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Nic Haralambous Profile
Nic Haralambous

@nicharry

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Following
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20+ years building businesses, 3x startup exits, many failures, strong opinions, observing bullshit and making mistakes.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Joined April 2007
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 months
I’m turning 40 soon. If I met 20 year old me today and had a conversation with him, this is what I would tell him in no particular order: ON LIFE - The only real job of your life is to know yourself. - It’s OK to lie sometimes. - Go. To. Therapy.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
I'm so fucking relieved that Zuma is not in power.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Comair just voluntarily filed for business rescue. Caxton just pulled entire magazine business. Edcon in business rescue. Associated Media liquidated. Only 6 weeks of lockdown. Imagine another 6 weeks. We need to end this lockdown.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
"Life is not a zero-sum game and nor is business." As the end of this decade approaches, here are ten years of business lessons from a startup founder.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
Billie Eilish is 18 and records music in her bedroom in her mom's house with her brother. She just won 5 Grammy Awards. What's your excuse?
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Win R40 000 worth of Side Hustles prizes including: 👉 1 on 1 coaching 👉 Side Hustle Masterclass 👉 Side Hustle Mindset online short course 👉 Exclusive Side Hustle Community 👉 5 Business Books Enter Now: The more you share, the more entries you get.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
Early is on time. On time is late. Late is inexcusable.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
@paulg What if you believe, in earnest, that the incumbent is doing a sub-par job and you can do it better?
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
If you're looking for some lockdown reading, I've just published my latest book: How to Start a Side Hustle - #business #sidehustle #startups
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
9 years
Apparently this is what happens to unhappily married Ostrich.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
If you are trying to build a business in South Africa, I think it's time to consider leaving. It's tough enough to build a business anywhere. Doing it with no electricity and an incompetent government is impossible.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
BIG NEWS! Today I'm announcing the launch of the Slow Fund🐢! Every day for the next 365 days the Slow Fund will give one person R1000 to start a side hustle. R365 000 --> 365 businesses --> 365 days. #sidehustle1000 Why do this & why now? thread...
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
1/ SAA is seeking R21bn bailout. How else could we use that money to stimulate the economy? I wonder... A short thread using rough figures. Let's use R100 000 as startup capital. R21 000 000 000 / R100 000 = 210 000 businesses receiving funding
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
I've never built a startup that was easy. If yours feels impossible and broken, that's ok. It feels that way until it doesn't. Nothing worth building is easy.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
10 months
This is a great thread filled with ideas for "Cocktail attire", but... yes, there's a "but". Wear sneakers if you feel like the best version of yourself. Wear a t-shirt if you can make it elegant and you feel like the best version of yourself. Wear a light suit, dark suit,
@dieworkwear
derek guy
10 months
Let's talk about this because you may get invited to a party this holiday season that calls for "cocktail attire." What is cocktail attire? And how can you do it well? 🧵
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
8 years
. @mmusimaimane Careful. Hatred and violence won’t be overcome with more hatred an violence.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
I have helped a lot of people start businesses. Here are five things that hold most people back and how to get over each issue: #1 . Perfection Perfection is perilous. It doesn't exist. Waiting for it is a roadblock. Seek feedback, not perfection. Be prolific, not perfect.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
Strong opinions loosely held. A life changing principle. It's OK to believe something with conviction and passion. If the facts change, it's also OK to change your opinion and then hold a new opinion with conviction and passion.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Let me get this straight - at Lockdown Level 3 I can't walk my dogs in a public park but people can gather in closed rooms in big groups for hours and sing the virus at each other's faces every day if they want. We're in the upside down.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Niche doesn't mean small. Niche means specific. Go deep. That's where you find gold.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
If anyone gets amnesty for corruption, I want a refund on my income tax for the last 18 years.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
A lesson in leadership from the President tonight: 1. Summarize what has been done. 2. Commend the good work done. 3. Talk about what is being done. 4. Explain what will be done. 5. Acknowledge your team (citizens) 6. Admit to mistakes made. 7. Commit to be/do better.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
So excited! Just found my book on the shelves at OR Tambo airport in JHB! (I did not place it there)
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Your employees are not your family. You have a family at home, so does your team. Calling it a family sparks guilt associated with disappointing a parent. It's passive-abusive & needs to stop. Build a team, build a unit, build another analogy. Let go of the family narrative.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
"It wasn’t a paper cut kind of bleed, it was more of an aorta kind of bleed straight from the heart of the business and gushing from the neck. We were losing money quicker than we were making it." - This is a quote from my new book. You can buy it here:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
Suing a startup for lost future value of equity because you lost out on a deal is not a smart move for a venture capital firm. Do not raise money from investors who sue startups. Do not trust investors who sue startups. This is shocking.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
Everything wrong with the legal profession in one invoice.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
My debut book is out! It’s called DO. FAIL. LEARN. REPEAT. You can buy a signed copy right now: or get it in store next week!
