The Right Place Community

Founder & Podcast Co-Host

johnconnects.com

I connect people and ideas, and I have been doing this my whole life. I love it! My 15+ years of experience as a CA has given my tremendous insights into how things can and do work in South Africa and where I can best add value. My network is made up of CEOs, CFOs, and other professionals in the private and public sector. I add value to them by connecting the dots, bringing new opportunities to life, and working swift and smart. I pride myself on being creative and solving problems and I use my strengths to maximize opportunities for everyone involved.

Power-Connector | Key-note speaker | Workshop Facilitator

Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Committee member on the Tygerberg Chapter at Cape Chamber

Committee Member - Tygerberg Chapter

Member

Clara Business Network

Clara Business Network is an initiative to connect residents of Clara Anna Fontein with each other’s businesses and services.

Founding Member

LIV GROUP

Board Member LIV Cape Town

South African Medical Research Council

Member of the Audit Risk and IT Committee (ARIC)

SAICA CA(SA)

Member of the Southern Region Public Sector Committee

Infinitus Reporting - Financial Reporting Solutions

Providing software and services to simplify & automate financial consolidation, reporting and planning processes within organisations

Client Services Executive

CA(SA)

Professional consulting services to the private and public sector, focusing on maximizing people and organization’s potential

Independent Consultant

INSETA-Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority

Member of the Audit and Risk Committee

I am passionate about empowering professionals and entrepreneurs to grow their personal networks through collaboration and giving.
As a founding member of the Clara Business Network, a board member of LIV Cape Town, and a member of various committees and chambers, I have established myself as a power-connector and ideapreneur, connecting people and ideas across industries and sectors. 
I believe that by sharing contacts, insights, and resources, we can create a culture of abundance and innovation that benefits everyone.

If you’ve got a job, be grateful.
If you’ve got people working for you, be kind.

If you’ve lost your job, keep looking.
If you’re looking for a job, keep trying.

If you hate your job, look inside yourself.
If you love you job, spread the love.

If you want to be the boss, think twice.
And if you’re the boss, be generous.

Happy Workers Day.
Keep working at it 🚀 

John Watson

Helping you become a better connector of people and ideas while building your business. Power-Connector | Ideapreneur | Maximiser | Podcaster

How important is it to think twice before becoming a boss?

What impact does continuous job searching have on career growth?

If you want to catch big fish, you have to do one of two things:

1. Fish where you have never fished before.
OR
2. Fish using better lures or equipment.

I use fish as a verb above.

It means you have to engage in the act of fishing.

They ain't going to swim up to you!

Bait on. Line in. Wait. Fish on. Reel in. Land.

To land your big client, you can enter their territory.

Or use what they like to get them to where you are.

Or try a combination of the two.

Why do some people seem to catch all the big clients?

Because they are out-fishing you.

They did their research.

And they worked on a system.

You already have a system but it might just suck.

You are fishing in the wrong sea or using the wrong lures.

Stop. Reflect. Research. Redesign. Try again.

Fishing for clients should not be a static "try it like we always did" approach.

It doesn't always work out like that.

Change you spot, or change what you got.

Good luck to all the fisherman out there, tight lines! 🐟 

“You can’t catch the big fish by skimming the surface.”
Andy Gilbert

Helping you become a better connector of people and ideas while building your business. Power-Connector | Ideapreneur | Maximiser | Keynote Speaker | Podcaster

You need to cut people out of your network, or they will keep you out of the networks you need to be in.

This is the thought I have had all day.

It's harsh, but true!

We are all connected to people we shouldn't be seen near!

They hang around, and lurk in the background.

They wait to pounce and take but never give!

The problem is, others see us with these people whether we like it or not and they keep their distance.

We lose access to good networks because of our proximity to bad connections.

Who do you need to let go of?

Who do you need to avoid?

Who do you need tell NO?

We all need to reflect on our connections and networks, and see who we need more of and who has taken enough of us.

Be an adult, make adult decisions.

Cut the bad links and rotten apples.

Your future will be grateful you did.

How can bad connections affect our professional life?

