Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Otto Communications Systems.
Otto Communication Systems is in the business of getting people and businesses connected – and keeping them connected. No matter the weather or load-shedding schedule. Cheyne Jordon Otto established the business in 2018 to help pay for rent and groceries. Looking back he recounts the humble beginnings: starting off in a commune, recruiting two house mates, finding offices, building a team, being rattled by the Pandemic, pulling through as a company, learning the importance of contracts, bouncing back within 6 months, finishing up the financial year three times stronger than the previous year. Today the business has grown to support a lifestyle beyond what he could’ve imagined at the outset.
Having worked for ten years in the ITC industry, Cheyne says they are truly blessed to have a support and service team who are incredibly attentive.
When it comes to being an entrepreneur, Cheyne says, “It is not a sprint. It is a marathon. It takes ups and downs which will humble you in the first few months or a – little bit longer if you are a slow learner”.
Otto Communications’ success in ICT has been as a result of their focus on creating a team which works well together and is focused on delivering excellent customer service. Cheyne also encourages his staff to keep on learning and developing. This impacts the business by having employees who have up-to-date practical skills and more knowledge in their field of expertise.
As for profitability, Otto Communications has seen its revenue either double or nearly double each financial year, with 2022 being a stellar example of what a small business is capable of when a team applies itself to achieving the goals they set out at the beginning of the year.
Otto Communications was chosen to receive a Top 20 Award at the 2022 South African Small Business Awards.
Absa SmallBusiness Friday is proudly brought to you by the NSBC and is sponsored by Absa.