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
The longer we don't sell alcohol, the safer South African people are. The facts are so clear. Insane how much we ignore this because of our societal addiction to this drug. Emergency rooms aren't filled with people tripping on Acid. Just saying.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Winning startup competitions doesn't make your startup great. Winning customers (and keeping them) does. Eyes on the right prize.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
I found an online store that has stock of toilet paper and you'll never guess what I did... I bought the exact amount that I needed for two people to last a week. Like a psychopath.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Apparently, when you appear in @YouMagazine it's a big deal! Crazy double-page spread about my new best-selling book, How to Start a Side Hustle!
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Schools need to teach courses in side hustles and business building. Not doing so is criminal in 2021. We are not equipping young people for the present and future economy. #sidehustle #sme #smallbusiness #Entrepreneur
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
When you start writing a book you tell yourself that it doesn't matter if it hits the bestsellers charts. But when it gets there, it's always a surreal feeling! #bestseller #startasidehustle
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Mental fitness is a constant fight in my life. I've been fighting this fight for many years as a startup founder and entrepreneur. It's tough and constant. You're probably fighting it too & could use some help. Here are some things I do to stay mentally fit... 🧵👇
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
7 years
Last year I set out to become financially literate. Here's how that worked out and why you should do the same this year...
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
I used to feel like I was too important and busy to do the dishes at home. Now I know that having the time to do the dishes means I'm making the right decisions in life.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
It's OK to have a weekend, take a break, read a book, exercise or relax - ie, not work. If you're feeling guilty about it, stop. Inspiration occurs in the most unexpected places sometimes.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
18 years ago I started my first job at @Radio702 . I was a stupid kid trying to break into broadcasting. That day I met @AkiAnastasiou for the first time. I doubt he'd remember but I was so impressed with how welcoming & helpful he was. Go forth into the next chapters, Aki!
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
So much in life comes down to timing. The music you like. The books you hate. The friends you make and lose. Your career choices. Your happiness. Your sadness. Often timing makes all the differences. Sometimes you just need to be patient and wait or walk away.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
Today marks 9 years since I stopped smoking. Annual reminder that if I can do it, you can too. I smoked 40 a day for many years.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
7 years
@mcleodd @robrose_za @Bruceps @ShuterRob I popped the number into the TrueCaller app on android and you'll never believe what it showed...
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
I wish a brand would send me a reminder about Black Friday. I'm not sure when it's happening...
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
I'm really tired of hearing this advice: "Every SME needs an e-commerce presence NOW." Rubbish. E-commerce is a complex beast. If you're considering opening an online store to save your business you need to plan carefully and think strategically. A short thread:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
I think our country could do with 31 500 new business instead of one failed money pit airline making a few rich thieves even wealthier while taking money from a dying economy. I've had enough of this bullshit.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Your business starts before you start your business. Get your mental health in order. Get your physical health in order. Get your relationships in order. Give yourself the best chance at success.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
You should be embarrassed if you send emails at 2am. Getting 3 hours of sleep is stupid, not a badge of honour. It's time to start calling dumb things dumb and dangerous things dangerous. A good business is a sustainable business. A sustainable business puts people first.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
Some days my imposter syndrome is so overwhelming that I sit with a knot I'm stomach until I go to sleep that night. If you feel like that today, remember, it's not just you.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
The Kindle version of my debut book is now available! Here's the link - Go forth and read about the turmoil of entrepreneurial life. Tell your friends, leave reviews, share and start something! #DoFailLearnRepeat
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
Today it has been 8 years since I stopped smoking. Life changing decision.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
How I tweet in 2019: Write tweet. Visualise the idiotic and irrelevant backlash + the time required to deal with trolls. Delete tweet.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
As always, @Yoco_ZA stepping up to help small businesses grow. So proud of this company! Thank you for joining in my mission to start side hustles in SA!