How can cutting bad connections help us in professional life?

What are some tips for building professional networks?

I totally bombed my first meeting as a solopreneur and this is everything I learned ⬇ 

First the story:

It was August 2023, a few months after quitting full time employment to focus on family matters.

I was slowly putting myself out there again and I had an opportunity to meet with a corporate that wanted to expand it’s operations nationwide.

John to the rescue I thought 😎 

I opened Canva and got cracking on my partnership pitch.

Nice words. Nice graphics. Great ideas! 👌 

I knew I could add value, to any business.

I knew I could connect the dots they needed.

And so I presented with energy and enthusiasm.

And what did I get?

No smiles. No aha moments. No applause 🤐 

And then it got worse.

💥 “John this will add no value to us at all.”

💥 “John I do not see what you see, we need new locations now not promises in the future.”

💥 “Our CEO is one of the smartest people you will ever meet and this is not going to fly.”

I was shocked.

Did I really miss the mark so badly?

Did I just waste their time and mine?

Done. Handshakes all around.

“Maybe we can talk again in the future…”

I left the building. Confused 😨 

It took a while to process this train-wreck.

Emotions of anger, hurt, embarrassment and failure were heavy to work through.

I was really stuck in no mans land!

And questioning my gifts and if anyone needed me?

Then a friend called and we talked it all through.

It was a conversation I will never forget.

They helped me see this as a huge gift:

🎁 I didn’t actually want to work for this boss or this company. The culture was negative and the tone at the top toxic.

🎁 I had to tighten up my offerring and get to the bottom line faster. Talk the language of money.

🎁 I was very good at what I do, but not everyone will see it because they only want you to do what they think is best.

🎁 I must choose learning or languish with self doubt.

I took the lessons to heart chose learning.

Now 9 months later, I am still grateful for this worst day ever.

The lessons I learned are for life and it has helped me focus on what my real value add is.

It’s easy or natural to hate the other side and live with resentment.

But by not reflecting on what happened and learning from failure, you stay where you are.

Give yourself a break.

Stuff happens.

And it isn’t always all of your fault.

So squeeze all the learning you can out of it and keep trying 🚀 

It will make a wonderful chapter in your autobiography one day.

What did you learn from your worst performance in front of a client?

How can failure be a learning opportunity?

How can a negative company culture affect employees?

How can one overcome self-doubt after a failure?

I used to be a very nervous networker 😬 but with a mindset change I became a power connector of people and ideas.

This change starts in the mind.

And ends by living with open hands!

So what makes people nervous about networking? ⬇ 

🚫 They have the wrong mindset.

🚫 They make unneccesary comparisons.

🚫 They are not properly prepared.

Next week at the ORT Jet Cape Town event I'll break down these 3 reasons and share my best advice on making connections that matter.

PLUS we will do a live demonstration of a power-connector in action! I am putting myself on the spot here 😎

I believe anyone can adopt some power-connector principles and open up their network to new opportunities.

Let's go 🚀 

When things are taking longer than you want, appreciate the gift of time and maximise the opportunity even more.

Quinton and I are working on some BIG things.

But some of them are taking forever to get moving...

After another disappointing project meeting, we reflected.

Then we started talking about add-on opportunities.

And in 10 minutes we had a massive idea.

It changes the whole project!!!

We were so excited and forgot the disappointment.

Just like that we were grateful for more time.

Keep looking for new opportunities, don't just focus on the one thing not happening.

Maybe something bigger and better is on its way.

Just do it! 😎 

How can I make the most of a disappointing project meeting?

There are 2 things that make people nervous about connecting with others, 2 things you need to figure out for yourself:

1. Mindset

2. Comparrison

If you have a scarcity mindset you believe there are not a lot of opportunities for yourself. Well the same then applies to your network too.

This mindset makes you nervous to share contacts, connections, ideas and opportunities.

An abundance mindset is the complete opposite and takes away the nerves because you believe there is enough for everyone. And there is!

The other thing that makes people nervous is comparissons with others.

