and explore serious opportunities.

🔹 𝐀 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 to meet and connect with high-impact South Africans across multiple industries.

🔹 Launching an 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 with some of the smartest minds in the export space.

🔹 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐬  > can’t reveal too much yet, but this is going to be powerful.

🔹 A big push on global chapter expansion, connecting the South African diaspora - our unofficial 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Our end goal?

To become one of the most powerful incubators of South African potential across the world, giving people access that would normally take years to get.

And what better way to break into international markets than through South Africans who are already there?

The best part?

As a by-product > more opportunities and more jobs flowing back home.

Yesterday I had the great privilege of attending the Civitas year-end event.

I’ve been part of the Civitas Network for the last three years, and I’ve genuinely loved every step of that journey. I’ve met incredible people, expanded my network in ways I never imagined, and gained perspectives that have shaped so much of what we’re building today.

I always tell entrepreneurs this: no single network can give you everything.

Every network carries its own identity, its own strengths, its own blueprint. 

Different people. 
Different values. 
Different opportunities. 

That’s the magic.

Right now, I belong to five global networks, four of them professionally paid CEO or founder networks (Civitas included)… and the fifth is the one I’ve had the privilege of building: The Lekker Network.

And here’s the truth:
 
Joining multiple networks has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for our businesses.

Our relationships have expanded globally. Doors have opened that advertising could never buy. Our positioning has strengthened. And our opportunities have multiplied.

If you're serious about building your brand, scaling your business, getting known in your industry, and creating real proximity to people who can change your trajectory, then join more than one network. 

Think of it as some of the best “marketing” spend you’ll ever make.

Most of these networks range between R2,000 and R7,000 a month depending on what they offer, and the value far outweighs the cost when you show up and do the work.

I’ll stay in all the networks I’m part of for as long as I’m in business > each one plays a different, powerful role in my growth.

A big appreciation and shout-out to George Eadie and Christine le Roux from Civitas for putting together a fantastic day yesterday. And thank you to all the members, it was great reconnecting and catching up.

Here’s to community, to proximity, and to surrounding yourself with people who make you think bigger.

Happy building 🙌

This time of year I always take a moment to reflect on the year that’s been.

One of the things I look at every December is the number of meetings I’ve actually done.

According to my AI assistant, I’ve clocked just under 900 online meetings this year, 892 to be exact, and that’s excluding physical, in-person meetings.

So yeah…

“Busy” feels like an understatement.

Starting a brand-new company (The Lekker Network) while still running an agency has definitely played a role in that number. A lot of conversations. A lot of decisions. A lot of energy.

And honestly, when I speak to other founders and leaders, it sounds like many of you have had intense, full-throttle years too.

If this year has been heavy or intense, please take the time to properly switch off. Reset a bit. Spend time with family and friends. Be outside. Be away from screens. That distance from the noise is more important than we often realise.

I’m really looking forward to some proper downtime.

We’ll be slowing things down from next Friday, time to switch off, reset, and just be for a bit.

Wishing everyone a restful holiday season.

How has your year been?

Foreign Trade Administration - Ministry of Economy & Industry

Identifying Business Opportunities: Research and identify potential markets and business opportunities                                                                                                                         
Developing Strategic Plans: Create and implement strategic business plans to expand the company's international presence and achieve business objectives                                                                                                                                                          Building Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key international partners, clients, and stakeholders                            
Market Research: Conduct market research to stay updated on international market trends, competitor activities, and potential business opportunities                                                                                                                                                                                         Managing Projects: Oversee the management of international projects and contracts, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget                                                                                                                                                                                                      Leadership: Provide guidance and leadership to the business development team, ensuring they meet their targets and objectives                                                                                                                                            Facilitation:  Discussions and collaborations between different departments, partners, and stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of international business plans                                   
Business Transformation Solutions: Develop and implement business transformation solutions to improve operational efficiency, drive innovation, and adapt to changing market conditions

Business Development Director / 2iC

My role affords me the opportunity to work closely with both South African and Israeli companies wanting to exchange trade. This entails marketing and promoting Israeli products and services to South African companies. 

My Key Responsibilities:

Building, Nurturing and Maintaining Business Relationships

Market research and identifying business relationships

Setting up of meetings and networking with decision makers of South African companies and Israeli companies and delegations

Logistics, individual meetings with representatives from different companies and organizing and marketing local seminars with Israeli / South African companies. This includes media coverage. In this regard trips are often planned and this included report writing of successes and lessons learned

As a result of this role I have developed and maintained relationships with senior staff in both South African and Israeli companies and media owners


My career highlights:

I have arranged and delivered multiple inward and outward trade missions, successfully facilitating meetings between Key Industry Players in South Africa and Israel. These missions allowing for numerous networks and relationships being formed between decision makers.