@Yoco_ZA
Yoco
4 years
We are partnering with @nicharry to give away 365 Yoco card machines to people starting their side hustles as part of the newly launched Slow Fund 🚀 Learn more about how the Slow Fund is empowering entrepreneurs here:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
Plan in decades. Think in years. Work in months. Live in days. Stop reacting to the world and have a plan:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Working unusually hard and long hours is OK for a period. That period needs to be clearly defined with an end in sight. There also needs to be a damn good reason to justify it. Hard, long hours are only a problem when they become your every day normal and you think it's OK.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
The Business Builder's Toolkit finally in print! This is the first batch that is heading out to stores right now! Really happy with the cover, the content and the partnership with Daily Maverick. The launch happening in just under two weeks. #business #leadership #startups
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
@paulg In emerging market hubs/communities, fundraising often *is* the damage.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Not sure who needs to hear this (me or you) but it's OK to ask for help when you need it. It's a sign of strength. It's a sign of self-awareness.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
People don't quit jobs. They quit bosses. If you are trying to retain the best talent: - Be a better manager - Create a deep and intentional company culture - Engage your team's curiosity - Pay people enough so that money isn't their issue - Be transparent - Be honest more often
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
9 years
Finally saw Ex Machina. Loved it. Sad I wasn't paid more for my film debut.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
I produce content every day. Whether it's a newsletter, an article, a post on LinkedIn/Twitter/TikTok or others or videos, I produce content every day. There is method to my madness. Here are some insights to help you create content more effectively... 🧵👇
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
I'm giving away R4000 worth of prizes to help you get that business builder mindset: • 8 x books • 1 x @Yoco_ZA Neo card machine • 2 x pairs of custom bamboo socks ENTER NOW:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
There's a special place in hell for people who stop at the top or bottom of a staircase and just hang out.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Love the new brand identity and I love how Yoco approaches their own business and the businesses they support.
@Yoco_ZA
Yoco
3 years
Why look like the past, when we’re building the future? #ThatsOurY
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Potentially unpopular opinion: The Macbook touch bar is terrible.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Would you let a potential new hire contact your ex-employees for a reference? If you're asking them for references surely they should be asking you for some too? Businesses need to work harder to secure talent. Transparency should be the norm. What do you think?
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Banking in South Africa is shit. That's it. That's the tweet.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
11 months
Mr Beast installing 100 wells in places around Africa is unbelievable. I'm sure there are many corrupt NGOs still trying to get one well installed scratching their heads and taking aim at him and his efforts. More power to @MrBeast and his team. Incredible work.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
No founder should have to make this kind of choice. Yet many will need to at some point. In the first episode of my new show, It's Not Over, I talk to Styli Charalambous and it gets deep, quick. Listen/Watch now:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
10 months
@dieworkwear Your point is valid, but cocktail attire for men means men all look the same. For women it means colour and variety. If the bride and groom remember my shoes five years later then their wedding wasn't memorable enough. If they've invited me they probably already know I'll wear
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
2 years
@_alexbrogan 8 hours of sleep every night.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
More than 125 000 people graduate with MBAs each year. There is nothing special about an MBA anymore. Learning only gets you so far in business. It's the DOING that counts. #business #leadership #career
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
9 months
@___frye Have you heard of The Three Body Problem?
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
This is terrible, TERRIBLE advice. You are more than your startup! If your startup fails, it does not mean that your identity has failed. If your startup succeeds it doesn't mean you are necessarily successful elsewhere. This is naive and dangerous advice to spout.
@AdamDraper
Adam Draper ⏻
4 years
Startup Founders: Commit. Your startup is your identity.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Every bank in South Africa is shit. There. I said.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
2 years
Everyone hating on @elonmusk for his policy on remote work at Tesla is ridiculous. Let's get it straight: It's his company. It's not a democracy. Don't like it? Leave. I don't really see the problem.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
I'm talking to all kinds of businesses going through a rough time financially. Stick with it team. This shit is hard and it gets harder before it gets easier. Ask for help. Talk to friends. Don't suffer in silence.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
Hey @Absa , @sethgodin wrote about you today: Ask a few people to name a logo they like. With very few exceptions, people will choose a logo that’s associated with a brand they admire. That’s because what makes a good logo is a good brand, not the other way around.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Our economy needs to open up urgently. Masks are now MANDATORY if you go out in public. Wear a mask. Challenge those who don't. People's livelihoods depend on it. No more screwing around. Masks = opened economy = recovery. #Masks4All
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
I'd like to see the pay breakdown for men vs women before you change your name. How's the wage gap at Womentum? Better than at Momentum? Money where your temporary rebrand is, please.