🚫 I am not as well connected as them. 
🚫 I don't network like they do. 
🚫 I don't have the charisma that they do. 
🚫 I am not the life of the party like them.

Stop this. Comparrison is the thief of joy!

You do not have to be the loudest in the room to be a good connector of people and ideas. 

You are you, be you and people will recognise your authenticity.

This week focus on an abundance mindset, and forget all the stupid comparissons that hold you back.

You are the only limit to your success.

Just do it! 🚀 

Why is an abundance mindset important for networking?

Since 1835, the grand old dame that is Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse has patiently been waiting to woo with her old-world charm.

And now it's been voted the 9th best bed & breakfast in Africa accoding to Tripadvisor!

Owned by long time bubbly friends Albert and Inga Terblanche, this guest house has been our go to stop in Prince Albert since they took over 4 years ago.

Inga, a professional photographer turned host with the most, takes care of the breakfasts, baking and beautiful decor.

Albert, a CFO turned coffee and bubbly aficionado, delivers your coffee orders to perfection and is always ready with a to do list recommendation.

Farm ridgebacks Ferdinand and Ella are the insta-famous guest liaison officers welcoming guests and getting away with naughty cuteness all day long. 

Tripadvisor says its a "charming 4-star retreat with a farm-like atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, where attention to detail and quality are key."

Albert and Inga are the perfect hosts, with amazing attention to detail and a wonderful team that cater to all your needs, including Karoo weddings!

The breakfasts are amazing - farm made sourdough with avo butter, blistered tomatos and scrumptous bacon been my go to!

The peaceful garden, outdoor pool, and sauna invite you to unwind, while the outdoor deck is perfect for enjoying the view.

The sleepy town of Prince Albert is an annual pilgrimage for my family and there is always something new to see and do.

We will be back there in August!

Book your trip now before they become number 1 in Africa 😎 

What impact does hospitality have on guest satisfaction?

My best advice for building connections that matter and a network that works is so straight forward...

...but it all starts in the mind.

With a scarcity mindset you are the biggest limit to your success.

But an abundance mindset opens up the entire world to you.

So back to the advice ⬇ 

1. GIVE

Value, time, effort and energy. First. Often.

2. LISTEN

To others, to complaints and for opportunities.

3. CONNECT

Share contacts, ideas and opportunities. Without expectations.

4. WATCH

Be aware of who knows who, and who needs you.

If every day you give a little, listen a lot, connect often and watch always, new connections will come your way and your network will open up to you.

Then you repeat the cycle. Everyday.

You don't just take. You give again.

Do you agree with me?

Before early adopters, you get innovators. Yoke Van Dam must be in a class of her own, cause she was both!

You see before The First Minute Tour with Chris Fenning got big traction in 2024, Yoke was opening doors for us in 2023 already.

She was our first serious outside supporter on board, and so much has happened since Rudolf and I connected with her.

Thank you Yoke!

On this weeks The Right Place Community Podcast, Rudolf talks to Yoke about her journey to finding her right place.

You can also catch Yoke Van Dam at the next Irene Business Network on 30 April.

Listen to the pod, attend the IBN event and meet our friend Yoke 😎 

The future is coming and you're not in it!
So what you going to do about it this week?

Complain > yawn...lazy approach.

Blame > be your own worst enemy

Explain > as in lie to yourself again...

OR

Train > your mind, body and spirit

Sustain > your relationships

Gain > all you need for your next step.

You're insane if you think you have another week to waste and dilly dally around.

The future needs a better you.

I need to be a better John.

Lets take this Monday and make it count 🚀 

Who's with me?

What do you find easy that other people find difficult to do?

There, that should be YOUR business.

Or your next solution to develop.

Or your next side hustle.

As easy as that, and no MBA required.

My answer?

I connect people and ideas.

Yes that is a real job. Mine.

And I am trying to be really good at it.

Here is how it works:

1. I listen to your business story.

2. I share my ideas with you.

3. I connect you with my people you should know.

4. We build amazing things together.

Everyone needs a connector.

And that's exactly what my brain is wired to do.

