Marco Accolla cannot emphasize the need for networking enough

People of Marco Accolla’s calibre are hard to come by. He’s been called the “don of Durban” – and with a good reason. Marco Accolla is a self-motivated individual with a zeal for leadership and proven ability to prioritize and plan. Thanks to his entrepreneurial acuity, he has managed to start several successful businesses, spanning entertainment to real estate and every sector in-between.

So, what’s his secret to success?

In this blog article, we are going to walk you through 4 pieces of advice from Marco Accolla when it comes to starting and business.

#1. Get Experience before You Start the Business

If we can borrow a leaf from the book of Albert Einstein: experience is the only source of knowledge. And, knowledge is king when it comes to the business start-up!

“The thing is you cannot lead if you don’t have enough experience. So, save your investors, team, and yourself a whole lot of pain by getting hands-on experience first,” advised Marco Accolla.

In the business world, when all goes wrong (and it happens!), it is only those individuals who have ‘been there, done that’ who will be able to withstand the heat. If you have sufficient experience in the field, you will have no problem staying calm and leading the way for others. That’s how Marco managed to focus on his property portfolio after Ooh La La Boutique was sold off.

#2. Network, Network, Network

Marco Accolla cannot emphasize the need for networking enough when it comes to starting a business. Prior to forming your business, it is best to attend business seminars, conference, and perhaps join mentorship programmes. And that isn’t all; you may also want to reach out to entrepreneurs and people with a track record of experience in the industry or niche. These could be people you know, and some you have not met before.

#3. Stay On Top of Compliance, Law, and Regulations from Day 1

Before you start a business, it is wise to understand what licenses, regulations, and taxes you will have to obtain, follow or pay for your new venture. Once you’ve done your own research, you might want to reach out to a CPA and business attorney to get to the bottom of compliance issues. The last thing you want is for a trivial tax or regulatory detail to derail your business in its formative months.

#4. A website is a Must-Have

In the digital era, online presence has become indispensable. That’s why you must have a well-designed, easy-to-navigate, and industry-focused website.

About Marco Accolla

Marco Rosario Accolla is a public figure, a serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Durban South Africa.