@Momentum_za
Momentum
4 years
Your name is yours to own. You use it to fulfil your purpose. We’ve changed our name to honour every woman & her limitless potential to shatter barriers. Womentum is the action behind our intention, which is to be here for every woman’s journey to success. #SheOwnsHerSuccess .
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
🚨 New Podcast Episode! 🚨 In episode 3 of the 2nd season of The Curious Cult Show, @VinnyLingham and I discuss abundant thinking for entrepreneurs and so, so much more. This episode has golden nuggets littered throughout. #Entrepreneurship #startups
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Managed to get my hands on the first official @dailymaverick print edition and absolutely loved reading a newspaper for the first time in many years. Congrats team! Love the smart addition of QR codes to add multimedia to the mix.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
Three things you need to be a happier Founder: Enough exercise. Enough sleep. A relatively healthy diet.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
7 years
It's raining in Cape Town 🌧️☔🤗! That does not mean the drought is over. Don't be stupid. Save more water when it rains. Save water.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Work buddy.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Corporates paying SMEs late should be a criminal offence. #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Is anyone else tired of reading American? The American Pandemic. American news. American politics. American views on global issues. American films. American TV shows. American websites. American tech giants. American billionaires. American rappers. I'm tired of American
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
Woah! Big move from a phenomenal business. Congrats Team Yoco!
@Yoco_ZA
Yoco
4 years
[THREAD]: Introducing Yoco’s payment gateway 🚀 Now you can plug Yoco payments into your website! It takes 10 minutes from the time you sign up to when you can accept your first payment on your website. No card machine purchase required.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
2 years
Stop being so damn humble. There is an "I" in team. Constantly knocking yourself and your achievements leads to what I call ACHIEVEMENT DYSMORPHIA. I wrote about this and why it's affecting leaders and managers:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
2 years
My podcast, It's Not Over, has just hit the 50 000 download mark! It's pretty amazing when other people dedicate their own valuable time to listening to something that I have created. I can't wait to reach that 1 000 000 mark! Website:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Hell yeah! My book, How to Start a Side Hustle, has been selected for the @ExclusiveBooks #Homebru collection! Find it promoted in stores and online all month. If you needed a sign to start a side hustle... THIS IS IT!
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
Proud and excited to announce this partnership. Nedbank is contributing to the Slow Fund. We're helping more people start side hustles by providing: 1. Capital 2. Mentorship/Coaching 3. Business Education So many side hustles, so little time!
@Nedbank
Nedbank
3 years
Got a great idea for a side hustle but don’t know where to start? Nedbank can help. We’ve partnered with @nicharry to give aspiring entrepreneurs mentorship and start-up funding to help bring their ideas to life. Interested? Apply here #TogetherBekeleBeke
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
In partnership with @dailymaverick I have launched a weekly SME Toolkit Newsletter. The first issue went out today and was focused on adding value to your communities as small business owners. Please sign up and share: #smallbusiness
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
5 years
I am obsessed with getting the real, honest story from smart people building difficult things. Here's the conversation I had with @aishapandor , the incredibly smart and talented co-founder of one of South Africa’s top startups, SweepSouth.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
❌ Correcting a lie that people believe about entrepreneurship: “Start a business, be your own boss & take leave whenever you want.” If you want to take regular leave & enjoy weekends then find a job you love and let the boss worry about their business while you go on holiday.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
@ShaanVP Hands down @RichMulholland Take a look at this insanity:
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
1 year
How do you feel about the phrase "Small Business"? Reply if you have strong opinions/thoughts, I want to hear them!
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
6 years
A note to the men out there: "You have more balls than a man" is not a compliment when talking to a woman. Not ever. Not at all. Not in any context.
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
South Africans have done well with mask-wearing but I still see people with their noses out or with no masks at all. Let's do better so we can open the economy and save lives. #TeamSikhaba
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
3 years
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@nicharry
Nic Haralambous
4 years
This is absolutely mental. A ship with a net caught an object that floated back from space with a parachute. Life imitating sci-fi films.
@elonmusk
Elon Musk
4 years
Aloha, welcome back from space 💫
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