Connect the dots, people and ideas.

Not convinced?

Ask Paul Jaftha, Monique Labat, Quinton Hughes, Adriaan Myburgh, Christine Du Toit, Rudolf Rautenbach or Marietjie Kriel about our recent meetings and let them tell you straight.

It's a seriously fun job, that I take very seriously.

Because I live with my hands open.

True Story 👐 

So get out of your own valley of desolation, and connect with connectors (like me). Today.

P.S. Graaff-Reinet is a beautiful town, you must visit it!

What are some best practices for being a connector?

Is public speaking really the scariest thing in the world?
Even if it is for you, it doesn't have to be ⬇ 

In the USA a few years ago a poll revealed that public speaking was rated the number 1 scariest thing. Number 2 was death! Death was number 2! What ab

Open article: Scarier than death? Public Speaking! by John Watson • 3 min read

"We didn't make any money for 5 years!"
Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience

This was Joe's answer when he was asked,
"When did your podcast start making any money?"

5 years!

If he had given up after 1 year he wouldn't have
become the biggest podcast in the world!

His goal was never money, it was fun and learning.

It's been only 5 months since Rudolf and I started
the The Right Place Community podcast.

And guess what?

We haven't made a cent out of it.

So that means we are right on track 😎 

We are learning so much and enjoying the process.

It's part of a giving mindset and lifestyle.

It's an investment with intangible benefits.

And the feedback we have received has been positive.

But one day, just maybe, we might make a few bucks.

We will never know if we give up now.

And we have no plans too.

We know we are just one conversation
away from changing our trajectories.

So we keep on keeping on 🚀 

Learn more about The Right Place Community

What are the benefits of viewing a project as an investment?

If only there was a way to record the very interesting conversations you have with your colleagues or collaborators?

Hello, there is!!!

It's called a podcast 😁

This week Rudolf and I had it all figured out for our weekly recording of The Right Place Community Podcast.

✅ Opening 
✅ Topic
✅ Key message
✅ Questions

But before I hit record on the above, we were on a very interesting tangent, completely off topic.

So I said "Rudolf, we should just record what we are talking about now!"

He said "I agree, let's do it!"

So we threw the preparation out the window and recorded a great chat about something completely different.

Speaking in public 😱 

And it went very well!

This is the beauty of being in charge of your own podcast and talking about what you want to talk about.

You can do whatever you want, however you want.

It has honestly become our own little therapy session where we check in with each other, hang out and talk about interesting things that can help others.

PLUS we do get to interview some fascinating people too!

We prepare a lot more for those interviews by the way.

But it was great to wing it this week and go where the conversation lead us.

Made all the easier with Riverside.fm 💪 

That episode will be out soon, but for now check out our previous episodes on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts - they drop every Tuesday.

How does podcasting provide creative freedom?

There is nothing quite like getting your first job, but I believe there are many types of "first jobs" ⬇ 

Here are some of my firsts:

⭕ First job that paid me: Sales person at Sportsman's Warehouse in the golf department (where else!) from 1999.

⭕ First job that paid for my varsity: Waiter at a seafood restaurant for 3 years from 2001.

⭕ First job after studying: Article clerk at a small audit firm in 2005.

⭕ First job that actually had benefits: Article clerk at Auditor-General of South Africa in 2006.

⭕ First job where I was the big boss: Acting CFO at a goverment entity from 2010.

⭕ First job working for myself: Consulting work from 2019

For most of these first jobs I depended on connecting with the right people, building a working relationship and doing whatever it took to make it happen.

Everyone has their own path towards there first jobs and there is a lot to learn.

And a long list of what not to do!

This week on the The Right Place Community podcast, Rudolf and I talked about connecting while you're young and how to approach things at your first job. It was a fun chat!

What did you learn in your first jobs?

What are some recent developments in The Right Place Community?

How important is connecting in the workplace?

What are some tips for approaching first jobs?

Only one of these hands can give, and only one can receive. Which is it?

The open one of course.

It's amazing how the universe was designed.

The same hands that can hold tight, can give.