Due to the smooth execution of these Trade Missions, I am proud to be associated with many successful agreements between both countries. More recently an agreement in excess of a million dollars was finalized in the Agri-Tech sector

My strong relationships have increased the database I work from by more than 1000%

Senior Business Development Manager

HOMEWORK FRANCHISE - Johannesburg

My Key Responsibilities:

Operational and management responsibility for the store (A niche market retail boutique catering for upper and middle income LSM 6 to 10 consumers) which sold locally designed and produced merchandise

Implemented objectives, programmes and policy decisions as regards strategic direction and core focus. Discussed standards and targets for the business, including human resources and marketing. The owners limited their involvement in the business to strategic and financial decisions

Monitored and evaluated performance determined sales budgets and provided the owners with monthly sales reports

Planned and managed the activities of a dedicated store manager and provided ongoing product knowledge, marketing, merchandising and financial management training

Liaised with supplier representatives on new product launches and special promotions on existing products and ranges

Co-ordinated all in-store promotions and below-the-line marketing, including setting up of point-of-sale and display material

During this time worked on adapting and applying management experience gained in a large corporate environment. Set up efficient systems and controls and created a customer data base. Drove an aggressive shopper marketing initiative which created more merchandise impact and increased store sales, profitability and stock turns and rotation

General Manager

Caxton

My Key Responsibilities:

Managed a staff complement of 12

Accountable to the Divisional GM and the Group MD, for all financial, Admin and HR. Between 2001 and 2013 served as a Trustee of the Group Pension Fund, responsible for funds under management of over R1 billion

Recipient of the  CoreXalance Award (2010, 2011, 2012) *media industry recognition for credit management ability

Part of the professional project team involved in the creation of strategies, proposals and business plans to secure overseas Titles

Ensured compliance with royalty and other conditions as regards licensing agreements with overseas principles

Involved in EXCO meetings, chaired by the Group MD

Setting and implementation of policy decisions as regards strategic direction and core focus, finance, marketing and advertising, human resources and IT

Project managed the roll-out of new and upgraded existing systems and controls

In consultation with the Editors of the different Titles, advertising and marketing heads, determined, formulated consolidated and implemented budgets, policies and procedures for the various business units in the division

Advised operations, marketing and sales management on commercial and legal issues concerning the the business 

Analysed and approved monthly and annual financial statements for submission to the main board of directors

Commended for contributions in returning the division to profitability from a severe loss making situation

Received consistently favourable audits from both internal and external auditors

Participated in the FIPP World Wide Media Association Conference, London

Responsible for the payroll for 250 employees, and 1000 freelancers

Became extensively involved with integrating the new titles into the existing profile

Formed part of the management team tasked with launching and marketing Woman and Home in South Africa, which has subsequently grown to one of the largest selling general women's interest titles in South Africa

Financial Manager

Netcare

Property Management

Portfolio Management

Let's connect and explore how I can add value to your business journey.

I am passionate about supporting business startups, connecting like-minded individuals, and facilitating initiatives that drive growth and success.
 
As a dedicated business consultant and mentor, I thrive on coaching and guiding entrepreneurs and businesses to achieve their full potential. My career has been marked by successful business transformations, strategic consultations, and the facilitation of impactful initiatives. Ranked 23rd out of 100 employees in customer satisfaction, my commitment to adding value and contributing to clients' bottom lines has been recognized and appreciated. My approach revolves around identifying opportunities, staying commercially astute, and expertly connecting parties to foster successful partnerships.
 
Being referred to as the Go-to Person" in my field, has been earned through my ability to connect with diverse individuals and drive successful partnerships. By acting as a connector and facilitator, I open doors, create opportunities, and assist clients in closing vital deals. My entrepreneurial spirit and effective processes have consistently turned around businesses, business units, and departments, demonstrating my capacity to see and seize opportunities. As a natural leader, I excel in managing and mentoring teams, leveraging my analytical skills and affinity for numbers to make informed commercial decisions.
 
Achievements:
 
• Founding member of The Lekker Network, fostering a global community of South Africans. 
• Founded the MediSmart Breakfast Club, a distinguished healthcare forum dedicated to knowledge 
    sharing and trend discussions over breakfast.  
• Led a delegation of 50 top farmers from Southern Africa to explore Israeli Agritech, fostering trade and 
    agricultural collaboration between the regions.
• JDC (The Joint) Innovation Journey in South Africa :  small-scale farmers in SA to Israeli innovative companies
• Arranged trade missions, facilitating meetings between key industry players in South Africa and Israel. 
• Facilitated a million-dollar deal in the Agri-Tech sector. 
• Secured partnerships with MedTech companies to advance healthcare accessibility across Africa.
• Expanded my professional network by over 1000%. 
• Recipient of the CoreXalance Award (2010, 2011, 2012) for media industry credit management. 
• Participated in the FIPP World Wide Media Association Conference in London. 
• Launched and marketed Woman and Home in South Africa. 
• Turned around underperforming business units with innovative solutions.

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Charmaine Hirshowitz

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The Battle

Renier Lombard "The Digital Animal"

Charmaine Hirshowitz

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Renier Lombard "The Digital Animal"'s LinkedIn Performance

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