In this interview we find out more about Dewald Rosema (Owner/Founder of Digital Flyer), his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.
Dewald explains how DigitalFlyer®SA is a community-focused business marketplace designed to help any entrepreneur develop and manage their own website, online store, and more. It allows merchants and enterprises to expand their digital footprint and online presence, allowing them to reach more customers faster.
He says that the DigitalFlyer’s® website and platform allow businesses to create a business web page, sell products and services, create events and manage their appointments. Customers can rate business pages and products. The platform is simple and it gives businesses instant visibility online.
He also shares how DigitalFlyer® gives communities the opportunity to do business and transactions seamlessly and also earn cryptocurrencies, in the form of CBT. This means that you are rewarded for transactions you do in your community. But the biggest benefit and potential of DigitalFlyer® is that you can pay for services and products with either FIAT or cryptocurrencies – after all, this is the future.
Dewald goes on to say that with the dawn of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, DigitalFlyer®SA introduced Community Business Token (CBT), a rewards/loyalty token. This propels the platform into the future of online commerce, but more significantly, it delivers a world-class platform to its business members.
“We are the first marketplace in South Africa, according to our knowledge, that has successfully launched its own crypto token and we have actively been trading for over a year now,” says Dewald.
Why did you start your business?
After taking a two-year sabbatical travelling in Africa, I became involved in missionary support at Adventures for Christ NGO. The experience in Africa made me think about how communities can be sustainably supported by using my extensive experience and background in technology, stock markets, marketing and blockchain. That’s when I came up with the idea for DigitalFlyer®.
What do you love the most about running your business?
Running a start-up is always tough but the most rewarding part of it is seeing the change and experiencing how possibilities can become reality. It’s wonderful to help show businesses that there is a future and to also help business owners embrace the necessary changes. Ultimately, innovation is what I love the most.
What is one of the biggest lessons you have learnt on your business journey?
That is a difficult one, as there are many lessons that one is able to learn. I have actually started saying that I don’t pay school fees any more because I am learning so much from the school of life (it feels like I have earned a Phd or two already). I would however emphasise the importance of listening to others but never losing sight of your vision, passion and dedication. Persistence and consistency is key to making anything work.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do and what do you focus on to help you persevere and get through tough times?
My ‘Why?’ is simple. It is time we re-establish communities. Without a functional community, nothing is possible.
I do what I do because my passion is to show people that anything is possible and in that way I am playing my small part in giving back and driving change. I believe that we need more positivity in our communities and less complaining. We need to do anything that makes a postive impact.
During tough times I motivate myself every morning with positive topics and more importantly, I surround myself with positive people and mentors.
Why should South Africa support small businesses now and beyond?
Small businesses are the centre of any healthy community. It is ultimately small businesses that provide the services we as community members need daily. Whether it is a one person operation (mowing the lawn, selling water, fixing your computer) or a bigger business delivering any sort of service or product, our communities wouldn’t function without them.
Quality service delivery or product offering is so important for small businesses to offer, as our country has suffered enough from schemes and scams. In order for any small business owners to surive, whether registered or side hustles, it is crucial that they provide reliable and fast service with a smile.
Competition is rough these days as consumers’ options are growing. Everyone is trying something to survive the tough times. I believe this means that in order to grow your business you need to focus on two key areas: quality service and giving back to your community. To close off, positivity and communities pulling together are essential for us all.
Digital Flyer is a proud Member of the NSBC
This Small Business Friday feature is proudly sponsored by Absa.