The same hands that restrict choice, can share opportunity.

The same hands that prevent, can also promote.

If you're not living with your hands open and sharing what you've got with others, then you are also limiting what you can receive.

You need more? Give more!

But John how much must I give? And when?

All you can, and all the time.

But why?

So you can receive all you need, all the time.

It's really that simple.

I wish you a wonderful giving weekend 🤲 

What are some best practices for sharing in the workplace?

How can limiting what I give also limit what I receive?

What is the significance of the universe's design?

If you think compliance is expensive, you should try non-compliance!

As an ex-government auditor, I have seen my fair share of non-compliance.

This is what I learned over time, and what I told my auditees ⬇ 

The massive non-compliance you read about in the newspapers started with small non-compliance going un-checked, un-punished or un-fixed.

Luckily there are amazing organisations positioned to help your business stay compliant and thrive in spite of tough economic times.

Company Partners is a One-Stop-Shop for all the Company Registration and Tender Compliance Documents you need. Their online system and team of Experts will get you what you need in record time.

This week on The Right Place Community Podcast I spoke to Company Partners MD Ilana Steyn.

Some of the key takeaways were:

✅ Consistent networking and building relationships are key to business success.
✅ Outsourcing weaknesses and seeking help from professionals can improve efficiency and growth.
✅ Compliance and having the right systems in place are crucial for business sustainability.
✅ Embracing technology can enhance communication and streamline operations.

Listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Why is compliance crucial for business sustainability?

How can technology enhance business operations?

How can outsourcing improve business efficiency?

"If you celebrate the small victories, you keep the positivity going." Geordin Hill-Lewis

It's always an honour to listen to The Mayor of Cape Town and last night was no different.

Residents enjoyed an open and honest talk about their City, and took advantage of networking time before and after. Plus superb wine from Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery.

Special thanks to Ilana Steyn and the team at Company Partners for their sponsorship and support for this event.

Definitely the highlight of the calendar so far, but it was a massive event to organise!

😭 Oversubscribed seats & disappointed residents

💡 New lighting to install on the outside

🔊 Professional sound engineers

📑 Jam packed agenda

🙏 And great weather!

But Gavin, Gerhard, myself and the admin team made it happen.

We should know what we're doing, we've done 30 of these now! 😃 

The next CBN is on 23 May with Christine Du Toit, Carrick Wealth, Sion Gelgor, Louis Venter and Nitida Wine Cellars.

DM me for further details

Learn more about Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery

What impact does job creation have on local economies?

"We're not going to take it, and our citizens deserve better."
Geordin Hill-Lewis

The City of Cape Town's goal is to serve it's people and continue to grow the economy by creating jobs. In the last 2 years 363,000 jobs have been created!

Last night's CBN meeting was extra special, not just because the Mayor himself was the guest speaker. But because 200+ residents of Cape Town were also there. People who are invested in Cape Town and want to see it succeed.

It was a wonderful conversation covering infrastructure, safety, population development and how Cape Town is getting smarter each day. Attendees were inspired by The Mayor's positivity and his frank and honest answers to their difficult questions.

Our sponsor for the evening was Company Partners and MD Ilana Steyn shared how they help companies, big and small, stay compliant and grow with a pro-active and technology based approach to company governance.

Saamie Mommiez was our charity partner and Cheryl Wilson explained how the weekly donations from Clara feed many hungry children in need and that any donation they receive can be converted into money to buy more food supplies.

Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery was the wine partner for the evening and showcased a wonderful selection of their quality wines. They have one of, if not, the best cellar door and deli experiences in the Durbanville Wine Valley!

This was the biggest ever CBN event to date with a wonderful, positive atmosphere and great networking - definitely the highlight of the year so far!

Thank you to all the residents and guests that joined us last night.

The better the questions you ask yourself, the better you can get out of your own way - try these 2 this week ⬇⬇ 

And just like that we are in the 2nd quarter of 2024. This week we just have two questions for you. Two questions to wake you up and get you moving cl

Open article: 2 burning questions for Q2 by John Watson • 3 min read

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